Asphalt substitute introduced

Asphalt substitute introduced

MEDAN, North Sumatra: A new substitute for asphalt known as "claycrete", expected to significantly reduce the cost of road paving was recently introduced in Medan, a report said.

Rahmadsyah, Director of PT Unitwin Indonesia, a joint venture involving Malaysian and Indonesian companies, said during the product launching on Tuesday that claycrete was an efficient solution to road construction.

When Claycrete Chemical Stabilization, a chemical solution, was sprayed into mud, soil or clay, it turned them into a concrete-like substance that was stronger and more durable than asphalt, Rahmadsyah said.

Roads in East Kalimantan and Australia which use claycrete have been proven stronger, safer to drive on and free from dust, he added. About US$2,550 is needed to construct a 5,000-square meter section of road.--Antara