Numerically Simulated Asphalt Thermal Maps for More Sustainable Road Management

Road construction and maintenance are crucial for a functioning society, and achieving cost-effective and environmentally sustainable practices requires a deep understanding of road degradation processes. Temperature fluctuations and extreme temperatures are significant contributors to road surface deterioration, leading to issues such as cracking, rutting, and deformation, which not only reduce the road lifespan but also release fine particulate matter, posing environmental hazards. In this study, we develop detailed road surface temperature maps for Spain, using real-time weather and solar irradiation data from 46 evenly distributed meteorological stations. These maps provide hourly average road surface temperatures for each season and highlight extreme conditions during summer and winter, incorporating meteorological variables such as air temperature, wind speed, and relative humidity, showing that during winter, but particularly during summer, most of the territory is subjected to extreme temperatures. By visualizing thermal stress on road surfaces, the road surface temperature maps enable the identification of high-risk areas, supporting targeted maintenance, conservation efforts, and pollution mitigation, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable road infrastructure.