World first: validation of new asphalt mixtures increase circularity and reduce environmental impact

With this certificate, ART and its shareholders Ballast Nedam, Boskalis, Strukton and Van Gelder are demonstrating that the validated asphalt mixtures containing up to 65% high-grade recycled asphalt granulate may be produced and supplied in overlays. Moreover, this certificate confirms that the mixtures are equivalent to asphalt mixtures with primary raw materials. ART and its shareholders are the first worldwide to be allowed to structurally use these asphalt overlay mixtures.

Various asphalt mixture types were validated within this process, including AC surf, SMA, DGD, (D)ZOAB. For these mixtures, up to a maximum of 65% recycling equivalence has been demonstrated with respect to the mixtures prescribed in the RAW provisions. This means that the validated mixtures can be used with just as much risk. Depending on the high-quality asphalt granulate available, the validation also applies to mixtures with less than 65% recycling. This large group of validated asphalt mixtures can be applied anywhere by ART and its shareholders, on municipal, provincial and national roads.

Circularity

This high percentage of 65% circularity in overlays is possible because asphalt granulate is systematically collected at the Asphalt Recycling Plant. This is then regranulated and separated into different fractions. This creates high-quality and certified building materials which can be reused in new asphalt.

Research

The validation was carried out at TRL (Technology Readiness Level) level 7. Here, equivalence with the usual RAW mixtures was demonstrated with studies in many test sections and in the laboratories. ART and its shareholders have brand-new and modern laboratories for research into the composition and quality of materials and pavements. Together, they continuously invest in knowledge and innovation to produce the best sustainable asphalt in the Netherlands.

Through these innovations and research into the use of our asphalt mixtures, we are taking vital steps towards reducing the impact on the environment, in combination with keeping the Dutch infrastructure accessible.