An aerial view of the Pan Borneo Highway Sarawak’s stretch from Telok Melano to Sematan which was completed recently.
KUCHING: Pan Borneo Highway’s work package contractors (WPCs) have invested in advanced technology batch mix plants for the bituminous pavement premix, as opposed to using the conventional drum mix.
Lebuhraya Borneo Utara Sdn Bhd (LBU) in its website (www.panborneo.com.my) said this was one of the ways to ensure better quality pavements in making a better, smoother and safer ride for road users.
“Batch mix plants deliver better quality control of material consistency. Aggregate temperature and particle gradation are controlled. Stone materials are sieved multiple times to comply with design requirements. Even the precise quantum of bitumen distribution in the batch mix is monitored to ensure a better quality and durable product.
“Although the initial cost of investment for batch mix plants is slightly higher, the end result is a better quality product which provides road users with a better driving experience and significant advantages in maintenance,” it said.
LBU, which is the project delivery partner, also said that Pan Borneo Highway Sarawak is the first road project in Sarawak to use the mechanistic approach to pavement design to realistically determine the existing pavement structural support and remaining pavement life by taking into account local conditions.
Backed by data from ground and traffic surveys and vehicle counts of different loading classifications, Pan Borneo Highway’s pavement designs vary from location to location. Different highway sections cater to different volumes and intensity of loads on the pavement.
“Pan Borneo Highway Sarawak’s Telok Melano to Sematan stretch is the first completed road in Sarawak to use the higher viscosity with lower penetration grade bitumen (Grade 60/70) against the previous Grade 80/100 used.
“The use of this new bitumen Grade 60/70 gives better stability and durability to the pavement to withstand higher traffic loads under higher temperatures. It also reduces road damage caused by fatigue failure,” it said.
The company also stated that Pan Borneo Highway Sarawak, with four-lane dual carriageway design, will definitely give Sarawakians a whole new driving experience.
“Sarawakians long for a good quality road to connect Telok Melano all the way to Miri, something which our counterparts in Peninsular Malaysia have been enjoying for many years.
“A smooth drive is dependent upon a good quality road pavement that can withstand high traffic and heavy loads for a long time,” it added.