PIEZOELECTRIC PAVEMENT

Bhuvanesh M Gokul S Manirathinam M

Department of Civil Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering,
Sri Sairam Engineering College, Sri Sairam Engineering College, Sri Sairam Engineering College,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Email: bhuvan.murali91@gmail.com Email: gokulsivakumar08@gmail.com Email: manirathinam16797@gmail.com

Dr. M.V. Molykutty *Dr. G. Puthilibai

2020 International Conference on Power, Energy, Control and Transmission Systems (ICPECTS) | 978-1-7281-1084-4/20/$31.00 ©2020 IEEE | DOI: 10.1109/ICPECTS49113.2020.9337013

Department of Civil Engineering, Department of Chemistry,

Sri Sairam Engineering College, Sri Sairam Engineering College,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Email: molykutty.civil@sairam.edu.in Email: puthilibai.che@sairam.edu.in

*Corresponding Author
Abstract- In this modern era, everything needs much power for next 20-30 years due to population growth [2] . This raises
its operations, and at present, these operations are powered concern as CO2 emissions; result in rising sea levels, global
mostly with the use of fossil fuels. In this paper, we have warming, and extreme weathering. The primary issue is that
presented a method to harvest eco-friendly electricity by using our most dependant source - fossil fuels are exhaustible [3].
the piezoelectric effect. This paper proposes a greener solution
for minor power demands. The piezoelectric effect is a
If energy consumption continues growing, then meeting
material's ability to generate an electric charge when a future energy demand becomes challenging. Sustainability
mechanical stress is applied. This paper assesses the is simply a shortcut to long term profit earnings and an
commercial viability of piezoelectric based techniques in incentive towards harnessing the “greenies” to expand and
roadways. The work involves using piezoelectric transducers produce clean-energy products [4].
that can be implanted beneath the roadbed to harvest
electricity from the vibrations produced by the moving vehicles
II. PIEZOELECTRIC POWER GENERATION
on the road and can be used for streetlight applications. The
energy is produced from consumer participation, and it does The piezoelectric effect is the ability of certain materials to
not require any separate source of input energy. The
produce an electric charge with the response to mechanical
piezoelectric road is an energy revolutionary concept to
provide a sustainable solution to the generation of electricity. stress applied. When a piezoelectric material is subjected to
In this paper, two different sizes of piezoelectric crystal mechanical stress, a shifting of the charge centres (positive
performances are compared using laboratory tests, and the and negative) occurs within the material, leading to the
results are displayed. external electrical field [5] . The piezoelectric effect has many
beneficiary applications that involve the production &
Keywords - Energy Harvesting Roads; Fossil Fuels; detection of sound, generation of high voltages, etc.
Piezoelectric Crystal; Piezoelectricity; Smart Road; Streetlight;
Transducers. Several ceramic materials, such as lead-zirconate
(PbZrO3), lead-titanate (PbTiO2), barium-titanate (BaTiO3),
I. INTRODUCTION and lead-zirconate-titanate (PZT) have been observed to have
a piezoelectric effect [6] . These materials possess a polarized
Electricity fuels and powers our present-day civilization, electrostrictive effect (Fig.1).
and thus its demand is inevitable and growing steadily.
Though most developing countries rely on fossil fuels for
their power needs, renewable sources are often preferred for
environmental sustainability. In 2018-19, a total of 1372
Twh (Trillion watt-hour) was required for power
consumption in our country. From this 79.8% of energy is
generated from Fossil Fuels, 3% energy is generated from
Nuclear Power plants and 16% energy is generated from the
Renewable sources of energy like solar power, Hydro-
electric power, Windmills etc. Per-capita usage of electricity
stands at 1181 kWh [1].
In 2004, the global consumption of non-renewable Fig 1: Mechanism of Energy Generation by Piezoelectric Crystal. [7]
energy had risen to 80%, and it will be increasing for the

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A. Working Principle
The principle of piezoelectricity lies within the crystal
structure. The unit cell (the basic repeating unit) in most
crystals is symmetrical; however, it is not the case in
piezoelectric crystals. Piezoelectric crystals are electrically
neutral by nature and therefore the atoms inside them may
not be arranged symmetrically, however, their electrical
charges are perfectly balanced [8] . However, when a
piezoelectric crystal is squeezed or stretched, the crystal
structure is deformed, pushing some of the atoms closer
together or further apart, thereby upsetting the balance of
positive and negative charges. This causes net electrical
charges to appear. The whole structure carries out this effect,
so net positive and negative charges appear on the opposite,
outer faces of the crystal. By squeezing the crystal, voltage
is thus produced at the ends of the crystal. The ease of
fabrication to any complex shape, high material strength,
long-life service, resistance to humidity, and heat
temperature over 100°C, are all specific factors of PZT [9].
B. Piezoelectric crystal
Piezoelectric materials are being studied widely as they
turn out to be very unusual materials with particular and
exciting properties. These materials can convert mechanical
behaviour like vibrations into electricity. These devices are
referred to as energy harvesters and can be used in
applications where power is not available. While recent
experiments have shown that these materials could be used
as power generators, the amount of energy produced is still
meagre, hence there is a necessity to optimize them [10].
III. CIRCUIT CONNECTIONS
Components of the electronic circuit are connected in
parallel to maintain the electricity generation even at the event
of any unexpected damages. In a series connection, the voltage
might be increased but if any damages occur to the road or
crystal the entire setup will stop generating electricity. The
current generated from piezoelectric crystals is AC, so a
bridge rectifier is used to convert the AC to DC for storage in
batteries. An inverter circuit is used to store the electric
current when generated and discharge it to the street lights
when needed.
IV. DENSE BITUMINOUS MACADAM
As per IRC 94-1986, Dense Bituminous Macadam (Grade
1) is a binder course used for roads with more heavy
commercial vehicles and a close graded premix material (Fig 3)
with a voids content 5-10%. The DBM material has gained
popularity due to its durable surface, which performs almost
well in all conditions. DBM is suitable for all kinds of traffic
load conditions. Dense Bituminous macadam roads provide
good quality, smooth surface, and improved skid resistance.
So we have chosen Dense Bituminous Macadam as mix type
for laying and testing Piezoelectric pavements in compliance
with IRC 94-1986 [11].

Fig.3: Layers of Dense Bituminous Macadam Road [12]

TABLE I
PROPERTIES OF DCPL-5 CRYSTAL [13]

CRYSTAL PROPERTIES DCPL-5

Piezoelectric Coupling .60
Kp
Coefficients
K33 .70
K31 .32
Fig.2: Piezoelectric Crystal
Piezoelectric Charge Coefficients
d33 425
The Crystals used were ordered from DOON (x 10-12 C/N)
CERATRONICS, Dehradun. DCPL-5 grade of crystal was d31 -170
chosen because of its high sustainability to withstand road Piezoelectric Voltage Constants
conditions and generate electric energy. They also have g33 25
(x 10-3 Vm/N)
required dielectric properties and polarization co-efficient. g31 -11
Two different sizes, namely 25 mm and 32 mm diameter of
Dielectric Constant at 1Khz KT33 1750
crystals with a thickness of 5 mm, have been chosen to make
a comparative study between them.The crystal properties are Dissipation Factor .02
listed in the Table.I below. Mechanical Quality Factor Qm 75
Density (Kg/m3) 7650
Curie Temperature (Tc) °C 350
Frequency Np (Freq x Dia 1950

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 Constants(Hz-M) Planer Mode Disc) roadways infrastructure system that can offset these
V. EQUIVALENT SINGLE WHEEL LOAD (ESWL) roadways' financial costs.

ESWL of the dual wheel load assembly at a depth of ‘z’ Test specimen of 32mm diameter crystal setup can be seen
may be defined as the single wheel load replacement of the in Fig 5 and Fig 6 given below.
dual wheel load assembly, which will cause the same
magnitude of vertical deflection or same value of
compressive stress at the depth z. The ESWL at any depth, z,
can be determined based on either of their equivalent
deflection or equivalent stress criterion (Fig 4). The figure
above shows the stress overlap on a single layer of the
pavement due to the dual wheels. At depths greater than d/2,
the compressive stresses within the pavement due to each
load begins to overlap.
The vertical compressive stress generated is maximum
on the surface of the pavement directly which is under the
wheel load and is equal to the contact pressure under the
wheel. So we have placed the crystal setup below d/2 to
ensure maximum effectiveness.
Fig.5: Cross-Section of 32mm Diameter Crystal Setup – Top View

Fig 4: Schematic Diagram of Equivalent Single Wheel Load [14]

VI. METHODOLOGY
The piezoelectric prototype will be placed under the
bituminous layer during regularly scheduled repaving and
will not affect the vehicle movement in terms of surface
smoothness, fuel efficiency, or emissions. A depth of 50mm
from the road surface is suggested for installing the
piezoelectric prototype to allow for regular bituminous
pavement rehabilitation operations. At this depth, the
stresses from traffic loads are about 90% of its maximum
limit at the pavement surface. The centre of the prototype
should be located about 450mm-600mm from the edge of
the traffic lane, typically along the wheel paths where the
traffic loading is maximized.
It is suggested at this preliminary stage that the
generated power will be transferred through electric wires
embedded under the bituminous layer towards the edge of
the pavement to be connected with super-capacitors to store
the energy. In this case, the differential deflections at the
circuits and bituminous interface are minimized. The
harnessed energy can be stored in roadside batteries, fed
directly into the street lightening, recharge electric cars,
power monitoring sensors, illuminate traffic lights, and
defrosting purposes. This will lead to a sustainable
Fig.6: Cross-Section of 32mm Diameter Crystal Setup – Front View
VII. TESTING
A. Load description
Testing was done to simulate the most probable loading
condition on the crystal. Tests were done at a constant
temperature of 25°C. Indian roads are always filled with
mixed traffic with various vehicles at different speeds with
varying load capacities. To match the real scenario, our test is
designed to cover most of them. They were starting from a
minimum loading condition of 1KN at 1Hz, resembling a bike
to 20KN at 10Hz to account for heavy trucks at the large
frequency. We also took 5KN at 5Hz loading, and the results
obtained are displayed in the form of a graph. The voltage
obtained was close to theoretical prediction. The tests were
repeated for the two diameters of crystal setup.

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B. Testing
The required dynamic loading for testing is carried out by
the universal testing machine – MTS LANDMARK (Fig 7).
Dynamic Properties of Elastomeric materials and components
is characterized by specifically designed MTS landmark 200
Hz Elastomer test system. This system is capable of
generating frequencies up to 200 Hz with maximum force
capacities of up to 25 KN. Test specimens containing
piezoelectric crystals were packed and locked in its position
under the machine. The dynamic loading is started with 25
mm diameter crystal setup with 1kN at 1Hz and carried up to
20KN at 10 Hz. The same test procedure was also conducted
with 32 mm diameter crystal setup and the peak voltages
produced with their respective loading conditions were
observed for analysis.
DCPL-5 Piezoelectric crystal setup of 2 varying diameters
25 mm & 32mm were tested. It is observed that the loading
area is more for a 32 mm diameter crystal setup, and thus the
stress becomes relatively smaller when compared to a 25 mm
diameter crystal setup. The voltage produced on the crystal is
directly proportional to the pressure applied on it; a 25 mm
diameter crystal setup produced more voltage than a 32mm
diameter crystal setup under similar loading conditions. This
is a notable phenomenon as we learn that we can maximize
the efficiency of load application by minimizing the loading
area. The results (Table II) also reflect the above phenomenon
as a 32mm diameter crystal setup gives 14% less voltage
output than the 25mm diameter crystal setup. The Ultimate
Bearing Strength of the crystals will not be a problem in this
scenario, and hence, we found that opting for small diameter
crystals saves capital cost and considerably increases the
voltage obtained. Output voltages obtained for different
loading criterias are displayed in Fig 8 and Fig 9 below.

Fig 8: Voltage in peak loading condition of DCPL-5 crystal diameter 25mm

Fig.7: Dynamic Loading of 25 mm diameter crystal setup in MTS

LANDMARK Universal Testing Machine

VIII. ANALYSIS OF RESULTS

Fig.9: Voltage in peak loading condition of DCPL-5 crystal diameter 32mm

TABLE II
PEAK VOLTAGE IN DIFFERENT LOADING CONDITION

Diameter Loading Stress on Peak Voltage in

Of Load Load Area Stress Area of single different loading
crystal (KN) (mm2) (MPa) single crystal crystal condition (V)
(mm) (mm2) (MPa) 1 Hz 5 Hz 10 Hz
1 10,000 0.1 490.87 0.50 1 2.2 2.9
25 5 10,000 0.5 490.87 2.54 4.7 7.9 12.2
20 10,000 2 490.87 10.18 21.5 24.5 29.5
1 10,000 0.1 804.24 0.31 0.86 1.87 2.3
32 5 10,000 0.5 804.24 1.55 3.79 7.9 11.36
20 10,000 2 804.24 6.21` 16.9 21.4 25.54

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 IX. COST FOR INSTALLATION OF PIEZOELECTRIC subsidence, sinkholes, expansions preventing sudden failures
PAVEMENT and monitoring important vulnerable bridges. In comparison
with other existing conventional energy sources, cost
Piezoelectric crystal = Rs.450 /piece competitiveness is the main challenge to be addressed,
Each setup needs 4 crystals = Rs.1800 because the piezoelectric energy harvesting technology is still
Each lane consists of 8 setup = Rs. 14,400 in its infancy. Nevertheless, it can also be substantially
Connecting wires = Rs.2000 /lane reduced if a large number of such devices and accessories are
Circuit = Rs.5000 /lane produced in mass scale with advanced technologies. Lastly,
Rechargeable Battery = Rs.10000 /lane this technology reduces CO2 emissions due to power
Installation cost = Rs1000 /lane generation and has significant potential in future, if it is given
Total cost for one full circuit = Rs.32,400 (for one street enough attention and funded by NGOs and governmental
light) organisations.
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The work is tested successfully, simulating the actual
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