AARoads Forum

National Boards => General Highway Talk => Topic started by: kernals12 on February 07, 2021, 11:07:27 AM

Title: Ohio DOT working on Color Changing Asphalt
Post by: kernals12 on February 07, 2021, 11:07:27 AM
I had inquired (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=28420.0) about making white asphalt to reduce the urban heat island effect and to increase pavement durability. I also said that a pavement that was thermochromic, which changes color at a certain temperature, would be even better. Well the Ohio DOT was way ahead of me on that. Way back in 2017, they released this study (https://ohiomemory.org/digital/collection/p267401ccp2/id/14750/) on color changing pavements. They devised a thermochromic dye which was 12 degrees cooler than normal asphalt binder on a hot summer day, and interestingly, it was 5 degrees warmer on a winter day, which means less ice build up and less cracking. I've read that thermochromic powder is currently very expensive, so hopefully they find a way to make it cheaply and soon.
Title: Re: Ohio DOT working on Color Changing Asphalt
Post by: renegade on February 07, 2021, 02:30:27 PM
Sure they are.   :sombrero: