Green asphalt to be used in UAE

Making road construction greener

When it comes to road construction, the production of asphalt is generally the most environmentally damaging, however a joint venture in the UAE aims to change all that with the creation of ‘green asphalt'.

The partnership, between Canada-based Martec Recycling Corporation and Emirati contracting company Bund, aims to bring the environmentally friendly and cost effective building material to the UAE as soon as possible.

While Martec is primarily an international supplier of the advanced Hot In-place Recycling (HIR) technology and the AR2000 Super Re-cycler trains, the company believes that by establishing the HIR method in road maintenance in the UAE, they can create an "economical, effective and clean alternative" to costly traditional repaving techniques.

Aggregate shortage

Speaking to Gulf News, Hossain Hojjat, relationship manager at Martec Bund said, "The GCC is an important partner. The infrastructure and roads in most of the countries in the region are constantly developing and evolving and there is a certain importance placed on the quality of the roads."

The company has already received its first project, which is a 45 kilometre stretch on Masafi road next week. Martec Bund's machine that lays the ‘green asphalt' reportedly covers three kilometres per day, minimising traffic disruption.

But what makes their methods green?

According to the company, it's due to the fact that it conserves non renewable resources such as bitumen and aggregate materials. This in turn saves costs and time. Currently in the UAE, aggregate road material is in short supply, so resurfacing roads is often expensive.

"It's cost effectiveness is also very beneficial, especially in today's financial climate where people are looking to spend less money where possible," Vincent Barboza, executive manager at Martec Bund told Gulf News.

"We're glad to have the opportunity to introduce this technology to the GCC. It's a much needed technology," he said.

Many countries in the UAE are developing their road systems so as to improve their infrastructure and local trade.

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