Breakthrough in highway repair technology

Instarmac has developed and launched Ultracrete Envirobed HA 104, a cement-based material able to meet stringent standards, whilst eliminating the ecological hazards.

Currently, two subjects are close to every highway maintenance engineer's heart.

Firstly, reducing the ever-increasing number of road repairs and thereby providing improved sustainability and secondly, demonstrating a positive environmental policy.

One of the key cost areas is ironwork replacement.

Whilst estimates indicate that in excess of GBP250m is spent annually on these projects alone, within 12 months of repair large numbers fail.

Recent work, carried out at Nottingham University has highlighted the use of substandard cement-based bedding mortars as a key reason for ironwork failure.

The report (the results of which are published in advisory document HA 104/02) confirms that on site sand/cement mixes, or poorly formulated cement-based products, did not provide the physical properties necessary to withstand the dynamic load imparted by modern ductile ironwork.

It points to the need for improved performance of bedding materials, which in addition to being non-shrink, need to provide a compressive strength of 30 N/mm2 in 3 hours, a tensile strength 5 N/mm2 in 3 hours and a minimum workability of 15 minutes.

Until now, these performance properties have been typically achieved using resin based products; most commonly polyester, but the use of resins (and in particular polyester) carries an environmental risk.

The key has been to produce a cement-based material able to meet the stringent standards, whilst eliminating the ecological hazards, which is why Instarmac has just developed and launched Ultracrete Envirobed HA 104.

The brand new two-component, cement-based bedding mortar fully meets the requirements of the Highways Agency HA 104/02 specification.

Ultracrete Envirobed HA 104, however, is significantly friendlier to the environment, can be used in the wet or dry, has no offensive odours, comes in single grade (no winter or summer stock problems) and provides reduced costs.

"The introduction of Envirobed HA 104 is a massive technological leap for Instarmac and the highways industry", commented Paul Butcher, Sales Director Instarmac Group plc.

"We have invested significant research and development on this next generation cementitious material, which will soon achieve BBA/Hapas approval".

"The net result will be an ironwork installation system with a track record of successful use, backed by BBA/Hapas approval and delivering a five-year life expectancy".

Further information concerning the new product can be obtained from The Instarmac Group plc.

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