| Author | Message | ||
     Alchemy |
Here is an idea with some serious problems but an interesting concept none the less. http://www.solarroadways.com/Introduction.htm The idea is to abandon asphalt pavement and develop a glass surfaced panel that is used to replace the roadway. It includes power transmission, solar array, LED traffic control and communications. Expensive but with a projected life of 3 to 4 times asphalt. And self heating so no more snow covered roads. Oh, and it replaces much of the power grid. | ||
| Ferris_von_bueller |
Interesting but I can think of a million questions, the least of which is cost. | ||
| 86129squids |
How would one do a burnout on a glass road? Could I still get to my favorite lean angle whilst riding my Buell? | ||
| Alchemy |
I would guess the glass surface would wear smooth over time and have to be re-textured. Traction would be different and I would suspect tires would need to be tweeked to work best for that kind of surface. Glass would have a different temperature profile than other materials. If the surface could be dried more quickly via heat this would be helpful. I just worry about the results of a few sledge hammers falling off a truck and hitting the surface. I guess it could be repaired by section but it would be tricky due to the power transmission. | ||
| Spiderman |
great idea, but the things that would need to change due to trickle down and compatability would be astronomical! All our vehicle traffic is designed to work on some sort of paved surface. From roller skates and razor scooters all the way up to the big boy 18 wheelers. So not including plugging into the grid and building the thing, all other adaptations would be a logistical nightmare... Plus you couldn't ride a bike on wet glass  | ||
| Dbird29 |
Anybody think of Paul Simon's song "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes"? | ||
| Unibear12r |
It seems imho that they could never get a texture that would come close to asphalt for grip, and if they did light transmission would suck. | ||
| Metalstorm |
Imagine oil spilled on a smooth or even texured glass surface. How hot would this surface get on a hot July day? There is much to be researched and examined here. It does however have potential for public transportation (i.e. busses that are meticulously maintained by a crew inflicted with OCD) | ||
| Cityxslicker |
I think we will be beaming people back and forth before something like that goes in. Solar powered electrical conductive roads? Not a good idea for Seattle for one. | ||
| Ulynut |
They cant even get an asphalt road paved right around here. How the hell are they going to get it right with glass panels? One good hard winter and it will be done. | ||
| Skinstains |
Yeah, what Ulynut said. | ||
| Alchemy |
Again, I see a lot of problems as others have noted. I wonder about the traction of a glass surface even if it is sand blasted. OTOH, how much more life would be available from tires and suspensions with a well maintained surface. Here in PA we get awful potholes due to the range of temperatures crossing the freezing mark so often. A lightly Heated surface would probably eliminate this problem and also save thousands of tons of road salt run-off being dumped into the water systems. I could see somethings like this being tried on the toll roads first probably in the desert areas but trying it in the northeast would be the acid test. | ||
| Boogiman1981 |
fascinating idea. very interested to see how it will work if they can get enough made to test it |
