In the current context of the ecological transition, the circular economy in pavement maintenance and rehabilitation is positioned as a key strategy for reducing environmental impact, optimizing resources and extending the life cycle of assets. At CHM Works and InfrastructuresWe are committed to a conservation model that not only ensures the functionality and safety of the works, but also incorporates conservation criteria. environmental efficiency, recycling and waste minimization.
What is the Circular Economy in pavement maintenance and rehabilitation?
The circular economy in infrastructure maintenance is an approach based on the maximizing the use of resources available, promoting the reuse, recycling and reduction of consumption of virgin raw materials. In the field of infrastructure maintenance, this involves applying technical solutions that extend the useful life of materials, reduce emissions and minimize the generation of wastes.
In contrast to the linear model (produce-use-dispose), maintenance under circular economy principles aims at preserving the functional value of existing elementsThe company's operations are based on the use of natural resources, avoiding their premature replacement and reducing the need for the extraction of new resources.
Use of Recycled Materials in the Maintenance of Pavements
Pavement preservation through the use of recycled materials represents one of the technical pillars of the circular economy applied to road infrastructure. At CHM we apply different techniques that extend the useful life of the pavement, reduce the use of natural aggregates and minimize the environmental impact associated with the transport and production of new mixes.
On-site recycling
One of the most innovative practices is the on-site recyclingwhich consists of milling the deteriorated pavement, treating it with specific binders (such as emulsions or cement), and reusing it directly on the same stretch of road as a structural or base layer. This solution significantly reduces the amount of
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Consumption of new materials.
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Machinery and truck movements.
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The carbon footprint associated with conventional maintenance.
At CHM, we have already applied this technique in certain actions, using leased equipment specially designed for this process, such as recycling milling machines and mobile mixing plants. Their technical and environmental effectiveness opens the door to a potential implementation with own means in the future.
Cold recycled blends
The cold bituminous mixtures allow the incorporation of up to 100% of milled material (RAP, Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement) together with bituminous emulsions. This is an ideal technique for intermediate or base courses, especially in projects where priority is given to reducing emissions, lower energy consumption and reduced traffic.
These solutions have advantages such as:
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Energy saving as no heating is required.
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CO₂ emissions reduction.
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Good adaptability to urban rehabilitation or sensitive areas.
Application of hot recycled agglomerates
In larger volume or high structural level projects, the following are also used hot recycled mixesThe RAP is integrated into the manufacturing process in a fixed plant. These blends comply with the technical standards established by the standard UNE-EN 13108-8The mechanical performance and durability are guaranteed.
Reuse of Technical Components
Beyond the firm, the reuse and reconditioning of technical components is another key route within sustainable maintenance. Instead of replacing complete functional elements, we opt for their revision, cleaning or partial replacement, extending their useful life and reducing waste.
Common examples:
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Hydraulic valves: disassembly, unclogging and recalibration.
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Air conditioning or pumping equipmentBearings, belts and electrical components overhaul.
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Technical building enclosuresRecovery of metallic carpentry or light structural elements by means of anticorrosive treatments.
This approach reduces intervention costs and complies with the principles of circularity and operational efficiency required by the new regulatory frameworks.
Waste and Emissions Minimization: Cold Paving Techniques
The cold paving techniques are an ideal solution for preserving pavements with low energy consumption and no emissions associated with heating bituminous mixtures.
Technical characteristics:
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Cold application of slurry seal, microagglomerates y asphalt emulsions.
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Immediate improvement of the macrotexture and microtexture of the road surface.
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Reduced energy consumption (no furnaces or heating of materials required).
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Elimination of CO₂ emissions associated with hot production.
These solutions make it possible to rehabilitate the pavement in an efficient and sustainable manner, improving road safety without interrupting traffic for long periods of time.
Maintenance Sustainability Indicators
At CHM we measure the environmental impact of each project through indicators such as:
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% of recycled materials used per tonne executed.
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CO₂ equivalent emissions reduction per intervention.
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Volume of non-hazardous waste reused on site.
These data are integrated into our sustainability reports and reinforce our commitment to the circular economy applied to infrastructure maintenance.
Sustainable maintenance is not a trend, but a strategic necessity. Betting on the circular economy in infrastructure maintenance means improving operational efficiency, reducing environmental impact and optimizing the use of available resources. At CHM, we apply this on a daily basis, with concrete, measurable technical solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
