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Content archived on 2024-05-14

A LOW COST ELASTOMERIC AND IMPACT ABSORBING ASPHALT DERIVED FROM SCRAP TYRES

Objective

Sureflex is an elastomeric, impact absorbing asphalt. Unlike traditional asphalt, which consists of aggregates and a bituminous binder, Sureflex replaces part of the aggregates with rubber crumb derived from end of life tyre casings, and uses a polymer modified bitumen as the binder.This truly flexible pavement contains the properties of viscosity, elasticity and plasticity. The proportions of these properties can be changed by changing the percentage of the ingredients within certain parameters.Initially designed and tested as a single layer replacement for resin-bound shockpads and the asphalt sub-base used in the construction of synthetic hockey pitches, and as a surface to replace 6mm dense asphalt for school playgrounds, Sureflex derivatives already meet relevant Governing bodies performance specifications for pitches and the new French directive, for school playgrounds. The project team has recognised that this unique patented material has many possible uses in road and rail infrastructure. The use of a high percentage of rubber crumb, derived from end of life tyre casings, goes a long way towards meeting proposed EC pending legislation on the banning of tyres into landfill by 2002. Sureflex is arguably the most significant technology available to meet these recycling targets.The project will initially focus on laboratory simulation using the Nottingham University and Delft University Asphalt testing equipment, along with other static tests. At any point in the testing material can be removed and re-designed and the testing continued. Once sufficient knowledge has been assimilated, manufacture and trial installations will take place.Each installation will be constructed in accordance with any Government performance requirements, be monitored over time and the results recorded, manufacturing costs and anticipated life spans calculated, and final mix designs written.The results will be disseminated through the media, and will result in European contractors entering into licence arrangements to manufacture and sell the resultant products. The impact of the technology is significant in the reduction of waste, by turning scrap tyres into a resource; this will benefit the construction industry, the tyre recycling industry in jobs and justification for capital investment in plant. It will benefit the road and rail funders by a reduction in noise and vibration occasioned by road and rail traffic in sensitive areas.

Call for proposal

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Coordinator

PRONOVUS LTD, THE EAST MIDLANDS
EU contribution
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Address
THE HOWITT BUILDING, LENTON BOULEVARD
NG7 2BG NOTTINGHAM
United Kingdom

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Total cost
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Participants (6)