BITAFAL Special Asphalt Archives

THE ROLE OF ASPHALT IN ROAD SAFETY

We all know that the surface condition of the road affects the accident rate: exudations, pits and rutting increase stopping distances and promote abrupt maneuvers, especially in wet conditions. At Grupo Bitafal we are working on techniques and products to reverse this problem.

As Voltaire said, “There is no such thing as an accident. What we call this name is the effect of some cause that we do not see ”. In general, the incidence of the human factor is the main cause of claims, although the causes are really multiple and some are not very controllable. However, from our perspective and our commitment to Road Safety, the surface condition of the road is a controllable factor and we are working on various techniques and products that substantially improve this situation.

Traffic accidents are one of the most deadly evils in our country. From January 1 to November 30, 2020, a total of 19,721 people were injured by traffic accidents, of whom 347 died and 2606 were seriously injured, according to official figures from UNASEV. Although the rate decreased compared to the previous year (figures strongly influenced by the voluntary mobility restrictions of the pandemic), they continue to represent a problem to which we must pay careful attention.

We detail below some of the main causes and possible solutions:

Hydroplaning and “Spray” effect:

For example, if the asphalt does not drain the water well or due to defects in the road an accumulation occurs, the famous problem of aquaplanning or hydroplaning occurs. At the same time, in closed mixtures, the “Spray” effect occurs on rainy days that make visibility difficult. Beyond the profile of the road that must ensure drainage as well as have a low rut to avoid accumulation, there are solutions that are capable of improving this drainage.

One of the solutions that has been applied experimentally in Uruguay is an F10 mixture with modified asphalt BITAFLEX AM3 in which a higher macrotexture (above 1.0 mm in the sand patch) was achieved than in usual semi-dense mixtures and allows to reduce the "Spray" effect mainly. Even so, it is necessary to see alternatives that drain more water, so we are working to carry out a overcoated with a drainage-type mix with modified asphalt BITAFLEX AM3, asphalt rubber AMC 50 the highly modified asphalt HiMA. The high viscosity of these binders allows the mixture to be applied while maintaining its high percentage of voids and its excellent performance against permanent deformation, preventing the formation of rutting and water accumulation as well as eliminating the “Spray” effect.

The greater the voids on the surface, the safer the rolling, so there are alternatives with surface treatments that allow improving sections that have these problems. For example we have applied in Uruguay type surface treatments “Chipping" O cold microagglomerates to solve the rutting problem in such a way as to restore the transversal profile of the road and allow the normal drainage of water towards the sides. On the other hand the application of multiple locked treatments (TMT) It allows to generate voids but with a more comfortable and less noisy rolling.

Lack of texture and friction:

A problem related to the previous one but which is approached in a different way is the issue of the lack of friction of the road due to exudations or loss of texture of the stone aggregates. This can normally occur in heavily requested areas such as intersections, traffic lights, access to roundabouts, roundabouts, etc. In these cases, loss of vehicle control, increased stopping distance and skidding can cause serious accidents. To improve friction we are also working with high friction Seal Coat treatments, composed of high performance binders and excellent resistance aggregates. These treatments have the additional possibility of generating a red, blue or green color surface, which improves the visibility of the road and the driver's attention.

Wells:

Finally, the problem with wells is that they usually generate abrupt maneuvers at high speeds that can end in a collision or loss of control of the vehicle. For this, at Grupo Bitafal we work to promote preventive treatment, with the use of a battery of surface treatment techniques that allow, with the same money as with a milling and replacement scheme, to maintain a high standard of the pavement, ensuring the absence of wells.

In secondary and urban roads we have been working with departmental municipalities for several years supplying the family of emulsions MIX 55 to make cold mixes for patching.

In short, these are the latest developments in materials and techniques that improve road safety. We want to invite anyone interested to see our facilities and see these innovations first-hand.

ROUTE OPENING 18

Last October 10th Serviam inaugurated the work carried out on Route 18.

Route 18 Archives - Grupo Bitafal

Addition was performed on the sections still had good structural condition but any sign of surface damage, a micro cold emulsion BITAFLEX MICRO P25 62 with excellent quality implementation. We commend the company for work performed and the confidence provided.

The inauguration took place in Pueblo Rincón in the presence of the Minister of Transport, Victor Rossi, the Director of Roads Leonardo Cola and other members of the MTOP. In turn participated the mayor of Vergara, representatives of the Treinta y Tres, colleagues and friends.

A detail of execution and the new control technique mentioned cracking may be found at: https://bitafal.com.uy/nueva-tecnica-de-control-de-fisuracion-para-cementados/

NEW STRETCH WITH ASPHALT HiMA

Different experimental sections were carried out on Route 101 to evaluate the long-term performance of this new asphalt.

The new generation Hima asphalts (Highly Modified Asphalt) high content of polymers in its structure, allows for a significant increase in performance of the processed mixtures, used for traffic routes highest, or thickness substantially decreasing or way for implementing urban mixtures without losing workability conditions.

In the recent sections carried out on Route 101 together with the COLIER company, we achieved different combinations of asphalt in the base layer and in the tread layer and even with reduction of thickness in the sections with HiMA. We are happy to see that the behavior in the mixing plant and during its application is carried out at temperatures similar to the mixtures with AC 30. In the laying and compaction operations a very good densification is noted with just 2 to 3 passes of a smooth roller. The drivers were satisfied with the ease of the operations, especially in compaction.

The sections executed are located on Route 101 in front of the Science Park, between the roundabout of said park and the traffic lights of Colonia Nicolich. There a base coat was made in different alternatives. With the planned solution of 12 cm with AC30, then a section with HiMA in 12 cm and to finish a section in 10 cm. Then in the tread layer it was complemented by combining the previous ones with two asphalt, the AM3 foreseen by the project and the HiMA itself. This layer in single thickness of 5 cm.

Therefore we will have a test track with AC30 in base and HiMA in rolling, HiMA in all the thickness (and a section with reduced thickness) and HiMA in base and AM3 in rolling. This experience so close to our plant will allow us to monitor their evolution over time and draw conclusions.

We can anticipate, due to the results that we obtained in the laboratory and that were presented at the last Uruguayan Highway Congress, that great durability and performance are expected from the sections that have HiMA, which are also supported by experience worldwide.

Regarding the handling of this asphalt in the plant and on site, substantial improvements are achieved due to the low mixing and compaction temperatures, similar to those of conventional asphalt. We invite you to see some photos of the experience.

12th CONGRESS OF ROADS URUGUAYA

On 25, 26 and 27 September, the biannual conference of the Uruguayan Association of Roads was performed.

LATU again in the more than 350 players in the Uruguayan roads were present to exchange and learn about the latest developments in local infrastructure, maintenance, mobility, road safety and artwork, among other topics.

The same Bitafal Group participated in the exhibition presenting the new rheometer (DSR) of CITEVI well as new products supported by this equipment as are the HIMA, the PG 70-28 and new level of performance emulsions (EPG) . Technical presentations were linked to the performance of the above products and the recently published book "High Performance Surface Treatments".

The opening of the Congress was delivered by President of the AUC, Ing. Gerardo Fernandez, Minister of Transport, Víctor Rossi, Director of Mobility of the IMM, Pablo Inthamoussú, the Director of LATU and IDB representative for Uruguay.

Special conferences were given by Ing. Maria Mar Colas, from CEPSA and ATEB(Spain) “Surface treatments with asphalt emulsions for low-traffic highways”, by Mr. Jorge Setelich (Undersecretary of Transport and Public Works, Uruguay) “Central Railway Project – Uruguay in progress”, from Ec. Gonzalo Márquez (Municipal Government of Montevideo, Uruguay) “Electric Mobility in Montevideo: Where are we and where are we going?”, by Ing. Fabián Schvartzer (Independent Consultant, Argentina) with “Contribution of high-performance geocells in the calculation of pavement structures” and Dr. Ing. José Ramón Marcobal (SACYR, Spain) “Contributions to pavement engineering in Uruguay: a look towards the future”

In addition a thematic table "Proposals of Political Parties for the sector" where representatives gave their vision of how we are and proposals for the next period of government was conducted.

Within the thematic blocks, more than 30 technical papers on Transport, Road Safety, Structures, management and maintenance as well as pavements are presented.

The BITAFAL Group participated with four technical papers on "Surface treatments High Performance", "Advanced study of mixtures using different asphalts", "New asphalt emulsions level of performance" and "Recycling with cement and multiple treatments locked" together with the DNV.
At the close of the Congress there was a distinction as the best work of the Congress "Implementation of a mechanistic-empirical method for pavement design in Uruguay" of Ing. Martin Scavone and Gerardo Flintsch.

The novelty of the exhibition was that the outdoor showed new Wirtgen KMA 220 recent acquisition of CVC for recycling mixtures using foamed bitumen.
We look forward to the next Congress of Roads Uruguaya that possibly be done with the IBWC XXI.

GROUP OF PAVING EXPO BITAFAL PARTICIPATED

From day 27 to August 29 was held the Expo & Conference Paving South America, in San Pablo.

Pavement recycling with rejuvenating emulsions, micropavimentos high performance membranes antireflection thin cracks. These are some of the titles of the talks that were presented last August in the Paving Expo&Conference San Pablo, where we had the pleasure to attend.

The note then delves into the most relevant topics of the event that will mark the future of sustainable techniques in our region.

This conference consisted of workshops specific technologies where the field specialists unveiled the latest advances in products and application techniques. During the three days of Congress they were presented about 2300 and about 8800 people attended the various workshops.

Among the most relevant topics, deep recycling with emulsion can be highlighted. This technique, which is becoming more important every day, was explained in detail by experienced professionals, such as Tim O'Connell of Ingevity. Among the benefits that it highlights is first of all the fact that a recycled emulsion base provides superior strength and flexibility that minimizes rutting, fatigue and thermal cracks. Likewise, it is a cost-effective method where all the stone and asphalt material is recovered. For his part, Jorge Escalante from TDM commented on the Peruvian experience with this technique on a high-traffic highway in his country.

30/12/2019

Sustainable techniques mentioned above that in the past were not taken into consideration for technical and economic reasons, they are stomping the region. It was clear from the conference view is set to more sustainable alternatives where bet to improve the bases and very durable thin layers which are applied as rolling.

We thank our friends Betunel e Ingevity for kindly inviting us to the event. For those interested in updating their knowledge on these issues, the next edition will be held in the 1 to 3 September 2020.

INAUGURACION ROUTE 8 melo-Aceguá

the section built by the company CVC on Route 8 connecting Melo with the Brazilian border was opened.

On 10 September the ribbon cutting took place in the village Isidoro Noblía found in the newly renovated section. The ceremony was attended by Minister Victor Rossi, the Mayor of Cerro Largo, Pablo Duarte, representatives of the company, DNV and other national and local authorities as well as colleagues and friends.

The section was recycled in 9 m and then a road of 7.2 m was conducted in double bituminous treatment with fog. In some sites existing sewers widened and conditioned with asphalt some sections as traversing Noblía.

Recycling cement was performed in 25 cm depth giving a great bearing capacity to stretch. irrigation curing is then performed with

Recycling cement was performed in 25 cm depth giving a great bearing capacity to stretch. irrigation curing is then performed with Emulsion IRRIGATION 65 which allowed the release to traffic during last winter without problems. Bituminous simple treatment was performed on the 9 m wide while the fog twice using only road always Emulsion IRRIGATION 65 P25.

Exudation problems that appeared last year were already controlled in January and hopefully a good pavement performance this season and next summer following. The sealed surface texture was evenly across the entire width making resemblance to a asphalt.

We commend the company for having completed all the sections in very good condition and high quality. It is expected durability and enjoyment for users who can circulate in a safe and comfortable route.

Presidency note: https://www.presidencia.gub.uy/sala-de-medios/videos/ministerio+de+transporte++ruta+8++inaugura+tramo+entre+melo+y+acegua

PG 70-28 asphalt NEW

Bitafal Special Asfaltos incorporates a new high-quality modified bitumen called PG 70-28.

The new surface has excellent results in laboratory, achieving resistance to permanent deformation and the like fatigue one asphalt AM3. If you are perform traditional tests it can be classified as an asphalt AM2 (almost AM3) of the IRAM 6596 standard but is a performance grade asphalt PG 70-28 E (for extremely heavy traffic).

And there are several works that are using this new alternative modified asphalt on the one hand is being used in the retreading on concrete Route 8 by Tracoviax and CVC and another is beginning to be used in the reconstruction of Route 14 you have to perform the PPP Circuit Vial 3 by the Espina-Copasa consortium.

At 12th Congress of the Road Uruguaya the benefits of this new modified asphalt and comparative studies with other asphalt cements were presented at the square.

On Route 8, it is conducting a retreading over the existing concrete section of Mataojo Solis - Minas. First a base layer of 5 cm and then a 4cm surface, both prepared with the asphalt PG 70-28 (AM2).

The mixing temperature is in the range of 160 ° C, maintaining the characteristics of a conventional asphalt work and high performance work to achieve good workability in the vicinity of 150 ° C.

Both companies are making a very good job in both manufacturing and laying and compaction of asphalt mixture which is reflected in surface quality, both macrotexture and IRI. We emphasize safety equipment used as mobile radars and donkey backs of much needed in a high traffic route. Moreover, for the roughness of the section are being used skates 6 m with sensors coupled to the terminating and results feel gait.

We thank the companies and the MTOP the offered confidence.

NEW SEALS SEALING COLD - BITAFLEX PU

CITEVI has developed a new joint sealant applied cold and has high durability and strength.

Sealant Bitaflex PU is a liquid sealant at room temperature in black, of two components formulated with asphalt and polyurethane elastomers which cure when mixed to form a very strong self-leveling material of high elongation properties and good toughness, weathering and as a wide variety of chemicals such as fuels and oils.

It can be used for waterproof sealing of high strength and adhesion in cracks and control joints and expansion in concrete floors (roads, warehouses, factories, etc.) as well as for expansion joints in bridges.

Among the advantages of this new sealant we include:

It is applied at room temperature without heating.
exceptional elongation, tolerates the movement of joints.
Weatherproof, extraordinary resistance to rain and sunlight.
Resistant to chemical attack.
It maintains its properties (adhesion and elasticity) for a long time indoors or outdoors.
Once cured resists continuous immersion in water and other substances.
Release allows traffic in less than 2 hours.
Fragua rapidly throughout its thickness, even in deep joints.

Its presentation is in metal pails of 20 kg. Tests were conducted on some bridges and the Port of La Paloma with very good results, we attach images below.

For information, write to: bitafal@bitafal.com.uy

PERFORMANCE OF ASPHALT MODIFIED HIGH

the thesis of Ignacio Kröger Engineers and Carlos Pfeiff on the performance of highly modified asphalts (HiMA) was recently introduced.

Last July 4th fought against the Ing. Magdalena Pastorini, Ing. Arturo Forteza and Lic. Laura Luzuriaga with the final thesis which took more than eight months of intense work on a comparative study between the Hima the AM3 and AC30.

Continue read: REGIONAL MEETING IN BOLIVIA CIVIL ENGINEERING

In this thesis several technical papers to be presented at the 12th Congress of the Road Uruguaya and in the XX IBWC to be held in November in Mexico are released. Moreover it is performing a scaling himâ asphalt plant are preparing the experimental sections to assess their field performance in the long term.

FIRST TRANCHE OF ASPHALT IN URUGUAY HiMA

the first experimental section using highly modified asphalt (HiMA) was performed in Uruguay

The new highly modified asphalt (HiMA) developed by sion, He was executed by Necklace last August in the widening of Route 101. The section in question consists of 600 meters above prior to entering the roundabout junction Nicolich (direction Montevideo) outside lane. The aim of HIMA provide durability to asphalt, primarily because of its outstanding resistance to cracking and permanent deformation.

Continue read: DAY OF THE CHILD IN BARRIO COLONIA Nicolich

The original project consists of a black base with conventional AC-30 asphalt 12 cm on which a road surface with 5 cm AM3 is then applied. Colier was proposed, with the approval of the MTOP, 600 m replace the AC-30 HIMA of which 300 m in thickness was reduced to 10 cm (17% reduction).

Asphalt (17)

And extracted with witness samples of the asphalt plant will proceed to perform tests of dynamic modulus, and fatigue loaded in four-point beam wheel. With structural package information and research, it will proceed to use mechanistic empirical design programs, such as BackViDe (IMAE) to predict their behavior.

We appreciate the confidence Colier MTOP and apply technology to allow himâ for the first time on our roads. The research results will be presented at the XII Congress of the Road Uruguaya on 25, 26 and 27 September and the XX IBWC Mexico 25-29 November.

Category Archives: BITAFAL Special Asphalt Archives - Bitafal