Sustainable Road Elements for Speed Reduction

In the framework of an R&D project called RESALTO, FCC Construcción, with the support of Leitat, develops new sustainable elements that aim to reduce speed for cars at crosswalks. These elements have three main functions: generate electricity, secure signalling of the crosswalk and connect the crosswalk with the environment. The electricity generation will be possible thanks to the use of solid materials and of an adapted design that can endure the passing vehicles. Energy storage systems will also be incorporated in order to maximize energy efficiency. Furthermore, smart activation systems for light signalling will be studied to manag energy expenditure and at the same time facilitate their identification by drivers and pedestrians. Last, low consumption and low data transfer communications systems will be investigated.

To validate this new multifunction speed reducer design, FCC Construcción will build a demonstrator for its subsequent monitoring and complete the demonstrator study with a technical-economic evaluation. The road elements that meet these objectives will allow FCC Construcción, and the FCC Group, to have a new line of business that complements its current services aimed at municipalities, both nationally and internationally.

This project follows the tendency in the incorporation of ICT technologies in construction elements to obtain intelligent systems and improve services for citizens in Smart Cities. Funded by the Center for Industrial Technological Development of the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, this project will last from 2018 until 2021.