Road surfaces are more sustainable with asphalt reinforcements

23.03.2022 Researchers from the Institute for Urban Development and Infrastructure (ISI) at Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH) are investigating various asphalt reinforcements on a trial stretch of road in Sierre. Their objective is to promote the use of asphalt reinforcements by providing a methodological and normative basis for it.

Asphalt reinforcement is a method of rehabilitation for existing road surfaces.
Asphalt reinforcement is a method of rehabilitation for existing road surfaces.

Asphalt reinforcements, a type of grid between layers of asphalt or between asphalt and unbound granular materials, are a repair method for existing road pavements. Their purpose is to delay the occurrence and spread of cracks in the roadway and thus extend the service life of asphalt pavements. This generates savings on materials such as bitumen and granulate. Various reinforcement products available on the Swiss market are currently also being tested on a stretch of road following lab trials. Researchers from the Institute for Urban Development and Infrastructure (ISI) at Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH) want to gain a better understanding of the behaviour of the materials and the mechanisms of damage. The aim of the researchers is to develop a methodological and normative basis for the application of asphalt reinforcements so that they can be used more frequently in the future. The project is a collaboration with Empa and IMC, and is funded by the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO).

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