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  1. Join Date
    Oct 2002
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    29,354
    #1
    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

  2. Join Date
    Aug 2004
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    22,705
    #2
    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.

    Ang pagbalik ng comeback...

  3. Join Date
    Nov 2005
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    45,927
    #3
    steel rails rule!

  4. Join Date
    Aug 2004
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    22,705
    #4
    Quote Originally Posted by uls View Post
    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.

    Ang pagbalik ng comeback...

  5. Join Date
    Jan 2009
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    5,576
    #5
    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.

  6. Join Date
    Oct 2002
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    2,716
    #6
    isn't this similar to saying stiffer tires save fuel? less rolling friction?

  7. Join Date
    Nov 2010
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    24,726
    #7
    Quote Originally Posted by kinyo View Post
    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.

  8. Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Posts
    8,557
    #8
    Quote Originally Posted by Ry_Tower View Post
    Yup, same banana. Concrete road are better talaga. More durable pa if done correctly.
    Correct .. speaking of which .. STAR Tollway .. terrible road surface!

  9. Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Posts
    22,705
    #9
    Quote Originally Posted by oj88 View Post
    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.

    Ang pagbalik ng comeback...

  10. Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Posts
    325
    #10
    Quote Originally Posted by niky View Post
    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.

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