Specialty mix for roads goes a longer way

KOTA BARU: A pavement material known as "specialty mix" is being widely used to maintain the vast network of federal roads to improve durability and extend its lifespan, says the Works Minister.

Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the Public Works Department (PWD) was always exploring innovations in road construction, including construction machinery, work methods and materials, to optimise costs, time and quality of work.

"Changes in the specifications of road construction material is also consistently considered based on current development needs. The specialty mix technology will become the primary paving material if it proves to outperform conventional material,” he told Bernama.

The increase in traffic volume, especially heavy vehicles, and the flow of water in the soil structure beneath the pavement are among the causes of road surface imperfections such potholes, which can cause fatal accidents.

According to statistics released by the Road Accident Management System (RAMS), a total of 181 road accidents, resulting in 23 fatalities, caused by potholes were recorded between 2022 and this July.

Federal roads span 6,218.47km across the country.

Nanta Linggi said the specialty mix incorporated additives into basic ingredients of the asphalt mix-bitumen and cement aggregates which served as reinforcements for the asphalt mix.

He said the specialty mix technology was designed to address specific pavement issues, such as those found on heavy vehicle routes, areas with high surface runoff and climbing routes, adding that it could also enhance the durability of the road surface structure.

"There are four main components in the mixture of materials which are coarse and fine aggregates, fillers, bitumen and additives depending on the recipe of the mixture to provide good resistance to damage."

There are eight specialty mix pavement materials used in Malaysia, namely Super Fiber Mix (SFM), Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA), Cuplump Modified Asphalt (CMA), Polymer Modified Asphalt (PMA), Latex Modified Asphalt (Latex), Crumb Rubber Modified Asphalt (CRMA), Fiber Modified Asphalt (FMA) and MR6-Plastic.

"The type of material used will be based on several criteria such as areas frequented by heavy vehicles especially on main roads and industrial roads, winding roads, climbing routes, intersections and the distance of asphalt supply to the repair location," Nanta said.

PWD senior director (road branch)Datuk Ibrahim Esa said maintenance had been conducted at 1,130 locations on federal roads nationwide using specialty mix materials from 2018 to 2023.

The locations included Lingkaran Pulau Indah Fasa 3, Jalan Perindustrian Rawang (FT3209) in Selangor, Jalan Pintasan Cameron Highlands at Jalan Baharu from Habu to Tanah Rata, Pahang, and Jalan Raya Simpang Pulai-Lojing-Gua Musang- Kuala Berang (Pakej 6A) from Aring to the Kelantan and Terengganu border.

"The specialty mix road paving method and material is seen as increasingly advanced. It should be supported by all parties to meet the challenges and to ensure optimal project life cycle costs," he said.