Some trafficked areas are subjected to attack from hydrocarbons, particularly aircraft and road vehicle fuel. For a long time the solution was to manufacture fuel resistant pavements using a binder based on pitch produced by processing coal, to which PVC type polymers were frequently added to increase resistance to mechanical stresses. However, about ten years ago the competent authorities classed pitch as highly toxic and it has been shown to be extremely damaging to health so its use was, of course, prohibited by a number of road construction companies. The search for alternative products was launched with the aim of protecting the environment and the health of workers. It led to the development of a range of non-toxic, often bitumen-based, surfacings, that are able to withstand attack from oil derivatives. Thus, different types of surfacings were designed, some hot laid (using a coating binder to produce fuel resistance in the mass) and others cold laid (using a bituminous binder or synthetic resins in aqueous emulsion to provide surface protection). The resulting products take the form bituminous mixes, percolated mixes, unchipped prefabricated membranes, surface dressings manufactured with bitumen and/or resins and microsurfacings but also related products such as two component cold-applied mastics used for joint seals. None of these products contains products that are known or assumed to be toxic. As we lack a standard method for characterizing fuel resistant surfacings or products, a method for classifying their fuel resistance and mechanical performance is also described. Each type of product can be tested in the laboratory using a specified methodology. At the same time, requirements with regard to resistance to hydrocarbon solvents (K), resistance to puncturing (P), resistance to rolling loads (R) have been laid down for the different types of structure (airports, service stations, car parks, depots, etc.). It is thus straightforward to find a product that meets the K, P and R criteria specified by the client. For the covering abstract see ITRD E135448.
Abstract