Longevity and resilience are essential considerations when it comes to the construction, maintenance and development of road systems in the United States. Currently more than 40% of the roads in the country are in mediocre to poor condition despite an increase in 17% of vehicle miles travelled and that 72% of goods are transported via highways and roads. As the more than four million miles of roads and highways provide connections for individuals and organizations, it’s key that companies engaged in the management and maintenance of these systems have access to high-quality additives and materials.

Fortunately, the solutions, chemicals and innovations available on the market today are capable of making roads last longer with increased durability and quality. Research and development undertaken by market leaders at high-tech laboratories and application testing facilities is producing products that are durable, cost-effective and capable of exceeding high-quality global standards. These solutions are designed to handle challenging weather conditions and transportation demands and are designed by synthetic chemists and application engineers to address the challenges that face companies within this sector.

Resilience is an essential component of road infrastructure

There are a number of issues that specialists have to plan for, not least of which being the increase in temperatures. Currently, these are expected to add another $19 billion to budgets by 2040 – heat waves have not only grown longer, but they have become increasingly severe. The impact on road stability and longevity is significant – it is also why investing into additives designed to withstand extreme weather and climate conditions is essential.

The goal is to find materials developed in climates, and for climates, that have extreme variables in temperature so they are proven to withstand the current environment. And so they are less costly to maintain or replace which is, of course, another challenge. Cost will always be a factor when it comes to road maintenance, management and construction. Companies and government departments can’t afford to purchase mediocre solutions that potentially need constant repairs or maintenance.

Solutions need to be trusted and resilient as this reduces costs, improves reliability, and ensures road safety. Resilience is also now a clear mandate from the Federal Highway Administration which now asks that all state transportation departments and planning organizations prioritize this in the planning and procurement phases.

Partnering for resilience and reliability

AECI Specialty Chemicals manufactures and distributes a range of high-performance fatty acid and rosin-based road construction additives under the Vinex brand. The company has spent the past 25 years focusing on building a variety of bitumen additives for road, industrial applications and dust depression and provides market leading, high-quality solutions at cost-effective price points for the global market.

Developed in the unique African environment to withstand extreme weather shifts, roadway demands and resilience expectations, the AECI Vinex portfolio delivers superior performance and reliability. Including adhesion promotion, warm mix asphalt, concrete air entrainment, surface dressing, chip seal, slurry seal, graded cold mixes, dust suppression, grave emulsion, asphalt rejuvenation, micro-surfacing, tack and prime coats, and thermoplastic road marking resin. The Vinex range is extensive with multiple applications for the US market.

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