Utilization of rubberized asphalt in the Europe

Abstract

The first appearances of rubberized asphalt in Europe occurred 60 years ago, but its widespread adoption has not yet happened. In the last decade, substantial changes in terms of technical and governance solutions, together with the global interest in implementing sustainable development and a circular economy, are allowing new high peaks of interest for rubberized asphalt mixtures. In the following sections we will provide an overview of the rubberized asphalt technologies currently used in Europe and then provide readers with details about history, case studies, and prospective from countries who are pioneers of these technologies in Europe: Spain, Portugal, and Italy, as well as from a newcomer like Switzerland. These summaries are offered thanks to a cooperation with estimeed colleagues who in the last 10 15 years have all played a significant role for introducing rubberized asphalt technologies into the road industry by performing successful research/validation projects often funded by government bodies and carried out by the major academic and industrial stakeholders. A final section will then provide readers with lessons learned together with perspectives and recommendations for the future use of rubberized asphalt in Europe.