Ongoing · 2026–2031
National Science Foundation · CAREER
Advancing Recyclable Biopolymer Composite Materials and Entrepreneurial Education for Construction in Resource-Limited Environments
PI: Xijun Shi
Funded Research
Projects advancing sustainable, high-performance infrastructure.
Our research portfolio spans sustainable concrete, UHPC, infrastructure durability, technology translation, coastal transportation, advanced characterization, and construction beyond Earth.
Ongoing Projects
Current research.
Active projects are highlighted first. Project dates reflect the funded project periods.
Ongoing · 2023–2027
National Science Foundation · PFI-TT
Eco-friendly Concrete for Cheaper and Safer Concrete Pipes
PI: Xijun Shi · Co-PI: Z. Grasley
Ongoing · 2025–2026
National Cooperative Highway Research Program · IDEA
A Cost-Effective, Sustainable Ultra-High Performance Concrete Material for Highway Bridge Applications
PI: Xijun Shi · Co-PI: Q. Zhang
Ongoing · 2024–2028
New Mexico Department of Transportation
Aggregate Alkali-Silica-Reactivity and Mitigative Measures
PI: Xijun Shi · Co-PIs: Z. Wan, F. Aguayo, A. Torres
Ongoing · 2022–2027
U.S. Department of Transportation · University Transportation Center
Coastal Research And Transportation Education (CREATE)
PI: S. Kulesza · Co-PIs: F. Wang, Xijun Shi
Ongoing · 2023–2026
Texas Department of Transportation
Developing a Performance-Based Concrete Overlay Mix Design for Improved Resistance to Early-Age Cracking and Increased Durability
PI: A. Torres · Co-PIs: F. Aguayo, Xijun Shi, C. Moro, W. Espinoza
Ongoing · 2024–2026
Texas A&M University · Advancing Discoveries to Market Fund
Low Carbon Footprint Plient Concrete for Sustainable, Affordable Drainage Structures
PI: Z. Grasley · Co-PI: Xijun Shi
Ongoing · 2024–2027
National Science Foundation · MRI
Acquisition of a Single Crystal X-ray Diffractometer to Advance Structural Analysis in Chemical, Biochemical, and Material Sciences at Texas State University
PI: T. Hudnall · Co-PIs: S. Kerwin, R. Peterson, Xijun Shi, D. Schilter
Completed Projects
Selected completed research.
Prior projects established foundations in recycled materials, lunar construction, technology translation, infrastructure, and advanced materials characterization.
NASA · M-STTR
Lunar Concrete for Additive Manufacturing Using Locally Available Resources on the Moon
PI: Xijun Shi · Co-Is: K. Collins, A. Sharma
National Science Foundation · I-Corps
High-performance Cementitious Materials
PI: Xijun Shi · Co-PI: Z. Grasley
American Concrete Institute Foundation
Multiscale Reinforcement of Hybrid Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete
PI: Xijun Shi · Co-PI: Z. Grasley
NASA · MINDS
Further Testing of Lunar Geopolymer
PI: Xijun Shi
NASA · MINDS
Geopolymer for Future Lunar 3D Printing Construction
PI: Xijun Shi
NASA · MINDS
Alternative Materials for Lunar and Martian Construction
PI: Xijun Shi
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Inc.
Microstructural Analysis for Concrete
PI: Xijun Shi
Hays County
Professional Services and Studies on Green and Technology-Enhanced Infrastructure Management and Firefighter’s Health
PI: S. Hwang · Co-PIs: J. Yeon, Xijun Shi, T. Ozbakkaloglu, S. Kulesza, A. Carvallo
Texas A&M Innovation · Translational Investment Fund
Prototyping and Field Testing Plient Concrete Pipes
PI: Z. Grasley · Co-PI: Xijun Shi
Department of Defense
Acquisition of Wide Frequency Band Characterization System for Electronic Devices, Antennas, and Intelligent Materials
PI: Y. Chen · Co-PIs: R. Droopad, H. Stern, K. Stephen, J. Tate, W. Geerts, Xijun Shi
Technology & Innovation
From research to commercialization.
Circle Concrete Tech translates sustainable concrete research into practical infrastructure technologies, including Plient recycled steel fibers.
Visit Circle Concrete Tech →