Services

Bitumen Rejuvenation

What is Bitumen Rejuvenation?

As per IRC:120-2015, pavement recycling involves reclaiming existing materials for resurfacing, repaving, or reconstruction. This practice is environmentally beneficial by reducing the need for virgin aggregates and minimizing waste. Economically, it saves costs by utilizing existing bitumen. However, variability in reclaimed materials, such as aggregate gradation and binder content, poses a significant challenge for designers in achieving consistent mix quality.

The ANT Modifier offers a sustainable solution for RAP utilization in road construction. By rejuvenating RAP, it reduces the need for new materials, minimizes environmental impact, and lowers costs. This technology enables the use of up to 100% RAP, depending on quality and site requirements. With its molecular-level rejuvenation, it ensures high performance across various conditions and allows for immediate traffic flow post-compaction, enhancing efficiency and sustainability in road maintenance. Cost savings are significant, with 30% RAP utilization resulting in a 16% capital cost saving, 60% RAP utilization leading to a 32% saving, and 80% RAP utilization achieving a 42% reduction. These savings are primarily attributed to decreased virgin aggregate usage, reduced quarrying activity, and lesser required bitumen, all major cost drivers. At the same time, the inclusion of ANT Modifier/Rejuvenator is crucial to enhance the performance and durability of the RAP-modified mix as such a mix achieves better :-

  • Intermediate Tensile Strength
  • Stability
  • Tensile Strength Ratio (TSR)
  • Cracking Tolerance Index (CT Index)
  • Hamburg Wheel Tracking Test result (HWTT)

Revitalizing Bituminous Roads Using ANT Modifier

An Affordable and Environmentally Friendly Solution

Road infrastructure is vital for economic development and societal well-being. However, bitumen, the binding agent in asphalt roads, deteriorates over time due to aging and exposure to traffic and weather. This necessitates frequent and expensive road repairs.

The road shows significant cracking caused by the aging of the bitumen.

ANT Modifier: A Game-Changer in Bitumen Rejuvenation

ANT Modifier is a revolutionary technology that offers a sustainable and cost-effective approach to road rehabilitation. Here’s a breakdown of its unique advantages:

High Rejuvenation Capacity

  • Unlike any other product, ANT Modifier works at the molecular level, restoring the properties of aged bitumen within reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP).
  • Maximizes the use of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in new mixes, incorporating 20% to 100% RAP to leverage the benefits of ANT Modifier.

Cost Savings

  • ANT Technology delivers significant cost savings by reducing reliance on virgin materials, optimizing layer thickness, minimizing transportation expenses, and streamlining construction schedules.
  • This translates to substantial savings at the project level, making road maintenance more affordable.

Environmental Benefits

  • ANT Modifier promotes eco-friendly practices by minimizing the need for new aggregates and bitumen consumption. This reduces the environmental impact associated with mining, crude processing and transportation.
  • Additionally, the process is completely safe for workers and the environment, posing no health hazards.

Versatility and Performance

  • ANT Modifier offers remarkable adaptability. RAP content can be adjusted from 20% to 100% to suit specific site requirements.
  • The resulting hot regenerated bituminous mix performs exceptionally well across a wide temperature range, from -30°C to 70°C, making it suitable for diverse climatic conditions.

Faster Construction and Traffic Management

  • Once compacted, the ANT-treated layer can immediately handle heavy traffic loads, eliminating the need for curing periods or traffic restrictions. This translates to faster project completion times and less disruption for commuters.

Year-Round Pothole Repairs

  • The high adhesion properties of ANT-modified mixes allow for pothole repairs even in cold weather (as low as -30°C). This ensures year-round road maintenance, enhancing overall road safety and drivability.

How ANT Modifier Works

Laboratory Process:

  • RAP Analysis: RAP samples are received, segregated, and analyzed to determine the characteristics of the bitumen and aggregates.
  • Mix Design: Trial mixes are prepared using various combinations of extracted bitumen, virgin bitumen (if needed), and ANT Modifier solution to achieve the optimal mix design for the project.
  • Performance Evaluation: The mechanical and performance characteristics of the trial mixes are rigorously evaluated to ensure they meet the required standards.

Field Procedure:

  • RAP Milling: RAP is removed from the existing road layer using a milling machine.
  • Stockpiling: The milled RAP is stacked in manageable beds for efficient processing.
  • ANT Modifier Solution Preparation: An aqueous solution of ANT Modifier is prepared at a precise concentration based on the RAP quantity (typically 0.007% to 0.01% by weight).
  • RAP Wetting: Each RAP bed is meticulously wetted with the prepared solution, ensuring even distribution.
  • Curing: The wetted RAP is left to cure for at least 12 hours to allow the ANT Modifier to work its magic.
  • Hot Mix Plant Feeding: The cured RAP is fed into a hot mix plant following the standard process.
  • Bitumen Reduction: Due to the rejuvenating effect of ANT Modifier, the amount of bitumen required for the hot mix is significantly reduced by 60% to 70%, leading to substantial cost savings and reduced reliance on virgin bitumen.
  • Paving and Traffic Flow: The prepared hot mix is laid onto the road surface, and traffic can resume immediately after compaction.
ANT Modifier presents a compelling solution for cost-effective, eco-friendly, and efficient road rehabilitation. Its ability to rejuvenate aged bitumen, reduce reliance on virgin materials, and expedite repairs makes it a valuable tool for sustainable road maintenance. By embracing this innovative technology, we can ensure smooth, safe, and long-lasting road infrastructure for a better tomorrow.