Materials

The Asphalt Institute Foundation (AIF) has released Request for Proposals (RFP) for research into asphalt durability. These next-generation specifications are intended to boost asphalt performance and sustainability. The RFPs are being funded through the AIF research committee. The research areas originated from discussions held at the inaugural AIF-sponsored Strategic Asphalt Research (STAR) symposium. The RFPs are available on the Asphalt Institute Foundation’s website at asphaltfoundation.org. The deadl

Cross-linking agents can vastly improve the stability and performance of polymer-modified bitumen (PMB), according to additive specialist Iterchimica. Modified bitumen can become unstable when it is stored inside a tank because the polymer rises to the top, meaning that the rheological behaviour of the bitumen varies through the tank. Cross-linking agents modify bitumen through a chemical action that stabilises the bitumen inside the tank to create a homogenous PMB and, hence, a homogeneous asphalt conc

A huge surplus of waste tyres and a strengthening commitment towards sustainability from local authorities has prompted asphalt supplier Tarmac to invest in technology to add crumb rubber to its mixes. Around 40 million tyres are worn out every year in the UK. Some are burnt as fuel for cement kilns, others are turned to crumb rubber for use in sports fields and yet more are incorporated into items such as car mats. The surplus – sometimes as much as 120,000 tonnes annually - is often shipped abroad for

A leading civil engineering firm and road contractor, Socogetra, has upgraded three of its asphalt plants, boosting efficiency. The key to the upgrade has been the revamp of the control system, which allows the firm to produce mix specifications more accurately and effectively than before. This is crucial given the increasing requirement for higher quality asphalt mixes for road construction purposes. Socogetra said that it had been using its proven Ammann AS2000plus Control System for many years. Howeve

Bunting Magnetics celebrated 60 years in business by supplying a one of the largest quarries in the US state of Georgia with a Bunting PCB1206-EL Permanent Crossbelt Separator.

New developments in asphalt plant technology are offering better cost efficiency and materials quality for the industry

The Canadian province of Ontario has earmarked around US$1 billion for road repairs and upgrades during 2019. The money is for 123 projects of which around $384 million will go to 20 projects in central Ontario. Northeastern Ontario will receive $218 million for 32 highway projects, mostly along Highway 11 – at nearly 1,800km the second longest in Ontario, Canada’s mostly populous province. Highway 11 runs from the provincial capital Toronto northwards and then westwards to the border with Manitoba pr