To promote sustainability in road resurfacing and construction, local councils should focus on the three key pillars of sustainable pavements: adopting high-performance materials for longer lifespan and reduced thickness; implementing warm and cold mix techniques to replace traditional hot mix asphalt; and using low-carbon and recycled materials.
This presentation will focus on the third pillar, exploring innovative solutions that enhance sustainability in local council roads. Drawing on past projects and case studies, we highlight several approaches. One such method is the use of plastic modified binders, which incorporate recycled plastic into bitumen to create hot mix asphalt. This solution not only promotes a circular economy but also improves technical performance and reduces overall carbon footprints. Another approach involves hybrid binders that combine locally sourced crumb rubber from end-of-life tyres with elastomeric polymers. This reduces reliance on high-carbon imported additives. Finally, we explore the integration of biogenic materials, primarily sourced from agricultural waste, into binder formulations. This approach has been shown to reduce carbon footprints of road projects by over 50%, while still maintaining pavement performance.
This presentation will showcase the environmental benefits of these solutions and their practical implementation in the field, illustrating how local councils can advance sustainable practices in road construction and maintenance.