Thursday, 15 May 2025
Austroads has introduced four new test methods that will help the road construction industry better manage the environmental and safety challenges associated with paving materials.
The test methods, which include guidelines for measuring emissions from bitumen and asphalt, as well as evaluating the potential impact of recycled plastics, are critical in supporting more sustainable and safer road construction practices across Australia.
Ross Guppy, Austroads’ Transport Infrastructure Program Manager, said, “These test methods are a first for our industry and are world leading in breaking new ground in how we assess emissions, microplastic release and recycled materials in road construction. This kind of guidance simply hasn’t existed before, and it will play a major role in shaping safer, more sustainable practices across the sector.”
“The new test methods are part of Austroads’ ongoing commitment to improving the road construction industry’s environmental footprint and worker safety. By introducing these methods, we aim to provide the road industry with the tools necessary to build safer, more sustainable roads across Australia,” he added.
The test methods were prepared by RMIT University on behalf of the Austroads Pavements Task Force, which includes Austroads members – government transport agencies from Australia and New Zealand, ensuring broad industry and governmental input.
ATM 240: Emissions Analysis and Characterisation of Neat and Polymer-Modified Bitumen
This test method outlines how to determine the total emissions released when heating neat and polymer-modified bitumen. It provides valuable data to help assess air quality and worker safety during road paving operations.
ATM 241: Emissions Analysis and Characterisation of Asphalt Mixes
Similar to ATM 240, this test focuses on measuring emissions released during the heating of asphalt mixes. It provides valuable insight into the environmental impact and safety risks posed by asphalt paving operations, providing crucial data for better emissions management.
ATM 457: Release of Microplastics from Plastic-Modified Bituminous Mixes (Asphalt Abrasion Test)
ATM 457 evaluates the potential release of microplastics from plastic-modified asphalt mixes. This test method helps determine the quantity of microplastics released from plastic-modified asphalt mixes upon abrasion to assess their suitability as asphalt road construction material.
ATM 458: Suitability of Recycled Plastics as Road Construction Materials
This test assesses the suitability of recycled plastic to be used in asphalt, evaluating factors like melting point, melt flow index and contaminants. The method helps ensure that only suitable recycled plastics are used in road construction, supporting the sustainable use of materials in Australian road pavements.