Brief
Discover how researchers at the University of Missouri are transforming America’s road system with sustainable and cost-effective methods using recyclables including plastic waste and scrap tyres.
Insight
As the state of America’s asphalt road network continues to deteriorate, researchers at the University of Missouri, in conjunction with the Missouri Department of Transportation, are turning to sustainable and innovative solutions to revitalise the infrastructure. By using recyclables such as plastic waste and scrap tyres in the construction process, this initiative contributes towards reducing landfill waste and environmental pollution.
The Mizzou Asphalt Pavement and Innovation Lab (MAPIL) has recently developed a test road on a portion of Interstate 155 in the Missouri Bootheel, utilising the aforementioned recycled materials. The success of this method is attributed to its easy adaptability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, making it suitable for diverse road environments.
Taking their previous experiment a step further, the I-155 project tests the effectiveness of nine different types of recycled materials in asphalt pavement creation. This includes three variants of polyethylene, a common component in plastic grocery bags, and ground tyre rubber, introducing a novel approach to scrap tyre disposal.
This innovation in road construction promotes the productive use of recyclable materials and optimises the investment made in transportation infrastructure. Furthermore, the researchers ensure their practices adhere to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards, designing the materials to safely encapsulate environmental by-products for an extended period.
With this groundbreaking strategy, the University of Missouri is leading the charge in the US. They tackle pertinent questions about the durability and safety of these materials, encouraging adoption by general contractors and transportation departments.
A key advantage of this initiative is the use of a mobile research lab, capable of rapidly testing mixtures in the field, providing essential data to inform the construction process within 24-48 hours. This novel approach to recycling and infrastructure development stands as an example of how innovative thinking can address both infrastructure and environmental challenges.
Highlight
- By using recyclables such as plastic waste and scrap tyres in the construction process, this initiative contributes towards reducing landfill waste and environmental pollution.
- This includes three variants of polyethylene, a common component in plastic grocery bags, and ground tyre rubber, introducing a novel approach to scrap tyre disposal.
- A key advantage of this initiative is the use of a mobile research lab, capable of rapidly testing mixtures in the field, providing essential data to inform the construction process within 24-48 hours.
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