New research from the University of Nottingham is leading the way to generate bio-based road paving materials, as an alternative to fossil fuel-based substances, in support of net zero targets.
To reduce the environmental footprint of road construction and reach these net zero targets, researchers from the University of Nottingham's Transportation Engineering Centre (NTEC)—led by Professor Gordon Airey, Dr Anand Sreeram, and Yongping Hu—collaborated with Professor Abir Al-Tabbaa from the University of Cambridge to develop methods to effectively characterise sustainable bio-based replacements for fossil fuel-based resources.
Increasing environmental concerns and current net zero targets have led academics to consider the need for alternative, sustainable resources as a replacement for fossil fuel-derived bitumen; the primary material used for road construction.
Bitumen is derived from non-renewable fossil fuel-based resources and has been forecasted that the continuous increase in fossil fuel consumption will ultimately lead to energy shortages.
The team evaluated materials, including bio-additives and bitumen, to assess the performance characteristics of the materials, such as low temperature cracking and long-term durability.
The study demonstrates that solubility science can effectively guide the development and selection of bio-additives for modifying bitumen by filling a gap in existing knowledge and offering useful ideas for creating sustainable and high-quality bio-based bitumen.
The findings indicate that the employed bio-additives enhance low-temperature performance of bitumen by lowering critical temperatures and reducing cracking susceptibility. They also improve fatigue performance by reducing stresses, prolonging fatigue life, and decreasing strain dependency.
Their work highlights the pivotal role of developing science-driven frameworks to shape the next generation of eco-friendly transportation infrastructure, bridging technical innovation with environmental needs.
The transition to sustainable alternatives for traditional bitumen is imminent.
Professor Airey continued: "This research, alongside ongoing initiatives, solidifies Nottingham's leadership in delivering practical, high-performance solutions for the future of road infrastructure in the UK and around the world."
