First use of synthetic rubber in asphaltic concrete, Akron, Ohio.

The historical city of Akron, Ohio, is known for many things – and one of those is the first use of synthetic rubber in asphaltic concrete on September 7, 1948. This trailblazing event has had lifetime impacts on the construction and automobile industries, as the innovation enhanced the strength and efficiency of roads, highways, parking lots, and more, changing the face of civil engineering forever.

Considering the significance of synthetic rubber in asphaltic concrete, it’s worth retracing the steps that led to its first use in this fascinating city of Ohio. Akron, often referred to as the “Rubber Capital of the World,” has a rich and intricate history interwoven with the story of rubber. It was home to major rubber manufacturers like Goodyear, Firestone, and General Tire, paving the way for research and development involving rubber.

Synthetic rubber, a man-made elastomer, was primarily developed to tackle the issue of natural rubber shortages during the Second World War. Aside from its significant role in the war, the potential of synthetic rubber to be incorporated into concrete was becoming increasingly apparent to industry professionals. They anticipated that adding synthetic rubber to asphalt would create a more durable and less porous mixture, enhancing the longevity of roads and other asphalt-based structures. It was on an illustrative day of September in 1948 when Akron, Ohio, put this theory to test.

The project involved using synthetic rubber in asphaltic concrete for the Akron-Canton airport runway. The local authorities followed an experimental approach, using the innovative substance to strengthen the mixture and extend the runway’s lifespan. The observation was that the use of synthetic rubber indeed improved the durability of the asphaltic concrete, it resulted in a more flexible, crack-resistant surface that could withstand the pressure of larger and heavier aircraft.

Unsurprisingly, the benefits of this path-breaking technique extended beyond merely durability. The synthetic rubberized asphalt was noted to have better skid resistance, making roads and runways safer for use. It also proved to have superior sound-absorbing qualities, reducing noise pollution from traffic and planes.

In addition to its enhanced physical properties, synthetic rubber in asphaltic concrete has significant economic and environmental benefits. Considering the longevity and reduced need for maintenance, authorities can save substantial amounts of money. Furthermore, recycling synthetic rubber from used tires for use in asphalt offers a sustainable solution to tire waste, presenting an environmental win-win situation.

The success of this experiment in Akron, Ohio, had far-reaching impacts. The technique of using synthetic rubber with asphaltic concrete quickly spread across the country, transforming the landscape of American infrastructure. It set a new standard for the construction industry, making way for safer, longer-lasting roadways around the world.

One cannot overlook Akron’s strategic role in nurturing this innovation. The city’s long-standing relationship with rubber, its industries’ relentless efforts in research and development, and its local authorities’ readiness to embrace and experiment with new technology all significantly contributed to this groundbreaking event.

Akron, Ohio, stands out in history for its significant contribution to the industry – being the first to use synthetic rubber in asphaltic concrete on September 7, 1948. This pivotal moment revolutionized road construction, offering enhanced performance, cost-efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Over 70 years have passed, but the legacy of this incredible innovation continues to shape our highways and infrastructure today.