Pit & Quarry, February 2019
INFRASTRUCTURE THE ROAD OF THE FUTURE Huge advancements were made in automobiles over the last 50 years but roads around the world remain largely the same Might this soon change EDITED BY KEVIN YANIK ur planet is covered in roads By 2050 our global network of highways is projected to increase by 60 percent What will the road of the future look like and how will construction aggregate factor in Volvo Construction Equipment offered P Q a glimpse into the future detailing a handful of unique road innovations and exploring how design materials and use will adapt in the years to come 1 Jigsaw roads Dutch company KWS partnered with Wavin and Total to develop PlasticRoad a prefabricated modular roadway made from recycled plastic The modular fitted pieces make it 70 percent faster to build while the plastic hollow design makes it four times lighter than asphalt The hollow design allows for pipes and cables to be installed without extensive digging and has the capacity to store excess water during storms and floods The trial phase began in September 2018 with the opening of a bike path in the Netherlands 2 Glowing roads With huge technological advancements in the automotive industry its important to note the role road markings play in modern vehicles A number of cars with autopilot functions rely on these markings to help center the vehicle on the road In bad weather conditions or in low light it can be difficult for both the car and the driver to see the markings This however could all soon change On a small stretch of road in the Netherlands streetlights were replaced with glow in the dark lines that guide drivers Daan Roosegaarde dreamed up this simple yet effective innovation These fluorescent strips absorb sunlight during the day and this light is emitted back out again at night Replacing streetlights especially on less traveled roads provides a sustainable solution without jeopardizing the drivers safety Roosegaarde also seeks to create road warning marks out of temperature sensitive paint The margins will illuminate when triggered by a drop in temperature for example warning O 92 PIT QUARRY February 2019 pitandquarry com ALL IMAGES VOLVO CE
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