1. Can you explain in simple terms what in-situ road recycling is and how it differs from traditional road repair methods?

In-situ Road Recycling is the reconstruction of the road using the existing materials, with the addition of binding materials e.g. Cement or alternative, Emulsion, or Foamed Bitumen. The existing materials are pulverised, mixed with the binding material, and then shaped and rolled before a final surface of Double Surface Dressing or asphalt, depending on the traffic flow. Traditional road reconstruction requires the existing road construction to be removed with planing, and digging out, taken away, and then replaced with layers of stone and asphalt.

 

2. You mention achieving a 20-year design life through your process – what makes this structural repair so durable, and how does this compare to conventional resurfacing?

By pulverising and mixing the existing materials with a binding material, the design is as strong as using conventional materials, hence the design life is the same, and can usually be extended with the use of preventative treatments in exactly the same way as using a conventional material design. The existing road becomes the quarry during the In-situ Road Recycling operation.

 

3. With local authorities under increasing pressure to meet net zero targets, how significant are the CO2 savings your process delivers compared to traditional road reconstruction methods?

Depending on the design and materials used, In-situ Road recycling saves between 50% - 80% of C02 compared to traditional road reconstruction methods. This does not take include the additional carbon savings realised by the process requiring less time on site and therefore less CO2 generated as a result of the road being closed longer.

 

4. Your website mentions that your process is the "preferred choice" for roads containing hazardous road tar. Can you explain why this is the case and what challenges road tar presents?

The majority of roads have Coal Tar within their construction. When a road is traditionally reconstructed the planed off asphalt containing tar is a hazardous material and must be removed from site for disposal before the new asphalt is laid. Disposal costs for hazardous planings are high. As In-situ Road Recycling is normally a cold process, the existing hazardous materials can be re-used on the site and additional planings from other sites can be added to improve the construction if required.

 

5. As the UK's largest and most experienced provider in this field, what innovations have you introduced recently to improve either the quality or efficiency of in-situ recycling?

We have introduced Calcined Clay as a cement alternative, saving further carbon generation, and RoadCem that helps stabilise sites with high moisture content. In addition, we are lab testing Bio Char, IBAA, and Lignums.

 

6. You now operate three fully operational crews with state-of-the-art equipment. How has this investment enhanced your capacity and what does it mean for clients with urgent or large-scale projects?

Having state of the art equipment to operate 3 crews ensures we can be flexible with programming to meet client requirements. We also have trained fitters to ensure the equipment is maintained correctly, breakdowns can be fixed quickly if they occur, and replacement plant can be brought to site in the event of a prolonged breakdown.

 

7. Scottish roads face unique challenges with weather and heavy usage. How does stabilised pavement technology perform in Scotland's climate, and do you have examples of successful projects north of the border?

We undertake site investigations including trial pits to establish the current construction materials and test these in our state-of-the-art laboratory to test different designs using these materials. This ensures the optimum design for each individual site taking its challenges into account. We have multiple examples of successful projects north of the border and case studies for these are available on our website, stabilisedpavements.co.uk

 

8. For local authorities struggling with tight budgets, what cost savings can they typically expect when choosing in-situ recycling over traditional reconstruction methods?

Depending on the design requirements, savings are between 30% - 50% over traditional construction methods.

 

9. You're able to recycle around 500,000m² annually across your various processes including Regen and deep recycling. What's the fastest you've been able to complete a project, and how does this minimise disruption for road users?

The fastest projects can be completed within a day. Generally, projects are completed half to two-thirds faster than conventional reconstruction, depending on the design.

 

10. What will visitors to your stand see, and what conversations are you hoping to have with Scottish local authorities and contractors?

Visitors to our stand will see examples of schemes undertaken, information about the process and its advantages over conventional reconstruction methods. We will be looking to explain these to Scottish Local authorities and contractors in more detail, with a view to assisting them with some of their suitable schemes following initial site investigations and no obligation quotes.

 

Catch Stabilised Pavements Limited on Stand B2.

• Road Expo & Bridges Scotland 2025, 26-27 November, SEC Glasgow
• Register to visit, exhibit or sponsor