In Moldova, recycled plastic is used to repair roads
Asphalt concrete mix with the addition of recycled MR8 plastic was used on two sections of the road in the Strashen district, the State Administration of Highways reports. The mixture is made of recycled polymers and is designed to expand the bitumen binder in the asphalt mixture, thereby reducing the volume of bitumen needed by 5-10%.
Added to the asphalt mix, MR8 is intended to be replaced with modified bitumen at a lower price, while reducing CO2 emissions and reducing the use of resources derived from fossil fuels. The manufacturer of MR8, the company "MacRebur" from Scotland, intends to invest about 7 million euros in the organization of the production of a mixture of polymers from recycled plastic in Moldova.
Two road sections in the Strashen district were selected for testing the product:
M5 border with Ukraine — Kriva — Balti — Chisinau — Tiraspol — border with Romania, section km 243.30 — 243.58;
G82.1 Strasheny — M5, km 0.00 — 1.00.
The selected experimental sites are included in the program of periodic repairs from the funds of the Road Fund for 2022, so the introduction of MR8 does not require the allocation of additional funds. Currently, on the highway G82.1 Strasheny — M5, km 0.00 — 1.00, work was carried out on laying asphalt mats using the MR8 additive. The testing laboratory of the State Road Administration will monitor the condition of the concrete pavement to assess the durability and quality of the mixture put into operation.
Thus, the use of asphalt concrete mix with the addition of MR8 plastic polymers will lead to significant cost savings.
