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from the where's-my-solar-plastic-roadways? dept.
Imagine a drive to grandma's house or to work with fewer "left lane closed ahead" signs, fewer detour signs, fewer orange barrels and also safer travel near road crews. That may soon be possible with new technology from Purdue University researchers.
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This technology uses electrical resistance measurements to determine when the emulsified asphalt in a chip seal has sufficiently cured and can therefore withstand traffic without sustaining damage. Such real-time measurements help ensure that the road repairs are done correctly and more quickly than using current methods."Typical approaches to quantify emulsified asphalt-based chip seal curing times are varied and qualitative," said John Haddock, a professor of civil engineering and the director of the Indiana Local Technical Assistance Program, who leads the research team. "Having a quantitative, real-time measurement method can help construction crews make good decisions that result in a quality chip seal project with minimal traffic disruption."
The engineers will know exactly when the asphalt can be driven on.
(Score: 1, Informative) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday November 21 2018, @12:14AM
Solar Roadways are pure, unadulterated garbage. There are so many problems I don't know where to begin. First is the fact that the modular design will be ruined by differential loading. Second is the abysmal failure rate their prototypes have had, including multiple complete install replacements, one fire, and more burned out LED than I can count. Third is their terrible efficiency as solar cells, as the whole system has generated a handful dollars over the course of two years. Fourth is surface problems off class, like glare, wear, and coefficients of friction. Fifth, the cost of heaters vs just plowing the darn thing. Sixth, the high voltage electrical distribution required wherever this is. And I could go on. Fact of the matter is that roadways are the last place you want expensive solar cells, especially when there are plenty of alternative locations, like nearby roofs, or even sidewalks.
And even if we agree that putting solar cells on the roads is a good idea, I'd rather go with a bigger established company, like the one behind the Wattway or the one behind the bike trail in the Netherlands, rather than this group, whose only redeeming features seem to be their ability to market and get government grants.