Making The Green Roads Of Today A reality
It is widely accepted that creating “green” roads involves first eliminating existing traffic-related hazards, then reconstructing the affected road to make it safer. There are a lot of questions and confusion however as far as what makes a “green” road. The Transportation Department defines a green roadway as one that meets both the National Association of State Highway Officials’ (NASHI) Green Standard and the State Department’s (US DOT’s) guidelines for sustainable design. In choosing which NSHM course to take for your state, you will need to determine if the roads that already exist to meet the criteria, or if you need to build new ones. This article focuses on the latter.
The materials used in asphalt are all natural and non-toxic: There are no chemicals, dyes, or binders used during the manufacturing process. Asphalt is typically made from crude oil, but can be combined with other compounds such as kerosene, cornstarch, wheat germ oil, liquid petroleum gas (LPG), and other synthetic hydrocarbons. In the US, at least 75% of asphalt used must be made of crude oil.
Another material often used in asphalt is “bamboo ash”: Bamboo ash is a brown powdery substance that makes up to ten percent of the pellets in traditional asphalt. Bamboo ash has been found to have numerous benefits when used in road construction. It is highly dense, which increases stability, and is clean and nontoxic. The pellets are also resistant to cracking, especially after frequent heavy rains and snow storms.
Synthetic rubber is another material commonly used in asphalt design: It is created by weaving polyethylene fibers together to form a solid material that is as strong as either concrete or steel. By eliminating the need for trucking and paving companies, the system reduces costs and creates fast installation times. Some synthetic rubber is also made to resemble natural oil so that drivers do not become confused when driving through bumpy roads or areas that may appear to be oily. This type of oil can also make the vehicle seem smoother when passing cars or trucks.
When designing a green project: a municipality needs to make sure that the design does not create a hazard to motorists or pedestrians. In the case of curbs or medians intended to make driving and parking easier, they should be at least three feet away from each other. Curb and median borders should be flush with the ground to reduce the risk of falling debris striking an automobile. For the curb, the asphalt should be poured at a minimum of three feet from the edge of the road, according to local building codes.
Creating green roads takes time, research, testing, and money: A good asphalt contractor will work closely with you to determine the best blend of materials to achieve the best outcome for your community. Be sure to check on his credentials and references, and check his website for testimonials and information about his service history. Be prepared to spend time and money on ensuring the best design for your neighborhood.
In the end, you’ll have a smooth, green commute and a safe, secure environment for you and your family.
