As part of the preventive operation and maintenance plans for Qatar’s road network, the Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ launched a pilot project to apply the technology of Asphalt rejuvenation / fog seal on a local road with a length of 1 km in Ain Khaled Area, with the aim of improving, preserving and extending its life.
Ashghal works to develop latest methods and techniques of maintaining road networks by finding pioneering solutions to maintain their efficiency for a longer life, using the best international practices and advanced mechanisms, which support the country’s strategy to achieve sustainable development.
This technique includes applying a bitumen layer mixed with different materials to restore the required elasticity of the asphalt and raise its efficiency, which in turn helps resist weather factors such as oxidation and hardness of the asphalt, isolates surface water and rain water, prevents it from seeping into road layers, and helps asphalt resist cracks.
This technology, which is being used for the first time in Qatar, is implemented at an early stage on roads with slight defects with the aim of giving a fresh appearance to the asphalt surface, and ensure that it’s free of defects.
On his part, Eng. Jamal Al Ansari, Assistant Manager of Roads Operation and Maintenance Department, commented: “With the rapid development and growth of the roads network and the increase in traffic loads, the challenges of preserving road efficiency and lifecycle are increasing. Therefore through the application of this technology, Ashghal aims to address these challenges aimed at enhancing traffic safety, reducing the total cost of road operation and maintenance and enhancing customer satisfaction.”
This technology will be applied in different regions of the country in cooperation with consultants, contractors and local suppliers, in proportion to the condition of each road, the traffic loads, and the most appropriate time for implementation.
It is worth noting that this technology is considered one of the quick maintenance solutions to restore the road network to its optimal shape and quality, as it takes only two hours to work on 1 km, and it can be applied in different colors for each lane on the road according to the type of use and their need.