Stuti Shukla takes a look at six technologies which the BMC is hoping will help it get rid of potholes Patch-Master The material used is bitumen along with sand or pebbles. However,its manufacturing process is different from asphalt as certain chemicals are added because of which the material can be used in a pothole containing water,unlike hot mixes like asphalt. The technology was okayed by the Standing Technical Advisory Committee. Wonder-patch It has been proposed by a Pune-based road technology expert to make city roads pothole-free. The product is mixed with macadam (a mixture of bitumen and crushed stone). Repair work can be done during heavy rains and roads can remain pothole-free for at least three years. Hindustan Colaca The companys patented product is claimed to be a quick-fix solution for potholes. The cold mix dries instantly,unlike asphalt which requires at least six to eight hours to dry up completely. Shalimar Tar Products Specialises in products that are water-proof. ShaliPatch is a high performance overlay for roads and bridges. It also specialises in rubber modified bitumen that does not crack or break. Geo-polymer It claims to use an eco-friendly mix to fill potholes. The cement-less mix made up of ash and byproducts of the iron industry is being exported by a Chennai-based company. Unlike bitumen,it does not get corroded after contact with water. The BMC experimented it in Dadar last week. Carboncore Carboncore is an emulsion of carbonaceous shale,a waste product of coal mining. Water is the binder and hence it can be laid in wet conditions. It was tried on Mumbais roads in the A ward during the monsoons of 2008 and 2009 for pothole patch repairs. Its a South African patented product that has sold rights of selling to Sumer Infrastructure in the country.
