First tests successful: more recycled asphalt applied to Swiss roads

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With a joint project of the Federal Materials Test and Research Institute (Empa), the Federal Road Agency (Astra), the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), the cantons of Zurich and Graubünden and various industrial partners, the researchers wanted to increase the capacity to increase the share of recycled asphalt in Strassen.

According to Empa, significantly more asphalt waste has been produced in Switzerland so far than can be reused. Every year, 750,000 tons of asphalt from the Swiss road network would end up in landfills.

One obstacle to more asphalt recycling is that the binder in the asphalt ages and becomes stiff over time. This leads to a susceptibility to cracking. Moreover, the material is sometimes very heterogeneous.

The Empa researchers have therefore developed calculation models that can be used to calculate the perfect mixture for a specific application. Using a model, the permissible variability depending on future use can be calculated. Another is the dosage of the rejuvenating agents to be added. These are oily substances that soften the old binder in the asphalt and make it usable again.

On Aathalstrasse in Uster, 30 percent recycled asphalt has been added to the top layer. According to Empa, for such a busy road, no recycling material is usually used in the surface layer. Yet there were no cracks.

On the route over the Lukmanier Pass, the climatic conditions are considered difficult for the use of recycled asphalt. In the Empa text, however, the material proved resistant to cracking despite temperature fluctuations.

However, the two test tracks will continue to be monitored for the next two years, as Empa wrote. (SDA)

Source:Blick