The Centre for Asphalt and Road Technologies (CART) at Charles Darwin University was established in 2025. It builds on a pavement research program that began in 2024.
CART brings together academics, PhD candidates and student researchers working in road and pavement engineering. The centre is supported by research partnerships with the Northern Territory Department of Logistics and Infrastructure, Tyre Stewardship Australia and the Additive Manufacturing CRC.
Since 2024, CART has secured more than $1.8 million in research funding, with additional in-kind support. CDU provides laboratories, equipment, technical support and research training.
Research Focus
CART develops reliable and sustainable road construction technologies.
Our research focuses on:
- improving pavement performance in Northern Territory conditions
- developing sustainable materials and construction methods
- creating smart maintenance solutions for transport networks
We are expanding this work to support the long-term reliability of the Northern Territory’s transport infrastructure.
Why our research matters
CART addresses key challenges in the Northern Territory.
Supports a circular economy
We develop practical uses for recycled materials in pavements. This supports local industry and creates new job opportunities.
Improves infrastructure reliability
We design roads that perform in extreme climates. This helps maintain access to remote and regional communities.
Builds local knowledge
We contribute to local standards, technical capability and industry knowledge through national and international collaboration.
Advancing the Territory
Our research is guided by three priorities.
Impact
We deliver practical outcomes, including guidelines, standards and solutions for industry.
Innovation
We develop new technologies and support emerging solutions in sustainable infrastructure.
Training and capacity building
We provide training for government and industry to support skills development in the circular economy.
Capabilities and resources
CART provides facilities, expertise and partnerships to support research and industry collaboration.
- Specialised laboratories
Bitumen and asphalt testing, chemistry and rheology, and microscopic analysis - Research partnerships
Collaboration with universities, industry and government - Research team
Academics, PhD candidates and student researchers - Industry connections
Links with the Australian Flexible Pavement Association, Transport Australia Society and Tyre Stewardship Australia
CART supports the development of resilient, sustainable and locally relevant transport infrastructure for the Northern Territory.
People
| Staff Name | Level |
| Ali Rajabipour* ali.rajabipour@cdu.edu.au | Director |
| Ehsan Shahryari | PhD student |
| Kiumars Ghalandari | PhD student |
| Luis Hererra Diaz | Researcher |
| Milad Bazli* | Deputy-director |
| Milad Shakiba | PhD student |
| Ramin Shahbazi | PhD student Researcher |
| Rahul Kumar | Researcher |
| Raul Daut | PhD student |
| Sina Vafi | Researcher |
| Stefanija Klaric | Researcher |
| Vinuthaa | Researcher |