In Russia, a novel rubber complex modifier has emerged to boost the performance of road surfaces by turning waste into a valuable component. This unique additive to rubber asphalt concrete leverages secondary raw materials, aligning with industry aims to extend durability while promoting sustainable material use across road-building projects.
According to the development company LLC LLK-International, an affiliate of Lukoil, the rubber complex modifier RKM-2 is produced from tire rubber granulate recycled from passenger and commercial tires. Strongest results are achieved when RKM-2 is blended with the bituminous binder Roadliner MVNB-R, with the two elements able to be mixed on site at the asphalt plant. This on-site combination simplifies workflow, reduces handling steps, and can lead to faster paving schedules and fewer logistical constraints at construction sites.
Rubber-asphalt concrete incorporating RKM-2 and Roadliner MVNB-R is especially well suited for high-traffic highways, major regional routes, and airport apron surfaces. The formulation seeks to deliver a tougher, more resilient coating that withstands constant loading, diverse weather conditions, and the demanding needs of modern transport corridors. The partnership of the modifier with the binder supports improved surface performance under typical operating conditions seen in North America and other markets with similar climate and traffic profiles.
Tests and field observations point to better resistance to rutting and cracking, particularly at low temperatures, along with an extended fatigue life for the paving layer. In parallel, control sections of rubber-asphalt concrete pavements using this technology are already in operation on several highways in the Nizhny Novgorod, Tula, and Rostov regions of Russia, where ongoing monitoring helps verify long-term benefits and informs ongoing optimization of material formulations.
- Recent warm-season conditions facilitated early-season road repair and new pavement work, speeding project timelines in many regions.
- Updates and practical insights from road users can be monitored through official communications channels of the operating authorities and the supplier network, reflecting real-world performance data.