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Low-noise and pollutant-reducing asphalt mixtures
Summary
Researchers are developing asphalt road surfaces designed to reduce both traffic noise and pollution, evaluating mixtures that include photocatalytic materials to break down air pollutants and porous structures capable of trapping tire and road wear particles — tiny plastic-containing fragments that are a significant but often overlooked source of microplastic pollution in cities.
Transport is the main cause of noise and air pollution in cities, as well as the main source of non-exhaust pollutants, like tire and road wear particles. To reduce these pollutants, an integrated solution is being developed for both urban and peri-urban roads. Two road surfaces with improved functional properties are being designed based on the different technical requirements that are needed in each case due to the different types of vehicles, speeds and runoff collection management. The main objective in the design of the new mixtures is to optimize noise reduction without compromising their rolling resistance and good mechanical performance. Additionally, the use of photocatalytic materials in the asphalt mixtures and their ability to collect and store microplastics within their pore network are also evaluated.