stackyFACTSThose steep gravel ramps you see branching off mountainous highways are marvels of kinetic energy dissipation.
Those steep gravel ramps you see branching off mountainous highways are marvels of kinetic energy dissipation. If an eighteen-wheeler completely loses its air brakes on a massive decline, these ramps provide a violent but safe stopping mechanism. The deep beds of uncompacted gravel are mathematically calculated to trap heavy tires instantly, absorbing the massive momentum and preventing a catastrophic highway collision.
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