CST Mag3 Fev16 en Web

THE MAGAZINE OF THE COLAS GROUP CAMPUS FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNIQUES
THE SOLAR
ROAD
DISCOVER WATTWAY,
THE PHOTOVOLTAIC
ROAD SURFACING.
No.3 / FEBRUARY 2016
EDIT RIAL
PHILIPPE RAFFIN
GROUP TECHNICAL, RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Last year we raised the curtain

on one of our flagship
projects: the Solar Road.
Now baptized Wattway, this
breakthrough innovation has
strongly motivated all our
teams to bring it to a level of
technological maturity that
will allow application on test
sites in 2016. A focus article
presents the genesis of
Wattway and also the ABC of
photovoltaic energy.
And alongside the teams at
the CST, Wattway would not
be Wattway without the
strong commitment of the
other departments in the
Group, in particular the teams
from the Communication
Division who worked unceasingly
and made an enormous
contribution to the success of
the launch.
Congratulations everyone!
TELL US
WHAT YOU THINK:
Cover: Wattway panels.
CAMPUSmag / No.3 / FEBRUARY 2016
Of course theres more to

2015 than just Wattway. The
Campus continued its mission
of contributing to clientoriented solutions. This is well
illustrated on one hand by
the
numerous
results
obtained through partnerships
with operational units, and on
the other hand by the way we
now take market factors into
account in our R&D processes
thanks in particular to our
collaboration with the Marketing
Division as you will discover
in the pages of this new issue
of CAMPUSmag.
Enjoy the magazine!

4

12

14

22

K
NOW-HOW

4 - Asphalt concrete
and cracking

-
Adhesion
of asphalt
concrete

5
courses

6
-
Chemical
analysis
of pollution

of
asphalt
concrete

7
-
Anelectronic
nose
for
Colas

8
-
P
rofessional
representation

9 - Geotechnics: a global offering

for the ground
10 -
Calibration
ofdynaplaque

equipment

11 -
Training

W
HOS WHO

12 - The aggregates and hydraulic
binders
department

13 -
Ecoliant
metrology:
the
Groups

metrology
department

C
LOSE-UP

14
-
The Solar
Road

ESULTS
OF

R

PARTNERSHIPS
Sacerlift
brightens
urban
roads

22 -
Colmat
with
paraffinic
bitumen

23 -
24 -
Longevity
of concrete,
a new
field
of expertise
for the CST

25 -
T
hermeco
,
the
Colas
insulating

structural
concrete

26 - Colorable asphalt concrete
forbus rapid
transit
in
Reunion

Island

Compomac
exports
to central

27 -
Europe

28 - B
etoflex lands in Calgary

29 - Valortiede , 100% recycled
asphalt
pavement

30 - New
products
under

development

31 -The activity
of Ecoliant
Products

32

SAFETY

32 -
Prevention
of chemical
risk
attheCST

34

MEETINGS

34 -
Colas
scientific
meetings:

Drones
take
off
36 -Colas
scientific
meetings:

Robots:
towards
man-machine

collaboration

38

PORTRAITS

38 - Cdric
LeGouil

39 - Franck
Leclerc

40

NEWS

40 - TRL/BRL
scales

40 - Eco-social
design

41 - Coltec,
new
generation

42 - Sheep,
bees
andmen

42 - Laboroute
approval

43

ALL
OF
US

C NTENTS
KNOW-HOW
ASPHALT CONCRETE
AND CRACKING
THE ACQUISITION OF A NEW HYDRAULIC PRESS BY THE ASPHALT CONCRETE DEPARTMENT
MAKES IT POSSIBLE TO EXTEND CSTS UNDERSTANDING OF CRACKING IN HYDROCARBON
PRODUCTS, ILLUSTRATED BY TWO TESTS.
RESTRAINED SHRINKAGE TEST

Asphalt concrete shrinks when its temperature falls.
If this shrinkage is impeded stresses are created,
giving rise to cracks that open at low temperatures.
The restrained shrinkage test, or TSRST (Thermal
Stress Restrained Specimen Test), described in
standard NF EN 12697-46, can be used to
characterize the resistance to cracking of a
hydrocarbon mix at low temperatures. The test
specimen is maintained at a constant length while
its temperature is lowered at a rate of -10C/h. The
results of the test are the cryogenic failure stress
cry,failure at the failure temperature Tfailure.
Bituclair and a Vegecol, were also tested. The

results showed that the behavior of Bituclair was
similar to that of a bitumen, while that of Vegecol
was highly atypical. Tests on aged binders, to be
performed shortly, will provide still more information
on the cracking of these products.
Yves Le Gal and Julien Van Rompu
This test makes it possible to evaluate the threshold

of brittleness of hydrocarbon mixes at low
temperatures in the context of the development of
new binders. The results hereunder demonstrates
the susceptibility of an asphalt mix with a hard
bitumen (10/20) compared to a mix with softer
bitumen (35/50), from the same supply site.
Product
Bitumen 35/50
Bitumen 10/20
cry,failure (MPa)
4.44
4.08
Tfailure (C)
-20.3
-11.4
CRACKING TEST
A 4-point bending test on pre-notched specimens
has also been developed. The test bars are loaded to
the point of failure. The aim is to determine the failure
energy GF, which quantifies resistance to crack
propagation, from the stress/strain curve. The test is
performed at controlled temperatures.
The first tests highlighted the fragility of a 10/20 mix
compared to a 50/70 mix. Two clear binders, a
4-point bending test.
KNOW-HOW
ADHESION OF ASPHALT
CONCRETE COURSES
CSTS ASPHALT CONCRETE DEPARTMENT HAS AT ITS DISPOSAL THREE TESTS, ALL IN DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 12697-48, FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF ADHESION BETWEEN COURSES.
The lifetime of an asphalt concrete pavement
depends on the adhesion between its different
courses, since an efficient bond produces a
monolithic structural effect. Thus it is essential to
ensure optimal binding between courses. Failure
at this level can divide the lifetime of a pavement
by a factor of four.
Many studies have been devoted to improving the
performance of the tack coat or emulsion applied
as a thin layer between the different courses so as
to ensure good adhesion. The aim is to optimize
the bond between the courses of the asphalt
concrete to make it long-lasting. The Asphalt
Concrete Department of CST thus makes use of
three tests, all part of draft European
Standard12697-48, to quantify the quality of
adhesion between two asphalt concrete courses.
The studies were performed on test pieces produced

and tested in the laboratory. A large number of test
parameters (temperature, compactness, emulsion
type, dosage, etc.) were studied, according to a predetermined program. The conclusions were
presented in a summary report and in a publication
in issue 928 of the Revue Gnrale des Routes et de
lAmnagement, and will form the basis of the work
of a standardization group.
Among the parameters studied, test temperature
always emerges as the factor that has by far the
greatest impact on the measurement results,
whatever the test method used. These three
methods are not suitable for in situ tests.
Bernard Yvinec
To try out the various devices adopted for

measurement of adhesion between courses and
objectively evaluate their relevance a study was
performed by two student engineers from ENSAM
(cole Nationale Suprieure des Arts et Mtiers) in
the context of their end-of-course project at CST.
Shear test.
Torsion test.
Traction test.
KNOW-HOW
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF
POLLUTION OF ASPHALT
CONCRETE
SIMULATED DISTILLATION IS A HIGH-PERFORMANCE METHOD DEVELOPED BY CST FOR EXPERT
EVLUATION OF POSSIBLE BINDER POLLUTION.
Every year the CST is called on to investigate
problems on projects that, at first sight, posed no
special application difficulties. Deterioration may
sometimes occur very soon after application, or on
other occasions much later.
determine liability for the incident and better manage

the resumption of work.
ric Godard and Aurlie Lorserie
Deterioration can be due to several causes, but once

the traditional types of malfunction in production or
application have been eliminated, the possibility
remains that the binder may have been polluted by
a substance that degrades its performance.
Information on the context and the precise nature of
the deteriorations is important in order to frame
probable hypotheses. Binders contain molecules
belonging to the same family as the hydrocarbons
that are most likely to pollute them: oil or gasoline
for example. These molecules contain the same
basic chemical elements but differ essentially in size.
Traditional
chemical
analysis,
like
infrared
spectrometry1, is not capable of demonstrating the
presence of a pollutant, still less of identifying it.
To overcome this, CST has developed an analysis
method: simulated distillation. This is a chromatographic2 technique enabling volatile products in the
binder to be detected. The profiles of potential
pollutants obtained in this way are clearly different
from the profiles of pure or modified bitumen or
synthetic binders. Some products of plant origin can
also be detected.
Every year the Road Chemistry department performs
between 10 and 20 expert studies of this type. In
cases of confirmed pollution these analyses have
revealed accidental spillages on roadways in service,
pollution by anti-adhesive or cleaning products used
on the worksite, leaks of heating fluid in storage
tanks, etc. Precise identification of the cause and
origin of a problem, particularly when it is due to
pollution of the pavement by a third party, helps to
1
2
Technique for identification of molecular structure.

Technique for separating molecules.
KNOW-HOW
AN ELECTRONIC NOSE
FOR COLAS
AN UNUSUAL OR UNFAMILIAR ODOR IS OFTEN LINKED, RIGHTLY OR WRONGLY, TO THE PRESENCE
OF A HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE. HEADSPACE CHROMATOGRAPHY, WHICH MAKES IT POSSIBLE TO
IDENTIFY AND COMPARE PRODUCT EMISSIONS, CAN FUNCTION AS AN ELECTRONIC NOSE.
In the framework of its Eco-social design approach

(see p.40), Colas is committed to evaluating and
minimizing HSE (Health Safety Environment) risks
and the nuisance caused by unpleasant odors.
Among the various raw materials used by the Group
some are heated during use and this gives rise to
potentially pungent volatile organic compounds
(VOCs). These emissions can be unpleasant for
workers on site and for local residents. To combat
this? The CST has acquired specific skills leading to
better understanding of the phenomenon.
Headspace chromatography, adapted to the analysis
of volatile molecules present in the emissions, was
the point of departure for the development of a tool
for this purpose. The technique involves heating the
sample so that the volatile compounds migrate into
the gaseous phase. When the point of equilibrium is
reached the emissions created are sampled and
analyzed: the molecules are separated by chromatography and identified by mass spectrometry1. Some
families of molecules have been identified as
particularly pungent.
Thus for warm-mix asphalt it has logically been

shown that the reduction of application temperature
by 20 to 30C led to a significant reduction in VOCs
and consequently an attenuation of odors.
It has also been noted that, on account of their
composition, certain bitumens generate more VOCs
than others and are more likely to generate odors.
This work is complemented by attempts to find
correlations between the odors identified by
professional noses and laboratory analyses. At this
stage no conclusions can be reached, but a better
understanding of the olfactory impact of the
measured emissions would represent significant
progress.
Ludivine Fanouillet
A technique for identifying molecules and their structure.
KNOW-HOW
PROFESSIONAL
REPRESENTATION
IN ADDITION TO ITS ACTIVITIES IN RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, EXPERT EVALUATION
AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, CST PARTICIPATES IN VARIOUS STANDARDIZATION BODIES,
WORKING GROUPS AND THINK-TANKS IN THE FIELDS OF PUBLIC WORKS AND CIVIL
ENGINEERING.
ROAD MARKINGS
REFINING
METROLOGY
CEN / TC226 / WG2

Standardization
Committee on Road
Markings
Technical reports measurement devices
French College of
Metrology
Conservation of Clean
Air and Water in Europe
Petroleum Products
Management Group
REACH Delivery
Management Group
BITUMEN
BINDERS
CEN / TC336 / WG1
CEN / TC336 / WG2
European Standardization
Bitumen binders
International
Bitumen Emulsion
Federation
Commission P04
Commission GE1 French
Standardization, pure
and modified bitumen
Commission GE2
French Standardization,
bitumen emulsions
AGGREGATES
Union Nationale
des Producteurs
de Granulats
CEN / TC351
Regulated hazardous
substances
PROFESSIONAL
PARTICIPATIONS
Standardization
Civil Aviation
Committee
Technical Department Road structural design
Aeronautical design
methods
Structural design methods

for low-traffic roads
SFERB
Bitumen Road
Emulsion Producers
Section
Special committee HF HRB

NF Certification of
Hydraulic Binders
for Roads
Standardization Committee
Tests concerning Roads
CEN / TC227 / WG1

European Standardization
Bitumen binders
DESIGN CALCULATIONS
Comparative tests
on Road Materials
Standardization Committee
on Asphalt Mixes
National Group
Road Surface
Characteristics
Certification of inspection
equipment
INSPECTION
EQUIPMENT
Building - Civil engineering

accreditation technical
committee
Technical Committee
Asphalt Mixes
Health, Safety, Environment

Standardization
Working group
ASPHALT MIXES
Thierry Delcroix
MATERIALS
TREATED WITH
HYDRAULIC
BINDERS

KNOW-HOW

SINCE
2009,
CSTS
GEOTECHNICS
DEPARTMENT
HAS
OFFERED
CONSULTANCY
AND EXPERT

EVALUATION SERVICES FOR ALL TYPES OF WORK INTERACTING WITH THE GROUND SUCH AS
EARTHWORKS,
RETAINING
WALLS
OR
SOIL
IMPROVEMENT.
OVER
THE LAST
YEAR
THE
GEOTECHNICS
NETWORK
HAS
EXPANDED
INTO
SUBSIDIARIES.

The
Geotechnics
Department
is at
the
service
ofall The
message:
The Geotechnics
Department
makes
Colas subsidiaries in France in the context of expert

available to the Group its experience in both structural

evaluation, technical assistance and consultancy
design and works, and has accepted new challenges
with
the
design
ofriver dams.

missions in order to design appropriate solutions for

work projects.
Jean-Pierre Sanfratello

It has available all the computation resources

necessary for the structural design of geotechnical
such
as earthworks,
retaining
walls
or
structures
screens,
the amendment
of
compressible
soils,

foundations,
and alsosome
hydraulic
structures.

department
also
works
on projects
for
dikes,
basins,
KEY
FIGURES

The
groundwater
lowering,
buildings,
civil
engineering
and

inspection, in addition to measurements.

Around
files
In less
than
a year
thegeotechnics
activity
has
per
year
handled
by the
expanded,
with
the
creation
of a network
of
5 people
Geotechnics
Department

in road subsidiaries, whose know-how must be
5 0%
in the
call
for
bids
phase

enhanced by monitoring of standards, in-house
50% in the execution phase
8 0%
concern
roads
and platforms

training, use of software, the organization of specific

technical meetings and also by capitalizing on
feedback
from
experience
and
the acquisition
of preloading

new
skills.
projects
designed

I

KEA
in
Bayonne,
ALSTOM

in St Nazaire and EUROTUNNEL
inCalais,
etc.

3
M

The
volume
of
aggregates
for designed
earthworks
projects
now
un
der
execution

Up
to
M
: the
height

designed
retaining
structures
of

of all kinds
w
rip-rap,
sheet
piling,
soil

alls,

GEOTECHNICS:
A GLOBAL OFFERING
FOR THE GROUND
250
+10
+100,000
12
KNOW-HOW
CALIBRATION OF
DYNAPLAQUE EQUIPMENT
THE ECOLIANT METROLOGY DEPARTMENT HAS DEVELOPED A CALIBRATION BENCH FOR THE
GROUPS DYNAPLAQUE EQUIPMENT. THIS BENCH NOW ENABLES OUR BEARING CAPACITY
MEASUREMENTS TO BE COMPARED TO NATIONAL STANDARDS.
To measure the rigidity of road foundation

platforms the Colas technical network uses
Dynaplaques. This equipment, mounted on a
vehicle, applies a dynamic load to the platform so
as to determine its modulus. This equipment is
used both in prospection before work begins and
for acceptance tests. It simulates the passage of
a 13-ton axle load at 60 km/h.
To respond to the needs of Group subsidiaries for
the calibration of this type of equipment, Ecoliant
Metrology has developed a specific test bench.
The equipment in fact measures simultaneously the
stress and strain caused by a mass falling onto a
cylindrical support plate so as to determine the
modulus of this support. Thus the system can be
used to perform the same measurements, but on
metrological standards connected to national
reference standards. Similarly a system has been
10
developed for laboratory simulation of ground

platforms with different bearing capacities. After
calibration at the French Laboratoire National dEssai
(National Test Labs) the equipment underwent
acceptance tests at CST before being mounted on a
specially-installed plinth.
Once metrological validation had been obtained in
this way, the calibration and verification of all the
Groups equipment could be undertaken this year.
In addition to enabling calibration, this bench should
lead to a better understanding of the response of this
type of device and of the margins of uncertainty in
dynamic modulus measurements. This knowledge
will also make it possible to appreciate the differing
needs of the dynamic tests available in the laboratories
in terms of calibration.
Sbastien Denaes
KNOW-HOW
TRAINING
ST OFFERS ITS STAFF TRAINING IN ITS VARIOUS SPECIALTY FIELDS, EITHER IN-HOUSE WITHIN
C
THE GROUP OR IN THE WIDER FRAMEWORK OF THE PROFESSION AS A WHOLE.
FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION
COMPANY,
GINGER BTP:
Monitor
and verify simple
earthworks
HIGHWAY
BASICS
BITUMEN
EMULSION
BASICS
GEOTECHNICS
Geotechnics and
its applications
Specific
materials
In-house
geotechnics
training
10 items
STAFF
RELATIONS
BASICS ON
COLAS PRODUCTS
AND PROCESSES
Tour de France
technician
VIE
International
enterprise
volunteers
STRUCTURAL
DESIGN
METROLOGY
INSPECTION/
MEASUREMENTS
Use of equipment
and analysis
COMPOCANA
Design calculations for
hydraulic structures
In-house training
External training
In-house and external training
Thierry Delcroix
11
WHOS WHO
THE AGGREGATES
AND HYDRAULIC BINDERS
DEPARTMENT
IN THE LABORATORIES SECTION OF CST, THE AGGREGATES AND HYDRAULIC BINDERS
DEPARTMENT OFFERS DAY-TO-DAY TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO GROUP SUBSIDIARIES WHILE
ALSO CONDUCTING RESEARCH AND DEVELOPING NEW PRODUCTS.
Composed of a team of 7, working in 450 m2 of
laboratory space on more than 500 different
aggregates and with a catalogue of over a hundred
tests, the Aggregates and Hydraulic Binders
Department of the CST responds to the varied
demands submitted by Group subsidiaries: formulation
of concrete for civil engineering works, use of quarry
waste for self-compacting embankments, compliance
of the hydraulic binders used for treatment of soils for
early weight bearing, etc.
Since the beginning of the 2000s the Department has
progressively developed new skills in its historic fields
of activity: aggregates, soil treatment and treatment of
aggregates with hydraulic binders, and more recently
in the field of binders themselves: cements, slurries,
mortars, etc. From 2015 onwards the departments
range has been enriched by four tests to evaluate
the lifetime of concrete used in civil engineering up to
100 years and more (see p. 24).
The teams ambition is to go beyond offering services

as an accredited expert laboratory and to make a
direct contribution to the development of subsidiaries
by developing new technical solutions. So for several
years now more than 50% of laboratory studies have
been devoted to research topics. Collaboration with
the subsidiaries and with the Technical and Industrial
divisions is essential for the success of these projects.
After several years work in collaboration with the
Colas France Technical Division, Colas Nord-Picardie,
Colas Midi-Mditerrane and Colas Sud-Ouest, three
new technical solutions were announced in 2015:
optimized gravel, mainly designed for industrial
platforms in rolled concrete, Structural Insulating
Concrete (see article p. 25) and a new Colas solution
for paving (Colpav).
Soon to come: solutions for the treatment of so-called
difficult soils, a new not completely hydraulic
binder and ground-breaking techniques for the
formulation of more sustainable concretes.
Cdric Le Gouil
12
WHOS WHO
ECOLIANT METROLOGY:
THE GROUPS METROLOGY
DEPARTMENT
IN 1999 COLAS DECIDED TO SET UP A DEPARTMENT TO RESPOND TO THE METROLOGICAL NEEDS
OF THE GROUPS TECHNICAL DEPARTMENTS.
Ecoliant Metrology is a body that has no counterpart

in other construction companies. It operates in the
various Group laboratories in Metropolitan France
and also in French overseas territories, Africa,
Belgium and Switzerland. It is certified ISO 9001 in
metrology and possesses COFRAC accreditation in
three different fields (concrete presses, screening
and equipment for asphalt pavement testing). With
two mobile laboratories and a set of equipment in a
fly-case for interventions overseas, the team of ten
metrology experts visits all the Groups laboratories,
and also industrial sites when required.
In order to strengthen its range and better assist
the technical network, Ecoliant Metrology has
created modular training courses. From awareness
of metrology to the calculation of measurement
error margins, the modules cover fields which
have to be mastered by the technical network to
enable it to meet the requirements of certification
or accreditation (NF and CE marks, Laboroute
certification, etc.).
Operation and management software for all the

measurement and laboratory equipment is currently
being introduced, this year in mainland France and
then in the rest of the Group. This software program
fulfils the requirements of the different standards
while optimizing management time in the Group
laboratories.
All these actions, along with the development
of new means of calibration (rotary shear press,
Dynaplaque), enable Ecoliant Metrology to meet
the Groups needs and also to be recognized
throughout the profession. Thus it numbers among
its clients several laboratories from outside the
Group (CEREMA, Departmental Councils, thirdparty control laboratories) and labs belonging to
Bouygues Construction.
Sbastien Denaes
13
CLOSE-UP
14
THE SOLAR ROAD

DISCOVER THE PHOTOVOLTAIC
ROAD SURFACE: WATTWAY
ON OCTOBER 13, 2015, THE CURTAIN WENT UP ON ONE OF THE CSTS FLAGSHIP PROJECTS:
WATTWAY, THE SOLAR ROAD. THE FRUIT OF FIVE YEARS OF R&D IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
THE FRENCH NATIONAL SOLAR ENERGY INSTITUTE, THIS MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH OFFERS
THE ROAD A NEW FUNCTION AS A PRODUCER OF RENEWABLE ENERGY.
15
The aims of the research project devoted to the

Solar Road were to integrate photovoltaic
elements into a road surface in a sustainable way,
while preserving guaranteed pavement structure
quality (mechanical robustness, skid-resistance),
in economic conditions comparable with those of
the implementation of competing photovoltaic
technologies (shade canopies, roofs, etc.).
Starting from scratch, the Solar Road project,
carried out in partnership with CEA Tech, made it
possible to:
erify the feasibility of the photovoltaic road concept,
v
evelop a new technology with modules suitable
d
for insertion into a pavement, based on different
types of cell available on the market and using the
prototype production unit of the INES (French
National Solar Energy Institute),
propose a global system (pavement, modules,
connections) validated by the construction of
several prototypes and the monitoring of their
performance and durability.
Wattway can bear heavy stress and strain.
CHRONOLOGY OF A BREAKTHROUGH INNOVATION

A review of the history of the development of a technological breakthrough that, by bringing together two
apparently very distant worlds, made it possible to give the road a new function in the field of responsible
development, while remaining compatible with the industrial techniques used for road building:
2005
The original concept of a photovoltaic road was put
forward as a simple photomontage during a seminar
devoted to future lines of research for Colas. Aims:
Make the road functional and extend horizons beyond
the domain of materials composing the courses of a
pavement. The concept was based on the intuition,
quickly verified by simple calculations, that roadways
and similar areas (sidewalks, cycle ways, squares,
etc.) represented a surface that faced the sky almost
90% of the time, and were therefore likely to be
economically viable collectors of solar energy,
particularly photovoltaic energy.
2006 - 2010
The research project launched following this seminar
was designed to explore the various energy recovery
technologies applicable to roads. Different prototypes were constructed, in the laboratory and then
16
in the CST courtyard. Successive possibilities were

tested: thermal (by fluid circulation in the pavement),
thermo-electric (with ceramics using the Seebeck
effect), and piezo-electric, but none gave results
that were satisfactory in terms of recoverable
energy.
SUMMER 2010
A mock-up with mini-cells integrated into a surface
representing a road was constructed to promote
thinking on the various difficulties that faced us:
What material should be used for the cells? How
could they be inserted into the surface, and
connected to one another and the grid? What would
be the impact on energy performance of the shade
rate due to passing vehicles? What about the
mechanical resistance of cells to the passage of
wheels, and the maintenance of skid-resistance?
How would electric performance alter with soiling,
scratching or wear of the cells? How would the cells,

the connections and the electrical network withstand
What
would
be the impact
of pavement

humidity?
temperature
on
energy
performance?
How would
it
be possible to repair the pavement, the panels and

the connection network? How could pavement and
be recycled?
What
about
electrical
safety
in
cells
the
event
of
vandalism
or
damage
due
to
a
traffic
accident that mechanically damaged the cells?

and pages
of questions,
without
the first
hint
Pages
of
ananswer.

MARCH 2011

During the first meeting with the CEA, organized on the

initiative of Yves Franois, former Group ITO, the
ofthephotovoltaic
roadsurface
waspresented

concept
to
specialists
from
the
INES
in Chambry.
Franck

Barruel, then head of the photovoltaic systems lab in

CEA, remembers that when my colleague in charge of
came
totell me
about
thisproject
for putting

programs
solar panels on a road surface, I told him to come back

when he had something serious to talk about! A few
went
by and
the
idea
took
root.
Itwasan interesting

days
challenge
with a complex
set of requirements
The
decision to adopt the project and meet with the people

from Colas soon became obvious.

MAY
2011

went
to Grenoble
with
a view
to
Herv le Bouc
setting
up
a
joint
laboratory
with
the
teams
from

CEA Tech. The latter had whole-heartedly adopted
project,
and
their
enthusiastic
presentation
led
the
to
the design
of apreliminary
testprogram
without

even waiting for the official signature of the contract

enacting the creation of the joint laboratory.

AUGUST
2011

some
30 meters
long,
christened
the
Martyr

Aroad

PRESENTATION
OF
CEA
TECH
AND
INES

arm of
CEA Tech is the technological research
the
Commissariat
lnergie
Atomique
et aux
nergies
Alternatives
(Commission
forAtomic
and
Alternative Energies), comprising three institutes,

LETI, LITEN, LIST, and the regional CEA Tech
which
enable
it to dispose
of afull
Institute,
portfolio
of technologies
in the fields
of
information and communications, energy, and

health. CEA Techs mission, based on its unique

know-how derived from a culture of innovation, is
produce
and
disseminate
technologies
forthe
to
benefit
of industry,
creating
abridge
between
the
world of science and the economy. CEA Tech also

provides access to generic technologies developed
the
other
operational
branches
of the
CEA.

by

The Institut National de lnergie Solaire (INES)
Solar Energy
Agency)
is an institute

(French

focusing on photovoltaic and thermal solar energy,
storage,
buildings
and
networks.
The CEA
Tech

teams at INES form the research department,

alongside a continuing education and evaluation
In
figures,
INES
represents
22,000
m
department.
laboratories,
offices
and
training
rooms,
1,800

of
specialists
trained
every
year,
400 scientists

and technicians, 85 patent applications per year,

and 13 laboratories.

Franck Barruel, CEA Tech

2
Road, was built in the INES facility at Chambry,

with the collaboration of the works teams from
Colas Rhne-Alpes Auvergne. Flexible panels of
thin-film amorphous silicon were supplied by Smac,
which then used this technology by bonding them
to watertight bituminous membranes. Here they
were bonded to the hot bitumen and subjected to all
sorts of tests: passage of pedestrians, light and then
heavy vehicle traffic, braking, running over deposits
of soil and then gravel. The electricity production
recorded during the tests revealed no significant
deterioration.
First trials on the Martyr Road (August 2011).
17
EARLY 2012
Following signature of the joint laboratory contract
which bound Colas and CEA Tech for a period of
three years, the R&D program began. The plan was
to adapt the panels tested on the Martyr Road by
making the upper surface skid-resistant so that
vehicles and pedestrians could both use the road in
perfect safety while ensuring that light rays could
pass through to the silicon layers. This was quite a
challenge when one realizes that normally the panel
surfaces are covered in Teflon! Many products and
technologies were tested, leading to the choice of a
translucent resin and powdered glass with a precise
particle size. Its absorption performances were
checked in particular after numerous cycles of
aging. A patent was applied for to cover this
technology jointly in the names of CEA and Colas.
To our great relief it appeared that the multiple
reflections created by the particle surfaces
compensated the effect of the front face, making
optical losses negligible.
Panels were also regularly trialed on the pavement
rutting tester in the Colas Rhne-Alpes Auvergne
laboratory at Chassieux with the help of P. Andrauds
group, returning afterwards to the electrical
performance tests to check for any damage. Other
units were tested on the Wehner and Schulze
machine in CSTs Asphalt Concrete department in
order to study changes in skid resistance under
traffic.
In parallel, and in order to anchor this collaboration
on solid foundations, crossover training was
organized. Five members of the CEA Tech team
went to learn the fundamentals of road engineering
with Colas. Then people from the Colas team came
to INES to learn the basics of photovoltaic
technology. We had to avoid what happens only too
often: you think youre talking about the same thing
because you use the same words. But different
professional cultures can lead to detrimental
differences of approach, Franck Barruel explained.
SUMMER 2013
thin-film panels were hit by this catastrophe. Three

potential suppliers with whom contacts had been
established filed for bankruptcy. The project then
had to be reoriented towards a technology with a
more reliable supply chain.
First demonstration section (Summer 2013).
EARLY 2014
While INES was setting up a prototype production
chain for photovoltaic modules the structure of the
panels was reviewed, this time using crystalline
silicon cells. This offered many advantages (many
potential suppliers, the highest levels of efficiency),
but one specific problem: the silicon is in crystalline
form, and more precisely in cells with a thickness of
150 m, as brittle as glass. Beginning with mechanical
simulations, a complex composed of several layers
of polymers and resin was developed and tested to
ensure the mechanical resistance of panels under
heavy traffic or the puncturing effect of gravel,
watertightness around cells, compatibility between
layers with different expansion coefficients, and of
course transparency to light rays.
AUTUMN 2014
The structure of the new modules was validated in
the laboratory and protected by a second joint
patent. A second demonstrator was built, again on
INES premises. Various bonding technologies for
the panels were tested (pure bitumen, bitumen
emulsion), before finally an adhesive developed by
A first demonstrator of 50 m2, with a power rating of

3 kWp (kilowatt peak) was built on the access road
to INES and immediately opened to traffic. This first
stage of system integration represented significant
progress, but the project team still had a long way
to go.
For it was at this moment that the photovoltaic cell
market was flooded by units made in China at an
extremely low price, prompting the European Union
to launch an anti-dumping procedure that led to the
fixing of a minimum price. Most of the suppliers of
18
Second demonstration section (Fall 2014).
the laboratory of Aximum Produits de Marquage

was adopted. In this demonstrator it was also
possible to install, in an adjacent culvert, boxes for
the interconnection of the modules. These replace
the bonded junction boxes normally protruding
from the front face of panels, which are incompatible
with vehicle traffic.
SUMMER 2015
A third demonstrator was built on the same site as
the first which, having fulfilled its purpose, was
removed by micro-planing, enabling us to test the
first recycling technologies. 59 m2, i.e. 42 slabs, for a
power output of 6 kWp, made it possible to validate
the progress made. Strengthening of the mechanical
structure of the panels reduced the risk of
delamination. Placing of the cells in staggered rows
imitated the appearance of traditional cobblestones,
for a more harmonious integration. The surface is
applied by rolling of a mixture of Aximum resin and
powdered glass. Finally, a lateral strip incorporating
LEDs made it possible to imagine a pilot for a
dynamic signaling system, opening the door to new
functional developments.
ric Coquelle, CST strategic Foresight
circuited in the event of an electrical problem. These

boards, to be manufactured in the Tourcoing plant
of Aximum Produits Electroniques, are contained in
profiled boxes placed under the panels developed
by a company from Savoy that is already an INES
partner.
On August 20, 2015, it was on this demonstrator that

President Franois Hollande, visiting INES, called on
his staff to come and recharge their batteries!
AUTUMN 2015
While the public launch of Wattway (the name
adopted for the Solar Road) was becoming imminent,
two new demonstrators were installed, this time
on the CST parking lot at Magny-les-Hameaux.
The panel structure was further optimized, both
mechanically and from an economic point of view.
Many tests were performed to check mechanical
performance, such as shock resistance when
calibrated masses were dropped from a height of
120 cm, resistance to chemical attack by substances
likely to be spilt by vehicles (oil, gasoline, brake fluid,
acids, etc.), and the endurance of the panels, on one
hand by subjecting samples to a prolonged test of a
million cycles on the CST pavement rutting tester
(where traditional asphalt concretes are tested over
30,000 cycles) and on the other hand by driving a
fleet of buses over the panels in the middle of the
parking lot for several days.
At the same time electrical tests and analyses of
potential failure modes were performed by INES
specialists to define recommendations for safe use
of the panels. The absence of specific standards
makes it necessary to use redundant security
systems based on electronic circuit boards enabling
the modules to be remotely controlled and short-
French president walking on Wattway (August 2015)
19
TOWARDS THE ROAD OF THE FUTURE

The Solar Road project has led to the development
of a breakthrough technology that opens up radically
new prospects for the use of a roadway. Many
challenges remain to be overcome, in particular those
that involve conceiving and then developing forms of
use, and ramping up from prototype level to largescale commercial implementation that will require
the development of an appropriate industrial system.
The pooling of expertise, the complementarity
between the contributions of the two partners, CEA
Tech and Colas, and the mobilization of several CST
departments and the subsidiaries Colas Rhne-Alpes
Auvergne and Aximum were essential factors in the
various stages of progress achieved in recent years.
2016 will be a turning point, with the implementation
of Wattway on a small-scale test site, limited to
100 m2. The aim is to reach a high level of maturity
and robustness an essential foundation for future
commercial development based on a well-tested
technology under expert control.
adventures, as the joint laboratory contract has been

renewed until 2018, and the technologies developed
with this first-generation solar road offer numerous
prospects for development. It seems reasonable to
believe that Wattway lays the foundations for a story
that remains to be told.
Jean-Luc Gautier and ric Coquelle
Flash this QRcode

to see the movie on
The Solar Road.
Following five years of mobilization the R&D teams of

CEA Tech and Colas are now embarking on new
Flash this QRcode
to see the animated
film on Wattway.
Presentation of Wattway at the COP21 in Nov/Dec 2015.
20
PHOTOVOLTAICS
FOR EVERYONE
Historical background
The photoelectric effect was first described by the
French physicist Edmond Becquerel in 1839. In 1877
W.G. Adams and R.E. Day created the first selenium
PV cell with an efficiency of 1%. Albert Einstein
explained the effect in 1904 and was consequently
awarded the Nobel prize in 1921. The Bell laboratories
(Charpin, Pearson and Price) presented the first
silicon cell on April 25, 1954, with an efficiency of
4%. The first use of photovoltaic energy dates from
1958 in an American Vanguard 1 satellite, with an
efficiency of 9% and a power of 0.1 Wp. The first
ground-based application was in a Japanese
lighthouse in 1963 (242 Wp), while the first fullyequipped house, Solar One, was built at the
University of Delaware in the USA in 1973. Mention
could also be made of the first solar boat in 1975, an
aircraft in 1979 and a solar automobile in 1979.
The first PV installation connected to the grid dates
from 1982 in Europe (TISO in Switzerland) and 1992
in France, with a power of 900 Wp.
The notions of power and efficiency
The unit of power used is the Watt peak (Wp).
It represents the power of a cell or panel in
standard conditions of use (CST), i.e. irradiance of
1,000 W/m2 at 25 C. Efficiency is the ratio between
the electrical power produced and the solar power
received on 1 m2. For example, if a panel of 1 m2 has
a power output of 200 Wp that means that it
produces 200 W while the sun emits 1,000 W/m2,
i.e. an efficiency of 20%.
PHOTOVOLTAICS (PV) TODAY AND TOMORROW,

QUANTITIES AND PRICE
In 2014 PV represented an installed power of more
than 180 GWp (source JRC PV Status Report 2014)
compared with 20 GWp 5 years ago. The international
energy agency announced that in 2020 total
photovoltaic power would reach 400 GWp, i.e. a
doubling of capacity in the next 5 years.
At the same time the cost of panels has continued to
fall, from an average of 20/Wp in 1980 to 0.6/Wp
in 2015 a division by 30 in 35 years.
Power installed in facilities ranges from 3 kWp for
individuals to more than 850 MWp for the worlds
largest solar farm in India (covering about 2,000
hectares).
POTENTIAL ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION FOR 1 kWp
INSTALLED (i.e. APPROXIMATELY 8.7 m2)
Dunkerque:

Magny-les-Hameaux:
Chambry:

Nice:

Saint-Denis de la Runion:
882 kWh/year
907 kWh/year
1,041 kWh/year
1,220 kWh/year
1,396 kWh/year
To be compared with the average consumption of a

French household (excluding heating and hot water)
of 2,700 kWh/year (source ADEME 2014).
What technologies are available?

There are 4 families of technologies:
T
he first, and most widespread, is based on
crystalline silicon. It represents more than 90%
of the market, with efficiencies in the laboratory
of between 20 and 27%.
T
he second concerns thin-film technologies
(amorphous silicon, CIGS, CdTe), with laboratory
efficiencies of between 13 and 23%.
Multi-junction technologies compose the third
family, with record efficiency levels of between
26 and 46%.
F
inally the emergent technologies (organic,
perovskite, etc.) have efficiencies between 9 and
20%, with steeply-rising learning curves.
Franck Barruel, CEA Tech
Map of potential photovoltaic energy production in France.
21
RESULTS
OF
PARTNERSHIPS
SACERLIFT BRIGHTENS
URBAN ROADS
ASKED TO EVALUATE THE TRUE ADDED VALUE OF THE MINERALIZATION TREATMENTS IN THE
SACERLIFT PROCESS, THE COMPOSITE SURFACING SECTION OF THE CST HAS DEVELOPED
TWO NEW MORE RESPONSIBLE PRODUCTS NOW MARKETED BY COLAS.
Sacerlift is a two-stage maintenance and renovation
process designed to restore and preserve the
appearance of mineral surfaces (dressed stone,
concrete, cobblestones, etc.). The Sacerlift process
effectively protects these surfaces by mineralization.
The first stage involves deep cleaning by the
combination of vigorous mechanical action and, if
necessary, chemical action (using an organic cleansing
product). This cleaning is followed by a mineralization
treatment that involves the penetration, by capillarity,
of catalytic solutions that provoke hardening and the
formation of silica crystals which integrate permanently
with the structure of the material.
This process, marketed since 2011 by Colas CentreOuest, required the use of two mineralizing products:
a water-based product for highly porous materials
(not labelled) and a solvent-based product for less
porous materials (labelled as harmful and inflammable).
The Composite Surfacing section of the CST was
asked to evaluate the true impact of these treatments,
particularly in terms of the sustainability of their dirtresistant and gloss effects, and to develop more
responsible own brand products. Two water-based
products have been developed, for porous and less
porous supports. Stress has been laid on the grafting
of a hydrophobic agent onto the mineral binder to
ensure a lasting dirt-resistant effect and facilitate
future cleaning.
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis has been
used to check good impregnation of the treatment over
a depth of 10 to 20 m, depending on the porosity of
the material.
The hydrophobic effect has been checked by measuring
contact angles before and after cycles of accelerated
aging in a test chamber (NFT 30 049 standard). This
effect is greater and more lasting than with the products
previously used.
22
CAMPUSmag / No.3 /FEBRUARY 2016
Application of Sacerlift at the CST.
Further tests to determine sensitivity to accidental

staining (NF EN 16301) and resistance to greening
demonstrated the efficacy of these treatments in terms
of dirt resistance.
These treatments do not modify the slipperiness of
surfaces, which remain compliant (NF EN 1342 SRT
pendulum test).
These new products have been validated by the CST on
two sites in April 2014 and September 2015. These test
strips were monitored by testing of the hydrophobic
effect and by skid-resistance measurements.
The Sacerlift process has been chosen by the IDRRIM
as part of an innovation charter, Routes et Rues
(Roads and Streets), directed by the Colas French
Roads Technical Department. There are projects for
worksites in Lyon with Colas Rhne-Alpes Auvergne,
and in Poitiers with Colas Centre-Ouest.
Laurence Durivault-Reymond
RESULTS OF PARTNERSHIPS
COLMAT
WITH PARAFFINIC BITUMEN
PARAFFINIC BITUMEN REPLACES NAPHTHENIC BITUMEN IN THE FORMULATION OF COLMAT
COLD MICRO SURFACING THE STORY OF AN EVOLUTION BROUGHT ABOUT BY SOURCING
CONSTRAINTS.
Colmat is a cold micro surfacing based on bitumen
emulsion. The mix is produced on-site by a special
machine. It forms a rough, impermeable wearing
course. Several million square meters are laid down
every year in France by Colas.
During application the mixture passes in thirty
minutes from a liquid state in the mixer to solid
when the road is opened to traffic. This hardening
corresponds to breaking of the emulsion. The
formulation of the emulsion, and particularly the
origin of the crude oil (naphthenic or paraffinic)
from which the bitumen is derived, is a key factor for
the success of cold micro surfacing.
For some years past, in France, Colmat emulsions
have been based on naphthenic bitumen. This has the
advantage of a very short setting time even in colder
weather conditions. Its drawback is its scarceness.
In September 2014 the main supplier officially
announced that naphthenic bitumen supplies would
definitely come to an end in 2015. The count-down
began. Each subsidiary had to find a solution based
on paraffinic bitumen.
Work carried out on alternative solutions from 2013
onwards served as the basis for a series of
experiments. During the winter of 2014/2015
laboratories in subsidiaries, Chemoran and the CST
continued to work on formulations so as to refine
existing solutions and find new ones. Many
experiments were carried out during the 2015
campaign to test on site the formulations developed
during the winter. A resumption in deliveries of
naphthenic bitumen finally allowed subsidiaries to
choose between continuing with the old formulations
or adopting the new paraffinic bitumens. Between
2014 and 2015 some forty test strips were laid down,
and certain subsidiaries were able to switch totally to
paraffinic bitumen.
Colmat as a tack coat.
This excellent example of synergy illustrates the work

done in the technical departments to provide a range of
interchangeable raw material solutions and ensure
security of supply to work sites. This very positive result
also owes much to the application crews who
understood the importance of these experimental test
strips, which sometimes called into question their
habitual working methods.
Abdeltif Belkahia
23
LONGEVITY OF CONCRETE,
A NEW FIELD OF EXPERTISE
FOR THE CST
LONGEVITY IS AT THE HEART OF THE NEW CONCRETE FORMULATION CONCEPT FOR CIVIL
ENGINEERING. IN ORDER TO RESPOND TO THIS NEW METHODOLOGY THE CST IS NOW EQUIPPED
WITH SEVERAL TEST SYSTEMS FOR MEASURING THE LIFETIME OF CONCRETE.
To respond to this new approach the Scientific and
Technical Campus has acquired equipment that
makes it possible to describe concretes according to
several of these indicators:
Porosity accessible to water Pwater - NF P18-458
Gas permeability Kgas - XP P18-463
Depth of water penetration under pressure - NF EN
12390-8
Coefficient of migration of chloride ions Dapp - NT
Build 492
Gas permeability meter
Often exposed to severe environmental conditions

(chemical attack by chloride ions in sea water,
carbonation by atmospheric carbon dioxide, freeze/
thaw cycles, etc.), concretes used in civil engineering
are subject to ever-stricter demands imposed by
building owners in terms of durability. The trend
today is to be able to guarantee the longest possible
lifetime for structures, sometimes going beyond
100 years.
In this respect standardization has evolved recently
with the introduction of a performance-based
approach to concrete formulation. This innovative,
global method for predicting the lifetime of structures,
based in particular on the notion of indicators of
concrete longevity, represents a technological
quantum leap compared with current practice based
on the prescription of the means to be employed
(composition, characteristics of constituent ingredients), which is still applicable to most structures.
24
Depending on the environment of the structure, the

risks of attack and the intended lifetime, thresholds
are defined for these indicators, and the concrete
should be formulated so as to comply with them as
well as with the usual criteria such as compression
resistance.
The Nouvelle Route du Littoral Coastal Road project
in Reunion Island is the first Colas Group project to
adopt this new approach. In parallel with the creation
of a dedicated concrete and durability laboratory for
this major site, GTOI, the Colas subsidiary in Reunion
Island, and CST are collaborating in studies, in
particular so as to optimize formulation.
These test facilities have also made it possible to
perform a study on the economic use and
development of the metakaolin* produced by Argeco,
a subsidiary of Colas Midi-Mditerrane, used as
an additive in concrete. Various demonstration
structures are programmed for the end of 2015 on
the L2 bypass worksite in Marseille.
Guillaume Lacire
* A dehydroxylated Form of the clay mineral Kaolinite.
THERMECO,
THE COLAS INSULATING
STRUCTURAL CONCRETE
COMBINING MECHANICAL STRENGTH AND THERMAL INSULATION PROPERTIES, THIS NEW
READY-MIX CONCRETE DESIGNED FOR STRUCTURAL FACADES NOW ENABLES COLAS
TO OFFER A NEW SOLUTION TO REDUCE THERMAL LOSSES IN BUILDINGS.
In the context of the French RT 2012 Thermal
Regulations it is now mandatory when designing
new buildings to reduce energy requirements to
50 kWh/m2/year, and builders are obliged to make
use of means to reduce thermal bridges (see
diagram).
Thermeco, the fruit of effective collaboration
between Bronzo Perasso, a subsidiary of Colas MidiMditerrane and the CST, is a ready-mix concrete
combining mechanical strength and thermal
insulation properties. In compliance with concrete
product standard NF EN 206/CN, its formulation
comprising light insulating gravel (expanded clay)
gives it a thermal conductivity below 0.6 W/m.K, i.e.
four times better in terms of insulation than a standard
concrete. Integrated into a standard system of Interior
Thermal Insulation, Thermeco concrete guarantees
energy performance in conformity with standard
RT 2012.
This concrete, which can be produced in a traditional

concrete plant, possesses good workability and can
be used like ordinary concrete, with no change in
on-site working methods. A genuine alternative to
External Thermal Insulation and the installation of a
thermal bridge breaker, this concrete enables
builders to continue to use conventional construction
methods while allowing freedom of architectural
treatment of facades.
Still under development in Bronzo Perassos concrete
plants, this new Thermeco product now enables
Group subsidiaries to tender for Insulating Structural
Concrete contracts. Six sites, representing almost
2,050 m3 of Thermeco, are under way in the
Marseille region. Note that collaboration continues
with Colas Rhne-Alpes Auvergne in order to
develop Group solutions based on naturallyinsulating aggregates.
Guillaume Lacire
Risk of condensation
in winter
Heat loss
Thermal bridge in a floor
25
COLORABLE ASPHALT
CONCRETE FOR BUS RAPID
TRANSIT IN REUNION ISLAND
REUNION ISLAND AIMS TO EQUIP ITS TERRITORY WITH A BUS RAPID TRANSIT NETWORK AND
DEVELOP DEDICATED URBAN BUSWAYS. IN THIS CONTEXT THE CST IN COLLABORATION WITH
GTOI HAS DESIGNED AN ASPHALT CONCRETE STRUCTURE USING A CLEAR BINDER
CORRESPONDING TO THE SPECIFIC RUTTING REQUIREMENTS OF A RAPID TRANSIT BUSWAY.
In the context of the creation of busways in the
south of the island the contractor (EGIS France)
and the project owner (CIVIS: Communaut
Intercommunale des Villes Solidaires de la micro
rgion Sud de la Runion) wished to install busways
with a distinctive surface and specific color to
distinguish them from the traditional vehicle lanes.
In order to BID for this contract GTOI proposed a
technical alternative designed to reduce the thickness
of the wearing course and the importing of aggregate.
As red aggregates were not available locally, the
source chosen was the Roy La Gouraudire quarry in
Mainland France.
The CST was called on to test various complexes of red
anti-rutting asphalt concrete using Bituclair BHNS
binder (a hard binder developed by the Road Chemistry
department, supplied by the Vitrolles plant).
26
Rutting tests were performed according to usual

standards and also in more severe conditions (lower
speed, higher test temperature, higher tire pressure)
in order to select the complex that offered the best
mechanical performance in terms of rut resistance.
Following this study a thin asphaltic overlay on road
base asphalt with 20% RAP was chosen.
It was completed in Saint-Pierre de la Runion at the
end of March 2015 with a view to commissioning the
dedicated busway in July 2015. Further sections
were tackled in November 2015.
milie Combes
COMPOMAC EXPORTS
TO CENTRAL EUROPE
NEWS OF A STORABLE HOT-MIX ASPHALT.

Everything began with an original idea put forward
by Jean-Paul Dupuy, technical director of Colas in
Slovakia, who was seeking to develop a new
product suited to the local context.
In France, dense storable asphalt is well known under
the name of Compomac. It is based on the principle of
coating sand and gravel separately with two different,
specially formulated emulsions. The result is a workable
and above all well-coated product. The idea of
developing a similar product in Slovakia was
immediately attractive, but for one obstacle: the Group
has no cold-mix plants in that country. The solution lay
in eastern France.
For some years now Colas Est has been performing
simple coating operations for storable asphalt. The
process, which may seem surprising, involves using
not bitumen but an emulsion in a hot-mix plant. The
trick is to heat the aggregate to a temperature of
about 110C and then inject the emulsion. This ensures
good coating quality.
A synergistic project was then set up, involving

Colas Est, CST, DEC and Colas Slovakia. All their
skills were combined during three days of intense
effort in the plant. Then, following the modifications
made to the equipment (specific emulsion conduit,
vapor extractor, etc.), DEC trained the operators.
Colas Est and the CST worked on adjusting the
formula (proportion of ingredients, emulsion level,
etc.) and performed in-situ tests on workability.
After a dozen different trials Tatracol saw the light
of day in Slovakia.
A few months later the same skills came together in
Poland, in the Poznan plant. Same synergy, same
success. Storable asphalt arrived in Poland.
Hungary and Romania too have modified one of their
plants to manufacture Tatracol. A great success story!
Thomas Zamaron
And the process was convincing. The CST was

mobilized to formulate an asphalt mix with the
Slovakian aggregates. The Central European
Equipment Division (DEC) carried out modifications
in the Zilina plant.
27
BETOFLEX LANDS
IN CALGARY
THE AIRPORT AUTHORITIES IN CALGARY, ALBERTA, CONTACTED STANDARD GENERAL INC.-CALGARY,

A SUBSIDIARY OF COLAS CANADA, TO SOLVE A RECURRENT PROBLEM OF PERMANENT
DEFORMATIONS AFFECTING THE WAITING ZONES OF TAXIWAYS CHARLIE AND ALPHA.
The solution had to meet two criteria:
inimum interruption of airport operations
m
thanks to speedy execution of work,
igh resistance to rutting (rut depth < 5 mm at
h
30,000 cycles at 60C).
The Betoflex process, already used in airport zones
(Reunion Island, Mauritius, Sumburgh in Scotland,
Toulouse in France, etc.), was proposed by Standard
General Inc.-Calgary.
To meet the requirement for reduced work time, a
0/16 mm Betoflex was recommended (e=10 cm).
The requirements concerning rutting still had to
be met: binder formulation was performed by the
GECAN laboratory in Acheson, Alberta, while that
of the asphalt concrete was carried out by the CST
and then continued by Colas Canada according to
local standards.
28
The binder proposed is a highly-modified Colflex

offering enhanced performance while maintaining
viscosities appropriate for mixing and compacting
at temperatures that can be obtained in situ.
Betoflex 0/16 was formulated at CST with Sphyhill
Calgary aggregates, 100% crushed. This high quality
aggregate, associated with binder PG 58 E-28 (PG:
Performance Grade which, according an American
standard, defines the operating temperature ranges
for bitumen) allowed our teams to tackle the
challenge of rut resistance. The client is perfectly
satisfied with the results and intends to continue
using Betoflex for future projects.
Florence Leroy-Mallol
VALORTIEDE,
100% RECYCLED ASPHALT
PAVEMENT
VALORTIEDE IS A PRODUCT DEVELOPED BY COLAS SWITZERLAND COMPOSED ENTIRELY OF
RECLAIMED ASPHALT PAVEMENT TREATED WITH VEGEFLUX, A FLUX BASED ON VEGETABLE
OIL. IT IS UNIQUE IN THAT IT USES 100% RAP WHILE MAINTAINING MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
THAT ARE APPROPRIATE TO WELL-DEFINED USES (LOW-TRAFFIC ROADS, PEDESTRIAN PATHS,
BIKE PATHS AND/OR PARKING LOTS FOR LIGHT VEHICLES).
It was in 2011 that different modes of production of
a mix containing 100% reclaimed asphalt pavement
(RAP), heated and treated with variable proportions
of additive, were tested. Colas Switzerland worked
on the reuse of these recycled aggregates, using the
TECVIA plant in Geneva which is equipped with a
tube for heating aggregate to 130C. The workability
of these mixtures was then assessed by application
crews and the products were characterized in-house.
Six formulations were studied. The laboratory tests
made it possible to optimize proportion of Vegeflux
at a production temperature of 130C.
deterioration has been reported. Optimization

of the formulation (Vegeflux content) varies
depending on application conditions and intended
use, and also on the RAP used (grading and binder
content remain fixed).
This type of product might evolve over time but
could also be exploited in the context of attempts
to formulate asphalt concretes with very high RAP
content (70%).
Flavien Lubineau
An additional test program was undertaken by

the Asphalt Pavement Department of CST on two
batches of aggregate from Switzerland and Belgium
in order to monitor the mechanical evolution
of aggregates treated with different doses of
Vegeflux. The results of the Rotary Shear Press,
Duriez, rutting, modulus and fatigue resistance tests
were positive, with performance levels equivalent to
those required for a Class 2 road base asphalt.
This work also made it possible to quantify the
change in the modulus of the asphalt pavement
and the characteristics of the binder extracted
from the Valortiede asphalt over a period of
2 years. Monitoring of performance of the recycled
aggregate over a long period highlighted the
curing of the asphalt pavement thanks to the
siccative action of Vegeflux.
Feedback from the sites treated since 2011
by Colas Switzerland (temporary roads, bike
paths, pedestrian paths, light-vehicle parking
lots) has been very satisfactory. No significant
29
NEW PRODUCTS
UNDER DEVELOPMENT
DURING THE SECOND HALF OF 2015 THREE NEW PRODUCTS DEVELOPED BY THE CST WERE
MADE AVAILABLE TO GROUP SUBSIDIARIES.
COLFLEX BH
The unusual composition of this specifically
formulated modified binder combines good
control of the chronic price fluctuations affecting
the polymer used in modified bitumens with a
reduction in the temperature of asphalt concretes
using this type of binder.
Now available in France, Colflex BH is setting
out to conquer Asia. Formulations adapted to the
Chinese and Thai markets have been developed
by the laboratories of TIPCO, the Colas subsidiary
in Thailand.
SACERLIFT
A new lease of life for this maintenance and renovation
process for mineral surfaces, which in 2011 won the
Prize for Innovation awarded by the Salon des Maires
et des Collectivits Locales (Convention of Mayors
and Local Authorities). A new optimized formulation
of this product has considerably enhanced its
performance (see article p. 22).
GYS ADDITIVE
Warm-mix asphalt with GYS additive are the outcome
of research in this field. Already mentioned in
the Focus article of the first issue of CampusMag in
March 2014, this option represents the industrial
confirmation, obtained mainly with the help of Colas
Ile-de-France Normandie, of the favorable preliminary
results noted in the laboratory.
The 40C reduction in asphalt production temperature
has been validated, with no loss in workability or
performance compared to standard methods.
Thierry Delcroix
30
THE ACTIVITY OF ECOLIANT

PRODUCTS
ECOLIANT PRODUCTS, A DEPARTMENT OF THE CST, PROVIDES EXPERTISE IN THE MANUFACTURE
AND DISTRIBUTION OF EXCLUSIVE PRODUCTS.
Ecoliant Products possesses a stock of coded
products that are distributed on request.
The coding of products guarantees confidentiality,
essential for use in the Groups companies and
Economic Interest Group.
the French Roads Technical Division. Colpav is an

innovative two-component product without addition
of water that can be used on semi-rigid supports.
Dominique Tresal
Its facilities enable Ecoliant Products to manufacture

products exclusive to Colas in semi-industrial
conditions. They also make it possible to carry out
manufacturing experiments for the CST and produce
clear emulsions based on synthetic bitumen, and to
develop or test industrial processes in collaboration
with the Equipment department of Colas.
Checks on raw materials and finished products are
a guarantee of quality. All products are verified,
including those sold through partnership networks.
All these products can be shipped to the various
countries where Colas is established. International
business represents 25% of Ecoliant Products activity,
a marked increase due in particular to the distribution
since July 2014 of plant-based fluxes, which are now
sent as far away as Australia.
EKOFLUX: its appearance on the market in 2014
boosted the sales of Colas plant-based fluxes,
making it possible to fix a competitive price. With
sales of 800 tonnes in 2015 it represents 80% of
the market for plant-based fluxes sold by Ecoliant
Products, 20% of which are international sales.
VEGEFLUX: its field of use, complementary to that
of Ekoflux has been extended to fluxed asphalts.
In 2015 200 tons of Vegeflux were sold, of which
40% were international sales.
Ecoliant Products was recently chosen as distributor
of the paving mortars Colpav Pose and Colpav
Joint, developed by the CST in collaboration with
31
SAFETY
PREVENTION OF CHEMICAL
RISK AT THE CST
MANY CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES CAN HAVE AN EFFECT ON HUMAN BEINGS AND THEIR
ENVIRONMENT. IT IS IMPORTANT TO IDENTIFY THEM BY STUDYING THEIR SAFETY DATA FILES.
In cases where it is not possible to abolish the use
of hazardous chemicals it is essential to make use
not only of general protective measures but also
appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
such as masks. There are many types of breathing
apparatus, each designed by the manufacturer to suit
a precise and narrowly-defined situation of use. Using
the brochure produced by the INRS (French National
Institute for Research and Safety) on respiratory
protection devices, the CST has selected the masks
and filter cartridges best adapted to the needs of
its staff and set up a management system for this
type of PPE. A Safety Meeting was then organized
in order to inform all employees about, in particular,
the choice of the right equipment and the cartridge
replacement periods. The three masks mainly used in
the CST are:
Dust mask,
Mask protecting against organic chemicals with a
boiling point below 65C (e.g., dichloromethane),
Mask protecting against organic chemicals with a
boiling point above 65C.
Dust mask.
32
In addition the CST has acquired a pump for

sampling air for analysis by an external laboratory.
Provided certain conditions are complied with
the results can be compared to the binding
Occupational Exposure Limit Values laid down for
some chemicals by decree No. 2012-746 dated
May 9, 2012. These checks of employee exposure
also make it possible to evaluate the residual
chemical risk during tests performed in the
laboratory.
Agns Prot and Graziella Durand
Mask protecting against organic chemicals BP < 65C.
CAMPUSmag / NO.3 / FEBRUARY 2016
A VERY LIVELY 2015 SAFETY DAY AT CST

THE DAY BEGAN WITH PRESENTATIONS BY PHILIPPE SIMARIK, HEALTH AND SAFETY PREVENTION
MANAGER FOR COLAS, AND JEAN-YVES BIGNON, RISK AND INSURANCE MANAGER.
The CST safety leaders then organized 4 interactive workshops on the following topics:
Road safety,
Ergonomics of the work station,
Safety issues specific to CST
Accidents at home
The winners of the Safety Quiz were awarded their prizes by Philippe Raffin during a highly enjoyable
buffet!
Graziella Durand
Mask protecting against organic chemicals BP > 65C.
SAFETY
Air sampling pump.
CAMPUSmag / NO.3 / FEBRUARY 2016
33
MEETINGS
COLAS SCIENTIFIC
MEETINGS
DRONES TAKE OFF
FROM TOYS THAT CAN BE BOUGHT FOR A FEW DOZEN EUROS TO MILITARY AIRCRAFT, DRONES
ARE TAKING OVER OUR AIRSPACE. COMMERCIAL USES MOSTLY CONCERN SPECIAL EVENTS
AND THE AUDIOVISUAL SECTOR BUT INDUSTRIAL APPLICTIONS ARE ALSO EMERGING. COLAS
FOR EXAMPLE ALREADY USES DRONES IN ITS QUARRIES. DURING THE SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS
ORGANIZED AT CST LAST MARCH CLAUDE LE TALLEC, HEAD OF THE DRONE SYSTEM MISSION
FOR ONERA, THE FRENCH PUBLIC AERONAUTICS AND AEROSPACE RESEARCH ESTABLISHMENT,
AND EMMANUEL DE MAISTRE, CO-FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF REDBIRD, FOUNDER OF THE
FEDERATION PROFESSIONNELLE DU DRONE CIVIL (PROFESSIONAL FEDERATION FOR CIVILIAN
DRONES) SHARED INFORMATION ON CURRENT AND FUTURE DRONE USE.
CAN YOU TELL US EXACTLY WHAT A DRONE IS,
ACCORDING TO YOU?
Claude Le Tallec: In English the word drone
refers to the male bee which flies erratically with
an annoying buzz. The word has been almost
universally adopted to designate a flying machine
resembling an aircraft, a helicopter or a balloon, that
is remotely controlled. A distinction can be made
between two types of drone. On one hand there are
model aircraft, machines that are flown and used
purely for leisure or competition. The pilot always
remains in direct control of the trajectory to avoid
obstacles or other aircraft. On the other hand, for
all other types of use, the system is composed of a
Drones are
excellent means
for the development
of software
sensors and
new equipment
CLAUDE LE TALLEC
34
remotely-controlled aircraft equipped with systems,

particularly software, to control and monitor its
flight: the pilot is in a ground station and there is
a system for the exchange of information between
the flying machine and the pilot. This distinction is
important when it comes to defining conditions of
use and rules to be followed to avoid accidents, and
to allow safe use of these new tools.
Emmanuel de Maistre: This distinction made it
possible to lay the foundations for the decrees
published in 2012 regulating the civilian use of
drones. And its on the basis of this legal framework
that commercial use has been able to take off.
In November 2012, according to the French civil
MEETINGS
aviation authority, there were about 70 companies

operating a hundred or so registered drones. At the
beginning of 2015 more than a thousand companies
were manufacturing or operating about 2,300 drones.
By fixing the rules of the game (the regulatory
framework), the government provides insurance
companies with the means to evaluate the risks
of this activity and insure corporations that
have entered this market. In 2013 turnover was
estimated at between 30 and 50 million euros, of
which 90% were in the audiovisual sector (media,
communication, events).
WHAT ARE THESE FLYING MACHINES USED FOR?
Emmanuel de Maistre: In the main sector, the
media, for producing images. Industrial applications,
which represent the potential for growth in this
sector, can be grouped under four main headings:
Transport networks: rail, road and pipelines.
Building and public works: to monitor worksites,
inspect tall structures, produce 3D maps.
Mines and quarries: mapping, topography, stock
assessment, evaluation of volumes.
Agriculture and the environment: plant population
surveys, follow-up of crop ripening and hydrographic status.
Claude Le Tallec: Of course we are working on
the development of the drones themselves, to
improve safety and performance, but we also use
them as research tools. They are excellent means
for the development of software sensors and new
equipment, to demonstrate the relevance of the
concepts we invent, particularly in the field of
air transport, provided a few difficulties can be

overcome.
WHAT YOU ARE SAYING SUGGESTS WE ARE AT A
TURNING POINT?
Claude Le Tallec: Yes, indeed. We have to find the
right answers to two questions: what is the necessary
level of safety for the operation of drones and the
development of these new applications? How can
we make these uses safe without blocking their
development? That requires pilot training, the design
of light, reliable detection and avoidance systems,
the sharing of flight plans between different users of
airspace, the drafting of regulations to guarantee the
protection of privacy and prevent malicious uses.
Emmanuel de Maistre: The structure of the sector,
along with this need for regulation, are indeed the
key points at present. We must open it up to uses
that generate commercial activities and jobs. Im
thinking for example about long-distance flights,
over several dozen kilometers, out of the pilots line of
sight we must be able to do that while maintaining
socially acceptable levels of security and safety.
Jean-ric Poirier
35
MEETINGS
ROBOTS:
TOWARDS MAN-MACHINE COLLABORATION
EXOSKELETONS, SURGICAL ARMS, LOAD-CARRYING ROBOTS WHAT IF, RATHER THAN
REPLACING PEOPLE, ROBOTS HELPED THEM PERFORM THE MOST DIFFICULT TASKS? THIS IS
THE ISSUE AT STAKE IN COBOTICS OR COLLABORATIVE ROBOTICS. THE MISSION OF THESE
COBOTS IS TO IMPROVE WORKING CONDITIONS AND REDUCE FATIGUE AND THE RISK OF
ACCIDENTS. IN SWITZERLAND COLAS IS EXPERIMENTING WITH AN EXOSKELETON DESIGNED
BY RB3D AND THE CEA THAT BELONGS TO THIS FAMILY OF COLLABORATIVE ROBOTS. LAST
OCTOBER, DURING THE COLAS SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS, YANN PERROT, HEAD OF THE CEAS
INTERACTIVE ROBOTICS LABORATORY, AND SERGE GRYGOROWICZ, FOUNDER AND CEO OF
RB3D, TALKED ABOUT THE PURPOSE AND PRINCIPLES OF COBOTICS.
SURGICAL ARMS FOR REMOTE OPERATIONS,
EXOSKELTONS TO HELP PEOPLE LEARN TO WALK
AGAIN, OR LOAD-CARRYING ROBOTS WHAT
DOES COBOTICS REALLY INVOLVE?
Serge Grygorowicz: The dream of every robot expert
is to build a machine that could reproduce all the
capabilities of a human being. But there is still an
enormous gap between that dream and the current
status of even the most advanced experimental robots.
So when you want to design a robot to perform a given
task there is often a choice between two options.
Yann Perrot: Either I design a totally independent
robot, capable of performing all the actions required
for the task in question. But in this case the task
must not be too complicated. For example, walking
around a real worksite is something that two-legged
robots cannot yet do. Or I design a robot that can
do part of the job while a human being, who remains
at the heart of the system, does the rest. This family
Associate man
and machine so as
to benefit from what
each can do most
effectively.
SERGE GRYGOROWICZ
36
of robots has been named cobots to distinguish

them from independent robots.
Serge Grygorowicz: Designing a cobot means
trying to associate man and machine so as to benefit
from what each can do most effectively. The human
can perceive and understanding the impact of the
conditions imposed by the environment on the way
the job can be done. The human being can also
make use of professional know-how and expertise to
achieve the desired result. The machine can provide
the mechanical force, the repetitive actions, the high
work-rate. This sharing of tasks has the advantage of
restoring interest to a job that requires hard physical
labor and avoiding exposure to the musculo-skeletal
problems that are now the main cause of industrial
illnesses.
Yann Perrot: This solution having the machine provide
mechanical force while the human being performs
cognitive tasks like seeing, adapting, choosing and
MEETINGS
deciding has another advantage: it opens up these

jobs to people who would not be physically capable
of doing them without mechanical assistance.
CAN THE EXOSKELETON USED BY COLAS IN
SWITZERLAND BE DESCRIBED AS A COBOT?
Serge Grygorowicz: Absolutely. The exoskeleton in
the cinema is Iron Man in the Shane Blake movie.
An exoskeleton is worn like a sort of garment. The
man makes the moves but its the exoskeleton that
carries the loads and provides the force. Its a motordriven structure that takes charge of the load to be
Serge Grygorowicz and Yann Perrot: But the most

remarkable technical invention, which is a world first,
is that we have been able to reproduce the horizontal
forces and assist them. An operator using a rake
applies a force that can often rise to 60 to 80 kg.
The exoskeleton supplies 90% of this, and the
remaining 10% allow the operator to use his knowhow and expertise, for example during the finishing
phase of an asphalt surface.
Jean-ric Poirier
carried, the mass to be pushed or pulled, the force

to be exerted.
Yann Perrot: The first exoskeleton projects emerged
in the 1960s. They were too heavy and bulky and
never left the laboratory. Digital technology, miniaturization of processors, the fall in IT costs and
finally the calls for projects launched by the militaryindustrial complex gave these projects a fresh start
at the dawn of the 21st century.
THIS EXOSKELETON HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO
ASSIST WORKERS IN THE APPLICATION OF
ASPHALT CONCRETE WITH A RAKE. WHAT WERE
THE DIFFICULTIES THAT HAD TO BE OVERCOME?
Serge Grygorowicz: The first problem was to
understand the human operators intentions and
follow his movements, taking into account their
intensity, direction and amplitude. The solution
adopted by the Japanese Cobot, Hal, often taken as
an example by the media, involved fixing electrodes
on the skin. This may be acceptable in the medical
environment for which Hal was designed, but it is
totally unsuited to a situation of outdoor work.
Yann Perrot: We developed an actuation technology,
in which the energy delivered is transformed into a
usable physical phenomenon. Our inspiration was
the way muscles operate. One of the advantages
of this system is that the activators are very long,
just like muscles. Their size and shape are thus
well adapted to human morphology, which the
exoskeleton has to fit onto.
Serge Grygorowicz: This technology, coupled with
full use of the capabilities of the batteries and
materials used, enabled us to divide the mass of the
exoskeleton by a factor of two and a half between
the first demonstrator and the prototype that will be
used on a worksite.
37
PORTRAITS
CDRIC LE GOUIL
37, SECTION HEAD
MATERIALS AND HYDRAULIC BINDERS DEPARTMENT (MHB)
Fluctuat nec mergitur

(THE MOTTO OF PARIS: SHE IS TOSSED BY THE
WAVES BUT DOES NOT SINK)
Passionate. Cdric Le Gouil is passionate about his

work, his family, his friends and soccer. With a
postgraduate qualification in Advanced Materials and
Management from the CNAM in Paris, he joined the
CST as an apprentice in 2001, in the Asphalt Concrete
department. Thanks to his previous experience in the
concrete sector, acquired before he joined the CST,
Cdric introduced the concept of an additive* into the
work he was doing on slurries for percolated asphalt.
The result was a halving of the price and a twofold
improvement of the mechanical properties. At the
end of 2003 when the CST was reorganized
he joined the Materials and Hydraulic Binders
department. From 2006 onwards he has applied his
concrete experience to several technical missions
abroad, in Martinique, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia
and Gabon. He made on-site visits to audit asphalt
plants and application methods and to optimize
concrete formulation. At the head of the department
since 2008 he is responsible for technical assistance,
expert evaluation, innovation and the search for new
products. Looking is easy, its finding thats difficult!
Desire, optimism, an open-minded but rigorous
approach, and collaboration these are the keys to
maximizing the chances of making a success of a

project.
MHB has thus contributed to the development of a
structural insulating concrete (see article on p. 25).
A project that succeeded thanks to the involvement
of subsidiaries, particularly Colas Midi-Mditerrane,
Cdric underlines. There is often a gap between the
laboratory and the reality of a worksite. So as
a football fan and fervent Paris-Saint-Germain
supporter Cdric encourages a team approach.
Its essential to associate the subsidiaries with
R&D projects and talk to colleagues in the field.
Teamwork is the thread running through his career,
since he has also founded and run a network of
concrete technicians covering the whole Group.
Each year between 40 and 60 colleagues from
France and overseas get together to exchange their
experience.
For Cdric: Staying close to experience in the field
means staying close to aggregates and understanding
the mechanisms. One of our main goals is to find
optimal solutions and try to anticipate future markets
so as to work on subjects well upstream.
* In concrete formulations an additive is included to improve the properties of the material when fresh or after hardening.
38
PORTRAITS
FRANCK LECLERC
30, METROLOGY TECHNICIAN
Destiny is no
matter of chance.
It is a matter
of choice.
(WILLIAM JENNINGS BRYAN)
Between two trips Franck scarcely has time to get his

breath back! France, Africa, the Indian Ocean, French
Guiana, West Indies, Europe Hes on the move for
eight months out of twelve. So is this metrology
technician hyperactive? Im often pressed for time,
confesses this young man of 30. Jobs sometimes last
five weeks, and can follow one another quite quickly.
His task is in fact to check the parameters of the
equipment used by the Colas Group, or the proper
calibration of the apparatus used to measure them
something that requires care and precision,
meticulous attention to detail and conscientiousness, as he explains. And yet he was not predestined
for this function. In 2007 Franck, then a student at the
Orsay technical institute for physical measurements,
was looking for a summer job to pay for his vacation.
He was contacted by Jean Carroget, who had become
deputy director of the Center for expert evaluation
and documentation, and joined the metrology
department of Ecoliant. It was all new to me,
he remembers. So I was given a months training.
Then they asked me to stay on for another month.
No problem, he cancelled his vacation and seized the
opportunity! And he made sure it was understood
that he would like to come to the CST for his secondyear internship. He was taken on with a long-term
contract in 2008 and trained for another two years.
Since 2010 he has been in charge of metrology for
international subsidiaries and, since 2015, for Colas
Midi-Mditerrane. He is also the technical deputy for
some COFRAC (French accreditation committee)
dossiers. Logistics are an essential aspect of my
work. From scales to concrete presses, by way of
thermometers, compactors or rotary shear presses,
the range of equipment used in the Group is enormous.
Each one is covered by a standard with certain
requirements. So each trip has to be planned
appropriately, and the right equipment (almost 800 kg)
transported. Not to mention contacting clients,
drawing up estimates, organizing work sessions and
travel, then writing reports, following up client
queries, preparing audits
For Franck: Every day is different. You have to adapt
to each new situation and new environment. I like to
work in the field, meeting other people from the
Group or outside. It gives me a sense of fulfillment
and a spirit of openness.
39
NEWS
TRL/BRL SCALES
EXPLORATION, CREATION, DEVELOPMENT: COMBINING R&D AND MARKETING TO FACE TODAYS
ISSUES.
To ensure that Colas offering better matches market
needs, the Campus has totally rethought its
procedures for the design and development of
products and processes by including, among other
things, two tools for monitoring project progress,
based on two scales of readiness:
he TRL scale (Technology Readiness Level),
T
he BRL scale (Business Readiness Level).
T
Originally developed by the NASA and also adopted
by the European Space Agency for its projects, the
TRL scale, standardized since 2012, reflects a degree
of technological maturity on nine levels divided into
three phases:
undamental and applied research
F
dvanced research and technological demonstration
A
uality marking
Q
and risks (techniques, environment, equipment, etc.),

so as to better match Colas offering with clients
needs. This approach will require the input of expertise
from the Groups operational divisions, as well as that
of the Campus.
Philippe Raffin
BRL
FIN
9
DEV
8
PHASE
4
7
6
5
The BRL scale has not yet been standardized but

follows the same logic of evolution with a scale from
1 to 9.
Monitoring of R&D projects with these tools will

allow their management to be optimized, and make
it easier to identify technological and market obstacles
PHASE
3
PHASE
2
3
2
PHASE
1
TRL
ECO-SOCIAL DESIGN
RESEARCH IS AT THE HEART OF THE COLAS GROUPS CAPACITY FOR INNOVATION. IT IS PART OF
THE GROUPS RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT APPROACH.
Since the 1960s an approach based on the
replacement of hazardous raw materials and the
lessening of the environmental impact of the
proposed solutions has progressively been
integrated into the formulation of new products.
Today the CST is going still further, with a formal
eco-social design process.
The idea is that even before research begins
potential risks for health or the environment should
be evaluated and taken into account, so as to
minimize them as far as possible throughout the
40
laboratory phase and to evaluate their effects, either

by direct measurements or by calculation and
numerical simulation. The aim is to propose, finally, a
solution that is both efficient and responsible in
terms of health and the environment. This eco-social
design approach takes into account economic
constraints that will influence commercial exploitation.
The process should thus lead to a result that
represents the best compromise between technicoeconomic, environmental and social factors.
ric Godard
NEWS
COLTEC,
NEW GENERATION
CREATED IN 1990, THE DOCUMENTATION SERVICES TECHNICAL INTRANET, COLTEC HAS EVOLVED
OVER TIME TO OFFER USERS NEW FUNCTIONS. THIS FOURTH VERSION PROPOSES NEW ALERTS
AND BETTER MANAGEMENT OF THE INTRANET WITH THE CHOICE OF DOCUMENTARY SOFTWARE.
Currently more than 17,000 documents are at the disposal of colleagues in the Colas Group and can be
consulted via the address http://coltec, with control of access rights to the connection.
IMPROVEMENTS AND NOVELTIES
ersonal user space - Each user can find here at
P
any time:
- His/her searches and saved documents.
-R
equests made to the Documentation Service and
the answers provided.
Evolution of the search:
- Possibility of making simple, advanced or
full-text searches
- Use of filters to narrow down research by key
words, document type, language and authors.
ccess to SagaWeb (AFNOR standards) now
A
possible from all Coltec pages.
ossibility of navigating between the French and
P
English versions.
ubscription to new alerts such as regulatory texts,
S
news, etc.
review on home page of latest documents entered
P
into Coltec.
Availability of FAQ.
ew organization of data, particularly concerning
N
products and documentary resources.
Claudine Foucault
For any further information

please contact the Documentation Service:
laudine Foucault: +33 1 39 30 94 10
C
hlo Hutter: +33 1 39 30 94 11
C
laire Galouo: + 33 1 39 30 94 13
C
endrine Marchand: +33 1 39 30 94 12
C
documentation@campus.colas.fr
41
NEWS
SHEEP, BEES AND MEN

IN 2015 THE CAMPUS FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNIQUES OFFERED A HOME TO NEW GUESTS.
Since last spring, four sheep have taken over the
Magny site, with the task of keeping the lawns in
good shape, a technique known as eco-grazing.
This natural mowing allows flowering plants to
develop and protects biodiversity. The sheep graze
the green spaces selectively; unlike mowers and other
mechanical tools they spare flowers and insects.
OUR BEES
hives,
4
ollinizing over a radius
P
of 500 meters to 1 km
Each hive has produced
25 kg of honey,
meaning 100 kg
in total!
Bees, those essential pollinizing agents, have also

come to Magny. Housed in four hives, they have already
enabled us to harvest about a hundred kilograms of
honey, which will be distributed to staff and visitors.
Sophie Bignault
OUR SHEEP
cological: no more
E
gasoline for the mower,
and the soil is naturally
fertilized to the right
degree
conomical: no
E
purchases of gasoline
or fertilizer

Agreeable:
no annoying
motors but the peaceful
charm of the lambmowers
LABOROUTE APPROVAL
PROFESSIONAL APPROVAL No. 15-127 WAS GRANTED BY IDRRIM (INSTITUTE FOR ROADS, STREETS
AND MOBILITY INFRASTRUCTURE) IN MAY 2015.
The certification testifies to the ability of CST
laboratories to perform tests on road building
materials in France and many other countries.
Almost 70 tests are so far covered but new ones
should be added to the list every year.
Only six months went by between the decision to
launch the Laboroute process and the audit for
approval. An inter-departmental working group
was set up to define the program and timetable.
42
The efficiency of all our colleagues in the

laboratories then enabled us to meet the demands
of the Laboroute standard.
Two CST internal auditors are now members of the
Colas Laboroute auditors group and will contribute
to the on-going exchange of good practices.
Graziella Durand
ALL OF US
ALL OF US
WELCOME TO THE NEWCOMERS
Philippe Hauza
Technical Manager,
from Colas le-de-France Normandie
(May 18, 2015)
Benot Tapin
R&D Engineer
(November 16, 2015)
Stphanie Hofmann
Suppliers accountant,
from Colas le-de France Normandie
(December 1, 2015)
Yann Lefeuvre
Manager of the Center
for Expertise and Documentation,
from Colas Limited
(January 1, 2016)
Laurent Brissaud
Asphalt mix section supervisor,
from Colas Rhne-Alpes Auvergne
(January 1, 2016)
Sophie Coulardeau
Geotechnics Engineer
(January 1, 2016)
Jean Lalo
Innovation Finance Manager,
from Colas SA
(January 1, 2016)
GOOD LUCK ON YOUR NEW ADVENTURES at CST

Germain Caillet
Technician in Asphalt mix
went to Hydraulic Binders
Materials section
(October 1, 2015)
Caroline Levque
R&D Hydraulic Binders
Materials Engineer
went to Pavement Design section
(October 1, 2015)
Jean-Luc Gautier
Manager of the Center
for Expertise and Documentation
went to International Division
(January 1, 2016)
Xavier Carbonneau
Asphalt mix section Supervisor
went to Laboratory Manager
(January 1, 2016)
CAMPUSmag, the magazine of the Colas Group Campus for Science & Techniques, 4 rue Jean Mermoz, 78772 Magnyles-Hameaux cedex, France - e-mail: recherche-et-developpement@campus.colas.fr - www.colas.com.
Director of publication: Philippe Raffin - Managing editor: Thierry Delcroix - Editorial committee: Jean-Luc Gautier,
ric Godard, Sophie Bignault, Julien Roux, Cendrine Marchand, Laurence Durivault-Reymond, Arnaud Leroy - Copy:
Yves Le Gal, Julien Van Rompu, Bernard Yvinec, ric Godard, Aurlie Lorserie, Ludivine Fanouillet, Thierry Delcroix,
Jean-Pierre Sanfratello, Sbastien Denaes, Cdric Le Gouil, Jean-Luc Gautier, ric Coquelle, Franck Barruel, Laurence
Durivault-Reymond, Abdeltif Belkahia, Guillaume Lacire, milie Combes, Thomas Zamaron, Florence Leroy-Mallol,
Flavien Lubineau, Dominique Tresal, Agns Prot, Graziella Durand, Jean-ric Poirier, Philippe Raffin, Claudine Foucault,
Sophie Bignault, Stphanie Beauvais.
Photo credits: J. Bertrand (cover, p.2, p.4, p.6, p.7, p.14, p.15, p.16, p.19 top, p.20, p.24, p.32, p.33, p.37, p.38, p.39),
J. Campos-Swissmovie (p.36), CEA/P. Avavian (p.19 bottom), Colas Canada (p.28), Colas CST (p.5, p.9, p.12, p.17, p.22, p.23,
p.25 left, p.27, p.33 top, p.41, p.42), Colas Suisse (p.29), H. Douris (p.26), Graphis.thque-Fotolia (p.25 right), E. Herchaft (p.30),
P. Stroppa (p.12 right, p.13, p.31), P. Zito-Ufly (p.35) - Design and production : Free-lances lAgence +33 (0)1 47 93 20 20.
1,000 copies printed by PDI SA on Condat Silk paper (100% recycled and FSC approved) using plant-oil based inks,
cover finished using 100% biodegradable waterborne varnish.
43

THEMAGAZINE
OFTHECOLAS
GROUP

CAMPUS
FOR SCIENCE
AND
TECHNIQUES

4, RUE
JEAN
MERMOZ

78772
MAGNY-LES-HAMEAUX

FRANCE
recherche-et-developpement@campus.colas.fr

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THE MAGAZINE OF THE COLAS GROUP CAMPUS FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNIQUES

No.3 / FEBRUARY 2016

Last year we raised the curtain

Cover: Wattway panels.

CAMPUSmag / No.3 / FEBRUARY 2016

Of course theres more to

RESTRAINED SHRINKAGE TEST

Bituclair and a Vegecol, were also tested. The

Yves Le Gal and Julien Van Rompu

This test makes it possible to evaluate the threshold

CAMPUSmag / No.3 / FEBRUARY 2016

4-point bending test.

The studies were performed on test pieces produced

To try out the various devices adopted for

CAMPUSmag / No.3 / FEBRUARY 2016

determine liability for the incident and better manage

ric Godard and Aurlie Lorserie

Deterioration can be due to several causes, but once

CAMPUSmag / No.3 / FEBRUARY 2016

Technique for identification of molecular structure.

In the framework of its Eco-social design approach

Thus for warm-mix asphalt it has logically been

A technique for identifying molecules and their structure.

CAMPUSmag / No.3 / FEBRUARY 2016

CEN / TC226 / WG2

Technical reports measurement devices

Structural design methods

Special committee HF HRB

CEN / TC227 / WG1

Building - Civil engineering

Health, Safety, Environment

CAMPUSmag / No.3 / FEBRUARY 2016

Colas subsidiaries in France in the context of expert

CAMPUSmag / No.3 / FEBRUARY 2016

To measure the rigidity of road foundation

CAMPUSmag / No.3 / FEBRUARY 2016

developed for laboratory simulation of ground

CAMPUSmag / No.3 / FEBRUARY 2016

The teams ambition is to go beyond offering services

CAMPUSmag / No.3 / FEBRUARY 2016

Ecoliant Metrology is a body that has no counterpart

Operation and management software for all the

CAMPUSmag / No.3 / FEBRUARY 2016

CAMPUSmag / No.3 / FEBRUARY 2016

THE SOLAR ROAD

CAMPUSmag / No.3 / FEBRUARY 2016

The aims of the research project devoted to the

Wattway can bear heavy stress and strain.

CHRONOLOGY OF A BREAKTHROUGH INNOVATION

CAMPUSmag / No.3 / FEBRUARY 2016

in the CST courtyard. Successive possibilities were

accident that mechanically damaged the cells?

decision to adopt the project and meet with the people

Road, was built in the INES facility at Chambry,

First trials on the Martyr Road (August 2011).

CAMPUSmag / No.3 / FEBRUARY 2016

thin-film panels were hit by this catastrophe. Three

First demonstration section (Summer 2013).

A first demonstrator of 50 m2, with a power rating of

CAMPUSmag / No.3 / FEBRUARY 2016

Second demonstration section (Fall 2014).

the laboratory of Aximum Produits de Marquage

ric Coquelle, CST strategic Foresight