Scientists Develop Self-Healing Asphalt Using AI

Scientists have developed a new type of asphalt capable of self-repairing cracks, eliminating the need for manual repairs. By using machine learning, researchers have accelerated the study of bitumen oxidation processes—the key cause of pavement degradation. Porous plant spores with oils were added to the bitumen for restoration: under traffic pressure, they release oil that softens the bitumen and fills the cracks. In the laboratory, micro-cracks healed in less than an hour. The material is expected to hit the UK market in a few years.