WE REMEMBER ARTURO FORTEZA
Last august 17th we received the sad news of his passing. From Bitafal we remember him with the same affection that he gave us forever.
This time someone without a name or face is not writing, I am writing from a place that has allowed me to meet Arturo and share many moments of me academic and professional activity. Arturo was me Professor of the "Roads" course at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Montevideo, was me mentor and reviewer during the two years of elaboration of the manual of High Performance Surface Treatments, he was sworn in the presentation of me thesis and also thanks to your letter of recommendation I was able to study abroad.
Dear Arturo:
I know that you will no longer be with us, but in this letter I want to remember you as I met you. I will remember you as a person of listening and infinite dedication, both as a teacher and as a mentor, you were always present in the dialogue, attentive to every word and with the right answer for each moment. I will remember you with a serene temper and with a great willingness to explain your point of view, no matter the time or how busy you were at the time. Nor can I forget your great sense of humor and your characteristic laugh that will be immortalized in time. I think we all recognize that smile.
On behalf of the entire company, especially Claudio, Diego, Santiago, Mariana, and on behalf of the students in your course at UM, I want to send you a warm hug, Arturo. I keep the permanent imprint you have left on me, I keep your friendship and I keep everything you have taught me. Thank you for crossing my path, thank you for training me, thank you for listening to me and thank you for guiding me. I don't want to forget to greet your family and friends, and tell them to be proud of the person you have been.
Will always remember you,
A hug from a distance, wherever you are.
Ignacio Kroger
BITAFAL GROUP WEBINAR CYCLE
The first webinar of the High Performance Superficial Treatments Cycle was held.
The first module of this cycle was carried out last Thursday September 24 through the zoom platform with more than 350 subscribers from 26 countries. Relevant topics were discussed to achieve the success of gravel irrigation such as materials, selection of the type of treatment, design and good construction practices.
We are happy to share with all of you this new virtual adventure to exchange knowledge and opinions. The first conference of this first Cycle exceeded our expectations in terms of attendance, adding more than 350 registrations, including technicians, students, officials and builders, demonstrating the growing interest in Latin America for cost-efficient solutions for the road network.
In the presentation by Ing. Ignacio Kröger, some critical points to be taken into account that can improve the quality and favor the success of the application of gravel irrigation were dealt with very concisely. In the area of materials, the importance of granulometry tests, ALD (average minimum size), cleanliness, wear and polishing of aggregates was discussed; and the performance tests of the binders, which are adjusted to the climate and traffic of the project. Some of the tables included in our manual regarding the selection of treatments were also presented and a review of the methodology for using the Australian and New Zealand dosage design was made. Finally, some recommendations were discussed regarding the execution of irrigation, on planning, sweeping, compaction and we showed some examples of proven cases of success in Uruguay.
In module 2, we will focus on the transformation that the evaluation of surface treatments has had (from material control to quality control), marking the difference between traditional tests and new performance tests. We will talk about laboratory and construction tests that allow us to improve the final quality of the treatments and new ways to evaluate their behavior in the long term.
Module 2 will take place on the day October 15th, at 4:00 p.m. (Uruguay GMT -3).
We leave below the invitation to register, we are waiting for you!
VIRTUAL COURSE “Surface treatments and asphalt primer”
On Thursday, May 20 and Friday, May 21, we had the pleasure of attending the virtual course on "Surface treatments and asphalt primer" organized by the Bolivian company Quimitec Asfaltos. The webinar, by Prof. Edson Andrade and Ing. Daniel Zenteno, discussed important aspects on the execution of asphalt primer and surface treatments, developing the concepts and manufacturing procedures for emulsions and construction procedures for these techniques.
On Friday, Ing. Ignacio Kröger spoke about the importance of a good penetration in the primer. For this, the porosity and humidity conditions of the base, and the viscosity and strength of the binder were detailed. Likewise, the need to progressively eliminate the use of asphalt dilutes in paving in general and in priming specifically was discussed.
To summarize, the four main disadvantages presented by the dilutes are detailed below:
1) Contains volatile gases that are toxic to workers.
2) Impact on the greenhouse effect and reduction of the ozone layer.
3) It requires energy for heating, which in addition to being expensive, requires valuable time. It can also create a risk of overheating and explosion of tanks, like the two accidents we had in our country last year.
4) After 72 hours of applying a dilute type MC1, it still has between 55 and 85% of the solvent. Risk of softening binder of future treatment and oozing in summer.
The IMPRIMA 50 emulsion for its part is a mixture of asphalt and water, and this brings great technical and environmental advantages:
1) Quick release to traffic, without the need to prime with sand. This allows paving tasks to be carried out in the following 12 and 24 hours.
2) Low viscosity at room temperature (at 25 degrees it has the same fluidity as at 60 of the diluted). Quick loading of a sprinkler truck and without the need for heating.
3) Releases water to the environment instead of volatile organic compounds (less dangerous for workers and the environment).
4) It is compatible with other emulsions, therefore it does not generate inconveniences in its manipulation.
For more information about the performance comparison between the emulsion and the diluted primer, you can consult the technical work presented by Quim. Santiago Kröger at the IX Uruguayan Road Congress "Primer with emulsions: technical and environmental improvements."
We thank Quimitec Asfaltos for the invitation, and hopefully it will be the first of several collaborations between the two companies.
HIGH PERFORMANCE SURFACE TREATMENTS - NEW EDITION IN DIGITAL VERSION
The book edited by Grupo Bitafal has already been distributed to almost 2000 technicians around the world
Since its launch in November 2018 in Uruguay, nearly 500 copies have been delivered in our country, then in the second edition held in Mexico, almost 600 books were delivered to professionals throughout Latin America, Europe and the US.
With the recent revision and edition of the digital version of the book, almost 800 professionals from 22 countries have already downloaded it.
We recommend that all those who have the paper editions, enter the on our website where will find the history of the revisions and changes we make in each edition. There You can download the latest Edition 2.1 in PDF format.
At the same time we want to ask our readers that if they have contributions and comments about the book, send us an email to bitafal@bitafal.com.uy to continue improving and updating the manual.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND SUCCESSES FOR 2020
From Group BITAFAL we wish them every success for the coming year
We arrived at the end of the year 2019, undoubtedly marked by the electoral cycle, which has involved almost the entire road network. We have worked hard and we have put our efforts on improving the quality of everything BITAFAL Group offers. Invest in technology, a new plant and train our employees, seeking to follow the path of innovation, commitment, responsibility, teamwork and transparency.
As every year, we highlight the work we are doing all players in the sector, as our roads is a reference worldwide for the level of innovation we apply to the construction and maintenance of our roads. We thank all our raving fans who believed, believe and believe that Bitafal Group is a company that promotes the development of the sector.
Thank you for the confidence offered in these years and we hope to accompany them in their future projects.
We share with you some highlights of the 2018-2019 work cycle that position us to a 2020 full of new objectives:
- We opened a new terminal in 1000 tons of asphalt at our plant in Colonia Nicolich: https://bitafal.com.uy/inauguracion-de-nueva-terminal-de-1000-toneladas/
- We optimize the blend of asphalts basis for achieving quality and consistency in manufactured products: https://bitafal.com.uy/homogeneidad-calidad/
- We incorporated a dynamic shear rheometer Anton Paar Smartpave 102: https://bitafal.com.uy/citevi-da-un-gran-paso-a-incorpora-un-reometro-dsr/
- We are introducing the book "High Performance Surface Treatment": https://bitafal.com.uy/lanzamiento-libro-grupo-bitafal/
- Adjust penetrations emulsions to meet performance weather and traffic Uruguay: https://bitafal.com.uy/homogeneidad-calidad/
- We opened a new plant in Route 8 for supplying modified asphalts: https://bitafal.com.uy/nueva-planta-industrial/
- We expand our transport fleet asphalts to reach the region: https://bitafal.com.uy/ergont-continua-ampliando-su-flota/
- We developed the new highly modified asphalt and conducted a test section: https://bitafal.com.uy/nuevo-tramo-con-asfalto-hima/
- We developed a two-component joint sealant for cold application: https://bitafal.com.uy/nuevo-sellador-de-juntas-en-frio-bitaflex-pu/
- We incorporate a new type PG 70-28 asphalt modified high quality being used in many works: https://bitafal.com.uy/nuevo-asfalto-pg-70-28/ Y https://bitafal.com.uy/asfalto-pg70-28-en-ruta-14/
- We toured the country several times to watch closely the realities of work and accompany our customers in the inaugurations: https://bitafal.com.uy/no-es-lo-que-dicen/ Y https://bitafal.com.uy/mantenimiento-de-rutas/
- We participate in fairs and congresses most important in the world of asphalt and construction: BAUMA: https://bitafal.com.uy/bauma2019/The honesty Rusi: https://bitafal.com.uy/viii-pro-bitum-rusia-2019/, PAVING EXPO BRASIL: https://bitafal.com.uy/grupo-bitafal-participo-de-paving-expo/, 12th CONGRESS VIALIDAD URUGUAYA: https://bitafal.com.uy/12-congreso-de-la-vialidad-uruguaya/, XX CILA MEXICO: https://bitafal.com.uy/xx-cila-en-mexico/ and other events such as CONEXPO CHILE
- We collaborate with educational institutions on various occasions: Campaign shelter, Child Day, Christmas, donations instead of gifts year-end. They were beneficiaries CAIF Fraternity and Garden 293 Colonia Nicolich, Liceo Francisco de Paysandu, Uruguay Fe y Alegría, among others
- We reinforce our commitment to safety, health and care of the environment with various actions, and training and investments in the development of friendly and circular economy thinking products.
We see a promising 2020 both in our work in Uruguay and the region. We develop new technologies and products to keep us apart. We follow the path of the generation and dissemination of knowledge, so much so that we will be doomed to the organization of the XXI IBWC in Uruguay to be held in 2021.
We will remain close to our customers and friends always seeking the best for our country and strengthen the ties that are most important for long-term sustainable development.
Congratulations and much success for 2020.
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.
VEDA IN Surface treatments
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.
BITAFAL present in the Circulars Opportunities Program
On Wednesday morning, August 8, 2018 the Teatro La Colmena opened its doors to welcome the fifth, and final, meeting dedicated to BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM CIRCULARES.
This is an initiative coordinated by ANDE and biovalue (together with MIEM, MVOTMA, MGAP, UNIDO, GEF and supported by Transforma Uruguay and ANII) to promote joint actions and thus promote the creation and implementation of sustainable productive projects, the framework of circular economy.
We had the pleasure to share a morning full of information and where BITAFAL presented the progress in the use of modified asphalt powder neumátuco out of use for road construction in Uruguay.
At the beginning the basics and regional and international examples of circular economy by the Coordinator of the Environmental Engineer biovalue María José González were presented. Then the Coordinator of associativity area and Integration of the National Development Agency (ANDE) Economist Paula Cobas presented the convocation of Circulars Opportunities Program.
In the second instance it opened a "Living" questions of the problems and opportunities in the construction sector in the transition to Circulate Economy, moderated by Giselle Della Mea (3 Vectors - Innodriven). With Architect Eduardo Siuciak (FARQ- UdelaR) and Ing. Jorge Pazos, Executive Director of the Construction Chamber of Uruguay.
Finally, a panel of businessmen and entrepreneurs with national and regional experience was convened to make a "double click" with examples of application of circular principles in their respective businesses and areas. The exhibition began with Robert Pacheco (Argentina), founding partner of EWAR, a company that since 2008 began to venture into the production of biosynthetic wood boards. The Qco Santiago Kröger (Uruguay) continued presenting the benefits, development, application and prospects of incorporating disused tire dust into asphalt cement. Next, Eng. Nelson Siqueira Nieto (Brazil) from the company RNV Residuos, presented on recycled aggregates, as a sustainable and cheaper solution than the use of non-recycled aggregates. To close the day, Arch. Eliseo Cabrera presented "La Casa Uruguaya", a winning project of the National Prize for Energy Efficiency - Cat. Buildings 2016.
From BITAFAL Group we appreciate the invitation as exhibitors to count the work we have done after collaborating with the environment and society. We welcome these instances of exchange opportunities to further develop new ways of doing things, with a more systemic vision that includes all parties are generated.
In the next LINK We share the presentations made on that day. ()
On the website CIRCULARES OPPORTUNITIESThey may elaborate on the call and the different activities and workshops that have been made under the program.
Podes relive the day ON HERE
WHITE PAPER: SOIL STABILIZATION AND GRANULAR MATERIALS
Share interesting article National Laboratory of Materials and Structural Models (LANAMME) of Costa Rica university., By Mr. Anlonso Ulate Castillo, called: "STABILIZATION OF SOIL AND MATERIALS granular LOW VOLUME ROADS OF TRANSIT USING NON-TRADITIONAL"
