Page 11 - Microsoft Word - 20120528 Unesco study
P. 11
1 Introduction
1.1 Background
Recent decades have seen more and more floods and such floods are in many cases turning
into disasters. The impact on the affected area or the whole country can be enormous.
However there are several ways to prevent a flood or reduce its impact.
PowerCem Technologies is a company which offers a technology for infrastructure whereby a
highly durable pavement construction will be achieved. Based on experiences, these pavement
constructions are highly resistant against water erosion. This makes PowerCem Technology
very useful in flood risk areas. The roads can be used directly after a flood to provide the
region with food and medical supplies. Also the maintenance costs of the roads, after a flood
will be reduced to a minimum.
In Tabasco, a State of Mexico, this technology has been used for 3 years now. During these
years some floods occurred and PowerCem Technology based road constructions were not
damaged. As such, many parties including governments, engineering companies and
contractors are interested in this technology. The economic value of this technology will be
emphasized with the aid of this study.
Figure 1.1: Road construction based Figure 1.2: Traditional road
on the PowerCem Technology construction
The parts of the road that were built with traditional construction methods were eroded and
needed reconstruction. Some parts of the roads were constructed using the PowerCem
technology and were not damaged.
10