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Self-healing roads! Researchers have developed a revolutionary asphalt that eliminates potholes and cracks, drawing inspiration from natural regeneration. Combining artificial intelligence and recycled materials, this technology promises to transform the future of highways, reducing costs and environmental impacts.
In a world where road infrastructure faces constant challenges, one innovation promises radically transform our roads.
Imagine a pavement that, instead of deteriorating over time, has the ability to regenerate itself, eliminating holes and cracks autonomously.
This emerging technology could redefine the future of highways and urban maintenance.
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British and Chilean researchers have developed an asphalt capable of repairing its own cracks, significantly reducing the formation of potholes on roads.
Inspired by the regenerative abilities of certain plants and animals, this innovative material offers a sustainable solution to ongoing road infrastructure challenges.
How self-repairing asphalt works
Although the exact mechanisms of crack formation in asphalt are not yet fully understood, it is known that hardening of bitumen due to oxidation is one of the main factors.
To reverse this process, scientists from King's College London and Swansea University, in partnership with researchers in Chile, have developed an innovative approach that combines materials science with artificial intelligence.
The key to this technology lies in the addition of microcapsules containing natural spores and waste-based rejuvenators.
These microcapsules, smaller than a strand of hair, break when cracks appear in the asphalt.
With the impact of traffic, the spores release recycled oils that soften the bitumen, allowing the material to flow and repair cracks, extending the life of the pavement.
The role of artificial intelligence in innovation
The research used Google Cloud's AI capabilities to analyze the molecular composition of bitumen and develop predictive models for crack formation.
Using machine learning algorithms, scientists have identified chemical properties that favor self-repair and created advanced simulations to accelerate research.
This use of AI resembles techniques employed in drug discovery, where data-driven models allow predicting the behavior of virtual molecules.
Thus, the technology not only improves the durability of asphalt, but also contributes to making its production more efficient and sustainable.
Sustainability and global impact
The UK produces over 20 million tonnes of asphalt annually for road construction and maintenance.
Although the industry has adopted more environmentally friendly practices, such as using recycled materials, the problem of cracks and holes still poses a challenge.
Self-repairing asphalt, although still in the development phase, promises to significantly improve road infrastructure and reduce maintenance costs.
Furthermore, its implementation can help mitigate the environmental impact of civil construction, promoting a more sustainable future for roads around the world.
Challenges and future prospects
Despite the promising advantages, the implementation of self-healing asphalt faces challenges.
Large-scale production and adaptation of existing paving techniques require significant investment.
Furthermore, it is crucial to evaluate the durability of the material in different weather and traffic conditions.
However, the potential benefits outweigh the obstacles.
Reducing the need for frequent repairs not only lowers costs, but also minimizes traffic disruptions and the consumption of natural resources.
As technology advances, self-healing asphalt is expected to become a viable and widely adopted alternative in future road construction.
Other approaches to self-healing asphalt
In addition to the British and Chilean research, other approaches to self-healing asphalt are being explored globally.
For example, Mexican student Israel Antonio Briseño Carmona developed a pavement from recycled tires that self-regenerates when exposed to rainwater.
This innovation aims to transform rain, generally an agent of degradation, into an element of pavement recovery.
Another technique involves the use of steel fibers in the asphalt, which, when heated by induction, allow the material to repair itself.
Researcher Erik Schlangen demonstrated this approach, showing that it is possible to significantly increase the service life of roads with this technology.
For experts, innovation in the development of self-repairing asphalt represents a significant advance in civil engineering and urban sustainability.
Combining materials science, artificial intelligence and green practices, these technologies have the potential to transform the way we build and maintain our roads, offering lasting and environmentally responsible solutions to road infrastructure challenges.
It seems that the City of São Paulo is waiting for these solutions… It is true that it made a great recovery in the last year, but the general situation is still very bad.
In Sjcampos, the mayor, who is now the vice governor of SP, removed all the asphalt in the city, which was great for putting in new asphalt. A fortune would go into the pockets of some smart guys. It's regrettable. There should be an inspection body set up outside the city hall to analyze the dirty dealings, in addition to seriously harming traffic.
There are funny things here. How is a new technology going to reduce costs? Solar energy is a good example of that. In the distant past, incandescent bulbs had to be replaced because the story went around that they used too much energy. Then came fluorescent bulbs, and they continued to use the same amount of energy. Then came LED bulbs, and the same thing happened. They came to the conclusion that people were wasting energy, not the bulbs. Then came solar energy… cheap as fried cake! Sleep with this limitless scam.