Bitaflex AM3 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.

THE WORKS OF THE PPP CIRCUIT 7 BEGAN

Grupo San José trusts Bitafal to supply asphalt products

The Group, made up of the companies Serviam, CVC, Interagrovial, plans to duplicate the road in the section of Route 3 between Routes 1 and 11, and the construction of the Route 11 bypass to the city of San José, as well as the construction of a new 400 m bridge over the San José river.

Bitafal will supply the modified asphalt and emulsions for the execution of the pavements of the work that the PPP must maintain for 20 years. For this, both the black base layers and the tread layers with modified asphalt will be made.

Last monday February 1st A construction commencement ceremony was held, with the presence of the Minister of Transportation and Public Works, Luis Alberto Heber, the undersecretary, Juan José Olaizola, and the mayor of San José, Ana Bentaberri.

An execution period of 3 years is estimated for this project, which will be financed by Grupo San José S.A. with the support of CAF, CAFAM and BROU, which amounts to USD 70 million and 20 million for the rest of the contract, destined to maintenance.

Bitafal will supply the modified asphalt type PG 70-28 for base coat and type PG 76-28 for rolling as well as modified emulsions used for bonding and accessory works. We will keep you updated on the progress of the work.

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

INAUGURATION OF ROUTE 101

29 November 2019
in: Asphalt,Bitaflex AM3,HiMA,Top,News,route 101

COLIER opens duplication of 10 km of double track from Colonia Nicolich to Pando

Last October 25 the opening of the section was held with the presence of the Minister of Transport, Victor Rossi and Intendant of Canelones, Yamandú Orsi, among other national and departmental authorities.

The work was done in record time but ensuring the quality in each of its stages. We are proud to have been able to meet the challenge of providing the BITAFLEX AM3 cement up to 8 trucks a day to make this dream became reality, fulfilling the word of Hebert González.

We invite you to learn more about the work and the inauguration.

The work consisted of a road widening with input from more than one meter of granular material and then a 12cm asphalt AC30 asphalt as black base. In the old road patching she performed and then applied across the width rolling in a folder with 5 cm modified asphalt BITAFLEX AM3. Colonia Nicolich several test sections were made with the new highly modified asphalt cement HiMA as reported earlier (https://bitafal.com.uy/nuevo-tramo-con-asfalto-hima/).

Also in record time laces and padding to the median strip separating the two carriageways, and both vertical and horizontal signs they were performed.

The work includes several roundabouts, made of concrete, at the entrance to the Science Park and at intersections with Ponce Street León, Avenida Rambla Costanera and roads El Gallo and Los Horneros and in front of the Military School Aeronautics (EMA).

All these improvements will positively impact both in economic and social development of the area but even more traffic in a route increasingly congested. To complement the latter works are being made to illuminate the entire stretch.

The inauguration began when 19, at the roundabout of E.M.A. on Route 101, where a ceremony was held in the words of the Minister of the mayor of Pando, of the Intendant of Canelones well as the Ing. Juan Echeverz, who thanked everyone who made this work possible. Especially those who are daily on site.

The Minister of Transportation and Public Works, Víctor Rossi, explained that the portfolio intends that the circuit made up of these routes become an exit corridor to the east of the country, capable of contributing to the decongestion of the Interbalnearia route that faces a important circulation of vehicles in summer season. The inaugurated works are part of the works carried out with this objective. The Minister also announced that a double track will soon be built in the bypass of the city of Pando, which will connect with the double track of Route 8 that reaches Route 11. The alternative circuit should be complemented with the extension of the double track of Route 8. to route 9 and from there to Los Cardos, for which there is already a project, according to Rossi.

Then we moved to "La Toscana" to share a dinner and a heartfelt tribute to Hebert González, promoter of this project and which would be proud to see how everything was done on time and fulfilling the word.

Road maintenance

We made a tour of the fronts of works which are being used Bitafal products.

This time we made 1400 km traveled by different works in progress, or a year of operations, for the purposes of check the technical situation and being in contact with the realities of the same.

In general all routes flown are in good condition but we have to convince us that interventions on the roadways when done in a timely manner so substantially lengthen the quality and durability of our floors. On the other hand we must continue to innovate and look for continuity mechanisms that do not generate electoral cycles ups and downs in the construction industry.

1) Laying asphalt mixture with modified BITAFLEX AM3 on driveway route 5It executed by the company HYG, great work rate and tidiness, a substantial improvement on driveways executed noticeable, providing a long service life of the road.

2) Then we visited the works on route 3 Pass of the Port to Young about 6 years ago and made it in very good shape and visited the recent works carried out by the firm Gofinal / Lemiro Pietroboni in retreading executed asphalt modified asphalt BITAFLEX AM3. I became essential that retreading modified asphalt because it was the only stretch of Route 3 in the vicinity of Young was fatigued.

3) Just finished running route 25 also modified asphalt BITAFLEX AM3. We were accompanying the company Colier Opening of the section of Young to Route 90 which has a traffic of 300 trucks per day wood and general condition of the road it was very bad due to the age of the last interventions.

4) They are starting the work by signing the INCOCI route 90, Which is stabilized with portland cement and seal with a surface treatment made with highly modified emulsions.

5) On Route 30 Route 3, Diaz Alvarez signature is running treatments emulsions IRRIGATION Bitaflex 65 P40, Achieving aggregate adhesion / asphalt very good and well behaved at the high temperatures of the region.

6) We participate in the cuts ribbon inaugurating bridges all route 30, Works of very good quality and excellent execution deadlines were completed 7 months before the deadline, congratulations to the four companies that participated: Saceem, Incoci, Grinor and Cujo.

7) Bases route 30 are being prepared by the firm Tracoviax in its entirety for treatment reinforced emulsions highly modified type IRRIGATION 65 P40 as required by the standard and the respective region.
Sieve executed with bases are being stabilized very well and really congratulates them for the arduous task of mastering the basalts of the north.

8) We review the overall asphaltic treatments region surrounding the city of Artigas and we can certify that his condition is very good. We visited the section executed by Incoci on Routes 30 and 31 as well as performed by Tracoviax on Route 30 and kept in good shape, without exudates or potholes. They are very well executed with the correct dosage, presenting a texture that can be seen in the photos taken.

9) And returning, we passed the landmark CHIPING executed by Colier on route 5 in the sections of hits on Route 43, San Gregorio de Polanco. That stretch was performed for the purpose of a necessary and immediate intervention to last 1 or 2 years, as we have been 8 years and continues to provide adequate service. Only they have been some meters bridging sealing.

We have to convince us that interventions on the roadways, when done in a timely manner, so substantially lengthen the quality and durability of our floors.
That calculation is handled that for every dollar we spend on maintenance, spare 8 future dollars, in this and many other cases are checked handsomely.

We have cases of the Chiping de Ruta 8 of Serviam 4 years, the retreading 2 cm asphalt Arnel Bitaflex AM3 on route 8 which it lasted more than 10 years and only last year was milled and Recapo by the firm Techint. It is very good for our company to see the progress of the work and make returns to our friends.

Until next time.

ASPHALT PG70-28 ROUTE 14

Making good progress rebuilding Route 14 through the PPP mechanism by the Consortium Espina-Copasa

The consortium has six work fronts are doing widening platform, recycling with cement existing pavement 20 cm and placing an asphalt mixture with modified bitumen 4 cm.

Asphalt selected by the Consortium is a modified asphalt type PG70-28E supplied Bitafal. It is a AM2 according to IRAM 6596 standard but very close to a AM3. We invite you to know details of progress.

The excellent quality of the cement asphalt type PG70-28E it has been shown in a recent study of different mixtures were made in the 12th Congress of the Road Uruguaya. The same improvement was obtained 3 times in both the resistance to permanent deformation as compared to fatigue over conventional asphalt type AC-30. This classified as asphalt for heavy traffic (Extremely Heavy) AASHTO T350.

We had the opportunity to visit the front CVC work of the company, where they could see the different stages of the reconstruction of Route. A first cleaning stage and widening strip, then the recycling train with portland cement to which was followed by a curing irrigation Emulsion Bitafal Riego 65 and finally applying the front paving asphalt mixture with PG70-28E.

In the other sections we visited this time we see the company Frivial focused on clearing embankments to improve longitudinal profile of the route but turn has a front cleaning, widening and recycling and the company Emilio Diaz Alvarez preparations to start recycling and near the intersection with Route 5. the front paving of this company is doing the stretch peach-Trinidad at a good pace.

We want to highlight the incorporation of technology from different companies, 4 m rules for Pavers, automatic motor grader control systems, oscillating roller compactors, among others, as well as safety and tidiness of the works.

We thank the Consortium and contractors the confidence provided for supplying important input as is the modified asphalt and emulsions both common or modified. We are already preparing to visit the remaining work fronts from the city of Trinidad to Mercedes so keep you posted shortly.

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.

INAUGURATION recoating EN ROUTE 1

novel recoating It opened to prevent reflection of concrete joints Route 1 and the new roundabout Playa Pascual.

On June 3 took place in the vicinity of the Playa Pascual new roundabout Route 1 in the opening of the section by Tracoviax between the km 67. Access and attended the same Minister Victor Rossi, the Director of Highways, Leonardo Cola, senior officials of the Municipality of San José, the staff involved in the project and as friends and colleagues at DNV and other construction companies.

The new roundabout built is the largest in the country, with circulation dual carriageway and various security features. In addition to both sides of the road sidewalks for pedestrians, accessibility ramps and bus stops were built. Furthermore, both vertical and horizontal signaling, being provided in the near future replacement of existing lighting redesigned.

As for the retreading of concrete pavement it stands IRI achieved which is below 1.2 m / km. This was achieved by a skate composed of a 6 m long and 3 sonic sensors leveling sensor (BIG-MULTIPLEX-SKY), coupled to the paver and a multilayer system, at various stages retreading as reported in the Bulletin # 94 June 2018. First a sand asphalt SAMI 2, 5 cm, then a leveling layer CAD-12 4 cm type, and finally the surface layer with an open mixture F-10 3cm. modified asphalt was used in all these layers BITAFLEX AM3. We thank the company provided confidence in providing it.

As for the retreading, to improve the IRI on the stretch of Route intervened and asphalt layer to achieve high durability, safety and user comfort slab repair work and potholes then apply three asphalt layers were made:

1) A layer of sand asphalt as stress relieving membrane (SAMI) modified asphalt made with BITAFLEX AM3.

2) A regularization layer on the gauge with a CAD-12 type modified asphalt mixture made with BITAFLEX AM3.

3) A surface layer with an open mixture F-10.

A detail of the work done can be found at the following link: https://bitafal.com.uy/arena-asfalto-con-am3-en-ruta-1/

Cover photo courtesy of SILVER CITY PORTAL

DOUBLE OPENING VIA ROUTE 8

20 December 2018
in: Bitaflex AM3,Necklace,Bitafal group,inauguration,News,route 8,Uruguay,roads

Last December 12 took place in the vicinity of Route 8 to Route 82 the opening of the recent doubling of Route 8 and Route 11 between Pando by COLIER S.A.

They were 30 months of effort by the company to achieve the stated objective of doubling the route, make a new bridge and an upper passage and meet the highest standards of road safety.

14 km were retreads with modified asphalt BITAFLEX AM3, que le brindarán al tramo construido una gran durabilidad frente a las cargas que por allí circulan. Agradecemos a la empresa por confiar en Grupo BITAFAL el suministro del asfalto modificado para tan importante obra.

The inauguration was attended by the Minister of Transportation, Victor Rossi, the Minister of Labor, Ernesto Murro, the Mayor of Canelones, Yamandú Orsi, high-ranking national and departmental authorities, members of colleague companies, the MTOP, suppliers and residents of the area. During it, Hebert González was honored and remembered with anecdotes, phrases and emphasizing the capacity for work and love for what is done, which were the identity of the recently deceased director of the company. Later, Colier's direction through Eng. Juan Echeverz paid tribute to the "patron" and friend that filled all those present who were lucky enough to meet him with emotion.

Work on Route 8, Juan Antonio Lavalleja, consist of: the construction of two new traffic lanes 3.6 meters wide each, with an inner shoulder of one meter and two meters outside. Also, a bridge over the Pando stream, with a length of 166 meters, with 9.2 of road width plus a cycle track, and a railway underpass in Splice Olmos 22 meters long was constructed. The tasks required an investment of 52 million dollars.

Note to Minister Victor Rossi in Portal Presidency of the Republic

Opening images Portal Presidency of the Republic

Asphalt with AM3 Arena on Route 1

29 June 2018
in: Arena Asphalt,Bitaflex AM3,News,route 1,SAMI

Tracoviax makes an innovative technique in Uruguay to avoid reflection of concrete joints in a new retreading on Route 1.

The objective sought is to improve the IRI in the route segment operated an asphalt layer providing high durability, safety and comfort for the user. For this work it is under repair potholes slabs and then apply three asphalt layers:

1) A layer of sand asphalt as stress relieving membrane (SAMI) modified asphalt made with BITAFLEX AM3.

2) A regularization layer on the gauge with a CAD-12 type modified asphalt mixture made with BITAFLEX AM3.

3) A surface layer with an open mixture F-10.

We invite you to know the details of the work done below.

REPORT: Reference work corresponds to an extraordinary work in M / 48 tender "Maintenance Route 1 -accesses to Montevideo- Progresiva 67k600 "

Author: Marcelo Borreli - Tracoviax

Comprises the following sections; Section 12: 21k039 to 8k500 and Section 1: 8k500 to 13k000 National Route 1.

Objective to be achieved by the DNV;

Improve international indicator roughness (IRI), currently direction A - 3.59 IRI means, direction A (+) means IRI 4.34 ().

Perform asphalt pavement support on the basis of a concrete pavement badly damaged. This will be done by performing an asphaltic 3-layer structure, the first, that attenuates or delays reflection joints and fissures in the concrete pavement (SAMI), the second layer adjustment of the gauge to improve IRI and third, a surface layer that provides security and user comfort.

Previous performances in the concrete pavement:

Perform repair slabs with evidence of vertical movements.
Potholes.
Is taken as a premise that the reconstruction of the slabs made of concrete with similar characteristics to the adjacent slabs.

Characteristics of the asphalt structure to build:

asphalt layer cracking delay reflected: Sand layer Asphalt modified with SBS polymer (AM3) from 20 to 30 mm thick serving as SAMI (Stress Absorbing Membrane Interface), acts as attenuator Lift cracks and joints, especially road-banquina.

regulatory cover gálibo: Dense asphalt mixture, CAD 12, with asphalt cement modified with SBS polymer (AM3) with aggregate nominal maximum size of 12 mm, and can vary between 30 to 50 mm, acts as regulator of the gauge.

Bearing layer: Surface layer that provides security and user comfort, gap-graded asphalt mixture (granulometric use F-10 and Argentina Spanish legislation). Thickness of 30 mm.

For both CAD D-12 and F10 mixture are valid prescriptions specifications DNV 2017 version of Argentina.

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