PC: Public Works Authority (‘Ashghal’) in Qatar
The authority announced the work on 19 August 2019. An asphalt-cooling material was applied to up to 200 metres of vehicle lanes on Abdullah bin Jassim Street, beside Souq Waqif, and to 200 metres of pedestrian and bicycle paths in front of Katara, the Cultural Village. Conventional asphalt absorbs up to 80 to 95% of sunlight, while the new coating reflects about 50%, according to an official from the Public Works Authority (‘Ashghal’) in Qatar. Sensors will compare its temperature with conventional asphalt over an 18-month study, carried out with the Japanese company Oriental. Ashghal says the study will last 18 months.
The road was opened to traffic so that testing could begin. Because it absorbs up to 80 to 95% of sunlight, ashghal explains that conventional asphalt contributes to rising temperatures. The authority links cool pavement to energy efficiency and says research by environment and sustainability experts suggests it can reduce overall temperature and, as a result, emissions. Because light-coloured pavements reflect street lights and car headlights better and make vehicles more visible to drivers, the authority says it can improve pedestrians’ ability to use the road and promote traffic safety,.
The authority says the aim is to measure how effective the material is and to judge whether the experiment succeeds. The announcement says road experts and contractors have installed special devices and sensors on the pilot sections. These sensors measure how well the material reduces asphalt temperature and compare the results with conventional asphalt, according to Ashghal. The authority says the work was carried out in cooperation with the Japanese company Oriental, which it describes as one of the leading companies in implementing this technology. Cool pavement, the authority says, reflects ultraviolet rays and absorbs less solar radiation. The announcement says a protective material has been applied to the ground markings. This shields the markings from contact with vehicles and increases their lifespan, according to Ashghal. In addition, Ashghal says that lowering air temperatures in residential areas can slow the chemical reactions in the atmosphere that cause smog.
Public Works Authority Ashghal has completed a pilot of cool pavement on roads in Qatar. It adds that the result could lead to formal use of the material across the road network in the State of Qatar. Based on the outcome, the authority will decide whether the pilot has succeeded and how widely the material could be applied. Ashghal adds that this can have a positive effect on overall temperature reduction, given the size of the areas covered by conventional asphalt. Ashghal also cites research suggesting that cool paving material reduces heat-related illnesses and slows the formation of smog.