NHAI trials reclaimed bitumen on stretch of Chennai-Tirupathi National Highway
The National Highways Authority of India is testing a new technology that allows for the reuse of 60% of reclaimed asphalt in road construction. Developed by CSIR-CRRI, the process uses a special additive to rejuvenate old bitumen, potentially reducing waste and reliance on foreign imports.
Why it matters
Advancements in sustainable road construction materials can significantly lower infrastructure costs and reduce the environmental impact of highway maintenance.
A 1 km-long stretch of the access-controlled Chennai-Tirupathi National Highway that is currently being widened has been laid by utilising 60% of the asphalt pavement that had been reclaimed from the old road and rejuvenated. This successful field demonstration for bitumen was possible thanks to technology developed by CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI).
The top bituminous layer of the road, which has been in use for several years, loses its elasticity. CSIR – CRRI has developed a rejuvenating additive that can be added to cold-milled material to strengthen it for reuse in road laying, explained Chalumuri Ravi Sekhar, Director, CSIR – CRRI.
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