Imagine if roads and bridges could produce their own energy and be built from recycled materials. This work creates a toolkit for building transport networks that don't waste resources and are easier to maintain. It's like giving infrastructure a digital health tracker to know exactly when and how to fix things without starting from scratch.
Transport infrastructure construction and maintenance create massive CO2 emissions and waste. Current procurement processes often ignore the long-term environmental cost and energy potential of roads and rails.
A set of sustainable hardware (bioasphalts, PV guardrails, smart beams) and digital tools for life cycle assessment and smart maintenance.
If you are a contractor dealing with high material waste and carbon taxes — this project developed bioasphalts and smart beams that reduce raw material consumption. This allows you to bid on green public procurement contracts more competitively.
If you are an operator dealing with expensive ballast maintenance — this project developed improved ballast and smart inspection systems. These tools lower the long-term cost of keeping tracks safe and operational.
If you are a manufacturer dealing with limited space for solar farms — this project developed photovoltaic guardrails. This turns existing roadside safety barriers into energy-generating assets.
The project focuses on minimizing Life Cycle Cost (LCC) by optimizing energy management and reducing raw material consumption throughout the infrastructure's life.
The project includes 7 industry partners and plans to demonstrate solutions in roads and railways across Spain, Poland, Slovenia, and Italy to ensure scalability.
Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not listed, but the project focuses on supporting procurement, legislation, and standardization processes to facilitate market uptake.
It aligns with the goal of a 100% renewable transportation system by 2050 and 50% by 2030, integrating life cycle assessment into public procurement.
It uses digital twins and software tools to integrate sustainability performance into the design, construction, and maintenance phases.
The consortium is heavily industry-weighted with 7 industrial partners (44% ratio), including 1 SME. With 16 partners across 6 countries, the group balances academic research (3 universities, 3 research centers) with practical application, ensuring the tools are designed for actual market use rather than just theoretical study.
Contact FUNDACION TECNALIA RESEARCH & INNOVATION in Spain
Contact us to connect with the LIAISON consortium for pilot opportunities.
