Sacyr Concesiones
As part of our commitment to sustainability, we find new ways to give waste a second use. In this case, the milled asphalt from a road. During the asphalting works of the Eresma Highway’s pavement in 2024 we have executed a 1,500-meter test section using a discontinuous mix containing 15% reclaimed asphalt. This came from the milled material of the road's own wearing course and has been used to rehabilitate it.
In order to implement this innovation on the Eresma Highway, studies were carried out during the previous months to analyze its feasibility. After removing the pavement by milling, we began the process by sifting and classifying the materials to analyze the condition of the mineral aggregates and bitumen. Then, we studied the results so as to add the most suitable type and proportion of asphalt rejuvenators to achieve the optimum quality of the mix.
After its composition was defined, we transferred it to a plant to produce the new asphalt mix that would contain 15% of this reclaimed material. Once obtained, we spread the mix on a test section to analyze and compare its performance to the rest of the pavement. In this way, we obtained a new pavement that allows for smooth driving for road users and, at the same time, makes the most of part of the pre-existing asphalt, while maintaining high quality standards.
Rafael Barrera, Head of Maintenance and Conservation of the Eresma Highway, explains that “we continue working to incorporate a greater percentage of milling in the improvement and maintenance works planned for our highways”.
This innovative process has been led by the Eresma Highway team alongside the Sacyr Concesiones Pavement Department, working transversally with other areas of the company. Together with the company Padecasa, we have designed the working formula needed to obtain the best performance results of the mix. Through our concessionaire Eresma Highway we operate more than 50 km of the A-601 Highway, between the municipalities of Segovia and Cuellar. The section paved with this mix is located between 88 and 90 kilometers in the direction of Segovia.