Cargill’s Plant-Based Anovaâ Asphalt Rejuvenator Put to the Test
The Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Virginia Department of Transportation have completed the construction stages of ongoing field tests with Cargill’s plant-based asphalt rejuvenator, Anova, and the data shows continued reliability with recycled asphalt paving.
The independent tests were conducted over two years on the MnROAD and National Center for Asphalt Technology at Auburn Univ. (NCAT) test tracks with 45 percent RAP mixes.
“The results prove that Anova rejuvenated RAP continues to deliver consistency, predictability and ‘construct-ability’ while reducing costs and being more sustainable,” said Justin Black, Cargill’s Global Category Leader for Road Construction. “Advancements in RAP deliver huge value to road owners, contractors and taxpayers.”
Key findings include:
- International Roughness Index (IRI) at 60% (beating industry averages with similar conditions)
- 0 percent cracking with the NCAT test and only normal/expected hairline cracks with the MnROAD test (following two harsh Minnesota winters)
- Showed a cost savings of 50 cents to $1.50 per ton on average, compared to traditional mixes – which equates to around $750,000 in annual savings for a mid-sized contractor
- RAP mix performs the same in colder temps, even at higher mix levels
- 0 percent rutting
- NCAT results show (after two years and 5.5 million ESALS):
- 0 percent cracking
- International Roughness Index: the increase (loss) in IRI is ~20 in/mile (control) vs. ~10 in/mile (Anova). Both sections are acceptable, but the Anova section has maintained its ideal roughness properties better than the control section
- Rut Depth: no difference between control and rejuvenated Anova mix
- Showed a cost savings of 50 cents to $1.50 per ton on average, compared to traditional mixes – which equates to around $750,000 in annual savings for a mid-sized contractor
- RAP mix is performing the same as a typical low RAP mix, even at MnROAD’s colder temperatures
“The test sections built in the fall of 2018 at MnROAD are performing as good or better than the control test sections to date,” said Ben Worel, research operations engineer with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. “MnDOT values our partnership with Cargill and feels that the future of improving our roadways is looking to new ideas and technologies like Anova.”
According to the Federal Highway Administration, there are nearly 3 million miles of paved public roads in the United States containing 18 billion tons of asphalt mixes. And since nearly all asphalt pavement from existing roads is recyclable, the industry has a huge opportunity with RAP.
About Cargill
Cargill’s 160,000 employees across 70 countries work relentlessly to achieve our purpose of nourishing the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. Every day, we connect farmers with markets, customers with ingredients, and people and animals with the food they need to thrive. We combine 154 years of experience with new technologies and insights to serve as a trusted partner for food, agriculture, financial and industrial customers in more than 125 countries. Side-by-side, we are building a stronger, sustainable future for agriculture.
About Cargill Anova® Asphalt Solutions
Cargill’s line of Anova® Asphalt Solutions additives offer a full range of unique and robust bio-based chemistries: rejuvenators, modifiers, warm mix additives, anti-strip and cold mix solutions. At Cargill, we take a collaborative approach to providing our customers reliable, sustainable, renewable solutions to meet their road construction needs. We understand the varying dynamics of the road construction industry and will work with you to help create the dependable solution that is ideal for your business. We have a complete asphalt binder analysis and applications lab which allows us to dive deep and provide a thorough picture of how our chemistries are helping your material quality and consistency. Cargill offers non-hazardous and amine-free solutions to help you maximize your recycling potential, build a better road and keep your people safe.
Contact:
Jennifer Patel
Global Communications Lead
Jennifer_patel@cargill.com
612-644-1891
Partener Principal
MATEK Build Smart