STUDY OF NEW BINDER FOR CYCLING PATHS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Singapore is accelerating the wide expansion of cycling paths to span 1,300km by 2030. With various cycling networks being progressively created under the Islandwide Cycling Network programme by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to enable a greener and healthier commute between various townships for better connectivity and convenience. Dr. Lam Pin Min, the Minister of Transport, estimated that more than SGD$1 billion would be needed for the implementation of the new cycling path network. A seemingly uncomplicated project with a high budget can be attributed to a few factors. Namely, associated infrastructure works which includes removal of bus stops or shifting of subsurface utilities, to the time dependent process of creating the cycling paths which includes constructing, preparing and curing of the concrete pavement before additional coating and surface works can be completed. With a large initial capital injected into this infrastructural project, the next priority that the Land Transport Authority would look to would be the ease and frequency of maintenance. Since the post construction phase lasts the longest, proper measures must be adopted during planning and execution to allow for longer lasting operations at the lowest costs. Currently, LTA utilises a Coloured High Strength Coating System which is colour coded RAL 3011 depicting a brown red colour with a Skid Resistance of ? 45 BPN and a substantial durability which resists wear and tear. EasyFlow & PolyOptic are two polyurethane binders that are capable of adhesion on concrete or asphalt surfaces and be coloured for application. Polyurethane is traditionally resistant to abrasion, cuts and tears, surface skidding and outdoor weathering conditions. In addition to its colorability, Polyurethane hence makes a good substrate for bicycle paths. However, there are only a few studies and reviews carried out on its application as a binder for cycling paths in Singapore. Thus, this dissertation intends to analyse and review both EasyFlow & PolyOptic as binders on concrete with the intended use within cycling paths in terms of performance, specifically skid resistance, abrasive resistance and adhesion strength. In addition, accelerated weathering tests will also be used to simulate ageing under weather conditions atypical to the climate here in Singapore. To ensure that the tests are regulated properly, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards would be utilised to ensure a proper benchmarking level for further comparisons if necessary.