Researchers have discovered a groundbreaking road surface material that has the ability to repair itself, taking cues from nature. Potholes have long been a nuisance for drivers and a dangerous threat to cyclists, but this new ‘self-healing’ asphalt could eliminate them entirely. The innovative material, developed by an international team of scientists from King’s College London (KCL) and Swansea University in collaboration with researchers in Chile, contains plant-based spores infused with recycled oils. When the road experiences pressure, the oils are released, softening the bitumen to fill in cracks.
The timing of this discovery is particularly significant as the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA) recently announced that nearly 35,000 miles of roads in England and Wales will require resurfacing within the next five years. Various factors contribute to road damage, including precipitation, cold temperatures, heavy traffic, and poor construction quality. According to the AA, one in three drivers has suffered vehicle damage due to potholes, with an average repair bill of £144 from companies like Kwik Fit. The presence of potholes not only impacts drivers financially but also poses a considerable risk to cyclists and motorcyclists.
In addition to addressing the £143-million pothole problem in England and Wales, this revolutionary invention has the potential to revolutionize the sustainability of road construction. Dr. Francisco Martin-Martinez from KCL expressed the team’s goal to replicate the natural healing properties observed in nature, where wounds in trees and animals heal using their own biological mechanisms over time. Creating self-healing asphalt could increase road durability, minimizing the need for manual pothole repairs in the future.
In conclusion, this groundbreaking discovery not only offers a solution to the persistent pothole issue but also opens the door to more sustainable road-building practices. The asphalt’s ability to self-repair draws inspiration from nature’s inherent healing mechanisms, providing a promising alternative to conventional road maintenance methods. The potential long-term benefits of this innovative material extend beyond reducing costs for drivers and enhancing road safety, offering a glimpse into a more sustainable future for infrastructure development
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