ASI Solutions, a leading provider of asphalt preservation technology, is calling on local authorities and other bridge owners to take part in a new trial.
The company wants to demonstrate its Rhinophalt asphalt preservation product on bridge decks as the second part of a new research project into waterproofing bridges.
Working with its approved installers, ASI wants to apply Rhinophalt to different types of bridges to see what affect it has on helping to keep the decks in better condition for longer.
Managing director Howard Robinson said: 'While we know Rhinophalt is already a proven technology on bridges around the world through our extensive work treating the second longest ocean crossing bridge in the world - the Hangzhou Bay Bridge in China - we would like to explore its positive effect on waterproofing on as many different types of bridges as possible including arch bridges which have little or no waterproofing at all.'
'We would welcome discussions with any local authorities who could help us to demonstrate the technology that could change the way we maintain our bridges in the UK,' he added.
ASI’s research has indicated that although bridges make up less than 1% of the surface area of the UK road network, the defects in asphalt paving over bridge decks are per mile higher in number than on the adjacent carriageway.
In addition, the impact of asphalt defects on bridges can also be more significant, as bridges usually form a critical link in an area, and diversionary routes may be long and inconvenient for motorists. Narrow widths on the bridge may also not be conducive to safe single lane working.
One benefit of the Rhinophalt treatment is that the porosity of the asphalt surface course is significantly reduced.
The solution uses the ingredient Gilsonite, which is a natural bitumen that is much tougher than normal paving grade bitumen, meaning it preserves, protects and extends the life of the asphalt infrastructure and is proven to withstand all extreme weather conditions.
Initial hydraulic conductivity testing on newly treated asphalts have demonstrated a porosity reduction of over 95% when compared to the untreated pavement, and when re-tested six years later the results are still showing more than 80%.
This helps prevent the ingress of water into the asphalt layers and therefore can reduce the damaging effects of water trapped in the asphalt layers on bridge decks.
Any local authority interested in taking part in a demonstration should contact ASI Solutions at enquiries@asisolutions.co.uk
