UHPC pavement for extreme heat and extreme cold

Asphalt road surfaces have very big problems when there are extreme summers with long-lasting very high temperatures. The asphalt loses its bearing capacity the higher the ambient temperatures become, it becomes soft. In extreme cases it sticks to vehicle wheels and shoes. Accidents can occur because there is no longer any adhesion to the surface. Likewise, in extreme cases, people can no longer walk on these surfaces or roads are closed because of the risk of accidents.

Standard concrete road surfaces have problems in extreme cold. Cracks in the concrete and salt spreading to keep the roads passable destroy the concrete including reinforcement in the long run. Water penetrates the concrete cracks, freezes to ice, expands and cracks the concrete. De-icing salt penetrates the concrete cracks, the reinforcement corrodes, expands and blasts the concrete from the reinforcement.

We will always find these extreme situations in many parts of the world in the future. The cost of maintaining transport infrastructure is immeasurable. It is impossible under the present conditions for road and bridge maintenance to carry out all the necessary repairs. In addition to the lack of financial budgets, many places also lack the staff to carry out this work.

UHPC Phalt semi-rigid overlays could be a durable solution for such extreme temperatures. This solution combines the flexibility of asphalt with the very high load-bearing capacity and wear resistance of UHPC concrete. The standard asphalt is modified in its structure and serves as a matrix for the very fluid UHPC concrete. The UHPC Phalt slurry penetrates the asphalt matrix via the open-pored structure and fills it completely. The video shows this process.

UHPC Phalt semi-rigid wearing courses can withstand temperature changes from -50°C / -58°F to +90°C / 194°F.

Advantages of UHPC Phalt semi-rigid overlays

Perfect combination of strength and flexibility.

Joint free topping indoor and outdoor.

Extended lifetime on roads and outdoor areas compared to traditional asphalt.

Perfect suitable for high static loads.

Freeze/thaw and de-icing salt resistant.

Extremely dense microstructure with good chemical and wear resistance.

Does not generate harmful dust.

Fast laying and restoration.

Comfortable surface for daily users.

Many surface options.

Traditional asphalt laying machines are required for the laying of semi-rigid surface courses for the asphalt matrix. For the processing of UHPC Phalt concrete, pan pot, shaft or horizontal mixer are necessary incl. a concrete pump to distribute the UHPC Phalt slurry.

UHPC Phalt binder can be produced by many cement plants in the world in any quantity required.