Innovating Sustainable Road Surfaces: Aston University’s Partnership with Miles Macadam
Aston University and Miles Macadam are developing sustainable road surfaces using biochar instead of fly ash. Their collaboration aims to reduce CO2 emissions and reliance on imports, enhancing sustainability in construction through real-world tests and leveraging university expertise in environmental testing.
Aston University has teamed up with construction company Miles Macadam to pioneer the development of more sustainable road surfaces through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP). This collaboration aims to explore the use of biochar as an alternative to fly ash, a waste product from coal-fired power stations traditionally used in road surfacing materials. This shift not only aims to reduce CO2 emissions but also lessens the reliance on inconsistent imported materials.
The project involves the creation of grouted macadam—a composite of asphalt and cement—using biochar derived from organic waste like wood or agricultural remnants. This initiative not only promotes the reuse of waste materials, thereby conserving virgin resources, but also aims to decrease production costs. Aston University, renowned for its high rate of successful KTPs rated by Innovate UK, brings substantial expertise to this venture. The project will leverage the university’s advanced environmental testing facilities to simulate real-world conditions such as prolonged freezing and thawing, evaluating the materials for durability and strength under heavy loads.
The partnership is driven by the shared vision of enhancing the sustainability of construction practices. With field tests planned at a Miles Macadam site, the endeavor will assess the real-world efficacy of these innovative materials. This project is a testament to the commitment of both entities to foster a greener future in construction, setting a precedent for integrating environmentally friendly materials into mainstream industrial applications.
By combining the expertise of Aston University’s engineers and the industry experience of Miles Macadam, this initiative not only addresses the immediate needs of sustainable construction but also explores the broader potential applications of biochar in various environmental scenarios. The collaboration is scheduled to continue until July 2026, promising to deliver groundbreaking solutions in sustainable construction materials.
