Projects in Communication Routes
a. New bituminous
mixtures with modified bitumen with 8% Rubber
Development
of a new bituminous mixture which has a structural and functional performance
similar to that of a conventional draining bituminous mixture, but with a lower
cost in materials (reduction of asphaltic bitumen and use of rubber from worn
out tires) and also a reduction in the harmful effects on the environment. (Sifide
2008)
b. The Algarve
International Circuit
To achieve better
performance and longer life cycle, the properties to be ensured were: increase
the mixture's cohesion, increase resistance to fatigue, ensure resistance to
permanent deformation (suitable for the service conditions) and a suitable
attrition level. (Sifide 2008)
c. Attrition
bituminous mixture with rubber bitumen: EN13 test section
Creating
a new blend with rubber bitumen with a medium incorporation rate, worn out
tires' BBM, (8-15% of crumb rubber) in an attrition bituminous concrete, that
is, not rough, not draining and unopened. To date, there were only open,
draining and rough bituminous mixtures. (Sifide 2009)
d. Attrition layer of
Grande Porto Concession
Development of a new
bituminous mixture, as well as the validation of constructive procedures to
use, capable of reducing noise and cost levels, while simultaneously having
similar structural characteristics to the conventional ones. (Sifide 2007)
e. Paving layer
treated with cement (PLTC)
This project ran from
requirements of environmental nature, enforcing the appreciation and reuse of
the material obtained from excavation and its use in the most prime areas of
work (GLACE), without jeopardizing the technical specifications contracted for
the works.
f . Technical
improvement and development of processes for monitoring bituminous mixtures
manufacture
This project's central
objective
was to investigate and develop
techniques and test methods to find new bituminous mixtures and optimize the
performance of the existing mixtures . It aims to increase the technical
knowledge of the materials and their assembly, fostering a new approach, with
particular regard to performance assessment. (Sifide 2007, 2008 and 2009)
g . GPR for the study
of road paving
The current project
includes an investigation into how the building materials reflect
electromagnetic waves, a parameter whose services are still little explored in
this scientific field. This study will be accomplished by the use of a device
capable of registering electromagnetic waves and behaviours, in order to study
parameters which are not addressed at paving level, namely the reflection
amplitude and the relative electrical permittivity of the material. (Sifide
2007, 2008 and 2009)
