Low-energy asphalt first for Hanson
HANSON have become the first company in the UK to produce and lay low-energy asphalt (LEA) in a move that will reduce the level of carbon emissions associated with asphalt production for road building by up to 50%.
The LEA process allows the material to be produced at temperatures of 95°C, giving a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 50% compared with equivalent hot-mix materials. It involves a process of micro-foaming the bitumen in the asphalt plant mixer and has been used across Europe and in the US for more than five years.
Hanson, who chose their West Drayton depot in Middlesex to introduce LEA for the first time, say they found the production process to be problem-free and are now carrying out further tests at their Penderyn plant, in South Wales, as well as planning road trials with Surrey County Council.
In addition to the carbon reductions achieved during production, the material, which is laid by conventional asphalt paving equipment, produces lower fume emissions and provides a safer working environment for laying contractors.
‘There are a number of additives which provide reduced-temperature hot-mix asphalts but we chose LEA because it is a process technology, rather than a product,’ said Hanson technical services manager Tony Zigler.
‘This means we can easily incorporate it into to all our asphalt plants with very little investment as it is compatible with plant configuration and materials. It provides excellent temperature reduction with no loss of performance and the process can be applied to a wide range of base, binder and surface-course materials.
‘As well as the increased sustainability credentials, the temperature profile of LEA asphalt allows faster completion of resurfacing works, minimizing disruption for motorists.’
Hanson say they are committed to investing in new technology and techniques that will improve their sustainability credentials and provide benefit for their customers, with LEA being just one of a number of technologies the company is developing for commercial application.
The LEA process allows the material to be produced at temperatures of 95°C, giving a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 50% compared with equivalent hot-mix materials. It involves a process of micro-foaming the bitumen in the asphalt plant mixer and has been used across Europe and in the US for more than five years.
Hanson, who chose their West Drayton depot in Middlesex to introduce LEA for the first time, say they found the production process to be problem-free and are now carrying out further tests at their Penderyn plant, in South Wales, as well as planning road trials with Surrey County Council.
In addition to the carbon reductions achieved during production, the material, which is laid by conventional asphalt paving equipment, produces lower fume emissions and provides a safer working environment for laying contractors.
‘There are a number of additives which provide reduced-temperature hot-mix asphalts but we chose LEA because it is a process technology, rather than a product,’ said Hanson technical services manager Tony Zigler.
‘This means we can easily incorporate it into to all our asphalt plants with very little investment as it is compatible with plant configuration and materials. It provides excellent temperature reduction with no loss of performance and the process can be applied to a wide range of base, binder and surface-course materials.
‘As well as the increased sustainability credentials, the temperature profile of LEA asphalt allows faster completion of resurfacing works, minimizing disruption for motorists.’
Hanson say they are committed to investing in new technology and techniques that will improve their sustainability credentials and provide benefit for their customers, with LEA being just one of a number of technologies the company is developing for commercial application.
