As global temperatures rise, thawing permafrost presents a major challenge for road infrastructure in Canada’s northern regions. The degradation of frozen ground leads to instability, higher maintenance costs and less reliable transportation.
Di Wang, professor at uOttawa’s Department of Civil Engineering, is addressing the impact of permafrost degradation on road infrastructure through his innovative research project, Cold Region Roads. His research has two primary objectives: to develop new sustainable, climate-resilient road networks in emerging areas and to maintain existing roads by mitigating further permafrost deterioration.
His Canada Research Chair will advance his current work to ensure road infrastructure can adapt to environmental changes and support economic and community needs.
Sustainable materials for climate challenges
A core component of Wang’s research is using more sustainable materials in road construction. While up to 50% of the materials European countries use in road construction are recycled materials, around 20% to 30% are in Canada’s infrastructure projects. Cold Region Roads aims to close this gap by incorporating more recycled asphalt, as well as alternative materials like recycled steel slag, waste plastic, demolition waste and bioproducts. These materials not only enhance roads’ durability but also improve thermal stability, making them ideal for the extreme conditions of northern Canada.
Recognizing the cost of current technologies and mitigation techniques, Wang is also exploring cost-effective mitigation solutions to slow permafrost thawing and protect road stability — solutions that are better suited to Canada’s vast and remote regions. These low-cost solutions include improved drainage systems to prevent water accumulation, insulation technologies to slow heat transfer beneath roads, and alternative structures to provide greater bearing capacity.
One of the key priorities of his approach with Cold Region Roads is engaging with Indigenous and local communities to ensure solutions reflect their needs and priorities.
Innovation, technology and climate resilience
Future-proofing cold regions’ infrastructure requires a deep understanding of climate trends and a technology-driven approach.
Wang works with climate and geography scientists to analyze projected temperature fluctuations, thaw cycles and increased precipitation. This helps him assess how roads can be designed to withstand extreme conditions. His research leverages long-term climate models to ensure that the roads built today will remain functional in the decades to come.
His technology-driven approach to research includes working with remote sensor technology that’s embedded in the road structure to get real-time data on temperature, moisture and structural integrity. Wang also uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze data so he can predict road performance and optimize road maintenance strategies. These innovative technologies enable smarter infrastructure planning, enhance road longevity and reduce costs.
Collaboration and future outlook
Wang’s research is grounded in collaboration with experts across multiple disciplines. As a key contributor to the University of Ottawa’s new Arctic Research Hub, he will help drive interdisciplinary research to address urgent challenges in the North. He engages with experts in Canadian cold region research associations and works closely with leading local institutions in research about the climate’s impact on road infrastructure. He also partners with researchers in Germany as well as Nordic and Asian countries that face similar challenges. These exchanges allow Wang to access a wide knowledge base and develop solutions that are more tailored for Canada.
Cold Region Roads will provide opportunities for master’s, PhD and postdoctoral researchers to help develop more sustainable and climate-resilient road infrastructure. This research project will train a new generation of experts in road engineering, cementing Canada’s research group to drive long-term advancements in the field.
“Canada’s northern roads are facing serious challenges, and I feel a deep responsibility to contribute to the solution. I’m committed to doing my very best — through research, collaboration and innovation — to help build and maintain roads that are safe, sustainable and built to last,” says Wang.
“Canada’s northern roads are facing serious challenges, and I feel a deep responsibility to contribute to the solution.”
Di Wang
— Professor at uOttawa’s Department of Civil Engineering
Looking ahead, Wang’s research will continue to bridge engineering, climate science and sustainability to transform how Canada approaches solutions for cold regions’ infrastructure. Through Cold Region Roads, he’s focused on making northern roads more sustainable, climate-resilient and capable of adapting to future climate challenges.
With his Canada Research Chair and his multidisciplinary approach, Wang is set to make a lasting impact on northern transportation, ensuring that communities across Canada’s North remain connected and resilient for generations to come.