Articles tagged with Asphalt
A startup collaboration between Silly Surfacing and the University of Pittsburgh's IDEA Lab has led to the development of a pothole-filling robot, utilizing 3D scanning, mapping, and computer vision to repair road damage. The system uses a time-of-flight camera and can fill a pothole at full scale.
In a groundbreaking pilot project, South Sioux City has constructed a 4,000-foot stretch of Foundry Road using two million recycled plastic bags. This innovative asphalt blend aims to reduce plastic waste while improving road durability under varied weather conditions.
Researchers use AI to predict moisture damage in asphalt pavements, enabling optimized material selection and reduced maintenance costs. The study's findings have significant implications for the nation's roads and bridges, which require over $1 trillion in repairs and maintenance.
Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology found that cobalt-free studded tires can grip ice and packed snow without causing significant damage to road surfaces. The alternative stud material reduces airborne particles by 20 percent, a potential improvement for driver health.
Researchers led by Xianming Shi are exploring the use of agricultural waste to build roadways, aiming to reduce carbon emissions from asphalt production. Biochar, a CO2-negative material produced through pyrolysis, can sequester carbon in asphalt pavement and potentially extend its lifespan.
A new study by civil engineers and earth systems scientists at the University of California, Davis and Stanford University suggests that storing carbon in buildings could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers calculated that using carbonated aggregates to make concrete could absorb a gigaton of CO2 annually.
Researchers have developed a natural fabric that reflects sunlight and allows heat to escape, while blocking the sun's rays and lowering temperature. The fabric leverages radiative cooling, with three layers designed to optimize cooling, promising relief to city dwellers experiencing warmer temperatures.
Scientists have developed a new method to build durable asphalt pavements that can withstand rutting and cracking due to low temperatures and heavy loads. The method uses the Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) device to assess the thermal cracking of asphalt binders, resulting in more accurate predictions and a faster testing process.
This study investigates the impact of Zeolitic tuffs on the dynamic creep and tensile performance of Superpave asphalt mixtures. The results show that incorporating Zeolitic tuffs improves the mixtures' resistance to rutting and fatigue, with enhanced performance at 25% and 50% filler concentrations.
Research from the University of Gothenburg found that trees surrounded by grass are stronger, taller, and cooler than those with paving close to the trunk. The study suggests investing in good soil and water for trees in urban areas where optimal conditions can be challenging.
The study found that pavement skid resistance is crucial in reducing bicycle and electric scooter crashes. Pavements with higher skid resistance, such as asphalt and concrete, are recommended for bike lanes to minimize the risk of falls and collisions.
Researchers have developed a chloride-free salt mixture that can melt snow and ice on roads for seven to eight years. The new asphalt additive, made from waste products and polymers, provides effective winter road safety without the downsides of traditional salt-based solutions.
New research by University of Pittsburgh scientists finds that concrete pavements are sensitive to sharp air temperature variations during the day, even in mild climates. This can lead to devastating consequences for infrastructure, such as potholes and cracks, with thicker pavements being more vulnerable.
Researchers developed an intelligent compaction technology that integrates into a road roller, assessing real-time the quality of road base compaction. This improves road construction, reducing potholes and maintenance costs, leading to safer and more resilient roads.
Researchers developed an eco-friendly nano asphalt binder that significantly reduces energy consumption while minimizing vapours and greenhouse gas emissions during production. The technology can provide increased efficiency and reduce carbon production, with CO2 reductions of up to 15%, leading to significant environmental benefits.
Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have discovered that visible light, particularly in the blue and green range, accelerates the oxidation of bitumen, leading to cracking and damage to asphalt. This unexpected finding highlights the importance of considering solar radiation in estimates for road durability.
A study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health found that 62% of Europeans live in areas with less than recommended green space, leading to 42,968 premature deaths. The study suggests that European cities should focus on reclaiming urban land for green spaces and implementing nature-based solutions.
Scientists discover fumed silica nanoparticles as an anti-ageing binder to reduce moisture susceptibility and increase durability in warm mix asphalt. The findings offer a cost-effective solution to minimize asphalt-related emissions, paving the way for longer-lasting roadways.
The presence of trace quantities of organic matter in modern concrete structures and asphalt pavements accelerates their deterioration. Key findings include the identification of phthalates, diesel exhaust particulates, surfactants, and windshield washer fluids as major contributors to deterioration.
A new study finds that asphalt is a significant source of air pollutants, particularly during hot and sunny conditions. The researchers discovered complex mixtures of organic compounds emitted by common road and roofing asphalts, comparable to motor vehicle emissions in Los Angeles.
Researchers develop a ceramic mortar called grit-assisted patch (GAP) that can be used to fill in potholes without polluting the environment. GAP is made from wastewater treatment grit and has shown comparable compressive strength to traditional asphalt, making it a potentially superior alternative.
A study by FSU researchers found that asphalt binder leaches thousands of potentially toxic compounds into the environment when exposed to sunlight and water. The team used high-resolution mass spectrometers to identify over 15,000 different carbon-containing molecules in the water.
Researchers at MIT suggest that making pavements stiffer could improve truck fuel efficiency by reducing deflection and wear on the road. Adding synthetic fibers or adjusting aggregate sizing can increase stiffness, while switching to concrete pavements offers more durable solutions with equal or lower costs.
Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology found that emissions from road construction could be halved using today's technology, including transport optimisation, recycling and reuse of excavation masses, material efficiency and design optimisation. The study also highlights the importance of replacing cement clinker as a binde...
Researchers discovered hundreds of fossilized rodent pellets at La Brea Tar Pits, dating back ~50,000 years. The find provides a unique glimpse into the past climate and ecosystems of Ice Age Los Angeles.
A UTA professor is using a pavement testing machine to determine which mixes of recycled asphalt will last longer and work better on surface layers of Texas roads. The testing facility, in collaboration with TxDOT and the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, aims to improve road durability and lifespan.
New polymer additives have been found to increase the storage stability of asphalt rubber, making it more suitable for producing rubber asphalt. This material has shown cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits in U.S. states that currently use ground tire rubber as a component of asphalt mixes.
A Rutgers-led study found that extending pavement life through preventive maintenance can reduce greenhouse gases, save energy, and cut transportation agency spending. The research used the LTPP database to measure the environmental impact of roadway repairs on carbon dioxide emissions linked to global warming.
Researchers have developed a new material using asphalt and graphene to create a safer lithium-ion battery. The asphalt battery has higher conductivity than traditional lithium-ion batteries and is more than 10 times faster at recharging.
Rice University scientists have created a new anode material made from asphalt that shows exceptional stability and can bring lithium metal batteries from zero to full charge in just five minutes. The finding has significant implications for high-power density devices, including rapid charging capabilities.
A team at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia has developed an asphalt mixture with encapsulated cigarette butts, reducing thermal conductivity and handling heavy traffic. The innovation could solve a huge waste problem while also mitigating the urban heat island effect common in cities.
A new research from Berkeley Lab found that the choice of pavement material can significantly impact carbon emissions. The study's decision tool helps cities understand the trade-offs of cool pavements and their potential environmental consequences. Cities may need to reconsider their cool pavement strategies, as the benefits may not o...
Researchers from Oregon State University found that coal-tar based sealcoats contain high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can be toxic to humans and wildlife. Asphalt-based sealcoats, on the other hand, were found to be significantly less toxic.
A new type of conductive concrete has been developed that can melt ice and snow in winter storms while remaining safe to the touch. The concrete is made with a pinch of steel shavings and carbon particles and conducts enough electricity to de-ice roads, reducing the need for salt and chemicals.
A Dartmouth-MIT study finds that the DOT rule significantly increases passenger delays due to increased flight cancellations, despite reducing long tarmac delays.
Researchers have discovered that rubber friction on asphalt is influenced by the deformation of molecules when pushed against rough road surfaces, as well as shearing movement. This finding could lead to more efficient tire materials and manufacturing processes.
Rice University researchers have developed a new carbon capture material that can hold 114% of its weight in carbon dioxide, capturing more than current methods. The material is made from inexpensive asphalt and can be reused multiple times without degrading.
A WSU researcher has developed a novel asphalt made from waste cooking oil, reducing costs by under $200 per ton. The bioasphalt is expected to be as durable as petroleum-based alternatives, with potential applications in construction of roads and highways nationwide.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway's asphalt pavement recipe has potential to improve the smoothness, durability, and safety of roads for ordinary speeds. The surface's stiffness and ability to resist tire deflections also play a crucial role in determining fuel economy.
Scientists have used live insect colonies to determine the conditions under which insects formed fossil traces on ancient bones. The study, led by Anna R. Holden, reveals that submergence occurred during warm to hot weather, with a minimum of 17-20 weeks.
Deborah Young-Corbett's research highlights the importance of Prevention through Design in reducing health risks in construction. By designing tools, equipment, and facilities to eliminate occupational hazards, the industry can improve worker safety and reduce illnesses and fatalities.
A University of Colorado study found that roofers who work with hot asphalt have higher levels of DNA damage and potentially higher cancer risk due to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure. The study suggests that PAH absorption through skin plays a role in this increased risk.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University have discovered that adding nanoclays to asphalt materials can stiffen the mixture, potentially preventing rutting. The study found that even tiny amounts of nanoclays can improve the viscosity of the asphalt, providing better stiffness and durability.
A study found that white rooftops, like those being installed in New York City, can reduce peak temperatures by 43 degrees Fahrenheit compared to traditional black roofs. The low-cost, DIY-friendly option also improves urban albedo and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers at Iowa State University have developed Bioasphalt, a potential green replacement for asphalt derived from petroleum. The new material is created by mixing bio-oil fractions with traditional asphalt, resulting in improved hot- and cold-weather performance.
Underwater asphalt volcanoes, 10 miles off Santa Barbara coast, discovered by scientists funded by NSF, are 700 feet deep and 1 km apart. The structures were formed 30,000-40,000 years ago from petroleum flow, and were a prolific source of methane.
Researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and UC Santa Barbara found massive asphalt domes 10 miles offshore, 35,000 years old, containing over 100,000 tons of residual asphalt. The structures are home to a thriving ecosystem, with scientists studying their chemical composition, age, and purpose.
A city can mitigate urban heat island by employing shade, smart material choices, and digital simulations. Canopies, lighter colors, and thermal properties are key tools in alleviating the UHI.
A UCLA research team will develop an ultra-high-toughness nanomolecular resin to reinforce asphalt-aggregate mixture, providing mechanical locking of aggregates and serving as a load-bearing component. The new repair methodology aims to enhance the strength, durability and service life of asphalt pavements.
Researchers found that polarized light reflected from dark surfaces like roads, windows, and oil spills can overwhelm natural cues for animals. This can lead to insects laying eggs on the wrong surface, disrupting food webs and causing population crashes, as well as predators following misdirected prey into danger.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have created a solar collector system that can harness heat from asphalt roads and parking lots to generate electricity and hot water. The technology has the potential to reduce urban 'heat island' effects and provide a cost-effective source of renewable energy.
Researchers found a three-fold increase in suicide rates in two Salisbury, N.C., neighborhoods downwind of an asphalt terminal. Hydrogen sulfide levels were significantly higher than the World Health Organization's recommended standard, and exposure to other neurotoxic compounds may also be contributing factors.
A team of LSU professors aims to create a computer-based, virtual testing system for construction materials, reducing the need for physical specimens and improving durability. The goal is to decrease life-cycle costs and enhance current practice in mix design.
A. Troy Pauli, a Wyoming chemist, has developed an automated flocculation titrimeter (AFT) that analyzes the stability and performance of asphalts made with mixtures of heavy oils and petroleum residues. The device helps maximize the recovery of distillate oil by measuring the amount of "coke" formed during the breakdown process.
Researchers at UMass are developing new materials from recycled tires, including a solid rubber object that retains 50-90% of its original strength and elasticity. Another material combines asphalt and recycled tires to create an asphalt alternative that withstands high temperatures and remains flexible in low temperatures.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a new technique to fix potholes using microwaves, which can detect cracks and flaws beneath asphalt and concrete. This technology has the potential to extend the lifespan of roads and reduce maintenance costs by billions.