UAA professor develops new concrete mixture to make Alaska roads more durable

If you drive in Alaska, you know potholes and ruts in the road are nothing new, but a new concrete solution could be the answer to Alaska’s road problems.

UAA Civil Engineering Professor Osama Abaza has spent roughly 10 years working to create a concrete mixture that is more resistant to studded tires and Alaska’s extreme weather.

Abaza’s most recent concoction of concrete, rubber and steel fiber has passed every test so far, saying instead of lasting five years, his concrete will stand for 20.

"It's going to save money, it's going to save lives, and at the same time, we don't have to deal with the hassle of building those highway intersections every 4 or 5 years." Abaza said.

Concrete slabs will be laid out and tested on Abbott Road next spring.

“We’re going to have traffic over three years moving on those slabs,” said Abaza. “With all the sensors we have in those slabs and all the monitoring we’re going to do on those slabs, we’re going to figure out whether this material could be the answer to some of the questions we have.”