Hanson low energy asphalt UK first

Hanson has become the first company in the UK to produce and lay low energy asphalt (LEA) in a move that will reduce the level of carbon emissions associated with asphalt production for road building by up to 50 per cent.

The LEA process allows the material to be produced at temperatures of 95°C, giving a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 50 per cent compared with equivalent hot-mix materials. It involves a process of micro-foaming the bitumen in the asphalt plant mixer and has been used across Europe and in the US for over five years.

Hanson chose its West Drayton depot in Middlesex to introduce LEA for the first time. It found the production process to be problem free and is now carrying out further tests at its Penderyn plant in South Wales as well as planning road trials with Surrey County Council.

The material is laid by conventional asphalt paving equipment. In addition to the carbon reductions made in production, LEA produces lower fume emissions and provides a safer working environment for laying contractors.

“There are a number of additives which provide reduced temperature hot-mix asphalts but we chose LEA because it is a process technology, rather than a product,” said Tony Zigler, Hanson technical services manager.

“This means we can easily incorporate it into to all our asphalt plants with very little investment as it is compatible with plant configuration and materials. It provides excellent temperature reduction with no loss of performance and the process can be applied to a wide range of base, binder and surface course materials.

“As well as the increased sustainability credentials, the temperature profile of LEA asphalt allows faster completion of resurfacing works, minimising disruption for motorists.