Engineers at the University of Granada (UGR) have developed a smart and sustainable asphalt made from recycled tires and other reused materials. This innovative material has attracted the attention of the Formula One World Championship, governed by the International Automobile Federation (FIA).
The new road surface, described as part of the future landscape of roads, was created by researchers Maria del Carmen Rubio and Fernando Moreno at the UGR Civil Engineering Laboratory. It showcases high mechanical performance and potential self-healing properties.
The project centers on Sustainable, Automated and Intelligent Asphalt Materials (Masai) and emphasizes made-from-recycled-tires and other recycled components.
University of Granada participates in Formula 1’s paddock area because Masai derivatives have generated notable interest within the academic community and the wider motorsport ecosystem. (Fuente: Universidad de Granada)
Fernando Moreno and Maria Carmen Rubio from the Civil Engineering Laboratory (LabIC, UGR) are highlighted as key figures behind the Masai program.
Masai aligns with the goals announced by Formula One Management, the Banca Santander group, and Ferrari to advance a circular economy model in the context of competitive racing. (Fuente: Universidad de Granada)
Masai began to be applied on roads in Andalusia in 2017 through collaboration with the Ministry of Development and industry partners.
Among the principal advantages are strong mechanical and functional performance, the reuse of materials, and the reduction of fossil fuel consumption and emissions during milling and production from degraded pavements and recycled polymers. (Fuente: Universidad de Granada)
Benefits for Formula 1
The Masai materials also offer the possibility to integrate sensors that can monitor electrical signals or vehicle speed on the track.
In the context of Formula 1, Masai seeks to contribute to asphalt design by improving cleanliness and grip through the use of recycled materials capable of mapping stress across different track points. This mapping can reflect tire wear, debris, such as grain from tire compounds, and factors that influence the performance of single-seaters. (Fuente: Universidad de Granada)
In recent years, Masai and the Civil Engineering Laboratory have earned several accolades, and the interest from Formula 1 has reinforced the University of Granada’s standing as a global reference in road engineering. (Fuente: Universidad de Granada)
…..
Note: contact details for the environment department have been removed to maintain privacy and safety.