HEALROAD was presented during the BCRRA 2017 which took place from 28 to 30 June in Athens
bringing together international researchers, practicing engineers and other professionals.
The conference covered aspects related to materials, laboratory testing, design, construction,
maintenance and management systems of transport infrastructure focusing on roads, railways and
airfields.
Concretely, Alvaro García and Breixo Gómez-Meijide, from the University of Nottingham, attended the
conference to share part of HEALROAD outputs through an oral presentation, named “Effect of waste
metallic particles on asphalt induction heating”.
As previous research projects have proven, service life of roads can be extended by at least 30% by
using induction heating. However, one of the main disadvantages of this technology is the increased
production costs and environmental impact caused by the metallic particles. The HEALROAD
investigation is currently exploring the use of 4 types of metal particles for asphalt induction heating, 2 of
them waste materials that would help to minimise the above mentioned economic and environmental
issue. These are (1) steel grit, (2) steel wool, (3) metal fibres from old tires and (4) steel shavings.
Results showed that even contents below 0.45% can produce satisfactory heating and healing results.
Induction heating technique can be considered as an alternative to regular processes currently displayed
in our roads. The technique is in fact being optimised in order to improve its performance and facilitate
the market deployment.
For further information, please contact Álvaro García: [email protected]
BCRRA 2017 Conference covered aspects related to materials, laboratory testing, design, construction,
maintenance and management systems of transport infrastructure focusing on roads, railways and
airfields. Additional aspects that concern new materials and characterization, alternative rehabilitation
techniques, technological advances as well as pavement and railway track substructure sustainability
were also included. Providing a unique opportunity to interact and exchange and share information
amongst researchers, practicing engineers and other professionals, BCRRA 2017 hosted experts in the
field from all over the world who exchanged their views and experiences, and had an outlet to discuss
new concepts and innovative solutions
