Maximising the Use of Rubber from End-of-Life Tyres in Road Construction in Queensland

The aim of this paper is to present the potential for increasing the use of bitumen modified with ground tyre rubber in road construction and discuss the benefits of doing so. The paper seeks to identify any barriers to the increased use of the crumb rubber modified (CRM) binder within the context of Queensland, Australia. Application of ground tyre rubber in asphalt and sprayed seals provides a high value application of recycled material. The available body of knowledge shows that the use of CRM binder in both asphalt and sprayed seals can lead to improved field performance, specifically in terms of durability and cracking resistance. Significant environmental benefits may also be achieved in the form of reduced road noise, reduced CO₂ emissions, and reduced use of non-renewable road construction materials. Laboratory and field testing were conducted as part of this project.