SG, an eco-friendly asphalt concrete company, announced on January 16 that as the government and local governments are advancing climate change-responsive road infrastructure, the business environment for the company-which possesses steel slag-based eco-friendly asphalt concrete and air pollution reduction equipment-is improving.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government stated on January 1 that the occurrence of potholes has significantly decreased since the implementation of the 'Seoul Standard Road Pavement Model.' According to the city, there were 18,948 pothole cases in Seoul from January to November last year, a 26.6% decrease compared to the five-year average for the same period (25,816 cases). Despite cumulative rainfall during the same period exceeding the five-year average, potholes still declined, which is seen as numerical evidence of the effectiveness of enhanced durability pavement technology.
Seoul is expanding the use of high-strength recycled materials such as steel slag for paving, focusing on major arterial roads, central bus-only lanes, and central bus stops where potholes frequently occur. Steel slag is a recycled byproduct generated during steel manufacturing, and its higher strength compared to regular aggregates makes it useful for improving road durability.
SG supplies 'Eco Steel Asphalt Concrete,' an eco-friendly asphalt concrete utilizing steel slag. According to the company, this product offers greater durability and strength than conventional asphalt concrete, helping to prevent potholes and reduce road maintenance and repair costs.
Eco Steel Asphalt Concrete has been supplied to the Second Gyeongbu Expressway, Seoul road offices, and Seoul's bus-only lanes. It has also been applied in major road paving projects under the jurisdiction of the Seoul Metropolitan Government, thereby establishing practical references in public infrastructure. Based on this track record, the company plans to expand its application to road construction projects commissioned by local governments and public entities.
Stricter environmental regulations are also driving increased demand for such equipment. As the Ministry of Environment has tightened standards for managing specific hazardous air pollutants, there is a growing trend of installing equipment to reduce harmful substances such as benzene emitted from asphalt concrete plants. SG supplies the 'SGR+' equipment that removes these substances, and the company reports that demand for replacement and expansion is continuing at asphalt concrete sites nationwide.
A representative from SG stated, "Steel slag-based pavement and air pollution reduction equipment are areas where the advancement of road infrastructure and tightening environmental regulations intersect," adding, "We are expanding the scope of application to overseas reconstruction and infrastructure projects, as well as the domestic road maintenance market."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
