In the construction field, innovation and sustainability are fundamental pillars for facing the challenges of the 21st century.

CHM Obras e Infraestructuras S.A. stands as a benchmark in the sector, committed to quality, safety, and environmental respect. The VAXAMA project, a pioneering initiative in automating the production control of asphalt mixes through advanced artificial vision and image analysis techniques, represents a significant advancement in the industry. This article explores the objectives, characteristics, and benefits of the VAXAMA project, as well as its impact on the efficiency and sustainability of CHM's operations.

SOSTREPAV Project

«Improvement of reflective and mechanical properties of new pavements based on sustainability criteria and valorization of waste from the Valencian Community»

In recent years, Spain has experienced a generalized increase in ambient temperature, with extreme heat seasons also increasing in frequency, duration, and intensity. The significant increase in ambient temperature in cities, especially at night, is known as the urban heat island effect. This phenomenon is due, among other factors, to the extensive use of materials such as asphalt and cement, which absorb heat during the day and release it at night. Likewise, numerous heat-emitting elements are concentrated in urban centers (air conditioning systems or car engines, among others), which has led to a significant increase in ambient temperature in cities, up to 4°C compared to surrounding rural areas.

Faced with this perspective, the need arises to develop solutions that minimize the absorption of solar energy and radiation, thereby reducing the surface temperature of pavements and, consequently, the ambient temperature in cities.

In this context, the SOSTREPAV project proposes a multidisciplinary approach for the design of new pavements, adapted to the current needs of cities. Among its main objectives is the development of solutions that increase the solar reflectance of pavements, thereby reducing their surface temperature. On the other hand, it is expected to improve the thermal conductivity of these pavements, with the aim of accelerating their cooling capacity and minimizing heat release during the night.

As part of this quest for environmental improvement in the manufacturing of asphalt pavements, it is important to highlight the need to promote solutions for waste valorization as an alternative to the use of natural resources.

Among the various economic sectors, the construction industry is the leading source of waste generation in Europe, accounting for more than 36% of the total. For this reason, with the aim of addressing issues related to waste recovery in the Valencian Community, the SOSTREPAV project proposes the design of new reflective pavements developed from waste. This approach will also improve the reflective properties of the pavement, providing a solution that is clearly innovative and offers high added value.

In conclusion, the SOSTREPAV project is presented as an integrative and multidisciplinary solution, aligned with the main Innovation Committees of the Valencian Community, with clear benefits for Valencian society as a whole. This approach combines technical and environmental objectives, offering new solutions adapted to current needs and addressing the main challenges of climate change in urban environments.