Integration of Recycled Tire Rubber Pavements and Solar Energy, a Novel Concept

Description

Integration of Recycled Tire Rubber Pavements and Solar Energy, a Novel Concept

 Jorge Sousa

George B. Way

Consulpav

Portugal

jmbsousa@aol.com

Rubberized Asphalt Foundation

USA

wayouta@cox.net

 ABSTRACT. The vulcanized rubber tire for automobiles has been in use since as early as 1900. Literally billions of tires have been made and used, yet the recycling of tires continues to be a great need. Many methods for recycling tires in asphalt pavements have been developed and used since the 1970’s. All these methods have shown improvement in pavement performance and contribute to a more environmentally resilient sustainable circular society.  As this technology has progressed, so has the greater use of solar panels as an environmentally positive means to produce electricity. This paper reviews where both technologies are, and where they need to be in the future. It presents a possible means of integrating these technologies together to enhance pavement durability and supply solar electricity for general use purposes including but not limited to recharging electric cars, supplying highway lighting for safety, and reducing rainfall and possibly snowfall on highways. This novel conceptual idea hopefully will inspire future research and development in both these important areas for the general good of society and address a helping avenue to meet the challenge of securing a sustainable resilient society.

KEYWORDS: asphalt rubber, solar energy, sustainability, resilient society