Sustainable chain cooperation

This membrane, Sealoflex SC (hot-sprayed polymer-modified bituminous interlayers), protects concrete decks against water intrusion and de-icing salts. Aad Frederiks, account manager on behalf of the company operating out of Bodegraven, explains the use of the versatile product in more detail.

For application as a membrane, Sealoflex SC has been validated by RWS (RTD1009). As a SAMI (in full: Stress Absorbing Membrane Interlayer), Sealoflex SC creates an intermediate layer that prevents the growth of cracking from the underlying asphalt or concrete pavement. The product (if applied in an amount of 2.5 to 3.0 kg/m2) also provides a soil-protective and liquid-tight pavement in places where (harmful) liquids are released and could potentially end up in the soil.

Combination

Sealoflex SC combines perfectly with GlasGrid asphalt reinforcement from Saint-Gobain ADFORS. "The result is GridSeal, a high-quality, stress-absorbing interlayer that guarantees excellent viscoelastic adhesion between underlayment and overlay," Frederiks said. "At the same time, the modified bitumen ensures that the reinforcement is anchored very strongly." 

Because of its specific mechanical properties, GridSeal is also being used in the project to create jointless transitions, such as those used in the construction of the N69. In addition to GridSeal, an extremely tough asphalt mixture with the binder Sealoflex PMB, which was specially developed for this application, provides a joint construction that is characterized by a very long service life. "This translates into a substantial reduction in maintenance costs and a significant decrease in noise and vibration," Frederiks continued. "Sealoflex PMB concerns a range of asphalt binders with a wide applicability. For example, Sealoflex PMB is also used as a component of other asphalt mixtures during the project. All this is done in close cooperation between the asphalt plants in which Boskalis and BituNed participate."

Complete unburdening

Around the realization of the new N69, BituNed strives to relieve Boskalis as much as possible through the deployment of qualified professionals. The company is helping to achieve this goal by also spreading the Sealoflex SC. "For each application, the Sealoflex SC must be sprinkled with crushed stone, such that 50 percent of the surface is covered," Frederiks explains. "When this is the case, construction traffic can drive over the applied bitumen without sticking. In addition, this allows us to achieve good anchoring of the asphalt layer below and above. Naturally with due observance of the correct safety measures, which are naturally part of the cooperation with Boskalis."     

Wide range
BituNed offers the infrastructure sector a high-quality and versatile product range. In addition to bituminous binders for asphalt production (penetration- and polymer-modified bitumen), the range includes SAMIs, membranes and asphalt reinforcement.