Sumy Region, Ukraine, R-44 highway (SMA with Veleton ESA + AVE18)
At the major repair site on the R-44 highway the client faced a sharp drop in temperature to -2 °C. The distance from the plant to the site was 100 km, around 2 hours' travel, and the tipper trucks carrying the mixture then stood at the site for a further 6 hours.
The plan called for 3,000 t of SMA to be produced. The batch was worth 24,900,000 UAH / 604,000 USD. The main risk was losing the temperature and the workability of the mixture, writing off the batch and taking a direct loss.
To minimise the risks, a combined modification was used: Veleton ESA to hold the temperature and extend the working paving window, and AVE18 to increase rutting resistance and the stability of the mixture's structure.
Veleton specialists carried out an audit and set the mixture composition for the low-temperature conditions, monitored discharge of the mixture at the asphalt plant at 185 °C, supported paving, checked compactability after the long standing time and took samples for subsequent testing.
After 6 hours standing at -2 °C the temperature of the mixture held at 172 °C and working workability was retained.
The works were completed with no write-offs and the whole 3,000 t batch was used.
The client saved a batch worth 24.9 million UAH / 604,000 USD.
The case showed the value of combined modification in cold weather, with long haulage and extended standing times. Veleton ESA preserved the working paving window and AVE18 strengthened the structure of the mixture.
The cost of Veleton ESA + AVE18 modification increased the price of the mixture by 12-15%, but the budget effect was achieved on the first day: the client avoided the risk of losing a batch worth 604,000 USD.
“Without combined modification we could have lost the entire volume of mixture. Veleton ESA and AVE18 let us lay the pavement calmly even in frost and after repeated delays. That solution genuinely saved the job and the money.”
- Type
- Major repair in low-temperature conditions
- Problem
- Risk of losing 3,000 t of SMA to frost, long haulage and 6 hours of standing time
- Solutions / technology
- Veleton ESA + AVE18, combined modification
- Result with Veleton
- The whole 3,000 t batch laid with no write-off; workability retained after the standing time
- Rut depth / key indicator
- 172 °C after 6 hours standing at -2 °C
- Effect on the budget
- A batch worth 24.9 million UAH / 604,000 USD saved
- Additional effect
- A wider working paving window in frost, with long haulage and delays at the site
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