Research and Development Services for Optimizing Asphalt Compaction

This contract involves a research project aimed at optimizing the compaction of low-temperature asphalts in road construction. Due to new workplace exposure limits for vapors and aerosols during the hot processing of bitumen, low-temperature asphalts will need to be predominantly used in the future. This change will significantly reduce the time available for achieving the required compaction density, necessitating the use of high-compaction screeds in asphalt pavers. The project will investigate the impact of three different high-compaction screed systems on the relevant material properties of asphalt, including volumetric characteristics (binder, void, and density distributions) and performance-based properties (temperature-dependent stiffness modules, fatigue behavior, deformation behavior) as well as the effects on layer bonding. The research will also address the influence of high-compaction screeds on the subsequent final compaction by rollers. The goal is to provide insights that will help meet the mandatory workplace exposure limits for bitumen emissions starting in 2027 while ensuring the production of high-quality, durable asphalt pavements. This project aims to contribute significantly to the economic and environmental aspects of asphalt road construction.