The Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), a prominent laboratory under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has launched an innovative solution to Bengaluru’s perennial road maintenance woes. Partnering with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), CRRI recently conducted a pilot project using a revolutionary technology aimed at transforming pothole repair through sustainable practices.
On Wednesday, the CRRI demonstrated the effectiveness of its steel slag-based Ecofix technology on Avenue Road, near Anjani Temple. This advanced method utilises industrial by-products, particularly iron and steel slag aggregates, which are combined with a specially designed binder to repair potholes efficiently. One of the technology’s key advantages is its ability to address waterlogged potholes without the need for time-consuming dewatering, a process typically required in conventional repairs.
The Ecofix technology was developed by Dr Satish Pandey, a principal scientist at CSIR-CRRI, and has undergone successful trials across various regions in India, including Gujarat, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Arunachal Pradesh. Its durability and performance have already been proven, making it a viable long-term solution for road maintenance, particularly in challenging conditions. BBMP’s Engineer-in-Chief, BS Prahalad, expressed confidence in adopting the Ecofix technology during the upcoming monsoon season when conventional hot mix plants are often unavailable. This strategic decision could help mitigate road degradation during peak rainfall, when potholes tend to multiply due to inadequate repair techniques.
India, as the world’s second-largest producer of steel, generates an estimated 19 million tonnes of steel slag annually, a number expected to surge to 60 million tonnes by 2030. By incorporating steel slag into road repair solutions, Ecofix technology not only addresses the urgent need for efficient infrastructure maintenance but also provides an eco-friendly waste management solution, utilising a resource that would otherwise go to waste. This innovative approach to pothole repair represents a significant step towards sustainable urban infrastructure in India, with the potential to revolutionise road maintenance practices across the country.
