NovoFi®
Introducing NovoFi®: The Future of High-Performance Asphalt Paving
NovoFi® is an industry-leading solution transforming asphalt paving. By seamlessly integrating a high-tensile-strength blend of nearly invisible synthetic fibres, including aramid and polyolefin, into asphalt mixtures, NovoFi® enhances pavement strength, durability, and performance, without altering standard construction practices.
This innovative technology addresses common paving issues such as thermal cracking, reflective cracking, and rutting, providing a longer-lasting, more resilient road surface. NovoFi® is designed to deliver exceptional performance across both new construction and rehabilitation projects. It allows for a reduction in pavement layer thickness while maintaining the same durability as conventional mixes, resulting in immediate cost savings. When used at standard thickness, it can significantly extend the lifespan of roads, reducing life-cycle costs.
NovoFi®’s proprietary fibre blend is specifically engineered for extreme durability, with aramid fibres known for their strength and high-temperature resistance, and polyolefin fibres offering added flexibility. This advanced material helps to mitigate damage from harsh conditions, ensuring a more resilient surface in both high and low-temperature climates.
Not only does improve the immediate strength of asphalt, but it also contributes to sustainability. By reducing the need for frequent maintenance and extending pavement life by approximately 50%, NovoFi® decreases raw material consumption and energy use, minimizing the carbon footprint of road construction.
NovoFi® is setting new standards in infrastructure, offering a sustainable, cost-effective solution that enhances both the durability and performance of roads, paving the way for a more resilient and efficient future in road construction.
Transform your next project with NovoFi® – the future of sustainable, high-performance paving starts here.
Asphalt Innovation
NovoFi® technology represents a significant advancement in asphalt construction, offering a range of benefits over traditional methods. By utilizing an advanced fibre blend of aramid (carbon) and polypropylene fibres, each approximately 19 mm in length, NovoFi® enhances the structural integrity of asphalt with its unique 3D fibre reinforcement. This reinforcement improves the resistance of asphalt to tractive forces, heavy vehicle traffic, and temperature fluctuations, significantly reducing the risk of deformation and cracking.
Key technical aspects of NovoFi® include:
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Fibre Blend: Proprietary combination of aramid and polypropylene fibres for enhanced performance and durability.
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3D Reinforcement: The fibres create a three-dimensional network that improves resistance to cracking, rutting, and deformation.
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Optimal Mixing: NovoFi® fibres are added at a rate of 0.5 to 0.8 kg per ton, with a recommended wet mixing time of at least 45 seconds to ensure even dispersion and maximum performance.
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Seamless & Invisible Integration: NovoFi® fibres blend effortlessly into the asphalt, maintaining visual appeal and requiring no modifications to standard lay-down and compaction methods. Once mixed, the reinforced asphalt behaves like untreated asphalt, ensuring easy integration into existing construction processes with standard paving equipment.
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Thinner Asphalt Layers: NovoFi® allows for the use of thinner asphalt layers and fewer courses, leading to substantial cost savings in both materials and labor.
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Increased Durability: Enhanced fatigue resistance and rutting resistance contribute to the pavement's ability to withstand heavy traffic conditions without compromising its structural integrity.
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Optimized for Sustainability: Supports the use of recycled materials and can eliminate the need for a base course, streamlining construction and further reducing environmental impact.
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Cost Savings: Reduced material and labor costs, along with fewer repairs and resurfacing needs, translate into long-term savings and a lower lifecycle cost for road maintenance.
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Reduced Carbon Footprint: Using thinner asphalt layers reduces transportation costs and the carbon footprint associated with logistics, requiring fewer trucks for material transport.
NovoFi® is poised to set new standards in infrastructure, offering durable, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions for modern asphalt construction. Its enhanced performance and reduced maintenance needs make it a forward-thinking choice that supports both environmental and economic goals.
NovoFi® vs Traditional Asphalt Surfacing
ADVANTAGES
NovoFi® and NovoCrete® technology offer a cutting-edge solution that outperforms conventional asphalt construction by addressing key challenges and enhancing overall road durability. Here’s how:
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Superior Foundation with NovoCrete®:
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Provides a high-load-bearing, frost-resistant, and crack-free base course.
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Effectively addresses settling and damage from inhomogeneous or frost-sensitive soils.
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Paired with NovoFi®-reinforced asphalt for enhanced longevity and durability.
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Improved Asphalt Performance with NovoFi®:
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Fibres enhance the asphalt’s ability to withstand compressive and tractive forces.
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Reduces rut formation and extends road lifespan.
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Improves safety and overall pavement performance.
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Challenges of Conventional Asphalt Construction:
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Heavy vehicle traffic leads to continuous strain, rut formation, and crack development.
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Performance deteriorates under extreme loading, thermal fluctuations, and recycled materials.
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Maximizing bitumen content compromises asphalt integrity, causing fatigue and reduced durability.
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NovoFi® Solution for Enhanced Durability:
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Uniform distribution of NovoFi® fibres creates a robust 3D reinforcement network.
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Improves resistance to compressive and tractive forces, reducing rut formation by over 50%.
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Enhances resistance to thermal deformation, preventing cracks from progressing to the surface.
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Extends lifespan and enhances overall resilience, creating a longer-lasting, safer road system.
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Unlock the power of NovoFi®: Empowering stronger, more sustainable surfaces for a longer-lasting future.
Conventional vs. NovoFi® Enhanced Asphalt
Here’s a comparison between conventional asphalt and NovoFi®-enhanced asphalt, highlighting the key differences in performance, durability, and maintenance.
Conventional Asphalt:
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Struggles with rut formation and cracking due to heavy vehicle traffic.
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Performance deteriorates under extreme loading, thermal fluctuations, and recycled materials.
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Increased bitumen content can weaken the asphalt, leading to material fatigue.
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Reduced durability and higher maintenance needs.
NovoFi®-Enhanced Asphalt:
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NovoFi® fibres strengthen asphalt, improving resistance to compressive and tractive forces.
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Reduces rut formation, extending road lifespan and enhancing safety.
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Paired with a NovoFi® base course that is high-load-bearing, frost-resistant, and crack-free.
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Effectively handles issues like settling and damage from unstable or frost-sensitive soils.
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Provides a stable, durable foundation for longer-lasting, low-maintenance roads.
Implementation
APPLICATION
NovoFi® is added directly to the asphalt mix during production, creating a three-dimensional reinforcement throughout the entire pavement layer. This reinforcement helps prevent thermal, reflective, and fatigue cracking, as well as reduces rutting. It’s a cost-effective solution for improving the durability and longevity of a variety of transportation applications, including airports, streets, highways, interstates, and industrial parking lots. NovoFi® helps transportation agencies achieve sustainability goals by lowering Life Cycle Costs.
Additionally, NovoFi® can be used as a stabilizing agent in Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) and Open Graded Friction Course (OGFC), further enhancing pavement performance.
CONSTRUCTION – Bituminous Mixing Plant
NovoFi® is added to the asphalt mix using specialized equipment that ensures precise measurement. The fibres are metered by weight in batch plants or fed continuously in a steady, uniform manner for drum plants. In some cases, pre-weighed dissolvable bags can be used for Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA), though these may not fully dissolve in Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA).
The fibre supply system must include:
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Proportioning devices interlocked with the plant system, ensuring accuracy within ±10% of the required amount.
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Calibration equipment to confirm accurate fibre distribution.
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Features like low-level and no-flow indicators for feeders, as well as clear pipes for monitoring fibre flow consistency.
These systems ensure uniform fibre distribution, enhancing the asphalt's strength and longevity.
