Selecting and using Modified Bituminous Binders In India

The current specifications and guidelines for the selection and use of different types of modified binders such as polymer modified bitumen and crumb rubber modified bitumen are inadequate. Prof Prithvi Singh Kandhal, Associate Director Emeritus of the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT), Auburn University, Alabama, USA argues that there is an immediate need to revise government policies by deleting the common specification table for all types of polymers and modifiers so that substandard PMB is not used in India. He also writes very interestingly on the journey of various types of bitumen

Mumbai on the move

While the various nodal agencies – MMRDA, MSRDC and MCGM – responsible to keep the metropolis on the move have tried their best (in varying and debatable proficiencies) to do exactly that – keep Mumbai moving – by undertaking and commissioning various new projects, the city’s travel woes haven’t eased much. But then, its commuting habits seem set to change now. In fact, they have changed to quite an extent. Only, the city bursting at its seams does not appear to be displaying these changes with the needed fervor. A look by Vidyottama Sharma at some of the projects that changed our daily travelling habits and those that are set to do so in the near future.

Preparing for World Cup and Olympic Games: Rio de Janeiro Explores American Hovercraft Technology to Solve Transportation Woes!

While Brazil’s earlier efforts at providing hovercrafts to its travelling populace have always stopped at some point or the other, this time round the water transportation option seems to be bearing fruit in its second largest city – Rio de Janeiro. The fact that over 5,00,000 temporary visitors are expected to visit the city for the 2014 football World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games could be one of the reasons for the step.

MediaTunnel A real-time Traffic Incident Detection System

MediaTunnel, a real-time traffic incident detection system introduced a few months ago, was recently installed for the first time outside Europe – in the Reboucas tunnel of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A real-time traffic detection system enables efficient dispatching of emergency services and rescue teams, and facilitates in reducing the response time to traffic incidents and accidents. Results of MediaTunnel’s functioning in the city’s longest tunnel have been impressive.