Pothole problem solved by UWM?
Posted: May 1, 2014 8:47 PM CDT | Updated: Nov 5, 2014 2:17 PM CDT
MILWAUKEE -- UW-Milwaukee Professor Konstantin Sobolev and a team are working on a new type of concrete.
They call it Superhydrophobic Engineered Cementitious Composite (SECC).
The concrete is designed to be more durable than average concrete and water repellent.
Their cement composite has a high level of “crack control” that the researchers estimate has a service life of 120 years or more.
The average life span of concrete roads in Wisconsin falls in the 40-50-year range, with up to 10 percent of reinforced bridge decks needing replacement after 30 years.
Sobolev said the concrete mix uses super-strong unwoven polyvinyl alcohol fibers.
When cracks begin, the fibers keep them from becoming larger tears.
Admittedly this \"super\" concrete would cost more money, but Sobolev said it would pay for itself in the long run with less required maintenance.
Critics say less maintenance would equal less jobs, however Sobolev doesn't believe that and said it's a way to sustain.
He also doesn't buy the idea that this will create more harmful runoff than average concrete.
There's no exact timetable as to when this will be on roads, but Sobolev explained there are a number of companies interested.