Rota do Oeste and Federal University of Mato Grosso inaugurate new pavement lab

A modern pavement laboratory has gone operational, thanks to a partnership between the Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT) and Rota do Oeste, an Odebrecht TransPort company. The lab will study solutions for the development of asphalt by reusing milled material, a waste material that is part of the pavement removed while recuperating highways and which is usually discarded.

The research will take into consideration the specific characteristics of highways in Mato Grosso, such as soil, hot climate and heavy cargo vehicle traffic.

“With this partnership, we will be able to develop a durable and quality material that also offers environmental benefits, as we will reuse waste that would be discarded and we will use less inputs and fuel,” explains Diogo Santiago, chief engineering officer of Rota do Oeste.

The study will span 30 months and the laboratory, which houses equipment that is new to the state, can also be used by other institutions that wish to carry out their analyses and tests.

“It’s invaluable for the education of students, who will have access to the infrastructure and modern equipment and, above all, will have the opportunity to put projects into practice,” adds Luiz Miranda, professor of civil engineering at UFMT, who will oversee the activities.