current and planned use of low warmed asphalt by west midlands highways authorities 23 march 2015...
TRANSCRIPT
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
