The Australian transport industry is likely to see substantial benefits from an increase in the use of crumbed rubber in local roads according to Tyre Stewardship Australia.
A South Australian Council is Using Rubberised Asphalt to Develop its Infrastructure
The City of Mitcham, in South Australia, is working with Tyre Stewardship Australia, testing recycled crumbed rubber in asphalt.
This is known to deliver more durable and safer roads and generate less noise for neighbouring communities.
To date, a stretch of 335 metres of this innovative road surface has been laid in the municipality and is currently undergoing rigorous durability and performance testing.
As part of the evaluation, a range of factors such as cracking, rutting, moisture retention and longevity will be assessed. These factors directly impact both safety as well as vehicle maintenance costs – and crucial downtime for up tempo transport operations.
Only 10 per cent of the 56 million end-of-life tyres Australians generate each year are currently recycled domestically. The successful outcome of this test, it is anticipated, will potentially increase the use of this type of road surface nationwide.
“We are trialing the crumb rubber asphalt because of the significant environmental benefits as well as the opportunity to improve the quality and life of road pavements, particularly in areas of reactive clay soils,” said Heather Holmes-Ross, City of Mitcham Mayor.
Lina Goodman, CEO of Tyre Stewardship Australia, welcomed the innovative thinking of the City of Mitcham in conducting the test.
“The Council has grasped the opportunity to deliver better infrastructure whist addressing a major challenge in sustainability. Improved roads are a benefit for all to share and the value for the transport industry, through greater safety and smoother, more durable surfaces, is obvious,” she said.
