On November 25, 2024, the School of Engineering and Technology at Walailak University congratulates Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanongsak Imjai, a faculty member of the Civil Engineering program, and his research team for their groundbreaking achievement. They unveiled the first Glow-in-the-Dark hybrid road studs and glowing road in Southern Thailand, an innovation supported by funding from Japan.
The research team successfully developed hybrid glow-in-the-dark road studs, combining Glow-in-the-Dark (GiD) technology with recycled glass powder. This innovation aims to enhance nighttime road safety while introducing the region’s first glowing road at Walailak University.
The project was funded by the Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Welfare Foundation Research Grant 2022 from Japan. The technology absorbs light during the day and emits it at night without relying on additional energy sources. By integrating recycled materials, the production costs were reduced by up to 30%, and landfill waste was minimized.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanongsak emphasized that this innovation not only reduces accidents but also promotes environmental sustainability. The project has been recognized internationally, with publications in Q1-ranked journals. Real-world application of the glowing road studs demonstrated their durability under heavy vehicle loads and performance across varying weather conditions.
With support from Japan, this project opens new avenues for expanding the use of these innovations in other parts of Thailand and the region, further contributing to road safety and environmental conservation.
The School of Engineering and Technology takes pride in this accomplishment and looks forward to further innovations that will have a positive impact on society.
