English 
Spanish 
4 min read
0 comments
Researchers have developed an innovative asphalt capable of self-repairing with the help of artificial intelligence
Road deterioration is a global problem that generates high maintenance costs and directly impacts safety and mobility. In addition to the economic impact this problem causes, such as asphalt repair costs, roads in poor condition can increase accident rates and hinder the flow of transport, generating logistical losses for companies and consumers.
To mitigate this problem, scientists at the UUniversity of Swansea and King's College London, in partnership with researchers from Chile, are developing a self-repairing asphalt, designed with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainable materials.
This innovation could transform global road infrastructure, reducing costs and carbon emissions, as well as increasing the durability of roads.
- Korea International Circuit abandoned: What went wrong with the track that hosted Formula 1?
- Buzludzha Monument: The Mysterious Abandoned Building That Holds the Secrets of the Cold War in Bulgaria
- The world's longest pier is an impressive 6,5km long and takes up to an hour to cross
- 110 km railway in SC: R$2 billion construction could modernize transportation and connect strategic ports
How Self-Repairing Asphalt Works
The main factor that leads to cracks in asphalt is the oxidation of bitumen, the material that makes up the asphalt mixture.
Over time, this degradation compromises the adhesion and resistance of the pavement, making frequent asphalt repairs necessary.
The new asphalt developed by the team incorporates an innovative mechanism: porous spore microcapsules filled with recycled oils.
When microcracks appear, these oils are released and restore the integrity of the material, preventing the cracks from expanding and resulting in larger holes.
Additionally, the research employs an advanced type of AI, called machine learning, to analyze and predict bitumen degradation patterns.
With the support of Google Cloud, scientists simulate the behavior of asphalt under different weather and traffic conditions, allowing adjustments to the composition before large-scale production. These simulations help optimize the asphalt structure, ensuring greater efficiency in the regeneration of cracks and extending its useful life.
Benefits for sustainability and infrastructure
Road production and maintenance account for a significant portion of global carbon emissions.
The asphalt industry, which traditionally relies on petroleum-based products, is facing increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact.
With the UK aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the use of sustainable materials has become a priority. The new self-healing asphalt contributes to this transition for several reasons:
- Less waste of materials: The ability to regenerate asphalt reduces the need for frequent replacement, avoiding premature disposal of deteriorated pavement.
- Lower CO₂ emissions: The use of recycled oils and biomass minimizes dependence on petroleum derivatives, reducing the carbon footprint in production.
- Reduced costs: Reduced maintenance requirements result in significant savings for governments and businesses, which can redirect these resources to other road infrastructure improvements.
- Greater safety on the roads: Well-maintained surfaces reduce the risk of accidents, providing better grip and preventing problems such as hydroplaning and loss of vehicle control.
The future of asphalt
Despite the enormous potential, there are still challenges to be overcome before large-scale implementation.
The durability of the material needs to be tested in real-world conditions and different climates, and the initial production costs can be high. However, advances in research and the involvement of public and private sectors can accelerate its adoption.
Dr. Francisco Martin-Martinez, from King's College London, highlights that the inspiration for this project came from nature itself, where organisms have natural healing mechanisms.
The goal is to apply these principles to asphalt, making roads more durable and reducing the need for constant maintenance. The research also seeks new ways to incorporate biodegradable materials into the asphalt mix, further increasing the environmental benefits.
Furthermore, the development of complementary technologies, such as sensors embedded in asphalt for real-time monitoring, can further expand the possibilities of this innovation.
Sensors could detect areas more prone to cracking and provide data to optimize pavement regeneration, making the process even more efficient and reducing the need for emergency interventions.
The development of self-healing asphalt is an important step towards sustainable, zero-emission roads.
Combining AI and recycled materials, this innovation could revolutionize global road infrastructure, bringing economic and environmental benefits.
In the future, the technology is expected to be improved and widely adopted, contributing to a more efficient and environmentally friendly transportation system.
Study published in Publishing.
