Our current roads are made from tarmac or asphalt, but this could change in the future, and we could all be driving on plastic roads.
VolkerWessels has developed some new plastic roads that are designed to be easier to build than current roads and also last longer.
Advantages of Plastic Roads
The plastic roads are constructed from recycled plastic, making them an eco-friendly alternative to traditional road materials. They are capable of surviving higher and lower temperatures than current roads, plus they are easier to repair. This resilience to temperature fluctuations means that plastic roads are less likely to suffer from cracks and potholes, which are common issues with asphalt roads.
Another advantage of these new roads is that they can be pre-assembled and then laid quickly, which could cut road construction times significantly. This pre-fabrication process not only speeds up the construction but also reduces the disruption caused by roadworks, leading to less traffic congestion and lower emissions from idling vehicles.
PlasticRoad features numerous advantages compared to conventional roads, both in terms of construction and maintenance. Plastic is much more sustainable and opens the door for a number of new innovations such as power generation, quiet road surfaces, heated roads, and modular construction. Additionally, the PlasticRoad design features a ‘hollow’ space that can be used for cables, pipes, and rainwater.
Innovative Features and Future Potential
The hollow space within the plastic roads can be utilized in various innovative ways. For instance, it can house electrical cables and water pipes, reducing the need for additional infrastructure and making maintenance easier. This space can also be used for rainwater drainage, helping to prevent flooding and waterlogging on roads.
Moreover, the potential for integrating power generation into the road surface is an exciting prospect. Solar panels or piezoelectric materials could be embedded within the plastic roads to generate electricity, contributing to the power grid and promoting renewable energy sources. Heated roads could also become a reality, reducing the need for salt and other de-icing chemicals in winter, which can be harmful to the environment.
At the moment, these plastic roads are just a concept, but who knows, one day we could all be driving our cars on them. The idea of plastic roads is gaining traction, and several pilot projects are being planned to test their feasibility and performance in real-world conditions. If successful, plastic roads could revolutionize the way we build and maintain our transportation infrastructure.
In addition to their practical benefits, plastic roads also offer a solution to the growing problem of plastic waste. By recycling plastic into road materials, we can reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills and oceans, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
In conclusion, plastic roads present a promising alternative to traditional road construction methods. With their numerous advantages, including durability, ease of construction, and environmental benefits, they have the potential to transform our transportation infrastructure. As research and development continue, we may soon see plastic roads becoming a common sight, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Source, Engadget
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