What is it?
Bitucrete is a deferred set, storage macadam which has been approved by the BBA for use as a first time permanent repair material in footways; footpaths and cycle tracks. It is also ideal for instant high quality temporary repairs. Bitucrete is cold applied and therefore safe to handle.
Where to use?
- Fills worn areas in paths and drives
- Patches potholes in bituminous surfaces
- Reinstates trenches in lightly trafficked surfaces
- Provides temporary ramping off for high kerbs and exposed ironwork
Preparation
Ensure that the surface to be repaired is clean and free from loose material, oil, grease and standing water. Prime base surface with Colas Leotak tack coat. Edges of the area to be repaired should be formed vertically as far as possible and then treated with Colas Bitukold or RS Bitukold edge sealant prior to forming joints. For small potholes, Bitukold or RS Bitukold may be used over the surface area of the hole as a tack coat. Workability can be ensured even in cold weather by simply manipulating the Bitucrete in its sealed bag.
N.B: To aid workability of bagged Bitucrete in winter, store bags in a warm area (>10°C ambient temperature) for 24 hours prior to use if possible.
Application
Tip sufficient Bitucrete from the bag to over-fill the hole, ensuring that all corners are filled. Compact the material to the surrounding level using a compactor, roller or hand tamper depending on the nature of the site. For large areas use a vibrating plate or roller slightly wetting the drum with water. If under-filling has taken place, simply add more product and compact to level. Material should not be laid any deeper than 2½ times the size of the nominal stone in any one layer. The repair will withstand immediate heavy trafficking. However, where the repair is to be crossed by fork-lift trucks and HGVs, extra compaction and curing time must be allowed. Bitucrete remains flexible for some time after application. As the material will take up the contours of potholes naturally and form an immediate repair, it is ideal for irregularly shaped potholes. Curing is brought about by both air drying and compaction. The rate of cure is dependent upon temperature as well as the weight and volume of traffic. However, under normal traffic conditions, Bitucrete will not depress, track or pick up during the curing process.
Storage
Keep free from frost and extremes of heat.
Standards
Bitucrete complies with BS EN 13108-1:2006 Bituminous mixtures. Material specifications for Asphalt concrete. Bitucrete is suitable for temporary ramping of exposed ironwork as required in Clause 917 of the Specification for Highway Works
