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Feasibility study for asphalt rubber pavements in Norway. ‘Rubber Road’ feasibility study.
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This Norwegian feasibility study evaluated the use of recycled rubber from used tires in asphalt production for roads and bicycle paths, conducting a Life Cycle Analysis that identified environmental benefits. The study also identified knowledge gaps related to microplastic emissions and noise impacts during the use phase, noting that stronger incentives are needed for Norwegian asphalt producers to adopt rubber-modified asphalt.
RubberRoad proposes to use rubber from used tires in the production of asphalt for road and bicycle ways. This recycling approach has not gained much attention in Norway despite its apparent advantages, such as noise reduction, increased durability, safer shock impact, and reduced climate and environmental impacts. The Life Cycle Analysis carried out during this project feasibility study has demonstrated a series of environmental benefits in the use of rubber in asphalt production. It has also helped identify relevant knowledge gaps related to the use phase of the rubberized asphalt and its impact to noise, air and micro-plastic pollution. Better understanding of these effects would probably result in even larger environmental benefits of rubberized asphalt with respect to standard asphalt production. However, while the tire recycling industry is generally positive to the disposal of used tires in asphalt production, additional incentives need to be put in place for the Norwegian asphalt producers to consider actively contributing to this development.
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