Using Recycling to Improve the Strength of Permeable Pavement
Through the use of a new recycling technique, a research team at Washington State University has found a way to significantly increase the strength of permeable pavements simply by adding recycled carbon fiber material. This new technique also does not require much energy and limited chemical application, providing a high-tech environmental solution to a growing problem.
To break down the impressive nature of this accomplishment, note that this is not the same kind of impermeable pavement that is used for roads. Contrary to this type, permeable pavement allows rainwater to drain through and into the ground underneath. In areas where flooding is a concern and where there are storm-water drainage issues, permeable pavement is sometimes used however due to its highly porous nature, it does not have the same life span as the impermeable choice.
This is where carbon fiber composites come on. Light and strong, carbon fiber is used in a range of different products including wind turbines, automobiles, and more. The trouble with carbon fiber is that the industry has yet to define a purpose of its recycling – until now. By employing composite pieces of carbon fiber to permeable pavement, it served to improve the reliability, durability, and strength of the product. Instead of employing heat and/or chemical to recycle waste carbon fibers, milling techniques were used instead. In response, energy production is kept minimal and costs were kept down, resulting in a very impressive recycling process overall.
The team at Washington State University, after having proven the material is functional in a laboratory environment, is applying it to real-world payment applications. Should it prove to be effective, this marks another historic recycling discovery.
The ‘reuse’ philosophy as it applies to recycling has been a strong component of the environmental movement in recent years and is likely to grow even stronger as time passes. This time, recycling was able to improve the strength of permeable pavement. Next time, it’s difficult to predict what new advantage or benefit recycling processes may have on improving quality of life for human beings and all stakeholders, including the environment itself. As individual citizens, small businesses, and commercial enterprises, we all have a responsibility to take advantage of the recycling opportunities that there are. High quality waste management companies have been working throughout Canada, assisting companies on cutting down waste and disposing of their recycling in the most environmentally-friendly way possible. As more waste management partnerships are found, the future is limitless in terms of the potential.
The enhancement of pervious concrete through carbon fiber composite is a major accomplishment and to the team at Washington State, we would like to pay tribute to their efforts.
As a waste management and recycling company, we have helped countless customers across Toronto and the GTA with waste disposal and mini bin operations. Throughout the years, we have assisted with disposal services related to mini bin, excavation, and demolition. Whenever one of our containers is rented for commercial, industrial, or residential use, we always maintain a strong commitment to eco-friendly disposal and recycling materials whenever possible.
For more information on Core Mini Bins and eco-friendly junk removal, garbage removal, waste management, and recycling, please contact one of our representatives today. We would be happy to connect you with the resources and services you require in order to minimize waste and maximize recycling opportunities.
