This paper presents the results of a theoretical and experimental study aiming to develop a stress-based roadway energy harvesting system. It describes two prototypes using piezoelectric elements. Prototype I consisted of 4, 8, and 16 8-mm-diameter cylindrical piezoelectric elements sandwiched between two copper plates. Prototype II consisted of a stack of 11 50-mm-diameter piezoelectric elements connected in parallel by alternating their polarities. Basic piezoelectric theory suggests that the relationship between power output and stress is nonlinear. Finite-element (FE) analysis shows a dependency of the power output of a cylindrical piezoelectric unit on loading frequency. The experimental evaluation included testing the prototypes in a universal testing machine under controlled temperature conditions. In addition, Prototype II was subjected to repetitive loads using an asphalt pavement analyzer without observing any loss in power output. Three-dimensional dynamic FE simulations were performed to determine the optimum installation depth of an energy harvesting module in an asphalt concrete pavement structure. Assuming moderate traffic levels and installation in the right-wheel path only, the energy output estimated per Prototypes I and II was 360 and 171 W-h annually. This technology shows promise in powering self-standing data acquisition systems or light-emitting diode (LED) lights in rural areas where there are no electrical power lines roadside.

The present study was conducted to define low, intermediate, and high temperature performance of date seed oil modified binders (DOMB) mixed with different amounts of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) binder varying from 0 to 30%. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) test was applied to evaluate the chemical structure of date seed oil (DSO) as virgin and modified binders. Rheological properties of binders were measured applying Brookfield viscosity test. Fatigue and rutting behavior of blends were predicted utilizing linear amplitude sweep (LAS) and multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) tests, respectively. Results showed that the inclusion of DSO affected chemical properties of the binders and resulted in reduced viscosities. The Superpave high performance grade (PG) of binders was increased by one grade due to the addition of RAP; whereas the addition of DSO balanced that. In addition, fatigue behavior of the binders was improved significantly with the addition of DSO to the RAP blended as virgin binder (up to 70%). However, rutting resistance of the blends was adversely affected due to the softening effect of DSO.

Warm-mix asphalt (WMA) technology and recycling of asphalt pavement, i.e., reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), have been becoming more popular in recent years due to their economic and environmental benefits. Similarly, bio-oil rejuvenators seem to be a viable solution when the usage of high percentages of RAP is desired. However, employing a high percentage of RAP in WMA using bio-oil rejuvenator remains very limited. This experimental study investigates the use of high percentages of RAP (i.e., up to 90%) in WMA using bio-oil rejuvenator. To this end, rheological tests including rotational viscosity (RV), multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR), and linear amplitude sweep (LAS) were carried out on different combinations of binders. Wheel tracking (rutting), indirect tensile stiffness modulus (ITSM), four-point bending beam fatigue, and moisture susceptibility tests were performed to evaluate the performance of the asphalt mixtures containing different binders. Test results demonstrated that the asphalt mixture with 90% RAP and a bio-oil rejuvenator had 37% higher fatigue life and 4% improvement in moisture resistance.

This article discusses the geogrid’s potential to reduce granular base shear flow. Researchers have previously acknowledged the geogrid’s potential to enhance the performance of roadways, but this study goes further to (1) investigate the effectiveness of a geogrid when it is used to reinforce low-volume conventional flexible pavements constructed on low-strength subgrade and (2) to specify the optimal location for installing a geogrid in a low-volume pavement system. To quantify the effectiveness of a geogrid in flexible pavements, nine low-volume pavement design sections were constructed at the University of Illinois Advanced Transportation Research and Engineering Laboratory (ATREL). A total of 173 instruments were embedded in the pavement layers during construction to measure pavement responses. The test sections were then loaded using an accelerated loading system, and the pavements’ responses to conventional dual-tire loading were measured. This paper reveals how various pavement designs res...

Road energy harvesting is an ingenious horizon for clean and renewable energy production. The concept is very compatible with current traffic trends and the ongoing depletion of natural resources. Yet, the idea of harvesting roadway energy is still in its genesis, and only a few real-time implementation projects have been reported in the literature. This review article summarizes the current state of the art in road energy harvesting technology, with a focus on piezoelectric systems, including an analysis of the impact of the technology from social and environmental standpoints. Based on an extensive desktop review study, this article provides a comprehensive insight into roadway energy harvesting technologies. Specifically, the article discusses the societal and environmental benefits of road energy harvesting technologies, as well as the challenges. The study outlined the meaningful benefits that positively align with the concept of sustainability. Overall, the literature findings indicate that the expansion of the roadway energy harvesting technology to a large practical scale is feasible, but such an undertaking should be wisely weighed from broader perspectives. Ultimately, the article provides a positive outlook of the potential contributions of road energy harvesting technologies to the ongoing energy and environmental challenges of human society.