Could Self-Healing Asphalt Solve the UK Pothole Crisis?
Self-healing roads could solve the UK’s extensive pothole issues, according to research from a group of experts
It appears as though the UK might finally have a solution to its pothole crisis in the form of self-healing asphalt made from biomass waste and designed by artificial intelligence (AI).
If you’re a regular road user in the UK, chances are you have encountered potholes that have felt like they wanted to shatter your motorcycle or car into pieces! That could stop, thanks to this new technology which has been revealed by a team of experts from Swansea University, King’s college in London and scientists in Chile.
The team of experts and scientists have been working together on self-healing roads which would tackle potholes on their own. Potholes begin to form when bitumen - the sticky black substance in asphalt - becomes harder due to oxidation, therefore leading to the surface cracking.
AI has been heavily relied upon throughout the research program and as part of that machine learning was used to analyse organic molecules in complex fluids like bitumen.
Scientists from the group created a data-driven plan to accelerate atomistic simulations, which led to an advancing understanding of bitumen oxidation and crack formation. Google Cloud (a set of computer services) was then used in order to simulate bitumen’s behaviour on a computer.
Now to how it all works - for the asphalt to ‘self-heal’, the team introduced small, porous materials that were filled with recycled oils which would release their contents when the asphalt starts to crack, helping to repair the damage immediately.
In laboratory tests it is claimed that the innovative asphalt material impressively healed a microcrack in less than an hour.
The Senior Lecturer in the Department of Civil Engineering at Swansea University, said: "As part of our interdisciplinary study, we have brought together experts in civil engineering, chemistry, and computer science, combining this knowledge with the state-of-the-art AI tools of Google Cloud.
“We are proud to be advancing the development of self-healing asphalt using biomass waste and artificial intelligence.
“This approach positions our research at the forefront of sustainable infrastructure innovation, contributing to the development of net-zero roads with enhanced durability."
Find the latest motorcycle news on Visordown.com
After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.
