Total to co-develop a plastic modular road prototype

Bitumen and chemicals producer Total has teamed up with KWS, a subsidiary of Dutch construction group VolkerWessels, and plastic pipe manufacturer Wavin to develop PlasticRoad. The PlasticRoad concept, introduced by KWS in 2015, consists of recycled plastic waste formed into lightweight modules. The hollow interiors allow for cables, plastic pipes and general drainage of water. The companies claim that the pre-fabricated units will be easy to transport, assemble and maintain. Their lighter weight means the
November 25, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
PlasticRoad

Bitumen and chemicals producer 344 Total has teamed up with 8540 KWS, a subsidiary of Dutch construction group VolkerWessels, and plastic pipe manufacturer 8541 Wavin to develop PlasticRoad.

The PlasticRoad concept, introduced by KWS in 2015, consists of recycled plastic waste formed into lightweight modules. The hollow interiors allow for cables, plastic pipes and general drainage of water. The companies claim that the pre-fabricated units will be easy to transport, assemble and maintain. Their lighter weight means the ground will be less prone to subsidence.

According to a joint statement, the objective is to create a road with a smaller ecological footprint than traditional road systems. When the elements reach their end of life expectancy they can be recycled again, contributing to a circular economy and cleaner environment.

KWS engineers Anne Koudstaal and Simon Jorritsma, inventors of PlasticRoad, said that a prototype should be completed by the end of 2017.

Xavier Bontemps, senior vice president for Total’s polymers business unit, said the project fits in with Total’s expertise in polymer solutions and recycling processes.

“This agreement is aligned with our commitment to using renewable and recycled sources and reducing the carbon footprint for the markets we serve.”

Wavin is a Dutch manufacturer of plastic pipes, mainly for drainage and water supply purposes.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Far from formulaic
    January 4, 2013
    Formwork solutions for the first axial suspension cable stayed bridge in India; and a four-lane road bridge in Germany’s Harz Mountains, are among the latest bridge-based formwork projects analysed by Guy Woodford. RMD Kwikform India has won the contract to design and supply shoring and formwork solutions for the first axial suspension cable stayed bridge ever built in India. The Kota Bridge’s innovative design sees a single 350m span cross the entire width of the Chambal River, with three approach spans on
    Read More
  • The bitumen market is changing globally and products is being transported further
    August 21, 2014
    Political and economic changes around the world are impacting on the way bitumen is supplied and used - Kristina Smith reports on the Argus Europe Bitumen conference in Rome, and highlights some of the new technologies being launched to address these changes Attendees at the Argus Europe Bitumen Conference, held in Rome on 11th and 12th June heard how the global bitumen market is changing. More refineries are expected to close in Europe; the US, with its shale oil, is dominating bitumen supply to some re
    Read More
  • Combimas 7000-4: spreader n' sprayer
    June 4, 2021
    Massenza's Combimas 7000-4 combines chip spreader and spraying tank in one vehicle.
    Read More
  • Eurasphalt & Eurobitume 2016 Congress calls for better communication
    August 5, 2016
    The bitumen industry needs to learn how to communicate with road owners, road users, and communities. This was one of the underlying themes to emerge from the Eurasphalt & Eurobitume 2016 Congress, held in the Czech capital Prague in June. Kristina Smith was there.
    Read More

Highlighted Content