To:

Ms Antionette Conti, Perit,

Manager, TM-RID

From: Joe Briffa,

Assistant Manager Technical Support, TM-RID
Date: 25/09/2013

Remedial Works at Bus Lanes: Sliema Ferries (Green Asphalt)

Contractor Bonnici Brothers submitted the following technical documents which are
relevant to this report:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Report No. 112 12.5mm mix, Marshall Mix Design - SMA

Report No. 113 12.5mm mix, Marshall mix Design Asphalt Concrete
Sealoflex Color Binder Product Data and Material Data Sheet
Ferroxon 700 Technical Data Sheet

Mix Design Evaluation Mix No. 112

Note: The proposed mix is not a proprietary brand.
The Contractor declared that the mix is a Stone Mastic Asphalt graded in accordance
with EN 13108 (assumed as Part 5).
From the Contractors submission it is concluded that:
1. The physical characteristics of the Sealoflex Color binder from Ooms are the
same as those in the Contractors submission of April 2011 and thus can be
identified with those of a PmB 70/100-50 as in EN 14023;
2. The grading complies with the requirements in EN 13108-5 Stone Mastic
Asphalt (See Attachment K);
3. From 1 above the Binder PG of 64 can be assumed as applicable This is
considered adequate for the calculated 7-day high pavement temperature for
Malta;
4. From 1 above ( See Ooms communication of 23/05/2011, Reference
1323/Malta/JvdW) the higher ZSV values of Sealoflex Color offer better
resistance to permanent deformation. The Seloflex Color zero shear viscosity
values at 40oC are 1.5 times those of a penetration grade 40/60 bitumen; At
60oC the improvement is of 0.5 times;
5. In their communication of 23/05/2011 (Jasper SI van der Wal) Ooms are
confirming that the SMA Mix (with Sealoflex Color) will offer the required
resistance for the given traffic and climatic conditions;
6. Bonnici Bros. have provided the following:
a. The control range for Total Voids, VMA, VFA and the compaction
temperature (See Attachment F);
b. The control range for the plant mix to EN 13108-21, Table A1, Column 2/7
(See Attachment L);

Page 1 of 3

7. The Los Angeles of the aggregate (11.6% and 13.8% ) is considered

appropriate for the traffic class of the priority lane;
8.
9. Bonnici QA Checklist 900.04 To be amended for SMA 11 (See Attachment
I);
Mix Design Evaluation Mix No. 113
Note: The mix is not a proprietary brand.
The Contractor declared that the mix is a Stone Mastic Asphalt graded in accordance
with EN 13108 (assumed as Part 5).
From the Contractors submission it is concluded that:
10. The physical characteristics of the Sealoflex Color binder from Ooms are the
same as those in the Contractors submission of April 2011 and thus can be
identified with those of a PmB 70/100-50 as in EN 14023;
11. The grading complies with the requirements in ADT Series 900, clause
12. From 1 above the Binder PG of 64 can be assumed as applicable This is
considered adequate for the calculated 7-day high pavement temperature for
Malta;
13. From 1 above ( See Ooms communication of 23/05/2011, Reference
1323/Malta/JvdW) the higher ZSV values of Sealoflex Color offer better
resistance to permanent deformation. The Seloflex Color zero shear viscosity
values at 40oC are 1.5 times those of a penetration grade 40/60 bitumen; At
60oC the improvement is of 0.5 times;
14. Bonnici Bros. have provided the following:
c. The control range for Total Voids, VMA, VFA and the compaction
temperature (See Attachment F);
d. The control range for the plant mix to EN 13108-21, Table A1, Column 2/7
(See Attachment L);
15. The Los Angeles of the aggregate is indicated of 11.6% and 13.8% is in line
with the traffic class requirements;
16. The tech
17. Ferroxon 700 (green Pigment) by Ventraco Chemie is deemed suitable for
mixing with Seoloflex Color to provide the required hue.
Conclusion
On the basis of the documentation provided the SMA 11 Green Asphalt Mix as
proposed (Revision 2) is recommended for use in the permanent Works.
The Contractor should be informed that the approval of the mix by the Overseeing
Organisation (i.e Transport Malta) does not in any way be deemed to relieve and/or
exonerate the aforesaid Contractor of any of his duties, obligations or responsibilities

Page 2 of 3

under the Contract in providing a green asphalt mix that will offer the level of
performance and durability indicated in the contract requirements. Nor does it
impose a limitation on the part of the Overseeing Organisation to demand changes
in materials and processes deemed necessary during the Works at no additional cost
to the Contracting Authority.

Sample to benchmark the colour

QA method

Regards,

Joe Briffa, QAO

TM-RID

Page 3 of 3