Iterchimica’s cross-linking agents boost PMB performance
Cross-linking agents can vastly improve the stability and performance of polymer-modified bitumen (PMB), according to additive specialist Iterchimica.
Modified bitumen can become unstable when it is stored inside a tank because the polymer rises to the top, meaning that the rheological behaviour of the bitumen varies through the tank. Cross-linking agents modify bitumen through a chemical action that stabilises the bitumen inside the tank to create a homogenous PMB and hence, a homogeneous asphalt concr
Adhesiveness control in asphalt mixes – from the project to production
Asphalt plant producer Ciber discusses asphalt mix properties
The basic quality criterion of an asphalt mix is its adhesiveness; the adhesion capacity among materials.
This adhesive capacity of the asphalt mix can be measured in the laboratory through qualitative or quantitative tests. The result of this analysis should be used as a reference for the improvement of the mix. In the laboratory this can be achieved using additives while at the plant it can be achieved using differing mixer technology an
Adhesiveness control in asphalt mixes – from the project to production
Asphalt plant producer Ciber discusses asphalt mix properties
The basic quality criterion of an asphalt mix is its adhesiveness; the adhesion capacity among materials.
This adhesive capacity of the asphalt mix can be measured in the laboratory through qualitative or quantitative tests. The result of this analysis should be used as a reference for the improvement of the mix. In the laboratory this can be achieved using additives while at the plant it can be achieved using differing mixer technology an
Doka feels the heat in Qatar orbital highway project
The FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar is getting closer so completing major infrastructure projects on time has been a priority for the government.
The Gulf state is also in the midst of its Qatar National Vision 2030, launched in 2008 with the aim to "transform Qatar into an advanced society capable of achieving sustainable development" by 2030. Improving infrastructure will help the country of just under 3 million people attain greater social and economic levels, according to the government.
Finishing critic
Extra work for Ulma on Ireland’s New Ross extradosed bridge
ULMA has taken part in construction Ireland’s New Ross, the longest extradosed bridge in the world.
The €230 million project includes a 14km dual carriageway and a three-tower 900m-long extrados bridge over the Barrow River between Pink Point and Strokestown – to be open in early 2020 – that bypasses the town of New Ross.
The extradosed bridge is characterised by its cables set at lower angles, meaning that pylons are shorter in relation to deck span lengths. ULMA was responsible for the transverse s
Mersey Gateway Bridge has won IABSE’s Outstanding Structure Award
The UK’s Mersey Gateway Bridge has picked up the Outstanding Structure Award 2019 from IABSE, the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering*
Judges described the bridge, designed by Cowi, as "an elegantly integrated solution for a multi-span concrete cable stay bridge in which form follows function".
"Everyone involved with the design and construction the Mersey Gateway Bridge over the past six years knows that this is an incredibly special structure,” said Paul Sanders, Cowi’s p
Innovations in power systems for industry
Major innovations in power systems and drivelines are offering increased efficiency and reduced emissions for the future of construction machines - Mike Woof writes
Belgian steel for Belgian highway artwork
Belgian specialist steel producer NLMK has supplied the material used for a distinctive new artwork constructed along a major highway.
Florida Turnpike improvements underway
A series of improvement works are being carried out in various parts of Florida, in a bid to improve traffic flow. Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is starting work to widen the 11km stretch of Florida Turnpike between Boynton Beach Boulevard and Lake Worth Road. This project will see the highway stretch being widened so that it boosts capacity, with the Hypoluxo Bridge also having to be rebuilt accordingly. The projected cost is US$168 million and the work is intended to cut congestion at peak
Lithuania highway project progressing
Work is now complete on Lithuania’s Panevėžys bypass, which has been widened so that it features three lanes in either direction. This 22km road rebuilding project was carried out by local contractor, Panevezio Keliai, in a deal worth €44.6 million. Financing for the work was provided jointly by the EU and the local authorities. A novel feature of the project is that traffic lanes are reversible to help reduce congestion at peak periods and account for traffic flow. The project forms part of the wider plan
New road tender packages for Brazil being offered
Brazil is launching the tendering process for a series of road projects that extend a total of 16,000km. These projects are being planned to open for tender by 2021. From 7,000-8,000km of road projects will open for tender in 2020 and another 8,000km will open to tender in 2021. In addition a number of other road projects will open to tender in 2022. A series of feasibility studies are being carried out at present for a number of major road projects. Approval for the BR-101 highway project in Santa Catarina
Belarus bridges and highway rebuilding
Belarus has plans for rebuilding of 12 bridges and an important highway stretch. The bridges and highway section form part of the M3 route connecting capital Minsk with the city of Vitebsk in the north east of the country. The project is expected to cost €375 million. A portion of the necessary funding will be provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Improving the route will help develop the country’s economy. Vitebsk provides an important trading stop for Belarus as it lies
Underground UK asset searches jump 18%, according to LSBUD
The number of asset underground searches for UK highways projects rose 18% on the year before, according to a data collection and search provider.
Drivewyze adds mountain corridor safety alerts for truckers
The Drivewyze in-cab Safety Notifications Service has added mountain corridor safety alerts to more than 100 locations in 20 US states for truck drivers.
Drivewyze, which provides safety and services for connected truck operations, said that its notification service first became available for free to Drivewyze customers at seven mountain pass locations in the state of Colorado last month. Other states now with the service include Arizona, California, Idaho, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, N
Case and Mascus agree to work more closely
Following the launch of its Certified Used range of equipment earlier this year, Case Construction Equipment has partnered with Mascus, the company’s preferred third party marketplace in Europe.
Mascus is available in 38 languages and with 33 offices worldwide. Mascus’ monthly audience is estimated at 3 million buyers and has a mobile app for buying used equipment.
“Partnering with Europe’s largest online marketplace for used construction equipment provides the perfect platform for Case dealers to sho
Sri Lanka port road for capital
Construction work is underway for a new road link to Sri Lanka’s port at Colombo.
Helsinki road tunnel project proposed
A new tunnel project has been proposed for the Finnish capital, Helsinki.
Costa Rica’s deficient roads need improvement
A new report has highlighted major deficiencies across many of Costa Rica’s key road connections.
Cambodian road and bridge connection project planned
A new road and bridge project in Cambodia will improve transport between Kampong Thom Province and Kampong Chhang Province. The project is expected cost US$200 million and is being planned by the country’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport. Work on the project is intended to commence in 2021 and will result in the construction of a new 57km road link that will boost trade, tourism and the economic development of these neighbouring provinces. The road will link to the 3.9km bridge spanning the Tonle Sap
UK smart motorway work for M4 link
Highways England in the UK is carrying out major upgrade work for the busy M4 motorway, running west from capital London. In all 11 bridges are being replaced along a 51km stretch of the M4 between London and Reading. When complete, the current hard shoulder will have been rebuilt and resurfaced to allow traffic to use it as a live lane.
The section carrying the heaviest traffic, between the M25 ring road around London and the main exit for Heathrow Airport, will be widened so that it will feature five la