Rubberized Asphalts
Long-lasting, silent and safer roads thanks to recycled rubber
By adding ELT-derived rubber powder to bitumen or bitumen conglomerates, it is possible to produce road asphalts with higher performances with regards to duration, noise reduction, and safety.
The activities of Ecopneus have contributed to consolidate this technology in Italy through scientific research, pilot projects, acoustic monitoring, and support to the Public Administration.
The advantages of rubberized asphalts
Noise reduction:
rubberized asphalts can reduce traffic noise from a 3 to 5 dB, with concrete benefits on noise reduction, especially in urban areas.
Long-lasting and less maintenance:
the elasticity of the modified binder increases resistance to cracks, assuring a longer life compared with traditional asphalts and less maintenance in the course of time.
Greater safety:
the greater resistance to potholes and road deformation improves safety for drivers and motorcyclists.
Recovery of secondary raw material:
it replaces more expensive additives, reduces imports and avoids the use of virgin raw materials, thus reducing energy consumption and emissions during production phases.
Production methods
Wet Method
Rubber is mixed with bitumen to obtain a high-performing binder that is subsequently used for asphalt production. It is the best solution when planning long-lasting road surfaces.
Dry Method
rubber powder is dosed directly in the plant mixer together with aggregated and traditional bitumen. It a solution that can be easily used on existing plants, especially for low noise emission surfaces.
Warm Mix Production
Rubberized asphalts are produced and used at lower temperatures than conventional ones. This approach:
- Reduces fumes and odours in the building site
- Reduces energy consumption and CO2 emissions
- Improves conglomerate workability even in bad weather conditions
In Italy, the warm mix production is the favourite solution for rubberized asphalts. Studies and monitoring campaigns have measured and evaluated its sustainability and compatibility with safety regulations for workers. Ecopneus has promoted and supported these tests il collaboration with universities and technical bodies.us ha promosso e supportato questi test insieme a università ed enti tecnici.
Rubberized asphalts on Italian roads
Rubberized asphalt applications involve all Italian regions. This sections reports all most relevant interventions, chosen to show the efficacy of this solution in various geographical contexts and climate in Italy.
Research project
Finished project
- LIFE SNEAK
European project dedicated to road traffic and tram noise reduction in urban environment through the use of low-noise emission surfaces and soundproofing solutions. Ecopneus is a technical partner for the applications made with ELT-derived rubber, in collaboration with the Council of Florence, universities, and specialised research centres.
Finished projects
- LIFE NEREIDE
Development and testing of road surfaces with ELT-derived rubber and asphalt mills aimed at noise reduction and mechanical performance improvement. - RubbeRAP
Research on rubberized asphalt mill recyclability in new mixes, to increase the system circularity and add further value to rubberized asphalts.
Technical Manuals
For designers, workers and companies. Ecopneus offers a number of technical manuals written in collaboration with universities and research centres. The files offer technical specifications, measured performances, and practical applications of rubberized asphalts. They also offer useful indications for the drafting of specifications.
- Acoustic performances of rubberized asphalts in urban contexts
- Handbook for the production of bitumen with ELT-derived rubber powder
- Reggio Emilia’s Canali alternative route: a green road
- ELT-derived rubberized asphalts for urban viability