Importance of Engineers:
Potholes often start as invisible microcracks on the road surface. In 2017, more than 2 million potholes on British roads were repaired at a cost of approximately £120 million. Machines are built into self-driving cars to clean and replenish damaged areas to repair roads before potholes expand. Meanwhile, the development of new pavement materials such as “self-healing” asphalt, which we are studying at the Nottingham Transportation Engineering Center, can reduce the frequency of repairs, and hopefully turn potholes into distant memories.
The asphalt road is composed of mineral aggregate, which provides structural stability, and bitumen, a viscous liquid that binds other materials together. The problem is that bitumen is a very viscous liquid at room temperature, and it can take weeks for the cracks to heal. With normal traffic, crack growth can occur faster than it fills. We are investigating the addition of small capsules of asphalt rejuvenating agents such as sunflower oil and tall oil, a by-product of papermaking, to speed up road “healing”.
Potholes:
As a result, asphalt sticks faster, effectively filling cracks and preventing small defects from deteriorating. This idea is expected to delay the initial pothole by at least 5 years, reducing the need for maintenance and the resulting problems (problems such as:). This is because the traditional method of using heat to repair potholes is to plumb hot asphalt. However, if the road is cold, the temperature of the repair material will drop significantly and the bond with the surrounding material will be weakened.
To improve the performance of asphalt surface repair, Brunel`s research group Road and Foundation Engineering has developed a controlled pothole repair system. This new method uses a portable infrared heater to preheat the road surface (and the area below it) before repair. The CPRS allows for much more accurate temperature control and provides a much higher bond strength for alternative materials. This creates a higher quality road surface, reduces accidents and reduces maintenance budgets.
Further research hopes that CPRS will be able to improve asphalt pavement repairs for up to five years.
Reference:
Garcia, A., Byzyka, J. and Rahman, M. (n.d.). Potholes: how engineers are working to fill in the gaps. [online] The Conversation. Available at: https://theconversation.com/potholes-how-engineers-are-working-to-fill-in-the-gaps-102055.
FAQ
1. What are potholes, and how do they form?
Potholes start as small microcracks in the road surface, often invisible at first. Over time, water seeps into these cracks, and with changing temperatures, the water freezes and expands, leading to the deterioration of the road and the formation of potholes.
2. How much do potholes cost to repair?
In 2017, over 2 million potholes on British roads were repaired, costing approximately £120 million. This significant expense highlights the ongoing challenge of managing potholes and the financial impact on road maintenance budgets.
3. What technologies are being developed to address potholes?
Engineers are developing innovative solutions to tackle potholes. For example, machines in self-driving cars can identify and repair road damage before it escalates into a pothole. Additionally, research into “self-healing” asphalt is underway, aiming to reduce the frequency of pothole repairs.
4. What materials are used to prevent potholes?
The composition of asphalt, primarily made up of mineral aggregate and bitumen, is crucial in pothole prevention. Researchers are exploring additives like sunflower oil and tall oil to enhance the healing process of asphalt, helping to fill cracks more efficiently.
5. How does temperature affect pothole repairs?
The traditional method of repairing potholes involves using hot asphalt. However, if the road is cold, the effectiveness of the repair can diminish, leading to weakened bonds and quicker deterioration. Controlled temperature methods, like those developed by Brunel’s research group, aim to improve repair quality.
6. What is the Controlled Pothole Repair System (CPRS)?
The CPRS is an innovative approach developed by researchers to enhance pothole repairs. It uses portable infrared heaters to preheat the road surface before applying repair materials, resulting in better adhesion and longer-lasting repairs, potentially extending the life of the surface by up to five years.
7. How do potholes affect road safety?
Potholes pose significant safety risks for drivers, as they can cause accidents and damage vehicles. Improved repair techniques, like the CPRS, aim to create a higher quality road surface, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidents related to potholes.
8. What are self-healing asphalt materials?
Self-healing asphalt is a type of pavement material designed to repair itself when cracks form. By incorporating rejuvenating agents, such as sunflower oil, into the asphalt, the healing process is accelerated, potentially delaying pothole formation by at least five years.
9. Why are potholes a persistent problem for engineers?
Potholes remain a challenge due to factors like weather conditions, traffic patterns, and the limitations of current materials. Engineers are continuously researching new solutions to improve the durability of road surfaces and minimise the occurrence of potholes.
10. What are the economic impacts of potholes on communities?
The presence of potholes can lead to increased maintenance costs for local governments and can affect businesses through reduced traffic flow and potential damage to vehicles. Investing in better road materials and repair methods can help alleviate these economic burdens.
11. Can potholes be entirely eliminated?
While it’s unlikely that potholes can be completely eliminated, advancements in materials and repair techniques can significantly reduce their occurrence. Research into self-healing asphalt and controlled repair methods shows promise in minimising pothole-related issues.
12. What should drivers do when they encounter potholes?
Drivers should avoid sudden maneuvers when approaching potholes to prevent loss of control. Reporting potholes to local authorities can help ensure they are addressed promptly, contributing to safer roads for everyone.
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