Road projects in China are benefiting from German firm Wirtgen’s bitumen stabilised paving recycling technology.

The system conserves energy, provides a more durable road surface and reduces the demand for raw materials.

Initially the technology, which does not cost a lot to implement, was regarded as poor man’s concrete but has been very effective in countries affected by extreme weather conditions.

This has been especially important in China where hot wet summers and cold winters prove devastating for tarmac roads.

The original road surface is dug up, milled and then mixed with an emulsion of bitumen suspended in water and a small amount of cement or lime.

It acts as a flexible binding agent and also waterproofs the road surface meaning it will crack less.