SAMIfalt B38 binder was laid at Port Hedland International Airport to improve strength and rut resistance.
POLYMER LANDING IN
PORT HEDLAND AS REGIONAL AIRPORTS ACROSS AUSTRALIA UNDERGO CAPACITY UPGRADES, SAMI BITUMEN’S IULIAN MAN TALKS TO ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE ABOUT THE STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS OF AIRPORT-GRADE ASPHALT.
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n recent decades, the “airport” has shifted from a functional government asset into something more consumerfacing, sophisticated and businessorientated. Highly trafficked international airports located in economic hubs such as Heathrow in London and Changi in Singapore are leading this charge. That said, as populations and economic centres shift, and concepts of multi-city metropolises gain traction, airports in regional centres are adapting as well. In parallel, the Federal Government’s Regional Airport Program outlaid $100 million over four years in 2019 to support essential works, aviation safety and community access in growing regional towns. lulian Man, SAMI Bitumen Technologies 30
ROADS FEBRAURY 2020
Technical Services Manager, has noticed a significant uptake in regional airport projects over the past five years. He notes that in 2019 alone, SAMI’s SAMIfalt B380 binder was applied at three regional Western Australian airports: Wodgina’s Mineral Resources Limited Aerodrome, Duketon Airport and Port Hedland International Airport. The Port Hedland upgrade was particularly notable, he says, with the upgrade playing a central role in Port Hedland’s strategic 2018-28 growth plan. As the second largest town in the Pilbara region, Port Hedland has an urban population of 14,320. While minuscule compared to Perth’s 2.14 million, the region is growing: its port, Pilbara Ports Authority, now functions as the largest bulk export port in the country. “In line with expected population growth
and increased air traffic volume, works on Port Hedland’s $40 million airport upgrade included a high-strength asphalt overlay and the construction of a new taxiway and terminal building,” Mr. Man says. He adds that airport officials wanted to ensure large freight aircraft could continue to touch down at the site. “While the terminal building was left to suitable ‘building’ contractors, Port Hedland engaged Boral to supply asphalt for the overlay and new taxiway. Boral then engaged SAMI to supply the binders.” The project was a success, says Boral’s Technical Manager Asphalt & Quarries Emanuel Popescu, with SAMI’s polymermodified binder (PMB) indicating significant deformation and groove closure resistance. “Runways need to be grooved for improved surface texture when landing
