Engineering Sustainable Roads
Cheng Ling has spent his career showing that engineering and sustainability can go hand in hand, and his dedication to this field earned him a spot on the Top 25 under 40.
As director of engineering and sustainability at Pike Industries, he leads research, technical services and innovation efforts in pavement materials, bringing science, data and creativity to every project.
Cheng’s path to leadership started with a strong academic foundation. He earned a Ph.D. in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is a licensed professional engineer, showing his dedication to learning and practice.
Beyond his formal credentials, he has built a reputation for continuous growth by participating in national and international professional organizations, publishing in leading journals and sharing his expertise through invited talks at conferences like the World of Asphalt and the Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting.
“My background in pavement materials, sustainability and research has guided how we approach innovation at Pike,” Cheng said. “But these achievements are never the result of one person alone. They depend on teamwork, collaboration with agencies, and the support of our leadership. I try to ground everything in data and real-world performance, whether we’re refining Balanced Mix Design specifications or exploring higher use of recycled asphalt.”
Building on that approach, Cheng has led efforts to make roads last longer and be more environmentally friendly. He helped put Balanced Mix Design (BMD) into practice and increase the use of recycled asphalt, which improves pavement durability, cuts greenhouse gas emissions, and extends the life of roadways.
His work has shaped state standards and has been shared through research and presentations, helping engineers across the country adopt more sustainable methods.
One of Cheng’s proudest achievements came in Vermont, where he led a major initiative to expand the use of recycled asphalt. In 2023, he organized a landmark seminar bringing together the Vermont Agency of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and industry and academic experts to discuss high Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) strategies. This collaboration led to Vermont’s first high-RAP project specification, successfully completed in 2024, setting a new standard for sustainable pavement practices in the region.
“The Vermont project was a truly meaningful experience,” Cheng said. “It was humbling to see agencies gain confidence in using higher RAP while maintaining pavement performance. It’s a success that belongs to the whole team, and I hope it sets the stage for more sustainable practices across New England and beyond.”
Cheng’s impact extends far beyond individual projects. He serves as Vice Chair of the National Asphalt Pavement Association’s Council for Engineering, Research and Sustainability and participates in numerous professional organizations, including TRB, NCAT, ASTM, and the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Through these roles, he helps shape industry standards, supports research initiatives, and mentors peers, connecting innovation in the lab with practical solutions on the road.
His influence has not gone unnoticed. “Cheng is an integral part of the CRH team. He transforms complex challenges into practical solutions that reduce energy use, lower CO₂ emissions, and improve product performance,” said Shane Buchanan, vice president product performance and innovation at CRH Americas Materials. “His work is shaping the future of sustainable transportation infrastructure, and he consistently advocates for higher industry standards and education.”
Cheng reflected on this recognition with humility. “My background in pavement materials, sustainability and research has been instrumental in guiding our innovation at Pike,” he said. “But these achievements would not be possible without the support from Pike, CRH, and the hard work of our team. I try to ground everything in data, practical performance, and long-term value.”