Scotland trials roads using Genan's polyoctenamer technology

ERJ staff report (DS)

Dundee, Scotland - The first major UK trial of a new asphalt made partly from recycled waste tyres has been successfully completed on behalf of Transport Scotland by Breedon Aggregates.

Unlike previous attempts at using rubber in asphalt, which usually involved trying to “melt” the rubber completely before mixing it with stone and bitumen, Breedon Aggregates has employed technology from Danish company Genan which - it claims - enables it to incorporate rubber particles directly into the binding agent. This, said Breedon, “is achieved at lower temperatures, with lower levels of emissions, bringing significant environmental benefits.”

Genan's recycling technology is used to separate scrap tyres into their basic components: rubber powder and granulate, steel and textile. The rubber powder is then mixed with a semi-crystalline polyoctenamer to produce a bitumen and asphalt modifier. It is this modifier which Breedon has used to produce its new Breedon Polymer R+ surfacing material.

The trial is taking place on a heavily-used stretch of the A90 dual carriageway between Perth and Dundee. Late in April, the short stretch was resurfaced with the new material and a recently-completed 'grip test' on the new surface has now confirmed its viability. This stretch of road is one of the busiest in Scotland, carrying around 35,000 vehicles a day. Over the next few months the material will be closely monitored against a number of key performance criteria, including skid resistance, and the early indications are very encouraging.

Following the success of the trial in Scotland, Breedon Aggregates will now begin to market the new material, to be called Breedon Polymer R+, from its

18 asphalt plants throughout Scotland and England.

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Press release from Breedon Aggregates

A90 rubber road success Herald (UK - Scotland)

The first major UK trial of a new asphalt made partly from old tyres is underway in Scotland. Construction Index (UK - Scotland)

New asphalt using recycled rubber trialled on surface of A90 STV (UK - Scotland)