Shell Bitumen presents Ministry of public works with seminar on latest infrastructure solutions

Engineer Hessa Ahmed Al Malek, Director of road and utilities department and a number of representatives from the Ministry, attended the seminar together with consultants, road contractors, the Dubai Central laboratory and other Shell representatives.

The seminar addressed the need for innovative engineering solutions that are crucial to coping with the growing demand for quality in road infrastructure development.

Increased traffic flow is one of the main concerns, as vehicles with heavy loads place a strong pressure on the mechanical strength and performance quality of the pavements in use.

Melwyn D'Cunha, Shell Bitumen Business Manager for the Middle East said, "Our presentations on pavement solutions were well received and led to a lively discussion on pavement engineering options for Dubai and Northern Emirates' road infrastructure. This seminar fits in well with our strategy of innovation and sustainable solutions".

"Key is now to have road pavement trials carried out in Dubai and the Northern Emirates", said Ammar Abdallah, Shell Bitumen Technical Manager Middle East. "Earlier this year, we conducted a successful Cariphalte road pavement trial in Ras Al Khaimah, and following to the seminar we have a number of trials and technology demonstration options emerging across the UAE roads network, so we feel the seminar was very successful".

The Shell Bitumen team discussed pro-active maintenance options that pledged the newly constructed pavements would be in line with latest performance standards.

The seminar also addressed the latest Shell Cariphalte solutions used to construct premium performing, longer lasting pavements.

It also presented Shell Bitumen's Mexphalte C solutions for colored pavement surface systems which aim to direct traffic flows, better alert traffic and overall improve road safety.

Engineer Hessa Ahmed Al Malek, Director of Roads and Utilities Department, commented, "the Shell Bitumen team presented us with various innovative ideas on how we can improve the quality of the road networks linking all the Emirates. We value their support and hope to implement their modern approach in meeting the growing infrastructure challenge".

The UAE's rapidly expanding growth is placing increasing pressure on the federal road network infrastructure. Yet, with a raft of new road and bridge projects underway, officials hope to enhance current roads' structural and mechanical strength and significantly improve the network's life expectancy.