Alex Fraser glassphalt in roads trial

alex fraser asphalt

Victoria’s leading asphalt suppliers Alex Fraser, Downer and Fulton Hogan have combined to build some of the state’s greenest roads in the heart of the western suburbs. 

Alex Fraser’s asphalt crews were enlisted to resurface two streets in Deer Park with a range of sustainable asphalt mixes containing recycled glass sand from the three major suppliers. 

Dominic Di Martino, Brimbank City Council Asset and Property Services Manager, says that maximising the use of recycled content in roads is a priority for the council.

“The Department of Transport (formerly VicRoads) has allowed the use of glass in asphalt wearing course since the beginning of 2022. As a council, we want to make more sustainable choices wherever we can,” Dominic says 

“This demonstration is a way of qualifying sustainable products as a smart choice for future road projects.”

Melissa Lyons, Australian Road Research Board Senior Technology Leader for Sustainability and Material Performance, says that the Brimbank initiative is a demonstration of the circular economy in action.

“It’s exciting to see this local council-driven initiative putting more recycled materials into roads,” she says. 

“The use of recycled glass sand in lower layers of asphalt isn’t new, but some people still get a bit nervous about putting recycled glass in the wearing course – or the ‘top layer’. There’s a misconception that it’s sharp and abrasive, but that’s not the case – it’s as smooth as regular sand.

“Glass in the wearing course is something the Department of Transport wants to explore more, too. Validations like this provide great examples to regulators and other municipalities of how sustainable products can be used in roads and deliver great performance results such as durability, longevity and rut resistance.”

Alex Fraser asphaltMelissa says the new green pavements will be subject to performance testing.

“We’ll be coming back to conduct testing several times. This street, although residential, gets quite a bit of traffic due to the neighbouring school; somewhere in the region of 6000 cars a day. 

“The council will conduct their own maintenance monitoring as well.

“All this testing should provide a level of assurance to Brimbank City Council that investing in high recycled content asphalt makes sense in the long-term, and hopefully it will encourage neighbouring councils to consider using greener asphalt, too.” 

Brendan Camilleri, Alex Fraser Asphalt General Manager, says the project is a demonstration of how councils can achieve a circular economy, and work together with a range of stakeholders to build sustainable infrastructure.

“It’s exciting to see all three major asphalt suppliers come together on a project like this. Alex Fraser’s Green Roads Glassphalt has been paved alongside sustainable asphalt by Fulton Hogan and Downer, as well as a control mix that does not contain recycled glass,” Brendan says. 

“For consistency, the entire project was paved by the same Alex Fraser asphalt crew, and the same equipment. All sections of the project contained a percentage of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), and the three test sections contain varying amounts of recycled glass sand.

“We’re looking forward to hearing and sharing the results of ARRB and Brimbank’s testing and monitoring of these new green roads next year.”  

For more information, visit: www.alexfraser.com.au

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