If you run a construction, civil, or mining company, then you understand that road maintenance is one of the hardest tasks. Vehicles that are subjected to moving along unpaved roads are more susceptible to becoming damaged. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain the roads at your worksite in good condition to cut on potentially expensive repair costs. It is, consequently, diligent in implementing dust control and road maintenance to help you protect your fleet as well ad increase the site’s efficiency. Using dust control systems on the unsealed roads will be beneficial because the vehicles and trucks will not need to work harder to get to the destinations. These techniques will also ensure that these same vehicles are not contributing to dust production at the worksite. Here are some of these strategies. 1. Reduce traffic When vehicles use an unpaved road, they stir up dirt. Therefore if there is high vehicle traffic on these roads, it is bound to increase the level of dust production. Similarly, when the traffic is reduced dust production will decrease. You can achieve that by imposing a limit on the number of vehicles allowed to use the unpaved road or restricting the weight of the cars using the unpaved roads.  2. Palliative 3 (Binding particles together) This kind of Innovative surface solutions Involves using dust palliatives. The palliatives in this technique include chemicals that bind fine dust particles onto each other or larger particles. The chemicals comprise of different groups. There are petroleum-based, electrochemical stabilizers, synthetic polymers, as well as organic non-petroleum chemicals. Petroleum-based binders thinly coat the particles with asphalt causing an increase in particulate mass, therefore decreasing any chances of these particles becoming airborne. They include cutback asphalt, Bunker C, and emulsified asphalt. Electrochemical stabilizers, on the other hand, neutralize soil particles, therefore, preventing them from attracting water and, instead, bonding together. These stabilizers are worked into the surface using equipment; and include ionic stabilizers, bentonite, and sulfonated petroleum. Synthetic polymers bind the soil together, therefore, forming a semi-rigid layer on the road. They are applied in liquid form and need time to dry up undisturbed. An example is polyvinyl acrylics. Organic non-petroleum suppressants are water-soluble and include resins. 3. Imposing low-speed limits Dust production increases with speed, hence when vehicles are moving at high speed, they stir up more dust. By putting up signs and enforcing these speed limits, you can significantly reduce the level of dust production. Setting up bumps and drainage channels along the unpaved road will also help slow down the vehicles. However, for these speed limits to work, members of the surrounding community need to agree on and follow them. Proper drainage channels will also play a significant role in reducing dust. Proper drainage ensures that once it rains, water doesn’t stagnate on the road; and cause accumulation of displaced soil along the sides of the road. Poor drainage causes and an urgent need for resurfacing, due to dust production once the water dries up as well as numerous potholes. 4. Reducing the exposed ground When the ground is covered with vegetation, very little dust is not produced and blown up. Any footpath or dirt parking lot is a source of dust. The more they are at the worksite, the worse the dust-issue becomes. Therefore to minimize dust, maintain the natural vegetation at the worksite, and ensure that vehicles are only being driven along designated trails. This dust control strategy is effective because apart from plants covering the ground, their roots also hold the soil particles in place. 5. Slowing down the wind Having windbreaks will help ease dust production in your area. Effective barriers break the forward movement of wind and redirect the flow without generating excess wind eddies. The windbreaks also slow down the wind. Examples of windbreaks are snow fences and rows of plants. To ensure that you are getting the best results, purchase windbreaks that are designed for particular wind directions. 6. Sealing unsealed roads with impermeable material Although it is the most expensive technique, paving is undoubtedly the best way to control dust on unpaved roads. There is a wide range of effective and durable surfaces in the market to choose from. These impermeable surfaces prevent any soil surfaces from breaking down and producing dust. This paving method is especially helpful on busy roads that are used by hundreds of vehicles on a daily basis. Chip seals are another kind of impermeable material that can be used on unsealed roads, although they are not as effective as paving. Finally, fiberglass can be used to seal the roads and trails of oilfields in a cold climate. They provide a useful temporary solution. These fiberglass interlocking plates can support huge loads for short distances without the need for structural roadbeds. They also have a long lifespan. These are some of the most effective techniques to manage dust production at your worksite. The cost of each technique varies, therefore you can solve your dust problem using a technique that suits your budget and needs.

Ipsum Group have announced a new investment of £6 million to fund “significant growth”. The infrastructure, construction and maintenance specialist, is set to develop the team, invest in a specialist fleet, boost its marketing drive and recruit senior personnel across the business to help deliver strategic growth and innovation within the sector. This funding injection aims to contribute to an increase in annual revenues by 20 per cent, bolstering its industry presence across the UK. Ipsum Group has invested over £2 million in the last 18 months replacing and increasing its specialist fleet. The firm’s assets now include over 300 new vehicles, 100 of which are specialist CCTV Units, Jet Vacs, Gully Trucks, Grab Wagons, Unimogs, MEWPs and Recycling Units which are utilised in the wastewater, drainage and telecoms sectors. Since April, 2019, the Preston-based firm has acquired two new partner companies, electricity network service provider, Stormport and national drainage service provider, EEG. These impressive acquisitions follow on from the firm’s two previously successful investments in asset management firm, CALM, and a specialist high voltage engineering business, SPEC. Greg Fernie, CEO of Ipsum Group, said: “Our strategic direction is focused on growing organically and increasing our geographical presence in the wastewater, drainage, electricity and telecoms markets. As a result, we’ve dedicated a significant amount of investment to ensure we reach our ambitious growth targets. “Here at Ipsum Group, our proactive and innovative approach ensures our clients’ businesses can flourish. Our advice, support and strategic direction nurtures companies into national operators, utilising smart solutions to drive value for the businesses and their customers.” The ambitious firm, with over 23 sites in the UK, has plans to expand further and is seeking other businesses to acquire which fit its portfolio. Ipsum Group now boasts over 500 staff and turnover in excess of £60 million, securing its position within the market. It is a utilities and infrastructure, construction and maintenance specialist that delivers efficiencies and drives value through innovation.

A recent government report supporting the use of advanced asphalt technology on UK roads has been backed by a major industry player. The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Highways released a report calling for the widespread adoption of warm mix asphalt (WMA), which despite its environmental, safety and performance benefits accounts for just 4% of asphalt production in Britain. The figure is significantly lower than other developed nations including the US, where 40% of asphalt is warm mix, and France, where it stands at 15%. As it is laid at lower temperatures than traditional asphalt, WMA uses less energy and cools to usable temperatures faster – reducing the length of time roadworks are in operation and cutting CO2 emissions by up to 15%. As a result, this not only improves productivity for contractors but tackles congestion by ensuring traffic flows more smoothly. Throwing its support behind the recommendation, Aggregate Industries has also called on decision makers to take a more holistic approach to sustainability. Bob Allen, Head of Research & Development and Technical Services at Aggregate Industries, said: “Under the Construction Sector Deal, the UK has ambitious targets to halve emissions in the built environment by 2025, and the pressure on the road construction industry to become more environmentally friendly is now greater than ever before. “As such, local authorities, highways agencies and other contractors must take action now, firstly by taking heed of the APPG’s report. It estimates that if all asphalt production in Britain were switched to warm mix, it would save at least 61,000 tonnes of CO2 each year – the equivalent of almost 300 million car journeys. “However, with the report citing red tape and a reluctance to try new ideas as key barriers to WMA adoption, it’s more than just about materials. Clearly then, as an industry we still have a huge job to do in incorporating sustainability into all aspects of road construction including investment in cleaner automated road surfacing machinery and greener waste management practices.” He added: “The good news is that when it comes to finding a more eco-friendly alternative – in many cases, there’s no need to wait for a ‘silver bullet’ solution as many of the products, practices and technology are already available. It’s just a case of making the most of the latest innovations. After all, with the government’s recent pledge to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, if we are to successfully transition to a low carbon society, we will all need to do ‘our bit’.”