Good road condition is the key to successful operation of many domestic industries. Starting from high quality transportation of goods to the comfort of passengers – all depend on the stability of the roads.
Existing materials for road construction provide good quality of road surface with long service life. But with the intensity of road traffic increasing gradually, the load on the roads increase too. This cause regular road works and additional financial costs, which, given the length of motorways, are reaching enormous sizes.
Traditionally, bitumen is used as a binder in road works. Road construction and repair organizations use 90% of this material every year. The properties of bitumen ensure the longevity of roads with non-critical loads. But with increasing loads on roads – bitumen needs modification.
What is a modification? Special substances are added to bitumen in order to change its operating characteristics. The additives bringing the most advantages are polymers, forming polymer-bitumen binders.
Modified bitumen has new and improved features:
- high ductility;
- resistance to temperature changes;
- resistance to increasing loads;
- resistance to heat and frost;
- durability, etc.
Rubber and crumb rubber are also used as polymers modifiers (bitumen-rubber binders). Each of the additives has its advantages and disadvantages, so the feasibility of their use is determined by the scope and the conditions of bitumen.
But the correct choice of modifier is not enough. To a great extent the properties of modified bitumen depend on the technology used and on special equipment.
After selecting the type of additive, the ratio of components needs to be determined, because different content of bitumen and modifier result in different properties. The composition of modified bitumen is determined empirically in a special laboratory. Greatly simplify the task is SBA-L a laboratory installation working with asphalt binder. This equipment allows to select a formula of materials, working with small amounts of components and minimal energy consumption.
After determining the composition of modified bitumen it goes to production on a large scale, necessary to meet the tasks. GlobeCore installation for bitumen modification with polymers UVB-2 makes the production process possible. The process is divided into stages:
- bitumen is heated in the installation;
- additives are dosed and administered;
- mixing for 1.5-3 hours;
- Bitumen off-loaded into special containers for storage and later use.
Bitumen modification installation obtains a high-quality material for construction and repair of road surfaces and helps to meet the challenges of today. Investing in equipment for modifying bitumen will save money in the long run for road-building organization. The durability of a new modified surface coating minimizes the cost of repairs.