March 2020 - Bitafal

OVERHAUL HISTORIC ROUTE 30

The route is finishing being reconstructed in its section between Artigas and Bella Unión.

With the completion of this section, more than 250 km of intervened route from Route 5 to Route 3 in Bella Unión are completed. The recent works leave excellent connectivity for the city of Artigas, both due to the rehabilitation of the pavements and the 5 new bridges that were built in the section between Artigas and Tomás Gomensoro. The Traxpalco company is doing a great job in the widening and surcharge of the route as well as in the double interlocked treatment (DTT) with emulsion IRRIGATION BITAFLEX 65 P40.

Traxpalco is carrying out a granulometric stabilization by means of a 20 cm thick basalt surcharge and taking the width of the route to 11 m with 7.2 m of carriageway and 1.5 m of shoulder. The stabilized material is sealed with fine material and waterproofed with diluted MC1 awaiting double bituminous treatment.

The treatment is performed with emulsion IRRIGATION BITAFLEX 65 P40 and 12-19 mm gravel of very good quality in irrigation A and with 6-12 mm in irrigation B. The two irrigations are carried out in the same day ensuring the interlocking of the system applying the right dose and using a tandem roller to achieve the searched matrix.

The company has carried out great logistics to obtain granular material and stone aggregates, they have three mobile crushers and one fixed to achieve the necessary daily volumes of material.

With sufficient equipment and materials, together with adequate logistics on site, they are managing to execute close to 20,000 m2 of double finished treatment per day. Grupo BITAFAL is committed to the work ensuring the supply of two daily trips of emulsion to almost 700 km from our plant. The high daily yields with this system and the quality of the finished treatment demonstrate the advantages of this type of execution.

At the end of last year, 5 bridges were inaugurated in the section under reconstruction, with an estimated investment of USD 22 million. In this way the connectivity between Bella Unión and Artigas is assured.

The works are completed with a section of Branch Route 3 between Tomás Gomensoro and Bella Unión by the company DÍaz Alvarez. In that case there is also a surcharge of crushed material and then a double bituminous treatment carried out with emulsion IRRIGATION BITAFLEX 65 P25. In the area Diaz Alvarez has also carried out a resurfacing with BITAFLEX AM3 on Route 3 in the accesses to Bella Unión.

In this way, the Department of Artigas has received the largest injection of works in history, leaving a good quality infrastructure for the development of the area with the realization of investments that boost production activity.

* We thank Engineer Emilio Aitcin of the Traxpalco company for the collaboration provided for this note

BITAFLEX PG AIRPORT RUNWAY 70-28

Works are currently suspended until after Tourism Week.

The CVC company is carrying out the renovation of the main runway of the Laguna del Sauce Airport in Maldonado. For this they are applying high technology for leveling surfaces using a 2m milling machine with control by 3D robotic station to have a base according to the project requirements, correcting imperfections, subsidence and dimensions. Then apply a layer of 7 cm thick asphalt mix with modified asphalt BITAFLEX PG 70-28 applied by two terminating “high compaction” that work simultaneously. We thank CVC and Corporación América for their trust in supplying the modified asphalt cement.

The milling of the track is carried out in sections between 500 and 600 m long continuously, corroborating in each of the passes that the project requirements are being met. The removed material is being used for the construction of the airport's auxiliary roads, which did not exist. After milling, it is necessary to thoroughly clean it to ensure the adherence of the asphalt layer to be applied. For this, good logistical work is first necessary to minimize traffic on loose material, then a good sweep, blowing and scraping in case if necessary.

For irrigation asphalt layer adhesion is performed with emulsion IRRIGATION BITAFAL 65 and then the laying and compaction of the asphalt mix in 7 cm thickness with modified asphalt BITAFLEX PG 70-28 using two pavers in parallel. One of them equipped with a multiplex ruler with 3 sensors on one side and a laser sensor (or copying skid) or electronic pendulum on the other; the other paver has automatic leveling through laser copier sensors on both sides or pendulum and sensor that copies what was done by the first one and extends outwards until completing the programmed width. The recoat width is between 9.26 – 10.26 m per shift to minimize cold joints on a runway that is 45 m wide. It begins with a central strip of 4 m mounted on the slope break of the runway axis (with broken plate in the middle regulated at 1.5% cross slope) and an adjoining one towards one of the sides of 5.26 m (second regulated finisher at 5.40 m to mount about 10-14 cm on the hot joint); this completes the 9.26 m. Then it follows with widths of 5.00 m for the paver equipped with multiplex (corrects small deviations in the longitudinal profile) and 5.26 m in the second paver (5.40 m to absorb the assembly in the hot joint). Towards one of the sides, the total width of 45 m is completed with a single paver regulated at 5.00 m wide.

In addition to these works, repairs are being made to the concrete and asphalt pavements of the aircraft parking platforms, improvements to runway accesses and runway intersections – level transitions, replacement of edge lighting systems and runway thresholds. – AGL (Airfield Ground Lighting) as well as the adaptation of the ALS (Approach Lighting Systems) for runway 08-26 and other visual aids. The areas of the runway Resas are also being readjusted to the latest ICAO requirements in terms of extension and levels, to fulfill this task some 30,000 m3 of soil movement are estimated. The deadline to complete all the works is 4 months, with completion estimated for the month of June.

* We thank Engineer Horacio García Terra from CVC for the collaboration provided for this note

Emulsions for high demands (65 IRRIGATION BITAFLEX P40)

23 March 2020
in: Technical articles

Since 2011, SPECIAL BITAFAL ASFALTOS, It has expanded its line emulsions seeking to adapt to climatic conditions, use and traffic which are undergoing different technologies.

The specification used in our country for modified emulsions is the IRAM 6698 standard: Modified cationic asphalt emulsions. In it, to determine the degree of modification, the minimum requirement for elastic torsional recovery is 12%, a value that we consider extremely low since a conventional asphalt cement has about 8%. That is why we have specified two ranges of elasticity for all types of modified emulsions manufactured, one with a minimum of 25% and another with 40% elastic torsional recovery and three types of asphalt penetration ranges depending on the application and thermal gradient in the area to execute the work.

Then we attach an indicative table for selection of emulsions Irrigation

The emulsion designed for the highest demands was the emulsion BITAFLEX RIEGO 65 P40 D, Which is manufactured with an asphalt hard penetration of 50 to 80 dmm (and a viscosity above 2000 cP as determined in a study of sections required not presented exudates) and add a high amount of polymer achieve greater torsional elastic recovery 40%.

Already there are several sections that have used this emulsion on domestic routes (Route 26, Route 15, Route 8, Route 5, etc.) and their use is becoming more common because of the noticeable advantages of their use. On the one hand, it ensures good performance of works even when not run in optimal temperature conditions or performance and moreover withstand high traffic demands and climatic giving high durability to sections executed.

this emuslión was recently applied in the Chipping performed by Served en Route 8 with excellent performance, withstanding high temperatures and traffic, with minimal detachments.

For inquiries please write to bitafal@bitafal.com.uy or visit our website www.bitafal.com.uy

TIBIAN BLENDS: 50 ° C less in mixing and compaction

23 March 2020
in: Technical articles,News

Following the way of introducing new technology in road construction in the country, Group BITAFAL made a successful stretch of warm mixtures with Techint SACI Route 9. This time was used on CCS S12 mixture envisaged for section a double innovation and a binder modified crumb rubber was used (BITAFLEX AMC 50) with a reducing surfactant additive mixing temperatures and compaction.

Fue posible bajar ambas temperaturas en 50°C, mejorando los promedios de densidad del tramo respecto al realizado sin aditivo a pesar que durante la jornada de prueba la temperatura máxima ambiente fue de 12°C. Por otra parte se lograron aumentos de productividad de la planta y ahorros verificados de Fuel Oil de un 27% con los cuales prácticamente se repaga el uso del aditivo.

the first tire recycling plant is disused Opens - GreenUr

They accompanying the development of technical research of both companies, the MTOP and an engineer of the supplier of the additive which conducted an extensive temperature control and final compaction work by an electromagnetic hydrometer.

The density values were never below 97%, reaching values of 99.5% in some points, quite superior to those evaluated in the section made without additive. Lubricity the surfactant imparts to the binder as well as an improvement in the adhesiveness between the aggregate and the binder contribute to the economy and efficiency during production and paving mixtures.

The following are some of the advantages of incorporating technology tibias mixtures:

Lower operating cost in factory production due to fuel savings
Increased productivity at the plant, due to mix optimization and ease of mixing the aggregate and binder
Greater workability and compactability of the mixture during its extended
Lower emissions of harmful pollutants into the air, to be applied at lower temperatures
More time between the production of the mixture and its application in the field, which can be translated within reach for longer trucks, and the ability to still compact with 6-8 hours between manufacture and compaction field mixture
The possibility of producing asphalt mixtures during cold weather (below 8 ° C)
The possibility of eliminating other bonding agents such as lime or an adhesion improver, and that the additive is an adhesion promoter
More safety and comfort for workers in the plant and in the field, due to the reduction of emissions and harmful particles in the air
The possibility of constructing a pavement with longer lifetime, less oxidized from the beginning, and lower thermal segregation at the time of its spread.

MAS PHOTOS HERE

SUCCESS STORIES IN WINTER GRAVILLADOS

23 March 2020
in: Technical articles

The use of the technique TDT (Double Treatment Trabado) graveled in various works that have recently implemented show that emulsions may be used during the winter successfully without risk of landslides and significant material savings.

Such is the case of the work done by NECKLACE Ruta 19, executed by the banquinas BITAFAL RENTALS for SERVIAM in Route 5 and TECHINT in Route 9 and Route 16.

All these works were done with modified emulsions Bitaflex P40 or P25 Riego 65 using the technique TDT (Note: "Innovative technologies for surface treatments in winter") Without any detachment.

This is due to the combination of good materials and implementing ways appropriate to the era. The key is to run two risks in the day achieving total mechanical interlock and to even make irrigation fog on the same day to ensure adherence of the entire stone and a superior aesthetic finish. Moreover it is essential dosing intelligently materials to have the optimal amounts in each irrigation and save on the materials used.

We invite you to know the procedure used in our blog: “INNOVATIVE SURFACE TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES IN WINTER“

Strength studies ductility performed on the binders for surface treatments show that the modified emulsions Bitaflex Riego 65 P25 and P40 have a cohesive energy far superior to any common emulsion and not to mention the asphalt diluted, which contributes to the durability of the matrix achieved in the implementation of DTT.

As the images of the enclosed work COLIER in Route 19 can be seen that achieved is homogeneous matrix, containing suitable gaps for expansion of the bitumen in summer and very little excess stone in the shoulders.

We invite you to contact if considered necessary to deepen the dosage form and implementation of a TDT or the selection of suitable materials: bitafal@bitafal.com.uy

New equipment for slip resistance CITEVI

23 March 2020
in: Technical articles

Release Pendulum TRRL (British Pendulum Friction) to determine the coefficient of slip resistance in path 102.

Following the course Walkways assessment of the AUC, Measuring the skid resistance on asphalt Route 102 was made recently built by company C.V.C. with the British Pendulum CITEVI.

Slip resistance assesses the non-slip characteristics of a pavement surface and is directly related to the micro-texture of the aggregates used. The test consists of measuring the energy loss experienced by a pendulum fitted at its end with a rubber shoe, once it touches the surface to be tested. This loss of energy is registered by a mark on the graduated plate that contains the equipment.

Citevi Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Grupo Bitafal

With respect to the study section, said coefficient was determined in the new and in the old asphalt layer. In both cases, the test gave a value between 60-65, with a high repeatability in the measurement. Sections of the Carrasco Airport and the Interbalnearia were also tested, exhibiting similar values. Magdalena Pastorini and Nicolás Vaz from the MTOP were present to evaluate and discuss the results obtained.

Teachers consulted the University of Rosario, Marta Pagola and Oscar Giovanon, confirmed that the value found is good. They also clarified that the value tends to decrease with the level of traffic, and if it remains, it may be due to a not very good Los Angeles wear value, to the extent that the particles suffer small detachments (recovering their microtexture) when At the same time they tend to be polished. Finally, Marta comments that as an example, the Olavarría granite in the Province of Buenos Aires, has an initial value before polishing of the order of 65, and after polishing of 40. That final value of 40 is reached in 5 , 10 or 15 years depending on traffic and dirt conditions on the road.

As a final observation we conclude that the pendulum is very sensitive to the texture: if the mixture was kneaded, but still with exposed aggregates can give similar values. Therefore, to fully assess the slip resistance, it is advisable to supplement it with the patch of sand.

We must pay attention to these factors as they influence the behavior of the tire with the pavement, especially in wet conditions. Laboratory sion It has the equipment available to evaluate this parameter.

BITAFAL enters the world of rheometry

23 March 2020
in: Technical articles

New Reómetro Anton Paar SmartPave 102 at sion It will allow a big step in the performance of asphalt products in Uruguay.

As we announced in an earlier issue of our newsletterThis month installed a Court Dynamic Rheometer (DSR for its acronym in Ingés). This sophisticated equipment allows to know the performance of asphalts much of its viscoelastic range. Mainly we are concerned in these latitudes, that is at medium and high temperatures.

With this tool we can improve the modified asphalts and emulsions to suit the conditions of our country and know within minutes the quality of asphalts used as raw material.

With the addition of equipment, a course of rheology and use of equipment with an expert from the supplier was performed. The course was held on 27 and 28 August in the CITEVI and we have the participation of technical staff of our company, the MTOP and LATU.

This new machine is equipped with accessories for measurements from -20 to 150 ° C both conventional asphalts, as well as some modified properties of emulsions. Typically it used to determine the degree of asphalt (PG) but can be used for other properties of the binders.

Within the novel assays we can discuss the possibility of making master curves where temperatures and voltages applied to see the performance of the binders are varied. It is also possible to test highly accurate adhesion or cohesion at different temperatures, essential for the performance of emulsions for surface treatment tool.

Not so new but convenient is the possibility of viscosities "brookfield" within minutes both 60 ° C to the viscosity curves at the desired temperature range.

These are some of the many tests that can be performed but the team is extremely versatile and has many accessories that allow analyzing from food to paint smoothly.

In the course they made the basics of fluid mechanics, equipment operation and its application to the asphalts were given. It had a practical module to understand the operation of equipment and advanced software that controls and processes data.

Much remains to explore and contribute to our road with this team. We will keep you informed of progress.

Evaluation of penetration of the aggregate in the bases for surface treatments

23 March 2020
in: Technical articles

Using the penetrometer ball as quality control element base treatment.

In the path that is being traced at the national level to standardize design criteria for surface treatments, we believe the inclusion of the ball penetrometer test is of utmost importance. It determines if the base is in proper condition to receive initial treatment, or if it requires additional work. It is also an indicator of the degree of compaction that has been achieved and the moisture contained in the base. The test was originally developed by South Africans and is also used in Australia and New Zealand to quantitatively measure the penetration potential of aggregate into the base.

En este frío mes de Agosto, junto con Lucio Borelli de CVC, pusimos a prueba este equipo de medición en diversas superficies: bases granulares no ligadas, bases estabilizadas con ligantes (cemento Portland y asfalto espumado) y mezclas asfálticas. A continuación se ilustran algunas de las conclusiones, acompañadas de fotos de la experiencia.

In the initial treatments (surface treatments on bases), the subsidence of the aggregate on the surface always occurs, to a greater or lesser extent. The degree of penetration will depend on the base material, its humidity, compaction and the traffic to which it will be subjected. Not taking these parameters into account results in exudate in the short term, becoming particularly evident in the tracks. The explanation for this phenomenon is intuitive: the tire pressure sinks the stone into a base that allows it and the voids that correspond to the asphalt and the air (to achieve the macrotexture of the wearing course) are occupied by the material of base, causing the asphalt to surface through the stone, which results in exudation in the tracks.

El ensayo que se propone es muy sencillo y de fácil aplicación: consiste en la penetración de una bola de 19 mm de diámetro que es golpeada por un martillo normalizado lanzado de una altura conocida (Australian Standards: AG-PT/T251 – Ball Penetration Test). El valor de penetración queda registrado en el aparato, ya sea en un indicador electrónico o en una regla graduada (que viene incorporada).

Los resultados de este ensayo se utilizan para ajustar la cantidad de ligante a regar o para seleccionar un tratamiento correctivo previo al definitivo. Su uso más importante es quizá el de establecer el límite en el que no se pueden realizar gravillados sin antes recompactar o estabilizar la base, dado que su riesgo de falla es muy elevado.

La primera y más importante de las conclusiones es que la preparación de la base es un factor determinante en los resultados. Un problema común es que las bases presentan un exceso de finos en la parte superior que genera que la bola penetre con facilidad. Aunque parecen estar lisas y homogéneas inicialmente, tan pronto como se barren, una gran cantidad de este material fino se dispersa, dejando una superficie áspera e inconsistente que es problemática para ejecutar un tratamiento.

Another issue to consider is the humidity at the time of the test: if the surface is visibly wet, the penetration gives higher values. We could corroborate this by testing the same surface early in the morning and close to noon. In some cases, the conditions of the base at the time of the test are good, but when a primer is applied, due to capillarity and temperature differences, humidity begins to increase in the first 5 cm, affecting the penetration result.

Developing

PRINT 50 AN ALLY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

23 March 2020
in: Technical articles

Since the introduction of the emulsion 50 in Uruguay PRINT form base priming it has changed considerably because of the technical and economic advantages

We have made little emphasis on the environmental benefits of its use to the detriment of asphalt diluted for priming as in the case of the MC1. Diluted contains 30% volatile solvents evaporating end to the atmosphere photochemical smog impact on the greenhouse effect and the reduction of the ozone layer while PRINT 50 only emits water in curing.

Also, temperatures of handling and application of different types of primers lead to significant fuel economy as the PRINT 50 It is fully liquid at room temperature and water it is possible at temperatures as low as 40 to 50 ° C while the MC1 must be heated to 90 ° C or 80 to be applied correctly.

In recent years the use of PRINT 50 in Uruguay achieved:
- Reduce by 3000 tons of solvents emitted into the atmosphere
- Reducing CO2 emitted to the atmosphere because of its lower temperature manufacturing, handling and application
- Improving safety and health of workers by lower operating temperatures and avoid inhaling solvents
- Eliminate the risk of explosion in regadores trucks.

As for flammability and explosion hazard we should worry seriously and only in 2019 there were 2 accidents which fortunately had no fatal casualties but substantial material losses.

March 14 2019: Explosion of a tank RC2 in Maldonado http://www.maldonado.gub.uy/?n=38251&mm=Obras

3 of June 2019: Explosion and fire sprinkler asphalt diluted in Cologne: http://ro.com.uy/2019/06/incendio-en-colonia-un-camion-exploto-y-otros-dos-tomaron-fuego-en-el-talleres-municipales/

In many countries of the world the use of diluted asphalt is prohibited, as is the case of Argentina and Spain, or at the least there are state policies that tend to reduce these products. In the US and Canada have guidelines for not using dilute solvent regulate their content or used out only from the time of ozone generation (usually summer).
It has recently been proposed that can not manufacture or market any diluted containing more than 0.5% by volume of volatile solvents evaporated at 260 ° C or less as determined by ASTM D402.
Uruguay should consider this path if we want to be an environmentally responsible country and protect the lives of workers.

For further information on the technical advantages we approached them a paper presented at the 9th Congress of the Road Uruguaya: https://bitafal.com.uy/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/9%c2%ba-CVU-Trabajo-Imprimaci%c3%b3n-con-emulsiones-mejoras-t%c3%a9cnicas-y-ambientales.pdf

VEDA IN Surface treatments

23 March 2020
in: Technical articles

With the imminent entry of autumn, we should take the necessary precautions in the execution of surface treatments.

The ban begins in a few days and the most suitable for our summer climate emulsions begin to generate low yields in the execution by the cold and the few hours of insolation that we are already living.

Asphalts specifications based emulsions remain unchanged throughout the year. If the manufacturer wants a change in specifications to continue the work, we do get an email with the desired specification.

We recall that in remitos load the batch number corresponding detailed, and which can enter our website to have the Quality report and to corroborate with the requested specifications.

To maintain the quality of the works must run less meters per day before releasing traffic with some specific recommendations always looking to reduce the amount of water in the system.

We invite you to know in detail the recommendations on the following link "SEVEN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE OF EMULSIONS IN WINTER"

surface treatments:

1) heating the emulsion to be used above 70 ° C to promote evaporation of water from the emulsion itself.

2) Do not wet aggregates and try to use the top in the collection that are drier and drained, not load the gathering at the bottom.

3) Start the task early in the morning, regardless of the prevailing temperature, for that tranche has executed the most hours of exposure to air, wind and sun.

4) Apply TMT technologiesThat favor locking of aggregates applied, achieving superior quality and finish.

5) Have properly calibrated equipment graveled and irrigation to the quality objective is sought to be achieved.

Irrigations primer:

In these autumn and winter periods irrigation primer they are affected by the high rate of humidity in the foundations.

It must be respected as well as primers with dilute MC 1, optimum moisture application for the purpose of achieving a successful work.

By the above, it is normal for a primer in summer takes less than 1 hour in winter takes more than 24 hours to get to be acceptable.

Soil stabilization:

It is best suited to perform soil stabilization with cement or lime period.

Water needs hydration are very basic and profiling work, compaction and sealing are unmatched.

Here the sealing emulsion IRRIGATION BITAFAL 65 at 1 per square meter lt should be complemented with a sealed with quarry dust good quality.

These bases have such successful results supporting several months before recommencing graveled tasks in appropriate months.

Monthly ArchivesMarch 2020 - Bitafal