Researchers at Swansea University and King’s College London are pioneering self-healing asphalt, aiming to tackle Britain’s pothole crisis while promoting environmental benefits.
Recent studies have highlighted an innovative approach to tackle Britain’s persistent pothole issue through the development of self-healing asphalt roads. This new asphalt variant, crafted with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and derived from biomass waste, showcases an ability to autonomously repair its own fissures, potentially eliminating the need for maintenance or human intervention.
The advancements are the result of a collaborative effort between researchers at Swansea University, King’s College London, and their counterparts in Chile. Their techniques include methods that effectively “stitch” asphalt back together, which is aimed at creating more resilient and environmentally friendly road solutions.
To make the asphalt “self-healing,” the team incorporated tiny, porous materials known as spores, which are smaller than a strand of hair and produced by plants. These spores are filled with recycled oils, which are released when the asphalt begins to crack, helping to reverse the process.
In laboratory experiments, this advanced asphalt material was shown to completely heal a microcrack on its surface in less than an hour.
Asphalt, or bitumen, is a viscous black material obtained from crude oil, extensively utilised in constructing various surfaces such as roads, motorways, and airport runways.
Asphalt is prone to cracking due to oxidisation and hardening processes, but the researchers’ innovations promise to enhance the durability of road surfaces significantly.
Dr Joe Norambuena-Contreras, the lead researcher from Swansea University and an expert in self-healing asphalt, indicated that this technology could play a key role in the transition towards net-zero road construction. He noted, “A significant portion of road carbon emissions are attributed to asphalt production,” highlighting the potential environmental benefits.
Furthermore, Dr Francisco Martin-Martinez from King’s College London pointed out that the research draws inspiration from the regenerative abilities found in nature, stating, “Creating asphalt that can heal itself will increase the durability of roads and reduce the need for people to fill in potholes.” He emphasised the incorporation of sustainable materials such as biomass waste into the new asphalt mix, which could help diminish reliance on finite natural resources.
Although the self-healing asphalt is still under development, the research team envisions that its implementation could enhance infrastructure and contribute positively to sustainability efforts on a global scale. The Asphalt Industry Alliance recently indicated that the state of local road conditions in England and Wales had reached a record low in 2024, attributing these deteriorating conditions to “decades of underfunding.”
A considerable repair backlog in the UK could cost over £16 billion, with the yearly tally amounting to £143.5 million. The issue prompted some residents within Wrexham county to turn their pothole-ridden village into a tourist attraction, cheekily branding it “Pothole Land”. Locals expressed frustration, reporting that the disrepair of the roads has deterred visitors and delivery personnel from accessing their properties.
The potential advancements in self-healing asphalt technology imply a significant step towards modernising road infrastructure, with implications for sustainability and cost-effectiveness poised to resonate across the UK and beyond.
