Road researchers in northern Australia have repurposed worn-out tyres and other recycled materials to build roads that endure longer under intense heat while reducing waste sent to landfills.
In the Northern Territory, constant heat and strong sunlight affect how roads age. High temperatures can alter the internal structure of pavement over time, leading to surface damage and fissures.
Researchers intend to enhance long-term road performance by modifying road materials to meet these parameters.
According to the research team, recycled rubber and plastic could match the performance of standard road materials. Using recycled materials may also help mitigate environmental impacts and promote a circular economy, in which waste is treated as a resource rather than a disposal problem.
In collaboration with the Department of Logistics and Infrastructure of the Northern Territory Government, the initiative seeks to provide guidance for future road construction standards.
If successful, it might promote the broader use of recycled materials in hot-climate-appropriate infrastructure.
By rethinking the materials used in road surfaces, the research shows how local waste streams can inform infrastructure that better fits its environment.
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