Cement producers bet on concrete for roads

Santo Domingo.- Civil engineer Emil Bautista, speaking at the webinar “Durable and Sustainable Concrete Pavements” organized by the Dominican Association of Cement Producers (Adocem), outlined the potential benefits of implementing hydraulic concrete roads in the Dominican Republic, both in terms of cost savings and environmental impact.

Bautista advocated for the adoption of hydraulic concrete pavements meeting international quality standards in the country’s efforts to modernize and expand its road network. He emphasized that concrete pavements offer durability and sustainability, achieved through meticulous design considerations tailored to local conditions.

Highlighting the advantages of hydraulic concrete, Bautista noted its resilience to heat compared to asphalt, which tends to degrade under high temperatures due to its thermoplastic nature. This durability not only reduces the need for frequent repairs but also minimizes the environmental impact by avoiding heat generation.

Julissa Báez, the executive director of Adocem, underscored the association’s longstanding efforts to promote technical standards and guidelines for concrete construction since 2011. She emphasized the importance of integrating concrete as a viable paving option in the country.

Báez also mentioned a pilot test conducted on a section of Gustavo Mejía Ricart Avenue, demonstrating the benefits of concrete in mitigating water accumulation issues, thus showcasing its potential impact and advantages.