Bitumen binder may delay road surface deterioration
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
A bitumen binder made from a blend of materials may help increase the life of road surfaces. The product, Styrelf Long Life, is made by TOTAL UK. It is being mixed with asphalt in a trial being conducted on a section of the A43 near Silverstone in Northamptonshire. The test is being overseen by Highways England with support from Tarmac. The trial began in April 2021 and is expected to last up to 15 years.
[edit] Product information
Styrelf Long Life is formulated to make road surfaces more resistant to the elements. Roads made from Styrelf oxidise at a slower rate and so should stay flexible and crack-free for longer periods of time. It offers high elastic recovery and withstands repeated loading to provide resistance from wear.
It is a polymer-modified binder (PMB) bitumen that is produced by cross linking bitumen and thermoplastic elastomers. This results in an in-situ, three-dimensional polymer bitumen matrix with a homogenous microstructure suitable for extreme environments.
Styrelf has been tested in the laboratories of TOTAL, at Tarmac’s site in Elstow in Bedfordshire and on sections of road in The Netherlands and Germany. The A43 trial is the first time it has been used with high traffic levels in the UK.
[edit] Environmental aspects
By helping to slow the need for frequent repairs and maintenance, the Styrelf treated surfaces could help cut carbon emissions by reducing the demand for replacement materials - as well as the disruption of traffic. TOTAL estimates that getting the asphalt required to resurface a mile of single lane carriageway - not including transport to site and working with it - can produce up to 26.5 tonnes of CO2.
Technical experts from TOTAL will regularly measure the performance of the material against an equivalent control section put in place at the same time on the A43. Test results will be evaluated before its use is considered elsewhere in the country.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Shortage of high-quality data threatening the AI boom
And other fundamental issues highlighted by the Open Data Institute.
Data centres top the list of growth opportunities
In robust, yet heterogenous world BACS market.
Increased funding for BSR announced
Within plans for next generation of new towns.
New Towns Taskforce interim policy statement
With initial reactions to the 6 month policy update.
Heritage, industry and slavery
Interpretation must tell the story accurately.
PM announces Building safety and fire move to MHCLG
Following recommendations of the Grenfell Inquiry report.
Conserving the ruins of a great Elizabethan country house.
BSRIA European air conditioning market update 2024
Highs, lows and discrepancy rates in the annual demand.
50 years celebrating the ECA Apprenticeship Awards
As SMEs say the 10 years of the Apprenticeship Levy has failed them.
Nominations sought for CIOB awards
Celebrating construction excellence in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
EPC consultation in context: NCM, SAP, SBEM and HEM
One week to respond to the consultation on reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings framework.
CIAT Celebrates 60 years of Architectural Technology
Find out more #CIAT60 social media takeover.
The BPF urges Chancellor for additional BSR resources
To remove barriers and bottlenecks which delay projects.
Flexibility over requirements to boost apprentice numbers
English, maths and minimumun duration requirements reduced for a 10,000 gain.
A long term view on European heating markets
BSRIA HVAC 2032 Study.
Humidity resilience strategies for home design
Frequency of extreme humidity events is increasing.
National Apprenticeship Week 2025
Skills for life : 10-16 February