Fibre reinforced asphalt: frequently asked questions
The most frequently asked questions about fibre reinforced asphalt — from the comparison with PMB and costs to recycling, noise and tendering.
An overview of the most frequently asked questions about fibre reinforced asphalt.
What is fibre reinforced asphalt?
Asphalt to which small fibres (usually aramid or PAN) are added during the mixing process to slow down cracking, ravelling and rutting — as an alternative to polymer modified bitumen (PMB) or reinforcement mesh.
Does fibre reinforcement fully replace PMB?
In many applications, particularly porous asphalt (ZOAB), a standard penetration bitumen with fibre reinforcement can take over the role of PMB with comparable real-world performance. This has been extensively tested and demonstrated within the European FIBRA project.
Is fibre reinforced asphalt more expensive than regular asphalt?
The direct extra cost of the fibre itself is limited. Because a standard penetration bitumen suffices instead of the more expensive PMB, and the production temperature is lower, fibre reinforced asphalt can even work out cost-neutral compared with PMB mixtures.
Does fibre reinforcement affect noise performance?
No, field measurements (CPX method) show negligible differences in noise performance between fibre reinforced mixtures and reference mixtures with PMB.
Is fibre reinforced asphalt suitable for heavy loads, such as construction roads or industrial sites?
Yes, fibre reinforcement is successfully applied on heavily loaded trunk roads (such as the A73), temporary construction roads and industrial sites with intensive lorry traffic.
Can fibre reinforced asphalt be produced at lower temperatures?
Yes, because a standard penetration bitumen is used instead of PMB, the production temperature is typically 15-20°C lower, which saves energy and reduces emissions during processing.
Is fibre reinforced asphalt easy to recycle?
Yes, fibre reinforced asphalt with standard penetration bitumen is generally easier to recycle than mixtures with PMB, which contributes to the circularity goals of clients such as Rijkswaterstaat.
Does the asphalt plant need adapted equipment?
No, fibre reinforced asphalt can be made with existing production and paving equipment. Fibres are usually added manually via pre-packaged bags, although automating this process is possible.
Can I include fibre reinforced asphalt in a tender?
Yes, this can be done either functionally (based on performance requirements such as environmental performance and service life) or by specifying a particular fibre type. Functional specification generally gives the market more room and increases competition between bidders.
Is there independent research into the performance of fibre reinforced asphalt?
Yes, the European FIBRA project (CEDR) has carried out extensive field research on a test section on the A73 near Roermond, with publicly available results on mechanical performance, environmental impact and costs.