Asphalt coatings

This application is not new, chrysotile fibres were extensively used in asphalt used on numerous roads in North America and Western Europe between 1960 and 1970. The fibres, securely encapsulated in the asphalt prevent premature cracking and rutting of road paving thereby prolonging their life time.

Previously, 2 to 10%, of fibres were added to the asphalt mixes. Today only 1 to 1.5% chrysotile in the mixes is sufficient to extend the life of asphalt coverings by 50 to 100%.

Many environmental studies have been made to determine the impact of the presence of fibres in asphalt coverings. The results all point in the same direction : no significant or measurable emission of fibres to the air occurs during the preparation of mixes, their installation on roads or during their useful life at all vehicle traffic levels. Measurements of fibre emissions during planning or scarification of worn pavement show that exposures of workmen are within standard limits even under extreme conditions when the water to cool the planer cutters is shut off.

The Ministry of Transport of Quebec, like certain Quebec municipalities are in the vanguard of the safe users of chrysotile fibres in asphalt road coverings.