Biobaserad asfalt för hållbar infrastruktur

Purpose and goal

The objective of this project is to evaluate the long-term performance of asphalt pavement structures made of bio-extended binders, thus reducing the climate impact of the asphalt production. To achieve this, a full-scale accelerated tests as well as field tests will be conducted.

Expected effects and result

The expected outcomes of this project can assist The Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket) as well as the bitumen and construction industry in understanding the effects of bio-extended binders on the long-term pavement conditions. This can serve as a basis for establishing knowledge regarding the bio-extended binders with respect to long-term performance, thus, facilitate a wider implementation and further development of bio-extended binders in the asphalt industry.

Planned approach and implementation

The first step of this project mainly focuses on laboratory characterization of the bio-asphalt materials. In the second step, full-scale evaluation of instrumented test structures will be conducted using an accelerated full-scale test facility at VTI. Additionally, a field test section on a selected heavy trafficked road will be constructed using a bio-extended binder and monitored using sensors installed in the pavement as well as non-destructive test methods and surface profile measurements. Life cycle cost analysis of the pavement structures will also be conducted.