State-of-the-art Survey of Advanced Materials and Their Potential Application in Highway Infrastructure

Report No: 05-R9

Published in 2004

About the report:

This study attempted to identify new materials that might have applications in highway infrastructure that could lead to savings for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and other transportation agencies. This search identified 47 materials in various stages of development, of which several offer reasonable potential applications in transportation. Ratings by VDOT's Materials Division and Structure & Bridge Division identified 7 materials with an average rating greater than 2.5 (on a scale of 1 through 5) in terms of their potential for VDOT: biosensor for lead, elastomeric coating for blast protection, SAFER (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) barrier, urethane coating for cathodic protection, smart fibers, smart paints, and smart polymeric coatings. Ratings by the two divisions identified 7 other materials with either an average rating of 2.5 or a rating of 4 or more by either division: electrically conductive concrete, microencapsulated fire-extinguishing agent, piezoelectric paint, self-healing coating, self-healing concrete, chemiluminescent lightsticks, and soil-decontaminating nanoparticles. An additional material with potential, mussels' glue, was identified after the aforementioned ratings were obtained.

Disclaimer Statement:The contents of this report reflect the views of the author(s), who is responsible for the facts and the accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Commonwealth Transportation Board, or the Federal Highway Administration. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. Any inclusion of manufacturer names, trade names, or trademarks is for identification purposes only and is not to be considered an endorsement.

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Last updated: November 28, 2023

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