1669632 - Engineered Water Repellency for Pavement Infrastructure Resilience

Abstract: Climate change poses significant challenges to the resilience and longevity of road infrastructure, particularly in the face of changing weather patterns, increased rainfall, and extreme events. The southwest Florida region's unique geographical location renders it highly vulnerable to a myriad of climatic and weather extreme natural hazard events. This is aside from the relatively close groundwater levels that keep infrastructure constantly inundated or within the threat of inundation before, during, and after these events. Recent natural hazards, such as Hurricane Ian, have led to increased vulnerabilities to pavement infrastructure within the region. This study investigates the pivotal role of engineered water repellency in adapting road infrastructure to climate change. Laboratory studies were carried out to assess the impact of changing conditions on road pavements, quantifying the damage caused by increased moisture infiltration, and other weather-related stressors. Additionally, we evaluate the effectiveness of water-repellent treatments in mitigating these effects by reducing water penetration and enhancing the resilience of pavement materials. A simple FEM model simulation is utilized to predict the long-term effects of changing climate patterns on road pavements. By integrating data from various climate change scenarios, we can forecast how road infrastructure will be impacted over time. These models also incorporate the benefits of engineered water repellency, allowing us to assess the potential for extending the life of road pavements in a changing climate. The findings of this research provide valuable insights into the role of water repellency as an adaptation strategy for road infrastructure in the context of climate change. By understanding how changing weather patterns affect road pavements and how water repellency can mitigate these effects, policymakers, engineers, and transportation authorities can make informed decisions to enhance the resilience of their road networks.