BIOPAVRES
Reducing the urban heat island effect through the design of sustainable environmental reflective biopavements
The objective is to develop and optimize reflective, durable, and environmentally sustainable photocatalytic pavements to mitigate the urban heat island effect in urban environments.
Center: Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya
The BIOPAVRES project aims to develop reflective, durable, and sustainable bituminous mixtures to mitigate the urban heat island effect in cities, especially in Barcelona. This effect, caused by heat absorption on surfaces such as pavements, increases urban temperatures, worsens quality of life, and raises energy consumption. The methodology includes designing mixtures with recycled asphalt (RA) and bio-binders, manufactured at ambient temperature to minimize environmental impact without compromising mechanical properties. Pigments such as titanium dioxide will also be incorporated to enhance reflectance and provide photocatalytic properties that reduce air pollution. Laboratory tests will be carried out to analyze durability, crack resistance, and surface temperature reduction under simulated conditions. The expected outcomes include pavements with higher reflectance, lower surface temperatures, and reduced environmental impact, contributing to more sustainable and livable cities.
