The pressing challenges of environmental pollution and the depletion of fossil resources have intensified the search for renewable and sustainable materials in the pavement industry. In response, this study investigates the potential of olive pomace lignin (OPL), a bio-product derived from agricultural waste, as a sustainable and eco-friendly modifier for asphalt binders and concrete mixtures. Unlike prior studies utilizing raw olive pomace or its ash, this research isolates lignin—a high-performance biopolymer—enhancing compatibility, stability, and mechanical performance. The OPL was extracted using acid hydrolysis and blended with asphalt binder at dosages ranging from 4 to 12%. Comprehensive laboratory evaluations, including penetration, ductility, softening point, rotational viscosity, Marshall stability, and resilient modulus tests, were conducted to assess the mechanical and rheological characteristics of asphalt binder and mixture performance. Results highlight that 10% OPL represents the optimal dosage, delivering improved stiffness, resistance to deformation, and thermal stability without compromising workability. Economic and environmental assessments demonstrate 22.3% cost savings, 5–7% energy reductions, and 6.1–9.8% lower CO₂ emissions compared to conventional asphalt. These findings emphasize OPL’s role as a sustainable, high-performance alternative for modern infrastructure, promoting circular economy principles by transforming agricultural waste into functional materials for road construction.

Road congestion in Amman city increased yearly, due to the increase in private car ownership and traffic volumes. This study aims to (a) assess the social and economic impacts of the toll road in Amman, Jordan through a survey questionnaire using statistical software (SPSS), (b) identify the optimal price at selected road using micro-simulation (VISUM). Traffic, geometric and cost data of toll technique of two sections on the Airport Highway (From Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Madaba Interchange.; and From Madaba Interchange to Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) interchange) were used for simulation purpose. The toll road (across 7 distinct scenarios at various price) were assessed for an optimal revenue. The survey questionnaire was made based on all scenarios including AM peak hour. The operation cost for toll road was determined based on greater Amman Municipality (GAM). The optimal scenario was measured based on the value ¬¬of revenue (JD), and type of payment. The results indicate that users found the most charging method to be based on traveled distance (54.02%) and the optimal value of the toll to be equal 0.25 JD (34.08%). In Addition, the total cost of Manual Toll Collection method (MTC) in 2025 is 126,935JD and the revenue is 1122.6 JD so this indicates to positive result. Eventually, the result of applying road pricing on the airport road in 2025 indicate to be effective and economically feasible only by using Manual Method.

This study investigates the impact of Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on the mechanical properties and microstructural development of cement-based composites. Characterization using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) revealed uniformly distributed, spherical ZnO NPs with an average size of approximately 72 nm. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and SEM analyses were performed on cement paste and mortar specimens with varying ZnO NP contents (1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, and 3.0% by weight). The results indicate that lower ZnO NP contents (1.0% and 1.5%) accelerate initial setting times, while higher contents (2.0%, 2.5%, and 3.0%) delay them due to the formation of clinohedrite (CaZn(SiO)₄•H₂O), which increases porosity and reduces matrix compaction. Calorimetric analysis showed decreased hydration heat with rising ZnO NP content, negatively affecting workability. This study highlights the dual effect of ZnO NPs in cement-based materials: low concentrations improve early-age mechanical performance, while higher amounts hinder hydration and microstructural integrity. These findings provide insights into optimizing ZnO NP dosage for the development of high-performance, nano-enhanced construction materials.