India Advances Road Construction with 60% Reclaimed Asphalt Innovation
In a groundbreaking initiative for sustainable infrastructure, the **CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI)**, in collaboration with Oriental Structural Engineers Private Limited (OSEPL) and Ooms Polymer Modified Bitumen Pvt. Ltd. (Ooms India), demonstrated the successful use of 60% Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) in the Dense Bituminous Macadam (DBM) layer on National Highway-716, part of the Chennai–Tirupati Package-I. This significant field trial marks a pivotal moment in promoting high-RAP recycling technology within the framework of actual highway construction.
The demonstration attracted attention from senior officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Government of Tamil Nadu, along with representatives from key highway infrastructure companies and industry stakeholders. Participants were able to witness the full high-RAP recycling process, which included RAP recovery and processing, material characterisation, rejuvenation, mix design, hot-mix plant production, and laying, as well as field compaction techniques.
Transforming Waste into Resources
Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement offers valuable aggregates and aged bitumen that can be skilfully recovered and rejuvenated. By incorporating higher percentages of RAP, the demand for virgin aggregates and bitumen diminishes, effectively utilising existing materials from the road network. The incorporation of 60% RAP can significantly decrease the environmental impact while preserving natural resources, ultimately transitioning existing highways into a valuable resource bank.
Introducing REJUBIT Technology
A highlight of the demonstration was **REJUBIT**, an innovative RAP rejuvenator developed by CSIR-CRRI in partnership with Ooms India. This technology aims to restore essential properties of aged bitumen, enabling a greater portion of existing pavement materials to be integrated into new asphalt mixtures. The trial’s success signals a shift from lab research to practical application in the field.
Commitment to Sustainable Construction
Dr. Chalumuri Ravi Sekhar, Director of CSIR-CRRI, emphasized the importance of viewing RAP as a valuable resource rather than waste. He noted that this demonstration illustrates the complete recycling chain—from recovery to field application—thereby encouraging greater use of reclaimed materials in India’s road construction sector.
Dr. Ambika Behl, Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-CRRI and Project Leader, described RAP as “black gold,” highlighting its significance in providing two crucial non-renewable resources already within the existing road framework. She pointed out that higher recycling levels can be achieved with proper evaluation, scientific mix design, and quality control.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Outlook
The successful field trial demonstrated a collaborative effort of OSEPL, CSIR-CRRI, and Ooms India, combining expertise in highway construction with scientific research and innovative technology. Mr. Nagaraj, Sr. CPM (Project Head) of OSEPL, remarked on the importance of transitioning innovative pavement technologies from lab to plant and finally to real-world execution.
Mr. Palash Kathal, Director of Ooms India, echoed similar sentiments, stating that leveraging existing pavements can enhance resource efficiency significantly. He noted the successful transition of a 60% RAP mix from evaluation to live deployment as a noteworthy technical achievement.
Recognition by Tamil Nadu Officials
Sh. Er. A. Venkatachalam, Director of the Highway Research Station in Chennai, commended the organizations involved in the 60% RAP field demonstration, calling it a crucial step toward more sustainable road construction practices in Tamil Nadu. He emphasized that the state’s extensive road network offers considerable potential for recycling existing materials while reducing reliance on new raw materials and minimizing waste.
The trial on NH-716, led under the technical guidance of CSIR-CRRI, aimed to generate valuable insights into higher RAP utilization and foster the responsible adoption of these practices in India’s highway construction. The initiative showcases how science-driven recycling can transform waste into essential engineering resources, pushing towards greener and more sustainable highways.
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