Holcim pilots road building solutions in Davao

 

Building solutions provider Holcim Philippines, Inc. has begun test runs of its road construction products and services with contractor partners in Davao to showcase innovative offerings that can help local builders as the government steps up infrastructure investments in the region.

Holcim Philippines is implementing the Solido road building approach, an integrated offer of materials and services, for contractor P.L. Sebastian Construction as it starts building a nine-kilometer two-lane throughfare in Davao del Sur in April. Holcim Philippines will provide technical and safety trainings to P.L. Sebastian as well as access to its aggregates batcher and mobile laboratory for the project. The Solido approach was developed by Holcim Philippines to help partners build good quality roads, optimize concreting cost and finish projects earlier and safer.

In Davao City, Holcim Philippines and contractor Ulticon Builder, Inc. tested from April 17 to19 soil stabilization technology, which improves the existing soil condition in areas where the available ground is unsuitable for construction projects, for several sections of roads being built in the metropolis.

A common technical practice outside the country, soil stabilization helps contractors manage proper costs as it removes the need to replace existing ground with materials from another location. Soil stabilization also helps improve durability of roads by making the base sturdier and less prone to erosion that can damage the structure.

Furthermore, Holcim Philippines will open a Php 15 million-construction laboratory in Davao City by the second quarter of 2018. The testing center, its first outside Metro Manila, will be equipped to conduct concrete and soil analysis for partners in the region.

Holcim Philippines Marketing and Innovation Head Paul Vu Huy Dat said the new road building solutions are part of the company’s commitment to provide not just cement but innovative technology and services to help the country build better. These are part of the PROSOLUTIONS offerings,  a range of innovative products and services from structural to finishing applications in road, infrastructure, residential, and other building projects.

“We are very excited to roll these out in Mindanao. Local builders will have a lot on their plate as the government pours substantial resources to fast track the development of the region. Through these offerings, we can help our partner and customers be better equipped in taking in more advanced projects and complete these faster, more durably and cost-effectively,” he said.

Reports citing the National Economic and Development Authority said 10 infrastructure projects worth Php 94 billion are set to be implemented in the Davao region. Plans are also underway to convert 163 kilometers of local roads in Davao City into national ones given its continued development.