A step towards a complete characterisation of asphalt pavements
The deterioration of roads is an inevitable phenomenon which results in the appearance of pathologies such as cracks and deformations which put the safety of road users at risk, multiply the environmental impact and require costly maintenance work which affects economic well-being.
In countries such as ours, where traffic intensity and exposure to extreme temperatures are increasing, the situation is further aggravated by reducing the service life of pavements.
In this context, it is essential to understand in depth the behaviour of the materials that make up bituminous mixes, especially bitumen, whose ageing has a direct impact on the pavement's ability to withstand mechanical demands. Analysing how their properties evolve over time is essential to design more durable solutions, adapted to the environment and with better economic performance.
This is in addition to the orientation set by new regulations and trends in terms of sustainability, promoting the revaluation of recycled asphalt pavements (RAP), Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement). Recycling of milled materials in the manufacture of new mixes requires precise knowledge of the condition of the aged binder and its ability to integrate well with virgin bitumens, aggregates or additives.
In order to respond to these needs, the Construction Technology Centre of the Region of Murcia has recently incorporated a bitumen extractor, a key element in the process of characterising bituminous mixes and in the performance evaluation of the binder in both existing and recycled pavements.
This new equipment allows bitumen to be separated from the other components efficiently and without altering its chemical or physical properties. As a result, it is possible to examine the actual condition of the binder after years of service and assess its potential for reuse in future applications.
With this acquisition, CTCON takes a further step in its commitment to technological innovation, strengthening its role in the research and development of sustainable transport infrastructures.
