Grand Challenge Addressed:
Improving Urban Infrastructure regarding roads and the compositions and durability of asphalt aggregates
Problem in the Community:
The constant maintenance of primary and secondary roads due to weathering and wear from traffic. These seem to be larger, more constant problems on secondary roads where there are fewer layers of various kinds of asphalt, resulting in a less durable driving surface.
Effect on the Community
If we are able to fix the road in a manner that lasts longer and make roads that require less maintenance, cars will be safer on the roads and there will be less spending towards the maintenance of the roads. This will also reduce the amount of time and labor needed to repair and maintain roads. Increasing the life cycle of secondary roads from resurfacing every 10 years to a longer lifespan with occasional maintenance for potholes and crack sealants.
Intended Final Product
A hybrid aggregate mix for secondary roads that will; last longer like traditional intermediate mixes, while also maintaining the smooth driving surface offered by traditional surface mixes. It will also contain steel fibers so that its magnetic properties can work towards
Mentors
We worked with contractors at Barn Hill who develop mixes of asphalt for NCDOT as well as material engineers who study asphalt aggregates at NC State University.