A research team at the University of Toronto has developed an innovative self-sensing composite material made from crumb rubber derived from recycled tires. This new material has the potential to enhance infrastructure monitoring by serving as a skin-like overlay on bridge decks and pavements, enabling real-time defect detection and weigh-in-motion capabilities.

Laboratory tests have shown promising results, with the rubber-based sensing skins successfully tracking simulated vehicle movements and distinguishing between different weights. The material could also have applications in pedestrian traffic monitoring and gait analysis, offering a broader impact beyond road infrastructure.

The team, led by Associate Professor Fae Azhari, specializes in structural monitoring and prognosis of engineering systems. Their research focuses on developing and characterizing advanced sensors and translating sensor data into actionable insights for condition-based maintenance.

The next phase of the project involves large-scale testing to validate the material's performance in real-world conditions.

To learn more, join the discussion at the 30th ETRA Conference on Tyre Recycling, 25-27 March 2025.

Full Programme is available on ETRA's website.