Discussion on:

Researchers are seeking stronger, better pavement

A smooth road is more slippery when wet unless there is good drainage. Grooving and especially cross-cutting will make the pavement noisier. That research sounds good for California and the Southwest but not for the rest of us.

I had always wondered if anyone was doing any research for "road technology". I remember reading an article (many moons ago) where they were experimenting with a road surface that would allow water to seep through (much like weed block does in a garden). This was in response to the "over paving" going on in America (parking lots etc.) and the inability of storm drains to handle severe storms. Would be nice to hear if anything came of that as I would rather have that than quieter roads..no ice would form..you would not have the warnings about street flooding every time a severe storm came along...and it would serve well in all areas of the country.

As one of the numerous heavy truck drivers I have wondered why a more lasting road surface hasn't been developed. Have also wondered why USA insists on keeping heavy trucks which are more likely to be traveling through in the lanes closer for entering and exiting highways. Why not keep trucks to the left and out of the way? My concern for a smoother, more fuel efficient road is that of friction and braking distance. Dangerous now with no enforcement of aggressive driving laws and no public awareness of the dangers of the average passenger cars driving habits. I don't really blame the drivers sinces our government does not produce public safety messages to inform drivers to remember what we were taught in Driver's Ed. or enforce safe road sharing through policing.

In general concrete roads last longer, cost less when averaged over the longer life and were the state of things until the road consturction industry found asphalt.

They were quick to learn they could assure follow-up road work by selling municipalities on how quickly and cost effective it was to install asphalt. Ignore the falling apart quickly thing, it is such a deal!

Bottom line = Why sell a product once every 30 years at $100 when you can sell a cheaper and lower quality product every 5 years at $40?

It is simple math for the politically connected.

I remember over 20 years ago a magazine (I think Popular Science) ran an article about a special additive being used in Europe that extended the life of an asphalt road more than 10 years, but the U.S. wouldn't go to it because of the additional cost, even though it would save money in the long run. Now why do we think the U.S. position will change now?

Why build something that last when you can rip it up and repave it every few years?

Better pavement will lead to the great driving and minimize the road accidents cases. Switching to the green pavement which being eco friendly is best for the road and environment too.
http://www.greenproindia.com/pavingtiles.php