Bituminous conglomerate (asphalt) regeneration is an advanced technique that allows the functional characteristics of existing paving to be restored, extending its useful life and improving its performance without removing and moving the treated material.
Bituminous conglomerate (asphalt) regeneration for road paving
Asfalti Piovese offers cutting-edge solutions in the sector, ensuring effective and long-lasting works for roads, squares, and urban areas.
In-situ bituminous conglomerate regeneration: what is it?
Bituminous conglomerate regeneration consists of treating the existing road surface to restore its original characteristics without needing to remove and replace the entire layer of bituminous conglomerate. This technique uses regenerating materials that are mixed into the road surface, renewing it and improving its resistance and elasticity.
The in-situ regeneration of road paving through cold recycling ensures absolute reliability from a technical and performance point of view, with considerable advantages also in terms of cost savings and environmental protection.
Cold recycling is carried out in situ with special machinery that allows the material to be regenerated with bituminous emulsion (or foamed bitumen), cement and water to be continuously mixed.
If necessary, modest additions of virgin or milled material can be used to correct the grain size distribution.
Deep recycling is recommended when structural work is required, such as the stabilisation of deteriorated pre-existing paving. The work depth is 20-30 cm but can be reduced if the bearing capacity of the bituminous conglomerate layer is not completely compromised.
The new road surface can be laid with traditional conglomerate but also, in the case of roads with medium-low traffic volumes, with a surface treatment using bituminous emulsion and grit to ensure the impermeability of the paving and the correct grip coefficients.
Procedures and technologies used
In-situ regeneration techniques
In-situ regeneration techniques involve the use of specialised machinery, such as binding agent spreaders, which treat the bituminous conglomerate directly on site. This approach minimises traffic stoppage and enables rapid and efficient work.
Materials used
Asfalti Piovese prioritises the use of high-quality regenerating materials over the application of flux agents to guarantee excellent results. The regenerating products penetrate the road surface, allowing not only the recovery of the physical/rheological properties (elasticity), but also the restoration of the chemical properties of the binders, improving resistance to wear.
Types of regeneration offered
Urban paving regeneration
Urban paving regeneration is essential to keep roads, pavements, and pedestrian areas in good condition. Asfalti Piovese offers specific solutions for urban contexts, guaranteeing works that minimise the impact on traffic and on the everyday life of citizens.
High-capacity road regeneration
Extra-urban roads and motorways require specialised regeneration to withstand heavy traffic and adverse weather conditions. Using advanced technologies, Asfalti Piovese ensures effective and long-lasting regeneration even for large-scale works.
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Bituminous conglomerate regeneration applications
Primary urbanisation projects
Bituminous conglomerate regeneration is ideal for primary urbanisation projects, keeping work costs down while ensuring perfect road and public area conditions.
Infrastructure and large-scale works
Large-scale infrastructure works such as bridges, tunnels and motorways benefit enormously from bituminous conglomerate regeneration as this type of work ensures they remain functional and safe for a long time.
In-situ regeneration advantages
The primary advantages of in-situ regeneration are:
- cost savings, as work costs are lower than those required for the complete removal and replacement of the bituminous conglomerate;
- rapid intervention, reducing the duration of the works and inconvenience to road users;
- improved performance, since the functionality of the road surface is restored, increasing its duration.
It is important to remember that among the factors contributing to the definition of low environmental impact regeneration treatments, in line with the European Community’s guidelines on ecological transition (the so-called “Minimum Environmental Criteria” or CAM), the following can be highlighted:
- reduction in raw material consumption and waste production (cold recycling allows the recovery of practically all the material that makes up the original paving);
- drastic reduction in fumes and emissions;
- energy savings, as the energy consumption required to heat the bitumen is practically cut to zero, and the energy required for transporting materials is also reduced;
- reduction in emissions compared to those associated with the production of traditional bituminous conglomerate and the work cycle to lay it (scarification, milling, disposal and new supply and laying);
- reduction in transportation needs.
