Current and planned use of low warmed asphalt by West Midlands
Highways Authorities
23 March 2015Anna Bright
Senior Sustainability Adviser
Context
• On 30 September 2013 all West Midlands Highways Authorities signed a Low Carbon Concordat
• Included is the target for 20% of all asphalt used to be low warmed asphalt
• SWM commissioned by IEWM to carry out research in early 2014 and 2015 to establish:– Plans for use in 2014– Actual use us 2014– Opportunities and barriers to use– Plans for use in 2015
2014 Results
• Feedback from 10 authorities• 7 using LTA and intended to use more• Less confidence in use of LTA in the surface
course than in base or binder• LTA thought to be especially appropriate for
use:– During spring and summer when
temperature higher and asphalt doesn’t cool as quickly
– In jobs requiring large quantities of asphalt
– In jobs with limited hand work– In jobs close to point of supply of to
avoid cooling during transportation
2015 Results
• Feedback from 11 authorities• Fewer authorities used in 2014 (only 5 )• Low % used compared to anticipated
– High level of use in Staffordshire– Nowhere near 20% for others
Perception seems to have improved: Same cost Confidence in durability Preference for quick laying and cooling Supply
X Still issues:X Lower cost would improve business caseX Licensing issues at some suppliersX Specification is not user friendlyX Contractual limitations
Conclusions
• More information and push from suppliers
• Simplification of specifications for LTA mixtures(TRL specifications for LTA mixtures here:– http://www.trl.co.uk/umbraco/custom/report_files/PP
R666.pdf)
• More coordination between neighbouring authorities (e.g. Walsall, Sandwell and Wolverhampton) when developing programmes of work to identify joint order opportunities
• Refreshed push from WM Highways Alliance building on previous work and Low Carbon Concordat• Sharing information• Sharing case studies• Overcoming barrier
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