Asphalting Formula E At Monas Is Claimed Not To Damage Natural Stones

Monas (Irfan Meidianto / VOI)

JAKARTA - The paving trial of the Formula E circuit at the National Monument (Monas) has been completed, the asphalt that has been installed has been peeled off. PT Jakarta Propertindo (JakPro) as the organizer ensures that the asphalting does not damage the natural stone (cobblestone) in the courtyard of the Monas area.

Deputy Director Communications Formula E of JakPro Hilbram Dunar said that the asphalting which was carried out on Saturday, February 22 was peeled off on Tuesday, February 25 in the morning. As a result, the asphalt can be lifted from the top of the cobblestone. Although there are still bits of asphalt when peeled off, they can be cleaned.

"Asphalting did not damage the cobblestone at Monas, because during this trial we were looking for the best solution (circuit construction)," Hilbram said when contacted by VOI, Tuesday, February 25.

Deputy for Technical Affairs of OC Formula E Jakarta, Wisnu Wardhana, said the process of peeling the asphalt layer was accompanied by experts from the Indonesian Research Affiliation Institute, Bandung Institute of Technology.

Wisny added, before the peeling process, his party conducted an asphalt shear test. This test uses a dump truck on the asphalt, which is tested to run with a measured quantity and then braking.

"The goal is to see how strong the asphalt that is attached to the cobblestone is against friction," said Wisnu.

Asphalting Monas (Photo: Special)

Next, just enter the asphalt demolition stage using a cold milling machine. The goal is to see how easily the asphalt peels off and how it affects the cobblestone.

After that, clean the area above the cobblestone stretch that was previously covered with asphalt. "As a result, the cobblestone can return to normal," he said.

Wisnu was grateful for the hot weather conditions and the rain that had fallen since the asphalt was installed. this, he said, accelerated the testing process for one day than planned.

"In general, the results of the paving trial are satisfactory. As for the final decision whether the geotextile or sandsheet chosen for the paving of the Formula E match, we cannot confirm today. We need time for the next meeting," said Wisnu.

Paving is made with two different coating materials. The first is a sandsheet (10m x 4m) and a geotextile (5m x 4m). On top of these two layers coarse asphalt is laid (binder) without overlaying it with fine asphalt. It is used to find one of the most effective and efficient ways as a Formula E circuit.

Wisnu said, in other Formula E hosting countries, asphalt coating on cobblestone was carried out in Paris, France and in Rome, Italy.

“In Paris, the Formula E circuit circles the site of Les Invalides which is 350 years old. So after each Formula E title, the asphalt is peeled off and returns to normal, "said Wisnu.