Version
francaise ici!
Version
francaise ici!
SOTER,
world leaders and well known in the foamed
asphalt business have developed a custom made foaming system which
they adapted to a standard Caterpillar RR-250. Although this system can be
installed on any reclaimation unit, Soter has chosen the Caterpillar
reclaimers because of their efficiency, low cost maintenance and
reliability.
Foamstab, acronym for foamed asphalt stabilization, is a full depth recycling method making use of the foamed asphalt technology. It restores structural integrity to roads with little traffic disturbance and at low cost. The Foamstab process is quite similar to emulsion stabilization but the curing time is greatly decreased by using foamed asphalt as a binder.
On a typical Foamstab project, the road is first pulverized to a uniform granular material using a reclaimer such as a Caterpillar's RR-250 or RR-350. Pulverization depths depend mainly on the thickness of the existing pavement or the thickness of stabilization required. Typically, the depth would be 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm). To make room for the new overlay when the existing profile has to be respected, the excess material is removed. The material is then graded, compacted to the proper profile and sampled for laboratory testing. These tests will permit to determine the optimal quantity of foamed asphalt to be added during the stabilization phase.
For this phase, a Caterpillar RR-250 equipped with Soter's custom designed foamed asphalt system is used. This system is the most widely used foamed asphalt system worldwide. During the stabilization, the material is mixed in-situ and the injection of the foamed asphalt is done directly in the mixing chamber. Stabilization depths depend on the desired design but it is important to mention that it is possible to stabilize at depths up to 12 inches (30 cm) because of the practically non existing curing. To the inexperienced eye, the freshly foam stabilized material does not seem to contain any bitumen but as the material is compacted, the surface becomes well sealed and darkens. Unlike emulsions, the material needs only a day or two for curing after which the final wearing course may be put.
Soter have foam stabilized well over 3 million square meters of roads, boulevards and highways in the Montreal, Quebec area alone. The quality and efficiency of their foamed asphalt system has permitted Soter to be active on the international scene as well. The Soter system is now found in Japan, Germany, England, central Africa, South Africa, Mexico, Australia and the U.S.
For more information on the Foamstab process, you can link to our gallery where you will find JPEG images and interesting links. You may also link here for our coordinates.