The New Face of Manufacturing: Promising Innovations that Could Revolutionize Infrastructure

That is why the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) went on a quest to find the most innovative ideas and solutions that promise to revolutionize infrastructure maintenance and rehabilitation in America, and improve transportation efficiencies. They call these ideas and innovations “Game Changers.”

One “game-changing” innovation is the use of additive manufacturing—or 3D printing—as a way to reduce construction waste and labor costs. According to ASCE, researchers are currently experimenting with oversized 3D printers to make large concrete pieces that are thicker and require less setting time. The pieces may also be manufactured with a hollow center, cutting material cost and waste. 3D printing is also being considered for the manufacturing of fast-setting metal structures for use in the construction of bridges.

Another exciting innovation involves the use of ground tire rubber blended with asphalt to produce a longer-lasting material for road construction. The rubberized asphalt is being tested on arterial streets in  The City of Huntington Beach, Calif., and is expected extend the lifespan of the pavement by an additional ten to 20 years.

To learn more about game-changing infrastructure innovations, go to: https://www.ascegamechangers.org/.