SmartCity Malta-BV Joint Venture as SCM01 general contractor

SmartCity Malta has announced the appointment of BV Joint Venture as the general contractor for SCM01, the first office in Ricasoli. SmartCity Malta's facilities will be the first office buildings in Malta to have a low environmental footprint rating, hence establishing a model to be emulated by other developments in Malta.

BV Joint Venture, an affiliation between Bonnici Brothers Ltd and Ballut Blocks Ltd, combines the expertise of two of Malta's organisations within the construction industry. Together, their portfolios cover a vast array of projects such as the Malta International Airport, Cruise Passenger Terminal in Valletta, the Marsa Pedestrian Footbridge, schools, hotels and supermarkets, to name a few. 

NEW MATERIAL USED IN THE RUNWAY RESURFACING WORKS AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF TAXIWAYS AT THE MALTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

In the last few months, extensive works have been carried out on the airside infrastructure at the Malta International Airport by a partnership formed by Ooms International Holding bv and Bonnici Brothers Limited. These works included the resurfacing of runway 13-31 and the construction and widening of a taxiway and shoulder at Threshold 31.

These works are innovative because polymer modified bitumen has been used to manufacture the asphalt. This polymer modified bitumen, under the registered name of Sealoflex, was and can now be produced locally by Bonnici Brothers Limited under license from Ooms International Holding bv. Bonnici Brothers Limited has invested in the manufacturing plant and the technology for the production of Sealoflex in order to supply the local market as well as for export to North African countries.

Ever increasing traffic intensities, higher axle loads and tyre pressures unfavourable wheel configurations in combination with extreme climatic conditions result in increased deterioration of asphalt pavements. Pavement performances can be enhanced by improving the properties of asphalt mixes. The best improvements are obtained by incorporating specific polymers to the bitumen used in asphalt. Sealoflex comprises a group of polymer modified binders for use in heavy duty asphalt pavements. Since its introduction in the early 80's, Sealoflex has proved its value in terms of performance, durability and cost effectiveness. It is characterized by its low temperature susceptibility, high elastic recovery, flexibility, stability and resistance to fatigue. These characteristics result in extended durability of asphalt pavements. It is also 100% recyclable making it environmentally friendly and conforms to European Standards: EN12591: 2000 and ISO9001: 2004. Sealoflex has been successfully used in major airport projects in the Netherlands, Belgium, Cyprus, Malaysia, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, India and Yemen and in the United States, in Chicago and Boston.

The works at the Malta International Airport have been quality assured by personnel from Ooms International Holding bv. The Sealoflex asphalt laid has been tested and approved by laboratories in Malta, the Netherlands and in Germany.

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