The state is replacing asphalt with concrete in cities such as Fortaleza, aiming to reduce heat islands and increase the durability of roads. The measure also benefits sustainability, with a lower environmental impact and reduced maintenance costs. Experts point out advantages, such as thermal comfort and savings. But could the initiative be expanded to other Brazilian states?
the residents of some northeastern cities have noticed a significant change in the urban landscape: streets and avenues gain a new look and an unexpected ally against extreme heat.
But what is behind this transformation and why is traditional asphalt being replaced?
Fortaleza leads paving replacement with a focus on sustainability and thermal comfort
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Fortaleza, the capital of Ceará, decided to replace asphalt with concrete on its urban roads.
The measure, which may initially seem like just an aesthetic issue, aims to mitigate the impact of the high temperatures that hit the region almost all year round.
According to the Ceará Cities Secretariat, this project has already been extended to 39 municipalities and 12 regions, covering cities such as Sobral and Crato.
Experts point out that the initiative offers environmental and economic benefits, in addition to increasing the durability of the roads.
Concrete vs. asphalt: which is best for the urban environment?
Professor Iuri Bessa, from the Federal University of Ceará (UFC), explains that concrete has advantages compared to asphalt.
“Although the initial cost of concrete is higher, it pays off over time due to the reduced need for maintenance. Its durability is up to three times greater than that of asphalt pavement,” he says.
Furthermore, concrete reflects solar radiation better, helping to reduce so-called heat islands, common in urban areas.
These areas, which have higher temperatures than the surrounding area, are made worse by the asphalt, which absorbs heat and increases the thermal sensation.
Cost reduction and environmental benefits
Replacing asphalt with concrete also offers economic advantages.
Bruno Nobre, an engineer at the Urban Works Coordination Office of the Ceará Cities Secretariat, highlights that asphalt depends directly on oil, a resource subject to price fluctuations.
“In addition, concrete provides savings on public lighting, as it reflects more light, improving nighttime visibility,” he points out.
Another alternative adopted in the state is interlocking paving, which consists of concrete blocks fitted together without the need for mortar.
In addition to facilitating repairs, these blocks are permeable, allowing rainwater to infiltrate the soil and helping to prevent flooding.
Sustainability and thermal comfort: a joint challenge
Engineer Lucas Babadopulos, who holds a PhD from the University of Lyon, explains that the sustainability of concrete can be increased by using recycled materials, such as construction waste.
He also points out that the light color of concrete helps reduce urban heat. “While asphalt can reach up to 70 degrees Celsius on sunny days, concrete maintains milder temperatures, reducing the thermal sensation by up to 10°C,” he highlights.
However, Babadopulos emphasizes that replacing asphalt with concrete is not an isolated solution. For a more effective impact, it is necessary to integrate it with other actions, such as tree planting, efficient drainage and the use of sustainable transport.
Pioneering and expansion to other regions
The model adopted in Ceará has already inspired other Brazilian cities, such as Recife, which have also opted for concrete on public roads.
In addition to thermal and environmental improvements, concrete paving has been applied in tourist and historical spots, such as the center of Sobral and the highways that connect Ceará beaches.
Experts believe that combining concrete with urban planning can transform the quality of life in hot climate areas.
Webert Silva, a PhD student in transportation engineering at UFC, emphasizes the importance of thinking about pedestrians.
“Changing the asphalt is just part of a larger process, which includes creating more pleasant spaces for pedestrians,” he says.
A more sustainable future
Although the initial cost of concrete is higher, its positive impact on quality of life, resource savings and durability makes it a strategic choice.
In a climate change scenario, measures like this show how urban planning can be a powerful tool to face environmental challenges.
What do you think of this initiative? Could replacing asphalt with concrete spread to other regions of Brazil? Leave your opinion in the comments!