The aim of the project is to develop a new innovative mineral-asphalt mixture. The subject of the research within the project is the impact of the use of carbon fibres (WW) obtained  from the recycling of wind turbine blades and agents reducing technological temperatures and WMA asphalt on the reduction of CO₂ emissions in the production and construction of asphalt pavement, while improving the functional parameters of the mixtures.   

An additional positive aspect of lowering technological temperatures is their impact on increasing work comfort during the laying of WMA pavement, along with a reduction in smoke generation. The essence of the work will be to conduct numerous laboratory tests that will allow the selection of optimal variants in terms of their use in recipes for mineral-asphalt mixtures used by PORR S.A. The purpose of the laboratory tests is to assess the actual benefits of using WMA additives in mineral-asphalt mixtures that reduce technological temperatures and WMA asphalt. Mineral-asphalt mixtures will be evaluated using different amounts of additives, types of additives and asphalt. In the field of carbon fibre (WW) application, tests will be carried out on the mechanical and rheological characteristics of the fibres, tests to determine their optimal content in MMA, and tests to determine the impact of their use on the functional properties of the asphalt base layer.  

The project has been divided into four tasks, which will be carried out in parallel at the Subcontractor's Laboratory and the PORR S.A. Central Laboratory, using the advanced equipment and human resources of both institutions. 

As part of individual tasks, tests will be carried out on binders, design tests, functional tests and mechanical properties of mineral-asphalt mixtures. In the last task, test sections will be constructed based on the recipes developed as part of the project. Detailed control tests will also be carried out on the load-bearing capacity and service life of the finished pavement. 

The funds from the grant will co-finance the costs of subcontractors and the own costs of PORR S.A. 

The project will directly benefit people who use asphalt roads on a daily basis, employees working on laying such mixtures, but also the natural environment, due to the use of waste material and the reduction of emissions associated with MMA production. 

An innovative asphalt surface that uses additives to lower processing temperatures (WMA) and carbon fibres recycled from wind turbine blades contributes to a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions. The use of WMA technology makes it possible to reduce the temperature of asphalt production and laying, which reduces energy consumption and harmful emissions, as well as improving working conditions on site. The introduction of recycled carbon fibres further strengthens the durability of the surface, which translates into longer road life and lower maintenance requirements. The impact on the quality of life of the population results from the improvement of road infrastructure, which increases safety and comfort of travel. The slowdown in climate change is the result of a reduction in the carbon footprint thanks to lower emissions and the use of recycled materials, which promotes sustainable development and a circular economy. 

Project value PLN 4,153,832.79 

Amount of European Funds contribution PLN 2,008,539.94