The road construction industry can contribute to the circular economy by creating sustainable roads for a sustainable society, writes Melissa Lyons, Senior Professional Leader, the Australian Road Research Board.
TSA and ARRB trial crumb rubber asphalt
A crumb rubber asphalt trial will soon begin in Melbourne, with funding from Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) and the Australian Road Research Board (ARRB).
According to TSA CEO Lina Goodman, while crumb rubber is routinely used in rural road surfacing in Victoria, more testing is needed on highly trafficked roads.
“The aim of this project is to increase the opportunity to use crumb rubber in metropolitan roads,” Ms Goodman said.
“This trial is a landmark opportunity in the development of the circular economy in Australia.”
ARRB will trial a range of asphalt mixes and monitor performance over time.
ARRB Senior Professional Leader Melissa Lyons said the trial is a first of its kind in regard to scale and number of testing mixes.
“ARRB is proud to be a supporting partner of this project, which is about finding sustainable solutions to Australia’s tyre problem,” Ms Lyons said.
The crumb rubber asphalt will be laid on a 1.5 kilometre southbound East Boundary Road carriageway, between Centre Road and South Road in Bentleigh East.
Lab and field testing will be conducted at regular intervals, with a final report due by mid 2022.
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