Road-to-Road/ Verschränkung neuartiger Methoden zur effizienten „Road-to-Road“ Inwertsetzung von Altasphalt

Running Time

01.04.2024 - 31.03.2027

State-of-the-art and motivation

Because the availability of alternative materials and technologies is limited (e.g. concrete pavements are not an alternative from a sustainability perspective) and economic and infrastructural aspects (existing road infrastructure) have to be taken into account when repairing and building roads, flexible pavements will continue to be predominant in the foreseeable future. In the spirit of sustainable development and accounting for the continuously increasing climate crisis, closed material cycles shall be established, having better energy and greenhouse gas balances as compared to a linear material vita (raw material – use - disposal). As part of the current project, the methods suitable for the assessment of old asphalt shall be combined in order to enable the comprehensive re-use of old asphalt.

Contents, goals, methodology

Using analytical methods as well as methods for the mechanical characterization, the possible allowance of rejuvenators/polymers shall be evaluated. In addition to the mentioned experimental methods, model-based methods shall be used to describe the aging process and the mechanical properties for the goal-oriented optimization of the performance/durability of recycled asphalt. Ultimately, the advantages of the planned approach, originating from the combination of the methods mentioned, shall be demonstrated at three road construction sites. In addition, as part of the project, this approach shall be expanded towards existing roads, enabling a comprehensive assessment of available asphalt resource (bitumen and aggregate) and its recycling potential.

Expected results

In addition to the considered methods, the combined use of these methods and ultimately the application to road construction sites and existing roads, a comprehensive economic/ecological assessment shall demonstrate the advantages of the chosen research approach. Beneficial effects, such as improving the CO₂ balance through shorter transport routes, reducing landfill volume through recycling of old asphalt and the use of less raw material, shall be taken into account considering various maintenance scenarios.

Project management

Univ.Prof. Dr. Roman Lackner
Institute for Construction and Material Technology, University Innsbruck

Project partners

• Nievelt Labor GmbH

Institute for Construction and Material Technology
University Innsbruck
Technikerstraße 11/13, A 6020 Innsbruck
Tel.: +43 512 507-63501
E-Mail: materialtechnologie@uibk.ac.at
www.uibk.ac.at/mti