Dry-process rubberized asphalt using engineered crumb rubber: field performance in USA and in Europe

Description

Dry-process rubberized asphalt using engineered crumb rubber: field performance in USA and in Europe

N. Schüwer, P. Rath, L.A. de Leόn, S. Megert, W. Buttlar and R. Clark

ABSTRACT.

While the problem associated with the recycling of end-of-life tyres has been a burden for societies and a serious environmental concern, rubberized asphalt appears as a great method to valorize waste tyres since this approach allows for pavement performance improvement and efficient end-of-life tyres management.

The engineered rubber crumb (ECR) is a chemically activated rubber powder obtained from end-of-life tyres that has been specifically designed for the dry process production method. The ECR additive allows for a performance increase as compared with traditional pavements. The roads produced with this technology have comparable high-performance properties than the one made from polymer-modified bitumen but come at a reduced price and lower carbon footprint.

The ECR technology has been used successfully for more than 15 years in the USA and it is well documented. Extensive laboratory studies have demonstrated that the ECR technology is able to produce pavement materials of high performances and in compliance with technical requirements. Recently several test sections have been realized in Europe and the quality of the pavement laid in the field matched the positive results obtained at the laboratory scale.

KEYWORDS: Rubberized asphalt, dry process, engineered crumb rubber Subtitle