UTILIZATION OF NON-NEWTONIAN LIQUID TO FILL POTHOLES

Abstract

A system and method to fix cracks and void: caused due to deterioration of roads is thus needed. This method employs filling the potholes by putting flexible container, mainly a bag which is filled by a Non-Newtonian fluid which has shear thickening properties. This method is economical, relatively less taxing than the conventional methods of repairing the potholes. It is also environment-friendly as the fluid is organic. The objective is to provide a superior and mobile solution to a long standing and often ignored problems of potholes that exists everywhere. The project aims to engineer the fluid by necessary mix proportion based on the types of traffic, its frequency and climatic conditions to obtain the highest level of performance from the product itself. Some of the applications of Non-Newtonian fluid are thixotropic, liquid amour, sport shoes and viscous coupling. Due to its advantages over conventional materials like it’s not needed to be casted, can be used directly, mobile, time saving, cost reducer in terms of labor and capitals, its better than conventional potholes filling methods. The effect of weathering and decay on the sample results in some amount of loss of strength. The range of loss varies between 3% to 6 % for a weathering and decay period of 7 days. The site test and demonstration of the unit proved to be successful and as predicted by the different loading conditions and fluid properties. The loads of bags were gradually increased. First a two-wheeler was passed over it and shows no sign of shock. Then the same was repeated with a four-wheeler car and then finally with a truck. The observations can make us conclude that the unit bag was successfully resisting the loads from these vehicles and thus cleared site test