Ahmedabad To Use Geopolymer Technology For Road Repairs For First Time; Traffic Can Resume In 2 Hours

Ahmedabad is set to use geopolymer technology for the first time to repair potholes and damaged sections of concrete roads, with the new method expected to allow repaired stretches to reopen to traffic in around two hours.

The technology will eliminate the need to break and replace an entire concrete road panel for localised damage. Only the affected portion can be repaired, potentially reducing road closure time, traffic disruption, water use and labour requirements.

Road Building Committee Chairman CA (Dr.) Jainik Vakil said the technology could become an important option for urban road repairs because of its rapid strengthening and durability.

Damaged Sections Can Be Repaired Without Breaking Entire Panel

At present, repairing large potholes or damaged portions of concrete roads often involves breaking and replacing the entire panel. Under the geopolymer method, only the damaged section needs to be repaired.

The technology can be used to repair potholes of different sizes and is primarily intended for concrete roads. Depending on site conditions and requirements, it may also be used on selected sections of bituminous roads.

Material Reaches 24 MPa Strength In Two Hours

Geopolymer technology uses clinker-free materials, industrial by-products and special mineral-based binders to create a strong repair material.

The mixture is prepared by adding water before being used to fill damaged portions of the road.

A key advantage is its rapid gain in strength. Testing has indicated that the material can achieve a strength of around 24 MPa within two hours, comparable to the strength required for a standard road.

This could significantly reduce the time roads have to remain closed after repair work.

Water And Labour Costs Can Be Reduced

Conventional concrete repairs require continuous water spraying during the curing process. Geopolymer repairs do not require water spraying for curing after the work is completed.

The method could therefore reduce water consumption, labour, supervision costs and repair time.

Since the technology uses clinker-free materials, it is also being viewed as a more environmentally friendly alternative for road repairs.

Repairs Can Be Carried Out During Monsoon

Road repairs using geopolymer technology can also be undertaken during the monsoon, provided site and weather conditions are suitable.

This could make the method particularly useful for quickly addressing potholes and damaged sections of concrete roads during the rainy season.

Two-Year Defect Liability Period

Road repairs undertaken using the technology will carry a two-year Defect Liability Period (DLP).

If operational defects are found in a repaired section during this period, the required repairs will have to be carried out according to the stipulated conditions.

Technology Already Used In Mumbai

Geopolymer technology has reportedly already been used for road repairs in Mumbai, including on the Eastern and Western Express Highways.

Ahmedabad will now adopt the technology for the first time, with its ability to repair only damaged sections and reopen roads quickly expected to offer an alternative to conventional concrete repair methods.