The world is constantly changing around us. A majority of the changes affecting the world is due to humans, such as pollution. Looking at the crisis of a polluted world, many different fields of study are pitching in to try to help out as much as they can. Civil engineers are also doing there part. A civil engineer professor, Hussain Bahia, is a part of the national research program called the Asphalt Research Consortium(ARC).
There goal is to make the millions of miles of roads and highways more eco-friendly. Looking at different methods around the world, such as a method used in South Africa where they mix fine particles of asphalt with water and soap-like chemicals called surfactants. Studies from Canada's Office of Energy Efficiency and and other places say "...paving with these cold mixes (also called emulsions) saves significant amounts of energy, especially when combined with recycling efforts. These asphalts also cut emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases..."(Fisher).
Civil engineers are making a great effort to make the world a better place, but they are not alone. The website, Western Research Institute, shows a list of partners to their cause. It shows that civil and environmental engineers are working hard together to get to the same solution(WRI - Asphalt Research Consortium Partners). That solution being a green Earth.
By: Ethan Gaskey
Western Research Group - Asphalt Research Consortium Partners
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