A team of researchers has developed, thanks to the AI of Google, a new type of mantle capable of healing its cracks. Developed, would solve a widespread problem
For now we are at levels of study, but if it were put to develop and built, it could be a turning point to solve one of the most serious problems that narrow motorists and motorcyclists or the bad quality of the asphalt. A particularly pressing reality in Italy, if only it is thought that, according to the data of the most recent studies, 60% of the users of the Belpaese risks during the year to be involved in claims originating from the bad state of the road surface. The news is that by exploiting Google’s artificial intelligence, a group of English and Chilean researchers has developed a type of asphalt inspired by natural regeneration processes. Like plants and animals are able to repair their fabrics, this material can ‘heal’ their cracks in less than an hour through natural spores and rejuvenating microcapsule obtained from waste materials. The causes for which holes are formed on the asphalt are not entirely known or predictable, but often derive from the induction of bitumen, the black and sticky substance used in asphalt mixtures, due to oxidation. Scientists have been studying the process for years to develop ways to reversing it and effectively mend the asphalt.
Self -regeneration
–
And this is where artificial intelligence comes into play: researchers have used the automatic learning of Google Cloud to analyze how organic molecules in complex fluids such as bitumes behave. Instead of taking months to make calculations and simulations on the computer, the AI has allowed to study the behavior of the atoms in a few hours when the asphalt is under stress, thus accelerating the understanding of how the road surface oxidizes and the cracks are formed. According to researchers from King’s College in London, who participated in the study, imitating nature in his ability to self -regulate himself is the most effective way not only to guarantee the duration of the roads but also to make a sustainable and resilient road infrastructure possible. And the use of artificial intelligence tools can make a decisive contribution. “Although still in the development phase, the self-referent asphalt promises a lot for the improvement of infrastructure and the promotion of sustainability all over the world”, reads a post of the researchers on the official Google blog.
Huge expenses
–
The study underlines that this innovation is in line with the goals of net zero emissions of the government and deals with the remarkable financial burden of road maintenance. By reducing the need for repairs and prolonging the duration of the roads, the self-referent asphalt could offer an economic and ecological solution to the problem of holes in the United Kingdom. The first to lay the intelligent asphalt on the road could therefore be the British, who have a problem of holes that makes public accounts tremble: according to an annual survey by the ASPHAPHALT Industry Alliance, in 2024 the road conditions in 2024 in 2024 England and Wales have reached the historical minimum due to “decades of subfinance”. It is estimated that repairing the repairs would cost more than 16 billion pounds (19 billion euros). The theme also stimulates the inevitable English humor: the BBC said that the residents of the county of Wrexham, tired of having roads so disastrous as to discourage visitors and even couriers, have transformed their misfortune into opportunities, renamed the village full of craters “land of holes” and making a tourist attraction. Not Bad.
© RESERVED REPRODUCTION