Efficient and sustainable asphalt maintenance is Emulsion Asphalt Concrete (EAB)

Rapid Asphalt's "Emulsion Asphalt Concrete" asphalt mixture contributes to favorable wMKI values and thus fits perfectly into the sustainability policy.

Favorable MKI value

Emulsion Asphalt Concrete (EAB) is a mixture of mineral aggregate (crusher sand), bitumen emulsion, catalyst (minimal amount of cement) and water. Due to its minimal use of primary raw materials, cold processing and thin layer thickness, EAB has a favorable MKI value. "On all environmental impacts, the application of EAB shows a significantly lower load compared to a (thinly) hot prepared overlay," Rob de Kleine -director of Rapid Asphalt- points out. He calculates: "The MKI of EAB processed at an average location in the Netherlands, for a micro overlay with EAB 0/3 is calculated at €0.14/m² and for EAB 0/6 at €0.20/m². But sustainability is not only in MKI, it certainly also relates to longevity and the focus for quality in execution. On-site production and processing is therefore essential," continued De Kleine, explaining that the aforementioned raw materials are produced and mixed in a mobile mixing and processing plant. "Cold prepared and thus energy and CO₂-saving. The mixture is then applied directly to the surface layer of existing roads in one working step. With the added advantage: the road surface is passable again after only 30-60 minutes." Rapid Asphalt in other words! Moreover, a road fitted with an EAB micro surfacing layer can -depending on how busy the road is- again last at least seven to ten years. And at the end of its service life, the 100% material is recyclable as ordinary asphalt; a hugely beneficial life cycle in other words!

Applications of EAB are versatile 

As a specialist in the application EAB, Rapid Asfalt has focused on processing this product on asphalt roads for over thirty years, keeping Dutch roads in top condition. "The application possibilities are versatile, as EAB is suitable for all traffic intensities. EAB is not only used to apply, repair or protect surface layers, but also as roadway fill and for laying asphalt reinforcement. Together with our clients, we consider which of our EAB systems is the most suitable maintenance solution."

Meets various requirements

EAB has proven itself as a product for a long time, meeting various wishes and requirements regarding asphalt problems as well as environmental requirements. "On top of this comes the favorable price and the fact that little additional work is required, such as berm replenishment, milling, pothole removal, pavement connection et cetera. In addition, there is minimal environmental disruption because the road is quickly passable again. This also makes the product very suitable for business parks and parking lots." De Kleine concludes, "Emulsion Asphalt Concrete Technology is a sustainable solution for road maintenance and governments see this reflected in their 'financial' policies."