A New Generation of Multi-Functional Asphalt Mixtures with Superhydrophobic and Luminescent Properties

As the Nation struggles to address poor infrastructure conditions, costing motorists more than $67 billion a year, infrastructure deterioration is accelerated by sea level rise, heavy downpours, inundation, extreme heat, and damages that are projected to increase with continued climate change. While modern technologies such as porous and pervious pavements may help delay road submersion by allowing rainwater to infiltrate rapidly through the pavement surface, the durability of these mixes is not adequate and the mix voids are quickly filled with dust and debris rendering the effectiveness of these mixes questionable especially in the long-term. The lack of visibility and light during nighttime is also a major challenge for sleep-deprived drivers leading to an increase in accident rates at night. Therefore, there is a need to improve visibility at night to enhance safety and comfort to the users under all conditions. The proposed research study will introduce a novel plagiarism, which has the potential to introduce a new generation of multi-functional asphalt mixtures with the ability to repel water driving it to the drainage ditches, reducing the impacts of heavy rain events and snow accumulation on the mobility of the public, and enhancing visibility during nighttime. Through advanced modification, characterization, and laboratory testing, this study aims to formulate a new generation of multi-functional asphalt concrete (AC) materials that would provide reduced water/snow accumulation by using super-hydrophobic nanomaterials and other modification. The prepared asphalt mixtures will be beneficial for both hot and wet climate in the South and cold and snowy climate in the North. Furthermore, the new generation of AC will be formulated to provide luminescence during nighttime. In addition, it will be environmentally friendly and cost-effective by testing and evaluating different blends of polymers, recycled products, and other additives such as Evotherm as a warm-mix agent. The proposed new generation of multi-functional asphalt mixtures will be developed by addressing the following knowledge gaps: (1) Evaluate the effects of superhydrophobic coating (SC) on the binder rheological properties and aggregate wettability; (2) Evaluate the effects of luminescent materials (LM) on the mixture brightness in the dark; (3) Assess the durability of asphalt mixtures prepared with SC and LM materials.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • 22ALSU27

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $120484
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3551747106

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  Transportation Consortium of South-Central States (Tran-SET)

  Louisiana State University
  Baton Rouge, LA  United States  70803
• Project Managers:

  Mousa, Momen

• Performing Organizations:

  Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge

  P.O. Box 94245, Capitol Station
  Baton Rouge, LA  United States  70803
• Principal Investigators:

  Elseifi, Mostafa

• Start Date: 20220401
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Asphalt concrete; Asphalt mixtures; Climate; Climate change; Coatings; Durability; Luminescence; Moisture damage; Nanostructured materials; Pavement management systems; Safety; Snow; Water repellents; Weather
• Subject Areas: Environment; Highways; Hydraulics and Hydrology; Maintenance and Preservation; Materials; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01844765
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Transportation Consortium of South-Central States (Tran-SET)
• Contract Numbers: 69A3551747106
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: May 6 2022 11:14AM