WPB tells us that the A10 East highway from Watergraafsmeer to Amstel has undergone a complete transformation with the installation of a new, smooth-textured asphalt layer. The project boasts a two-layer porous asphalt (ZOAB) system made up of 5-millimeter aggregates—offering a notably smoother, quieter ride for motorists.
Asphalt also historically contains sand, fillers, and crushed stones, all supported by bitumen. Polymerized bitumen is typically employed to enhance binding and strength, but the acrylic fibers are employed in this instance in place of the usual polymers. These tiny, 3.2-millimeter-long fibers serve as internal reinforcement, with very good resistance to aging and increased mechanical strength and extended service life of the pavement.
Other than its strength, such a fiber-reinforced asphalt also offers environmental advantages. The mixture can be produced at reduced temperatures, incurring less energy use and more effective recycling processes. These make it a cleaner alternative compared to conventional asphalt mixtures.
This application is the first time that the fiber-reinforced mixture is used in a fine-grained top layer. The resurfacing process on A10 East was conducted by BAM Infra Nederland for Rijkswaterstaat, the Dutch national road administration. BAM has already implemented the fiber technology on several road networks like A4, A15, A18, A59, and Gooiseweg. The A10 East is still a pioneering step to utilize this material to provide structural and acoustic advantages.
Rijkswaterstaat will be monitoring the performance of this new pavement closely in the coming years, focusing particularly on critical parameters such as noise reduction, skid resistance, and long-term durability.
This lower production temperature not only conserves energy but also lowers CO₂ emissions considerably—synergistic with overall sustainability goals. As Rijkswaterstaat puts it, this innovation is an improvement toward developing a circular asphalt economy, in which road materials are economically recycled and reused in new works.
Lastly, the A10 East upgrade showcases the symbiosis of technological innovation, material science, and sustainability to improve road performance. Utilizing non-aging acrylic fibers in fine-grained asphalt may set the benchmark for future infrastructure development and lead the Netherlands into a more green, quiet, and clean transport system.
By Bitumenmag
Asphalt, Bitumen, Technology
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