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The use of low-temperature asphalt not only brings significant CO2 savings but is also significantly supported using digital solutions. The road construction industry is at a turning point where innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. One of the pioneering developments is the use of low-temperature asphalt (LTA), which not only reduces environmental impact but also leads to lower health risks during on-site paving. Digital solutions can support the paving of LTA, thereby contributing to its widespread adoption.
In Germany, starting from 2025, it is planned to use only low-temperature asphalt. This decision marks a significant step towards sustainability and occupational safety in road construction. The production and paving of low-temperature asphalt, due to lower temperatures compared to conventional asphalt, result in lower energy consumption during production and reduced emissions during paving. Even a reduction in asphalt temperature by 30°C results in an average energy savings of 9 kWh per ton. With an annual production volume of approximately 212 million tons of asphalt within the EU-27, this could translate to savings of around 1,900 million kWh of energy or approximately 380 million tons of CO2 emissions per year.
This makes low temperature asphalt an environmentally friendly alternative that sustainably and positively influences the ecological footprint of road construction. Emissions on construction sites are also significantly reduced, which positively impacts the health protection of workers.
Digital solutions play a crucial role in the use of low-temperature asphalt. Cloud-based platforms and mobile applications facilitate information exchange and coordination among road construction stakeholders, leading to more efficient collaboration and an overall increase in efficiency. This efficiency is particularly necessary in the logistics chain. Due to the lower production temperature, the asphalt arrives at the construction site at a lower temperature. However, since a certain minimum temperature is required for paving and compaction, the time frame between delivery and paving is shortened. Information about the expected arrival time of the truck at the construction site and its load temperature helps site workers to organize the workflow so that there are no delays during unloading, and the asphalt can be optimally paved despite the lower arrival temperature.
In this limited time frame, precise control of temperature and compaction is also crucial. Comprehensive digital monitoring allows the roller driver to compact precisely and quickly where needed. This maximizes the efficiency of the compaction process and ensures uniform compaction of the LTA, even under challenging conditions. Additionally, precise real-time monitoring enables immediate detection of deviations, allowing drivers to respond promptly.
Digitalization opens a multitude of possibilities for the road construction industry and supports the delivery and installation of low-temperature asphalt. This can make a significant contribution to sustainable road construction.