The objective of the FIBRA project is to overcome the technical barriers for the safe and cost-efficient implementation of fibre-reinforced asphalt mixtures (FRAM) by NRAs with which an increase in the asphalt pavements durability could be achieved (see flyer).

Despite the promising results achieved in previous research works and the availability of commercial fibres whose providers ensure a pavement life extension of at least a 50% and asphalt mixture life extension of around 200% (depending on the type of fibre and provider), the use of reinforced-asphalt mixtures is not as widespread as could be expected. This is principally due to the existence of gaps in the state of the knowledge that make National Road Administrations be reluctant to their incorporation.

In order to promote its utilization, the FIBRA project will start analysing previous experiences with fibres so as to select the most promising ones. Then, a cost-benefit analysis will be carried out considering also the TRL of each fibre to select the one that will be used throughout the project. Furthermore, the technology will be up-scaled by the manufacturing of asphalt mixtures at real asphalt plants. Two different pilot roads have been proposed, one in the Netherlands and another in Norway in order to be able to validate the technology when different Standards, and weather conditions are considered, enabling in this way a wider adoption. Finally, the LCA and LCCA methodology will serve to validate the technology from an environmental and economic point of view, where potentially toxic and hazardous pollutants measured during the project will be considered.

Project Period

July 2018 - 2021

Final Report