Unix Rubber, an Asphalt-Rubber binder manufacturer, has introduced AsphaltRubber to Korea in a technical cooperation with International Surfacing Systems.

Unix has completed about 20 A-R projects throughout the country during the past three years. The success of the projects has led to the company's receipt of a new technology certification from the Korean Ministry of Construction and Technology. Unix is also seeking a "Good Recycling" certificate.

Sang-il Hong, Unix executive director, reports that the Seoul Metropolitan Government has awarded contracts for 15,000 tons of A-R concrete gap-graded for placement on main roads throughout the city. Sang-Il reported on activities in Korea at a meeting of the RPA board of directors in California and traveled on to Arizona for a tour of ADOT and municipal A-R projects.

Andy Zappettini, vice president of International Surfacing Systems, tour host, said the Korean engineer was especially impressed by the one-inch A-R open-graded friction course on 1-19 near Tucson, which has performed maintenance free for over 11 years.

Before and after scenes of Nodeul Road in Seoul, Korea.

Left to right- Brian Cardiff,Bay Area Tire Recycling; Jack Cowan, FNF Construction; Sang-Il Hong, Unix Rubber at RPA Board Metting.

Northern California technology center gets approval

Sacramento County's proposal to become the Northern California Rubberized Asphalt Concrete Technology Center (NCRACTC) has been approved by the California Integrated Waste Management Board.

The county has led the region in RAC usage since 1990, putting over 350,000 scrap tires back to use as crumb rubber modifier in asphalt pavements. The RAC paving programs are projected to be equivalent to 79,600 tons of Asphalt-Rubber Hot Mix this year. With about two tires recycled per ton, the county expects to put about 159,000 waste tires into pavements.

The NCRACTC will provide consultation, outreach, and training programs regarding proper design, materials testing, mix design, and construction procedures for RAC under the leadership of Theron Roschen, senior civil engineer.

"It is important to note that the county highways are not becoming 'linear landfills' for scrap tires but that the crumb rubber improves the performance of liquid asphalt," said Roschen.