Rubberised Asphalt Foundation established in US

ERJ staff report (TB)

Chevy Chase, Maryland - Representatives of academia, government and industry have come together to establish the Rubberised Asphalt Foundation (RAF), a research body dedicated to the science and practical use of recycled tyre rubber in asphalt.

“Asphalt rubber is a sustainable alternative to natural resources that provides many advantages beyond the obvious environmental benefits of recycling scrap tyres,” said George Way, chairman of the RAF and retired chief pavement design engineer for the Arizona Department of Transportation.

“This is a cause we all believe in, and this foundation is the evolution of many years of work by individuals and organisations who are dedicated to developing rubberised asphalt for broad use.”

Chevy Chased-based RAF said it is dedicated to becoming a comprehensive resource focused on rubberised asphalt. It intends to developing a web-based repository of data, including projects, studies, specifications and other information that are valuable to those exploring and/or deciding on the use of recycled rubber in asphalt.

As the organisation gains membership, the RAF intends to host forums and events and develop original research presented as white papers and case studies.

The RAF's board of directors include figures from academia, government and industry who advocate for the technical development of recycled rubber for asphalt applications:

• Mark Belshe, director, Rubber Pavement Association;
• Douglas Carlson, vice president of asphalt products, Liberty Tire Recycling L.L.C.;
• K. C. Evans, geologist, Texas Department of Transportation;
• Kamil Kaloush, professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University;
• Jeff Smith, asphalt rubber expert, International Surfacing Systems;
• Richard Stubstad, engineer, Dynatest Consulting Inc.; and
• George Way, retired chief pavement design engineer, Arizona Department of Transportation; chief engineer, Consulpav International; adjunct professor, Arizona State University

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)

Press release from Rubberized Asphalt Foundation