The GEIC is investigating whether graphene can be put into bitumen when resurfacing roads. We already use an innovative technique for resurfacing, where we employ a specialist machine to break-up the existing road surface. It then mixes the old surface with bitumen and additives to produce the new road surface. The GEIC is trialing whether adding graphene will improve the life of the new road surface. If trials are successful, and we’re able to use it, it’ll be a world first!
The GEIC is testing whether graphene can be used in asphalt. This is the stuff that’s used for the top surface of a road, sometimes called tarmac.
Ultraviolet radiation from the sun damages the asphalt, making it brittle. The road surface then cracks, creating potholes and eventually the road has to be resurfaced. We’re hoping that graphene will make the asphalt stronger and less likely to be affected by sunlight. In turn, this will mean we need to repair the road much less often, so road and lane closures will be less frequent too.