Optimised road surfaces as a possible climate protection measure: research into rolling resistance and CO₂ reduction

Busy highway with cars and trucks

Road traffic still has a lot of potential for climate protection. source: hykoe, Adobe Stock.

Together with M+P raadgevende ingenieurs B.V., AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH and FVT – Forschungsgesellschaft für Verbrennungskraftmaschinen und Thermodynamik mbH, we are investigating the influence of road surface characteristics such as texture, grip and evenness on the rolling resistance of vehicles – and thus on energy consumption and CO₂ emissions.

As part of a comprehensive analysis of national and international research projects, including MIRAVEC, ROSANNE and TYROSAFE, we are looking at

  • the quantitative influence of surface parameters on rolling resistance,
  • the performance of various measurement and evaluation methods,
  • and models that enable reliable statements regarding potential savings.

Since rolling resistance is influenced by a variety of external factors – including tyre characteristics, vehicle load, temperature and weather conditions – we systematically test and compare all existing approaches.

Project objectives

We model representative car and truck scenarios to answer the following questions:

  • How much can be saved by optimising road surfaces?
  • Which surface parameters have the strongest influence on rolling resistance?
  • Which parameters should be given particular attention in the future when planning, constructing and maintaining roads?

Expected result

In the research project, a modular assessment concept is developed that is based on scientific principles, is scalable and enables practical application. This concept is intended to serve as a robust basis for further research, infrastructure and optimisation projects in the future – in particular with regard to energy efficiency and climate protection in road traffic.

More details: Mobility & Transport Acoustics | Müller-BBM Industry Solutions | Müller-BBM Industry Solutions GmbH

This report is based on parts of the research project carried out at the request of the Federal Ministry for Transport, represented by the Federal Highway and Transport Research Institute, under research project No. 04.0360/2024/RGB. The author is solely responsible for the content.

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