REVEALED: Fhwa - The Real Truth

In 1979, Minnesota began mixing ground-up scrap tires into two asphalt test roads; years later, FHWA said both experimental sections were still performing well

In Minnesota, a trial was conducted to explore the use of recycled tire rubber for enhancing roadway performance in winter. Utilizing PlusRide technology, granulated rubber was mixed into asphalt. While the results showed decent performance, the method fell short in offering better de-icing benefits. Moreover, the costs were not justified…

The Economic Times · Oct 22

Recycled Asphalt Matched Lifespan: Engineers track 15-year test; construction technique shapes pavement response

In 1976, Minnesota undertook a highway reconstruction project using recycled asphalt that contained 50% reclaimed asphalt pavement. After 15 years, engineers assessed the project's performance before a planned overlay. The findings indicated that recycled asphalt performed comparably to conventional asphalt over time. The project provided valuable insights into the effectiveness…

The Times of India · Oct 19

1977 Washington Road Project: recycled asphalt lasts 16 years vs 10; FHWA urges careful evaluation

In 1977, a road project in Washington State showcased the advantages of recycled asphalt, revealing that it outlasts new asphalt significantly. The Federal Highway Administration observed that recycled hot-mix asphalt maintained its integrity for 16 years. This highlights the potential for resource conservation and waste reduction in construction. Nevertheless, road…

The Times of India · Oct 18

Newark airport used coal waste in runways built for jumbo jets: What FHWA found 20 years later

A 1970s pavement project at Newark International Airport in New Jersey used coal fly ash, lime, Portland cement and sand to create a stabilised base beneath runways and aircraft areas. A later Federal Highway Administration evaluation found the pavement sections were still performing satisfactorily after more than 20 years, while…

The Economic Times · Oct 5

Coal Ash Road Base Performance: Georgia test shows strong results; engineers still flag leaching, cracks

Since the 1950s, coal ash—an inevitable by-product of coal power generation—has found its way into road construction. Recent endeavors have showcased its utility in reinforcing road bases across numerous states, exemplified by promising results on State Route 22 in Georgia. Despite these advancements, worries linger about shrinkage cracking and harmful…

The Times of India · Oct 4

Stronger Ash Sections Bend Less: Mississippi test road uses coal pond ash; FHWA tracks deflection data

In Mississippi, a project evaluated the use of pond ash in road construction implemented in 1987. The project tracked five test sections with different stabilizing materials over three years to assess their performance. Measurements included pavement deflection, visible distress, and material strength, providing valuable data for highway engineers. Results indicated…

The Times of India · Oct 4

Fly Ash Runway Base: Newark engineers turn coal waste into durable pavement; FHWA hails long-term performance

Newark International Airport integrated coal fly ash into its runway construction during the 1970s as a stabilising material. The Federal Highway Administration reported satisfactory performance of this stabilised base after over 20 years of operation. Research indicated that the cementitious properties of fly ash contributed to the durability of the…

The Times of India · Oct 2

Those tall fences beside snowy highways are not property fences; they catch blowing snow before it reaches the road, while plowing can cost 100 times more

Snow fences are ingeniously constructed barriers that capture drifting snow, enhancing road safety during winter storms. By slowing down the wind, these structures help snow accumulate in well-defined areas, making it easier to manage. Studies show that they can lead to substantial savings in snow removal and a decrease in…

The Economic Times · Sep 28

New York highway worker’s $0 invention wins national federal award for saving weeks of work

A discarded golf-cart wheel and a piece of scrap box tubing have earned a New York highway department national recognition. Riverhead Highway Superintendent Mike Zaleski built a simple snow-fence pole remover after seeing workers struggle to pull frozen poles from the ground by hand. The homemade tool cost nothing, reduced…

The Times of India · Sep 26

In 1972, FHWA used 5 inches of scrubber waste in a parking-area base at Washington's Dulles Airport. 2 years later, wet weather caused the experimental base to soften and be replaced

Early tests explored scrubber waste for road bases and subbases. Florida projects between 1977 and 1989 showed highly satisfactory performance. Pennsylvania roads survived severe freeze-thaw conditions, proving successful. Texas and Ohio tests compared FGD material with gravel and haul road applications.

The Economic Times · Sep 9