In April 2008, UTC engineering students, under Dr. Fomunung’s guidance, worked with the City of Chattanooga Department of Public Works to pave E. 5th Street with a modified Novachip microsurface. The material is often too expensive for governments to use, but UTC students worked with the city to modify the material using local aggregate sources, reducing the overall cost.
Novachip technology’s coarse aggregate matrix allows the surface to dispose of water quickly, reducing roadway spray and providing greater visibility in wet weather. The application process for the material is also quicker, meaning less traffic disruption.
