WPB: Researchers have unveiled a cutting-edge asphalt material that can repair its own cracks, potentially addressing the UK’s costly pothole issue, which currently demands £143.5 million annually. This innovative self-healing asphalt is crafted from biomass waste and designed with assistance from artificial intelligence (AI).
A collaborative effort between Swansea University, King’s College London, and scientists from Chile is driving the development of this novel asphalt, which eliminates the need for manual repairs by autonomously restoring damage. The deterioration of asphalt occurs when bitumen—the viscous black binder—undergoes oxidation, causing it to become brittle. However, the precise mechanisms behind this process remain only partially understood.
The research team has devised a technique to counteract this cracking, allowing the asphalt to “stitch” itself back together, significantly boosting its longevity and sustainability. By leveraging machine learning, a subset of AI, the scientists analyzed the organic compounds found in complex substances like bitumen. This led to the creation of an advanced, data-driven model designed to accelerate molecular-level simulations, providing deeper insights into bitumen oxidation and the mechanisms behind crack formation. Additionally, the team partnered with Google Cloud to digitally replicate bitumen behavior using computational simulations.
To facilitate self-repair, the researchers embedded microscopic porous structures—known as spores—into the asphalt. These spores, produced by plants and finer than a human hair, are infused with recycled oils. When cracks begin to appear, the spores release their oil content, reversing the damage. Lab experiments demonstrated that this cutting-edge material could fully heal surface microcracks within an hour.
Dr. José Norambuena-Contreras, a leading researcher in self-repairing asphalt and Senior Lecturer at Swansea University’s Civil Engineering Department, emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of the study:
“Our project unites experts from civil engineering, chemistry, and computer science, integrating this knowledge with AI-driven tools from Google Cloud. This breakthrough research pushes the boundaries of sustainable infrastructure, paving the way for highly durable, net-zero emission roads.”
The production of asphalt plays a significant role in road-related carbon emissions. As the transportation sector intensifies its focus on carbon footprint reduction to align with the UK Government’s target of net-zero emissions by 2050, the development of innovative bitumen-based materials has become a crucial research area.
Dr. Norambuena-Contreras further stressed the need for strategic investments:
“For the UK to transition towards net-zero asphalt roads, both government and industry must support pioneering research. Reaching this milestone by 2050 will require close collaboration among academia, policymakers, and the private sector.”
Though still in the experimental stage, this groundbreaking research holds immense promise for revolutionizing infrastructure and advancing global sustainability.
Dr. Francisco Martin-Martinez, a computational chemistry specialist at King’s College London, highlighted the project’s biomimicry approach:
“In nature, living organisms heal themselves—trees close their wounds, and animals recover from injuries. Our goal is to replicate these biological processes in asphalt, extending road lifespan and reducing maintenance needs.
“Additionally, we are integrating eco-friendly resources, such as biomass waste, to lower reliance on petroleum-based materials. Biomass waste is abundant, affordable, and locally sourced, making it a viable alternative to traditional asphalt components. Reducing dependence on petroleum-derived materials is particularly beneficial for regions with limited oil access.”
Iain Burgess, UKI Public Sector Leader at Google Cloud, praised the research team’s innovative use of AI-powered tools:
“Dr. Francisco Martin-Martinez joined the Google Cloud Research Innovators Program in 2022, where he gained access to Google’s expert knowledge, technical resources, and training. It’s inspiring to see how Swansea and King’s College London are now utilizing AI models like Gemini and Vertex AI to enhance research efficiency and uncover new chemical properties.”
In addition to asphalt infused with encapsulated bio-based solutions, Dr. Norambuena-Contreras is also investigating the potential of biopolymers derived from brown algae and vegetable oils. His team is further exploring the thermal transformation of discarded tires into rejuvenating agents that could enhance asphalt durability.
By Bitumenmag
Bitumen, Asphalt, Innovation
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