ARTICLE: MIT engineers rules stiffer roads save fuel

[ghosthunter]

MIT engineers rules stiffer roads save fuel
Words by Niky Tamayo | Source: Massachusetts Institute of Technology News



A recent study by Civil Engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has, for the first time, mathematically modeled the effects of road surface on fuel economy. For anyone who's ever gone jogging or cycling, the results aren't terribly shocking: softer roads waste more fuel.

Other studies have traced the effects of surface roughness on fuel economy, but this is the first time that the flexibility of the actual road surface has been modeled. The results of this study could have far-reaching implications for the way we build and repair roads.

CLICK FOR MORE: MIT engineers rules stiffer roads save fuel

SOURCE: Kotse.com

[niky]

Makes sense if you're a jogger. Softer surfaces, like rubber mat or dirt, absorb energy and force you to work harder to move forward. Harder surfaces are easier to move on faster.

Apparently, cars are so heavy that even asphalt or thin concrete is "soft" to them.

[uls]

steel rails rule!

[niky]

steel rails rule!

There's a reason trains use steel... ...of course, it's crap hard to brake on... though the problem in terms of brakes for most trains also has something to do with the fact that they weight a kajillion tons.

[oj88]

True, but I'm sure that a lot of motorists would still prefer driving on smooth blacktops rather than on hard concrete, even if it means spending a tiny bit more on gas. The former is also easier on the suspension.

With thousands of miles of interstate highways, the effect of road hardness on fuel economy would probably be more significant in countries like the US.

[kinyo]

isn't this similar to saying stiffer tires save fuel? less rolling friction?

[Ry_Tower]

isn't this similar to saying stiffer tires save fuel? less rolling friction?

Yup, same banana. Concrete road are better talaga. More durable pa if done correctly.

[lowslowbenz]

Yup, same banana. Concrete road are better talaga. More durable pa if done correctly.

Correct .. speaking of which .. STAR Tollway .. terrible road surface!

[niky]

True, but I'm sure that a lot of motorists would still prefer driving on smooth blacktops rather than on hard concrete, even if it means spending a tiny bit more on gas. The former is also easier on the suspension.

With thousands of miles of interstate highways, the effect of road hardness on fuel economy would probably be more significant in countries like the US.

Well... concrete isn't necessarily harsher than asphalt. At least, as long as there are no bumps, it's not easily noticeable.

And asphalt is a pain in the ass. Melts in the rain too easily... as motor oils and solvents mix into it.

[nickriingen]

Well... concrete isn't necessarily harsher than asphalt. At least, as long as there are no bumps, it's not easily noticeable.

And asphalt is a pain in the ass. Melts in the rain too easily... as motor oils and solvents mix into it.

A common nasty practice in DPWH, LGU's since they have an annual maintenance funds.. A nicely paved and smooth concrete road overlaid with asphalt. After a few rains, the asphalt surface will melt and deteriorate. As a result, a terrible and rough surface afterwards. A pain in the ass for the suspension.

[daumingshirts]

i like asphalt roads. quieter, easier on the suspension if paved properly. and for me parang mas grippier... on dry that is. pag wet i find it slippery talaga.

Even on running its easier on the knees and other joints. I can run longer on asphalt too. On roadbike or racer, its smoother, and less body fatigue kaya I can bike longer. And pag sumemplang ako mas mababaw sugat ko on asphalt roads.

[yebo]

concrete roads are better if the slabs are poured as 1 long continuous slab then later cut by a concrete cutter to allow for thermal expansion. example is congressional avenue when they first laid the concrete, the slabs were actually more than 100 meters length each, then cut every 5 or so meters to allow for thermal expansion. but if the slabs are poured as short slabs (like they did and continue to do on edsa) the joints tend to act as pivot points, late on causing the slabs to become slanted. para tuloy nakasakay sa kabayo, especially the south bound lane in front of SM north.

the reason our asphalt roads do not last long is because the quality of the asphalt is not good. matabang. as usual, 10% dito, 10% dun, minsan 20% pa. bakit sa ibang bansa ganda naman ng asphalt roads nila. e kasi walang kurakot!

[Chikselog]

A common nasty practice in DPWH, LGU's since they have an annual maintenance funds.. A nicely paved and smooth concrete road overlaid with asphalt. After a few rains, the asphalt surface will melt and deteriorate. As a result, a terrible and rough surface afterwards. A pain in the ass for the suspension.

Naaawa na ko sa pang ilalim ko dahil sa napakabulok na kalsada ng Mcarthur highway. Parang mas maigi pa ngang wala na lang aspalto. Another PITA kapag hinukay nila at pagkatagal tagal matapos. Lintek.