Asphalt mixture is normally produced using non-renewable, petroleum-based bitumen. However, current sustainability concerns demand a drop in crude oil use. Incorporating bio-based additives from natural origin or industrial byproducts from renewable resources such as bio-oils and lignin offers potential/partial replacement of traditional binders. Nonetheless, the impacts of replaced materials on the final product require a thorough evaluation framework. This project explores 3 areas: applicability, design/performance, and aging/durability of bio-based modified bitumens. It initially examines the extent to which bio-components can replace traditional bitumens, maintaining critical properties. Assessing chemical, mechanical, and rheological performance, as well as emissions is the second key criterion. Finally, identifying their aging, durability, recyclability, and ecotoxicity behavior completes the puzzle of replacing conventional binders. A trans-scale, multilevel analysis framework identifies central facets and establishes compatibility criteria, ensuring required standards are met. The joint effort between Warsaw University of Technology, Antwerp University, and Technical University Wien with expertise in various pavement engineering areas such as characterization of bio-components, bitumens, miscibility, and blending behavior as well as aging, durability, and environmental aspects guarantees the project scientific impact in advancing green/ sustainable road construction.
Partners
WUT - Warsaw University of Technology (Coordinator)
University of Antwerp – SuPAR – Belgium
TU Wien - Institute of Transportation - Austria