NEWS

June 12, 2023

A new research project is launched together with CHM.

Aim of the project

This project will automate quality control in the production process of bituminous mixtures.

The project VAXAMA (Research and Development of New Artificial Vision Techniques for the Production of Bituminous Mixtures) aims to develop a methodology to automate the process of controlling the production of bituminous mixtures through the application of new non-destructive testing techniques using artificial vision and image analysis.

The development of this project has been made possible thanks to the support of the Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI). For its implementation, a partially reimbursable aid of 507,789.15 € has been granted out of a total budget of 597,399.00 €. In addition, this assistance is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)through Spain's multi-regional operational programme 2021-2027.

Within the framework of the project, it is intended to carry out various activities that comprise, in the first phase, the research and design of new characterisation techniques and methodologies by means of non-destructive testing on a laboratory scale. This work is essential to achieve the final objectives of the project, which consist of the development of a characterisation technology at industrial level, to be integrated into the production processes of an asphalt plant.

During the course of this project, the aim is to bring together current trends aimed at new approaches in the manufacture of bituminous mixes, in accordance with the priority lines of action of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan. On the one hand, the main objective of the project is to automate processes and digitalise asphalt pavements during the production stage. Another important technological innovation presented in the project is the development of an image analysis methodology, through the use of specific software and Artificial Intelligence (AI), which allows the characterisation and quality control in the production of asphalt mixtures.

All in all, CTCON will actively collaborate in the correct development of the planned works, providing support and technical assistance in each of the stages and tasks defined throughout the project. In addition, given the complexity and magnitude of the tasks foreseen, this project intends to count with the in collaboration with CENIEH (National Centre for Research on Human Evolution). y Novadep ScientificThe project is based on his proven experience in image analysis for materials characterisation.