Project Name:   Artigas Road Highway Rehabilitation

Location: Uruguay

Application: Roadway Paving

Ultra Thin Whitetopping is a bonded, fibre reinforced concrete overlay with closely spaced joints. Introduced in the United States in the early 1990’s, UTW has become an accepted and highly used method of road construction and rehabilitation.

Extensive deterioration from heavy truck traffic forced the rehabilitation of State Route 24 and Section 2 Route 20 in Uruguay. Using Ultra Thin Whitetopping (UTW) technlology reinforced with macro synthetic fibre, the rehabilitation is a prime example of how UTW can provide an efficient and cost effective solution to infrastructure needs.

Synthetic fibre reinforcement is a key factor to the long term success of UTW. Synthetic fibres increase residual strength and wear resistance, minimise crack widths and permeability and reduce surface spalling. Most importantly, BarChip fibres never rust, ensuring long term durability.

Outcomes:

• Reduced cost by eliminating transport and placement of steel mesh
• Increased speed of construction
• Improved crack control
• Increased ductility

Author:  Geoff Sedgman: gsedgman@elastoplastic.com