Based in Roadstone headquarters in Belgard, CRH asphalt research & development laboratory was established with the objective of researching new and existing asphalt mixes and to develop products and processes to enhance the CRH groups leading position in Asphalt technology.
The development of harmonised product and test standards by CEN (Comite European de Normalisation) has placed a greater emphasis on material performance and outperforming the requirements of these standards has been a major focus.
With a comprehensive range of test equipment available we can measure a wide range of material characteristics including stiffness, fatigue and permanent deformation. Aggregates, Bitumen’s and Fillers are also tested in the laboratory.
The Laboratory has performed a large number of material designs over the last few years such as our Duraflow Sustainable Urban Drainage Solution (Suds) Porous Asphalt for Dublin Airport Red Carpark, Marshall Asphalt (Dublin & Shannon Airports) and a large range of Stone Mastic Asphalts for motorways and national roads.
Comprehensive design protocols have been established in the laboratory for various material types which ensure that end performance requirements are achieved. The laboratory has also developed new materials which offer solutions and a wider choice to our customers. The tests performed in the laboratory are accredited by the Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB).
With the introduction of the EN13108 series of Bituminous product standards there is now a requirement for our products to be Type Tested. This type testing can incorporate performance testing, and this is done in the CRH Asphalt Laboratory. Guidance on current Type Test requirements is given in Standard Recommendation (SR) 28- Standard Recommendation for the use of the EN 13108 series.
Roadstone has a keen understanding of our responsibilities as the market leader when it comes to providing our customers with greener more sustainable products with improved Life Cycle Analysis (LCA). Roadstone is at the forefront in the use of Reclaimed Asphalt in new asphalt materials and the use of Warm Mix technology which can provide improved CO2 footprints of our materials. It is a focus for us now and in the coming years to provide the solutions to the climate change challenge faced by our industry.