Better Roads, 16 July 2015
Tom Kuennen
Concrete pavements can emit light, with important safety benefits, according to a provocative new TRB paper.5
The researchers developed a soy-based luminescent “glow in the dark” (GITD) sealant for use on concrete surfaces. The luminescent sealant is a mixture of soy methyl ester polystyrene (SME-PS) and strontium aluminate; a phosphorescent powder that slowly luminesces after being excited by light.
The sealant that could be applied to the surface of concrete has important safety benefits, in addition to creating a more durable pavement, the authors say. “GITD concrete sealant could be used to seal concrete for increased service life, to supplement streetlights, and to increase the safety of the traveling public at night,” they say. “If successful, the GITD sealant could be used to improve safety in construction zones or possibly replace streetlights in certain applications.”
As GITD powder derives its luminescent qualities from sunlight, it’s more efficient than streetlights, which send light in all directions and draw approximately 2.3 percent of global electricity consumption.
Safety of roadways would be increased by using a glow in the dark sealant as drivers will be able to see the road, its edges, or critical features more clearly, the authors write. “Roads, pedestrian trails, construction barrier walls, bridge piers, provide just some of the other potential applications for a GITD sealant,” they say. “Using a luminescent concrete sealant, one achieves a reduction of energy consumption by reducing or replacing streetlights, placing light where it is needed, sealing the concrete for a more durable pavement, and increased safety for the public.”
5 Assessing the Performance of Glow in the Dark Concrete, by Andrew Wiese, Taylor Washington, Dr. Bernard Tao and Dr. Jason Weiss, Purdue University.
– See more at: http://www.equipmentworld.com/light-emitting-concrete-rcc-for-highway-use-and-more-research-that-may-fuel-tomorrows-road-projects/?utm_source=daily&utm_medium=email&utm_content=07-16-2015&utm_campaign=BR&ust_id=a62f5c04a3#sthash.pXPROENc.dpuf
