Three researchers from the Technological University of Panama (UTP), associated with the Center for Multidisciplinary Studies in Sciences, Engineering and Technology (CEMCITAIP), represented the country at the XXII Ibero-Latin American Asphalt Congress (CILA) held in the city of Granada, Spain .
These were doctors Airam Morales, Elvis Castillo and Ka Lai Ng, professors at the Faculty of Civil Engineering (FIC) of this higher education institution and members of the Panamanian Asphalt Institute (IPA), who presented the progress and results of their research in this international scientific event.
Dr. Airam Morales, representing the Chiriquí Regional Center of the UTP, began the participation of the Panamanian delegation with the presentation “First resurfacing project of the Sea Port with Superpave PG76-22 Asphalt Mixture and Modified League Emulsion in Panama” .
This project was developed in the marine section of the South Corridor towards Paitilla and consisted of improving the
current state of the pavement through the implementation of modified emulsions.
In her second presentation, Dr. Morales presented the project “Evaluation of the performance of asphalt mixtures through the incorporation of crushed glass”, which was developed by students from the Chiriquí headquarters and advised by her. This evaluated the addition of crushed glass as a replacement for three stone aggregates and as a complementary aggregate percentage to the stone aggregate.
For his part, Dr. Elvis Castillo, representing the Veraguas Regional Center, continued the participation of the Panamanian delegation with the presentation of a scientific article entitled “Design and Construction of an Experimental Section of Asphalt Pavement with High Quantities of RAP in Panama ”.
This presented the results of a project that explored the design and construction of a warm mix asphalt layer with a very high RAP content, which determined that the use of RAP produces a savings of 20 US dollars per ton compared to a mixture conventional. Dr. Castillo also presented the book “Introduction to Asphalt Cements and Binders: Characterization, Rheology and Production” that he co-authored at this international event.
Dr. Ka Lai Ng, representing the FIC Campus Central, culminated the participation of the Panamanian delegation with the oral presentation entitled “Formulation of an asphalt modified with recycled rubber granule PG76E-22, a Panamanian experience.” This intervention shared the experience during the development of a formulation of a modified binder with performance grade PG76E-22 that mainly contained recycled rubber granules from disused tires.
It should be noted that this presentation is part of the project “Use of recycled tire tread dust as a sustainable asphalt modifier in Panama”, which is financed by the National Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation (SENACYT).
It should be noted that through the participation of these three researchers in this international event, the UTP reiterates its position as a leader in asphalt research at the national level.
Likewise, the researchers nominated Panama as the venue for the XXIV CILA in 2027. This will create a space for researchers and professionals to share about new developments and research, promote innovation and establish connections on this topic at a global level.
