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Hot Asphalt Never Again! An Innovative Concrete Created by Brazilians Promises to Reduce Road Temperatures by Up to 10°C. In Addition to Being More Durable and Sustainable, It Improves Lighting and Reduces Costs! See How This Technology Can Transform the Future of Cities and Revolutionize Urban Infrastructure!
The Urban Concrete Pavement (PUC), developed in Brazil, is transforming road infrastructure by reducing road temperatures by up to 10°C compared to conventional asphalt.
This benefit is crucial for cities that suffer from heat islands, a phenomenon responsible for increasing urban temperatures due to the absorption of heat by dark materials such as asphalt.
The PUC has an estimated durability of up to 30 years, significantly surpassing the lifespan of traditional asphalt, which typically requires frequent maintenance after about 10 years of use.
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The prospector who heard about the advance of soy in Maranhão and opened a grocery store in Balsas in 1986 transformed that small store into Grupo Mateus, the third largest supermarket in Brazil, with revenues of R$ 43.5 billion and 490 units.
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Fiserv, the world’s largest payment processor, has just inaugurated its first factory outside Asia in Brazil. The unit in Betim (MG) will produce 100,000 Clover payment terminals per year and is part of a US$100 million investment that includes technology and expansion until 2027.
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Fiserv, the world’s largest payment processor, has just opened its first factory outside Asia in Brazil. The unit in Betim (MG) will produce 100,000 Clover payment terminals per year and is part of a US$100 million investment that includes technology and expansion until 2027.
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Pix could become a headache between Brazil and the US, and the Lula government will go to the White House to explain the system before pressure mounts.
National Technology and Sustainability
The PUC uses domestic materials, contributing to the local economy and reducing dependency on imported materials.
Its high durability results in low maintenance needs, which decreases costs over time.
Moreover, the PUC contributes to lowering ambient temperatures, saving electricity, and reducing environmental impact, reinforcing the commitment to quality of life and sustainable growth.
This pavement also minimizes the risk of common deformations in asphalt, such as cracks and subsidence, which can compromise traffic safety.
Benefits for Public Lighting and Road Safety
The lighter color of concrete improves light reflection, allowing for greater spacing between lighting poles and consequently reducing energy consumption.
This characteristic also enhances nighttime visibility, contributing to driver safety.
Studies indicate that better visibility on roads paved with concrete can reduce the risk of accidents, especially on highways and busy roads.
In addition, lower heat absorption prevents the ground from expanding excessively, which could compromise the road structure.
Ease of Maintenance and Lower Waste Generation
Cleiton Coelho, technology and innovation manager at Max Mohr, highlights that the PUC can be removed and reinstalled in blocks, facilitating the maintenance of underground pipelines.
This approach generates less waste and requires less excavation compared to asphalt.
The material is supplied in two-square-meter slabs, allowing for cuts and reinstallation without compromising the structure.
Another positive point is that concrete, unlike asphalt, does not easily degrade upon contact with oils and fuels, making it ideal for gas stations and fleet garages.
Fuel Economy and Reduction of Heat Islands
The concrete pavement provides superior traction, resulting in shorter stopping distances and increased safety.
Furthermore, its smooth surface contributes to fuel savings, especially in heavy vehicles, due to reduced rolling resistance.
The high reflectivity of concrete also helps reduce urban heat islands, contributing to lower ambient temperatures.
This temperature reduction directly impacts the thermal comfort of pedestrians and cyclists, making cities more pleasant for active commuting.
Strategic Applications and Urban Mobility
The PUC is especially advantageous in high traffic areas for heavy vehicles, such as bus lanes, bus stops, loading and unloading areas, intersections, curves, and access ramps.
In these situations, concrete withstands wear better, ensuring mobility, traffic flow, and lower maintenance costs.
In the long run, this superior resistance means fewer road closures for repairs, reducing negative impacts on urban mobility and the local economy.
Economic Considerations and Competitiveness
Recent studies indicate that, in various situations, the initial cost of concrete pavement is competitive with asphalt.
Moreover, the stability of concrete prices and rising asphalt costs make the PUC an economical alternative in the long term.
The lower need for maintenance and extended durability reinforce the economic viability of this solution.
The initial investment may be higher, but the cost-benefit proves favorable over the years, considering the reduction in interventions and increased road efficiency.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
The adoption of PUC has a positive impact on the environment, as it reduces the need for frequent maintenance, decreases waste generation, and uses local materials, minimizing the carbon footprint associated with transporting inputs.
Furthermore, the improvement in energy efficiency of public lighting and the reduction of heat islands contribute to urban sustainability.
Research indicates that the use of concrete on roads can reduce pollutant emissions by up to 30%, as vehicles operate with greater energy efficiency.
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