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Admixtures for bituminous conglomerates
Published on 29 January 2021
Italy
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About this good practice
New admixtures for creating bituminous conglomerates has been developed that allow substantial amounts of road asphalt to be recycled.
LCA methodology allowed to compare the environmental impacts caused by manufacturing asphalt containing only pure material, with an asphalt containing
15% RAP (recycled asphalt pavement) and another one with a 40% RAP: these new admixtures promote the use of high percentages of RAP.
Thanks to ACF (Chemical Functional Additives) and the subseguent use of a higher percentage of RAP (also more than 40%), the carbon footprint decreases around of 6% and the ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) of 30%.
This study had as specific goal the communication of the carbon footprint (as main environmental category); moreover, ten more environmental indicators were considered (according to the specific PCR – Product Category Rules -for the asphalt mixtures).
It is important to underline as the goal of this study was not the EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) certification; so, the choice to follow specific PCR was defined by our determination to operate inside a regulated and shared mode.
Among the considered environmental indicators, only a couple of them highlighted a performance reduction (ADPe: potential of abiotic resources reduction and the potential for terrestrial ecotoxicity) if compared to the standard scenario (with no use of ACF admixture).
Our scope is, of course, to go on with the R&D in this field and improve environmental performances
LCA methodology allowed to compare the environmental impacts caused by manufacturing asphalt containing only pure material, with an asphalt containing
15% RAP (recycled asphalt pavement) and another one with a 40% RAP: these new admixtures promote the use of high percentages of RAP.
Thanks to ACF (Chemical Functional Additives) and the subseguent use of a higher percentage of RAP (also more than 40%), the carbon footprint decreases around of 6% and the ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) of 30%.
This study had as specific goal the communication of the carbon footprint (as main environmental category); moreover, ten more environmental indicators were considered (according to the specific PCR – Product Category Rules -for the asphalt mixtures).
It is important to underline as the goal of this study was not the EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) certification; so, the choice to follow specific PCR was defined by our determination to operate inside a regulated and shared mode.
Among the considered environmental indicators, only a couple of them highlighted a performance reduction (ADPe: potential of abiotic resources reduction and the potential for terrestrial ecotoxicity) if compared to the standard scenario (with no use of ACF admixture).
Our scope is, of course, to go on with the R&D in this field and improve environmental performances
Expert opinion
LCA studies the environmental aspect and potential impact of a product throughout its life cycle (i.e. cradle-to-grave), from raw material acquisition through production, use and disposal. The general categories of environmental impacts in need of consideration include resource use, human health, and ecological consequences. Here, LCA was used to compare the lifecycle of virgin and recycled asphalt with additives. This good practice can inspire municipalities to adopt a more circular approach to road building through the use of recycled asphalt.
Works at
Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform
Resources needed
3 People of Sustainability Dept.
2 People of R&D Admixtures for Concrete
GaBi Software
2 People of R&D Admixtures for Concrete
GaBi Software
Evidence of success
Our company WAS REWARDED AS BEST PERFORMER IN THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY 2019/2020 devised by Confindustria (the Confederation of the Italian manufacturing and service companies)
Potential for learning or transfer
The calculations carried out by the Environmental Sustainability Department showed using asphalt containing 50% RAP resulted in savings in Kg CO2eq compared to asphalt containing only vergin materials. CO2 emissions could be reduced by up to 6% in the case of asphalt with 40% RAP, thanks to the use of ACF Admixtures.
The LCA study highlights as the main contribution to the several environmental categories considered (including the carbon footprint), came from the manufacturing of the bituminous conglomerate and its laying.
Further studies and attention for these aspects (manufacturing of bituminous conglomerates and its laying process), could improve the environmental impacts related to the use of asphalt (not only in Italy but globally).
It is up to the Institutions to select the best technologies available today in the field of asphalt manufacturing and laying (if we talk about the repairing of public roads and motorways for example).
The LCA study highlights as the main contribution to the several environmental categories considered (including the carbon footprint), came from the manufacturing of the bituminous conglomerate and its laying.
Further studies and attention for these aspects (manufacturing of bituminous conglomerates and its laying process), could improve the environmental impacts related to the use of asphalt (not only in Italy but globally).
It is up to the Institutions to select the best technologies available today in the field of asphalt manufacturing and laying (if we talk about the repairing of public roads and motorways for example).
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Lombardy region
Italy
Lombardia
Contact