Eco-Friendly Roads: Aston University and Miles Macadam’s Sustainable Biochar Solution

Brief

Aston University partners with Miles Macadam to develop sustainable road surfaces using biochar, aiming to reduce CO2 emissions and reliance on imported materials.

Insight

Aston University is collaborating with Miles Macadam, a construction company, to develop more sustainable road surfaces by replacing fly ash with biochar.

This partnership aims to reduce CO2 emissions and reliance on imported materials. Fly ash, a byproduct of coal-fired power stations, currently used in road surfacing, has inconsistent quality due to import variations. To address this, Aston University and Miles Macadam are exploring biochar, a carbon-rich material derived from organic waste, as an alternative.

The project is part of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) involving a business, an academic institution, and a highly qualified researcher. KTPs are designed to enhance business competitiveness and productivity through advanced knowledge and technology. Aston University is a leading provider of KTPs, with a high success rate in previous projects.

The collaboration will see the team manufacture and evaluate biochar-based grouts for their water absorption and strength, simulating real-world conditions using Aston University’s environmental testing facility. This rigorous testing will ensure the materials can withstand heavy loads and extreme weather.

Field tests will be conducted at a Miles Macadam site to validate the performance of these sustainable materials under actual conditions. The project’s goal is to replace traditional cementitious materials with biochar, significantly reducing CO2 emissions. Aston University’s expertise in researching fly ash alternatives will be crucial in this initiative.

Led by Dr. Moura Mehravar and Professor Mujib Rahman, the project leverages the diverse expertise within Aston University’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

This initiative not only aims to meet Miles Macadam’s specific needs but also explores the broader potential of biochar in various construction applications. The project signifies a significant step towards sustainable construction practices, promising innovative solutions that contribute to a greener future.

Highlight

Fly ash, a byproduct of coal-fired power stations, currently used in road surfacing, has inconsistent quality due to import variations. To address this, Aston University and Miles Macadam are exploring biochar, a carbon-rich material derived from organic waste, as an alternative.
The project signifies a significant step towards sustainable construction practices, promising innovative solutions that contribute to a greener future.