New team leads RAP drive

A specially-formed recycled asphalt planings (RAP) team is leading the drive to increase the amount of road waste used in new asphalt mixes.

The seven-strong team is led by asphalt operations director Ian Bredbury. “We have invested £2.5 million in our 36 asphalt plants to enable them to use increasing amounts of RAP which brings tangible sustainable and business benefits,” said Ian.

The investment includes RAP hoppers, plant system changes and heat exchangers to handle the higher temperatures RAP mixes need. The team is also looking at new technology which will enable RAP to be added to new mixes at lower temperatures, conserving energy.

The overall aim is to continue to increase the total percentage of RAP in asphalt mixes.

Technical adviser Dan Mann helps plant staff use the most RAP possible in their mixes and supports customers as they lay a new surface. “There are more than 100 mix designs offered across the six plants I cover, and I work with the teams to see how much RAP can be added to push the total percentage higher,” he said. “I also spend time on site with customers and most are very happy with the product.”