REPORT

Cool
islands
and spaces

LE MAG 2022
COLAS GROUP
TECHNIQUES, RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
MAGAZINE
 In their own words
Contents

04 06 08
Feature Core Center Partnerships Stéphanie Minnebois: Techniques, Research & Development Director, Cédric Leroux: Director of the Core Center
Colas Group

RE It’s been several weeks since I was appointed, so I would like to “From CST to Core Center”
P take this opportunity to give you my initial thoughts on the series Dear readers, dear colleagues,

16
of meetings I launched. The release of the magazine, prepared over
O

As you may have noticed, our Campus for

24 30
several months by our Techniques, Research and Development (TR&D)
LE MAG — 2022

RT

Science and Techniques (CST) has changed

Department, comes at the perfect time to do so.
its name to Core Center (COlas REsearch
The goal of this conversation phase – which I feel is key – is to develop Center).
a deeper, more holistic approach to TR&D a whole, and to better
This project of transforming the Group’s R&D
Cool islands understand the expectations of the various stakeholders, be they
center and its activities comes with a brand
and spaces Expertise Showcase of internal or external.
new graphic identity and logo. In the first
techniques As this phase unfolds, I’m discovering our company’s wealth of pages of this magazine, you will discover the
expertise and skills, a profusion of local initiatives, the passion that objectives and main outlines of this project.
drives our teams and the heartfelt expectations expressed by all
Strengthening the Core Center’s role
stakeholders. Clearly, the field of TR&D is fertile ground when it
and visibility at Group level – be it in
comes to producing the best possible solutions to meet these many
POR France or around the world – gives us
TR expectations.

32 34
the following responsibilities: to ensure
This collaborative improvement process will soon give rise to a whole greater transparency in our various areas of

AI
new project aimed at structuring our technical services. Our R&D expertise in the field; and to build an R&D

36 TS
roadmap, which was reviewed at the end of 2021 in light of the Group’s
strategic priorities, will also be revised in terms of methodology and
prioritization.
Science events QSE
Our main directives will remain in line with Colas’ ambition to position
itself as world leader in innovative and responsible mobility solutions.
Our plans and operations will reflect the company’s values, as well as
its commitments regarding the ACT project. They will also incorporate
Colas’ drive to further its international vision, to create seamless
connections between the global and local levels and to improve our
roadmap, with your help, in order to help
bolster our activities, achieve our various
objectives, reduce our carbon footprint and
foster solutions that will help us as we move
forward. Everyone here at the Core Center
is excited to write this new chapter by your
side, whilst creating new connections that
will enable Colas to go ever-further.
In this issue, you’ll also find a full report on

38
rapport with the different regions and activities on the ground. our ADAPT project, aimed at developing
Beyond my deep-felt belief in networking, fluidity and transversal solutions to generate cool islands in large
approaches, I would like to emphasize another conviction of mine: urban areas, as well as information on several
the need for business partner positioning. By being fully dedicated technical development initiatives.
to the Group’s internal stakeholders and to its customers, our TR&D Wishing you all a pleasant read.
On the move infrastructure’s high level of efficiency is guaranteed to boost Colas’
reach.
Once it is finalized, I look forward to presenting our future roadmap
to you, and to us implementing it as a collective, with all of the
enthusiasm that I have witnessed during our meetings together.

2 3
 FEATURE
by Thierry DELCROIX
contributing
to carbon neutrality
The climate crisis is knocking at our door. The alarming facts in the recent IPCC report reinforce our
determination to take action and play our part in collective efforts to curb the impacts of climate
change.
AR6 is the 6th Assessment Report produced
by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC)*. Published in August 2021,
it confirms the alarming state of the climate
around the world:
• Humans have an indisputable influence on
LE MAG — 2022
climate change.
• All regions of the world are impacted, with
irreversible consequences already impacting
oceans, ice caps and sea level.
• Climate change is currently on a scale that
has not been experienced for hundreds or
even thousands of years, and is expected to
trigger more extreme weather events.
What is the IPCC ?
The IPCC was established in 1988 to
provide detailed assessments of the
state of scientific, technical and socio-
economic knowledge about climate
change, its causes, potential impacts
and coping strategies.
It does not produce new research,
but assesses the knowledge base
by critically assessing the content of
scientific publications.
4 5
COLAS 2030 TARGETS
The third pillar of the Colas carbon and biodiversity roadmap is: the
-30 %
development and promotion of low-carbon techniques and solutions.
All initiatives motivated by this driver help lower our Scope 3 carbon
footprint. Here are some examples – either underway since 2021, or still
to come.
30 % reduction of direct greenhouse
gas emissions (scopes 1 & 2)
Calculating and reducing the carbon footprint of our products
and techniques
In France, the Group’s product catalogue is being updated to
showcase environment-friendly solutions that we can promote to our
clients. Scheduled for end 2022, the new catalogue will detail effective
gains in CO2 emissions compared to traditional solutions.
-30 %
30% reduction of indirect emissions
A specialist consultancy firm has helped us change how we design in upstream activities (scope 3a)
new products, with environmental concerns now built into the initial
design stage plus every phase of the life cycle.
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?
Reducing the carbon footprint of the concretes and hydraulic
All scenarios envisaged in AR6 see global warming increasing by binders we produce and/or use scopes 1 et 2 : business activities
2050. To curb the rise, it is necessary to reduce greenhouse gasses
First test sites for stabilized sand featuring a binder with a better
significantly, quickly and durably. company
biomass,
environmental footprint than traditional options. vehicles
combustion
If we achieve carbon neutrality, global warming should cease (AR6 services
Inventing a “concrete calculator” that enables each production plant
expresses greater certainty about this than the previous report) and consumption
to work out its own greenhouse gas profile and identify areas for of electricity,
air quality improve.
improvement. steam, heating
Our future climate therefore depends on the decisions we take now. and cooling
Training modules on cements, concretes, hydraulic binders and lower-
Every ton of CO2 we emit heats the planet. carbon alternatives.
Every individual can take action. And businesses, too, obviously have scope 3a : upstream activities
a major role to play. Colas continues the rapid deployment of its low- Reducing the carbon footprint of the mixes we produce or use
business product
carbon and biodiversity strategies, with clearly stated goals in line with travel and service
Within the One Colas Plant and Pillar 2 initiatives, we invented a procurement
the Paris Agreement:
“mix calculator” that enables each mix plant to work out its own
materials
30% reduction of direct greenhouse gas emissions (scopes 1 & 2) greenhouse gas profile and identify areas for improvement. transportation
home-workplace
travel
upstream
30% reduction of indirect emissions in our upstream activities (scope 3a) The Core Center is developing binders for extremely low-carbon mixes
by 2030. to replace bitumen: Vegecol and Vegeroad range. waste
upstream
leasing
Reducing the carbon footprint of our solutions by incorporating
more reclaimed materials in our mixes. scope 3b : downstream activities
Optimization work on Recycol continued, aiming for a definitive individual
investments
wearing course that is fit for traffic within hours of being laid. waste
In 2021, we started gradually to increase the amount of reclaimed
usage of
materials in our mixes. goods sold
franchises
goods
Recommending and promoting our low-carbon solutions to downstream transportation
leasing
clients downstream
Certainly the most important phase of Pillar 3. To reduce the carbon
footprint of the infrastructures we construct and/or maintain, we must
85 %
get our clients to accept our low-carbon techniques and products.
That’s in the hands of sales teams, technical departments, design
offices and operators, whose skills in the field of low-carbon solutions
must be enhanced.
Percentage of Colas’ carbon
In France, a suite of training courses for design offices is already emissions generated by freight,
available on our eco-oriented SEVE software. Training modules are waste, the procurement of
You’ll find a summary of the IPCC’s AR6 currently being designed to train sales teams and operators for the construction products and
on page 34 (fun climate fresco activity) international deployment of SEVE• materials, etc..
 CORE CENTER
by Isabelle COUILLET and Cédric LEROUX
From CST to Core Center:
a boost in Research &
Development
The new strategic challenges that the Group is facing (CSR1, adapting to climate change, the digital
transformation, sustainable mobility, etc.), and particularly those highlighted in the Carbon and
Biodiversity strategy at the end of 2020, have led Colas to rethink its R&D strategy. Let us look
back on this deep transformation.
Gathering 14 different fields, the
Core Center wants to channel its
financial and other resources into
R&D activities that reflect the
LE MAG — 2022
strategic challenges facing the
Group and its subsidiaries.
2021, A YEAR OF TRANSITION
2021 was a pivotal year for the
Core Center. New foundations
were laid for the construction and
organization of a portfolio of R&D
activities to be carried out for the
Group over coming years.
COMPETENCY TRANSFER
The first step was to identify
the tests and test equipment
that needed to be transferred to
subsidiaries’ labs, to enable them
to become more autonomous
TRL/BRL scale: project management process
TRL 1 2
Idea Framework Concept
In-house
CORE Center
technical review
Ideation
Stakeholder review
Go/No go
decisions
1 2
BRL Opportunity
6 7
by Catherine LEGROU
MORE VISITORS AT CORE CENTER
CORE: A NEW BRAND FOR R&D
In 2022, the CORE brand will become
Every year, the Core Center opens its doors to a large number
Colas’ R&D flagship. It reflects the
of visitors - from within the Group and beyond. 2020, however,
Group's will to strengthen its R&D
drew a blank for obvious reasons. But in 2021, despite lock-
activities and make them more visible,
downs and restrictions, the tours managed to start up again,
particularly on an international level.
and we had the pleasure of welcoming over 150 guests:
The brand embodies excellence,
expertise and the Group's core Deconstruction/Decontamination team from the Dunkirk
refinery, SANEF (Société des Autoroutes du Nord-Est de la
values that are respect, sharing and
determination. France), Cerema & DIT, Poste Immo, Michelin, BNP Paribas &
CGI, Bouygues Immobilier & ARP Astrance, Edward Bouygues
In order to accompany this change,
& Fabrice Bonnifet, Bouygues SA, Colas Projects Operations
the Campus for Science and
Department, Jean-Baptiste Djebbari, France’s Minister for
Techniques (CST) is changing its
name to Core Center (COlas REsearch
Transport, new recruits to the Colas Communication Department,
Hélène Geronimi Sub-Prefect for Rambouillet, Colas SA
Center).
International HR team, French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC),
Colas Rail, Destia, Colas Projects, Colas Ltd, Marie Gautier-
Melleray, France’s Interministerial Delegate for Road Safety
(accompanied by F. Gardès).
14
We also hosted our regular Colas Universities. They enabled
and enhance their skill sets in certain fields, whilst
approximately 280 colleagues to deepen their knowledge of
simultaneously freeing up resources for R&D activities
the Group and, more specifically, learn more about the various
at the Core Center. This process began at the start of
professions practiced within the Core Center’s fields of expertise.
2021 and continues in 2022. The Core Center obviously fields.
continues to provide technical support in certain very Tours of our Center really took off again in 2022. By end July,
specific technical fields, as well as in areas that demand approximately 230 people had visited the Core Center (plus 160
resources that the group’s subsidiaries are not expected for Colas University sessions):
DYNAMIC STEERING PROCESS
to procure. Link City, Colas Ltd, L’Express, Point P, Bouygues SA, Amazon,
All procedures for steering CST projects Bouygues Bâtiment International, Bouygues SA audit team, Colas
R&D ROADMAP - now called Core Center - were International Recruitment, Oil Malal Chile, EODD design office,
An R&D strategy reflecting the challenges facing the also revamped in order to foster the TV78, Colas Legal Department, Colas Digital Solutions, IDFN
Group was drawn up and presented to the Management development of products and technologies Regional Legal Department, Colas SA Finance Department•
Board. It was validated on September 9, 2021. The existing that satisfy market demand within the
project portfolio was reviewed and reshaped to match timeframe defined at the project launch.
the strategy. It will be updated and enriched with projects Stakeholder departments (technical,
430
that match short- and medium-term market challenges business, marketing, environment, legal,
for the Group, as well as more prospective topics that development, sales) will be on the project
team from project launch through to market
could gain in importance in coming years. Work on the
launch.
2022-2025 Roadmap began in autumn 2021 and ended in visitors in 2021
the first half of 2022. THE GROUP IS COUNTING ON R&D
36
A stronger accent on R&D activities will
help employees at the Core Center to
realize just how important a role they play
within the Group. They will also develop average visits per year
new technical and project management
skills. The nature of the R&D projects will 1200
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
also lead the Core Center to recruit new
In-house External Controlled Capitalization Mature
Feasibility experimental experimental
dissemination salution skill sets, and thus enrich the Group’s 960
sites sites
number of visitors
technical network.
720
The Core Center’s plans for a make-over are
Design ambitious. They will ensure that the financial
Development Deployment COVID
assessment and other resources allotted to it are on 480
par with the strategic challenges facing
the Group, contribute efficiently to the 240
3 4 1. Company development of Core Center activities, and
Market launch Social consolidate Colas’s technical leadership on
Market test preparation Sales monitoring 0
Responsibility all of its markets• 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
 PARTNERSHIPS
by Stéphane JOLLET and Sophie DECREUSE
Colibri:
Latest news!
Thanks to the efforts of project teams and users on pilot sites, Colas’ system
for managing lab info is making regular progress around the world. Special
thanks go to the graduates working on their final thesis in the four French
regions for the wonderful work they have carried out.
TWO MAJOR UPDATES SINCE JUNE 2021
LE MAG — 2022
A mobile version offering much faster
data synchronization with the web.
Version 4.3: optimization of regional
preferences feeding into Excel; a new
portal; results tables displayed in columns;
multi-lingual optimization; etc.
ROLL-OUT UPDATE
• Mainland France: deployment was halted
temporarily to await a new version
that factored in strong requests for
improvements, notably pertaining to the
time it took to enter data and produce
reports, plus ergonomics.
• Canada: specific settings added to comply
with North American standards and local
market requirements; user and manager
training courses; deployment to pilot
labs. Tests can be designed thanks to the
huge efforts of Arash Ghahremani and a
dedicated integrator.
COLIBRI V2
A new version of Colibri will be designed
as of this summer, in light of feedback
requesting improvements before deployment.
The new version reflects approximately 80
requests submitted by France and Canada.
They have been gathered into spec.s and
validated.
8 9
The main improvements pertain to
ergonomics in general, plus the speed of
operations, reducing the number of clicks,
generating summary tables, easier ways
of entering materials, task creation when
registering samples, splitting user experience
by trade and zone, limiting Excel file opening,
the automatic consolidation of results for
linked tasks, semi-automated task closure,
sending reports from a smartphone, etc.
All of these major improvements, plus the
development of the concrete module, should
make it possible to deploy Colibri in France
and internationally. The new version is
scheduled to be ready for the first quarter of
2023.
Colibri continues to evolve in line with user
requirements•
TUTORIALS AT YOUR FINGER TIPS
There is now a Colibri channel! In time, all of
the videos (tutorials, presentations, procedures,
etc.) will be uploaded to complement the
tutorials that are available on Colibri. Meanwhile,
the User Manual has also been updated to
correspond to the latest version (4.3) released
last November (available in Colibri).
by Wael AL-SHAMMA, Marina CHALAMET, Tony KUCHAREK and Benjamin ROUJOLLE
PARTNERSHIPS
Gravel Seal,
transatlantic
cooperation
Canada, the United States, French Guiana and the Core Center worked
hand-in-hand to develop an anionic bitumen emulsion for a gravel seal
job site in French Guiana.
Gravel seal is little known in France, but a regular coating choice in
Canada. It offers many advantages - both technical and environmental.
THE GRAVEL SEAL TECHNIQUE
Gravel seal is a coating technique. It features
High-float
open-grade aggregate and a high-float emulsion
anionic emulsion. The base on which it is laid
is not generally treated. This approach is
different to the superficial coating technique
favored in France, which usually involves
Traditional
cationic emulsions and washed dense-grade
emulsion
aggregate.
The high floatability of an anionic emulsion
6
is advantageous on several counts, such
as reducing the susceptibility to heat of
An emulsion is said to have high
the residual binder from the emulsion. This
km
floatability when its residual bitumen
property improves the durability of the
boasts the properties of a gel, resulting
pavement.
from the reaction between the
emulsifying agent and the bitumen.
Gravel Seal JOB SITES
applied in 2020 Ribal TP has completed several gravel seal
jobs (6km in 2020, then 10km and 6km in
2021). The coating was placed on an un-
bound lateritic base. The high-float emulsion
16
was developed at the Core Center, thanks to
rich exchanges between the Campus, Colas EFFICIENT TEAM WORK!
Canada, Colas US and Ribal TP.
km
Knowledge transfer was fundamental to this
Frédéric Gardès, Chairman and CEO of the project, and very useful for all involved. As
Colas Group, had the opportunity to visit a a result, new opportunities are opening up
Gravel Seal gravel seal job site during a trip to French for the Group, thanks to the use of high-float
applied in 2021 Guyana. emulsions for road pavements•
 PARTNERSHIPS
by Julien ROUX
Acceleration and
globalization for
Optimu in 2021
Optimu is the management software for the Colas Group’s measurement
resources and laboratory equipment. In 2021, a new turn for the software:
TRAINING COURSES AND DISCUSSIONS IN
EVERY CORNER OF THE GLOBE
During the first half of 2021, 16 (face-to-face
and remote) training and refresher sessions
LE MAG — 2022
on the software’s functions were held for
technical staff from French regions and also
new countries (Belgium, Switzerland, Indian
Ocean area). Trainers (Julien Roux and Julien
Laure) and users discussed difficulties and
identified solutions.
A Yammer community specifically dedicated
to Optimu was created in order to encourage
the different regions to have a more in
depth conversation regarding this software.
It provides a platform for discussion and
interaction, where questions can be put to
the entire community. It is also the place
to go for downloadable documents (User
Manual, links, indicators). Evolutions and
initiatives pertaining to the software are
announced on it in real time, and fresh
documents are regularly uploaded including,
for example, a tutorial video.
INTENSE OPTIMU ROLL-OUT
Meanwhile, Sébastien Denaës was working
with new territories (Canada, USA,
Hungary) to prepare them for the arrival
of the software: a specific server was set
up, featuring a bespoke version of the
software (English-language version, country
standards); many meetings were held
with coordinators to identify needs; and
support was provided for the repatriation
of existing bases. Great progress was made
in homogenizing practices in the different
countries.
10
Work continues in 2022, taking our
metrology expertise to even more countries.
A SNAPSHOT OF EQUIPMENT AROUND THE
GLOBE
Thanks to all of this hard work, a couple of
clicks will reveal an overall picture of the
equipment pool and the situation of each
item (in use, in storage, etc.) A snapshot of
available equipment in each part of the world
will enhance our agility: eventually, we will
be able to launch each new job site faster,
by sourcing available equipment from the
4 corners of the country - or the planet! It
will also reduce unnecessary spending on
the purchase of new pieces of equipment.
The metrology snapshot will inform future
investment strategies, too, and pinpoint
zones that need to be reinforced to cater for
local needs.
Specific e-mail alerts have been set up in the
final quarter of 2021: users are e-mailed lists
that address their needs. For example, a list
of pieces of equipment “awaiting a decision
after calibration” following a non-compliance
during calibration/verification. List in hand,
an impact analysis can quickly be carried
out in order to minimize the risk of a quality
shortfall when the job site is signed off by the
client•
PARTNERSHIPS
by Thuriane DE LAJUDIE
Colas innovates
in Dordogne
with Rugocol grip
Colas’s technical network does a lot to promote the Group’s innovations. Let’s
take a closer look at one initiative in France: responding to calls for projects
launched by the Roads and Streets Innovation Committee within France’s
Ecological Transition Ministry.
Optimu has been Every year, local administrations, assisted The mixes were produced at the Dordogne
at the service by the Ministry’s technical network, can mix plant and two 800-m sections were laid:
THEY’RE
of the technical volunteer to test road innovations selected 400m of a classic very thin asphaltic overlay
department TALKING
by the Ministry. A precise technical protocol as a control sample, and 400m of Rugocol
for 6 years now. ABOUT IT
is applied to provide an objective assessment Grip.
2021 was marked
of the selected innovative solutions and their Both sections will be monitored over 3 years
by a host of
advantages. by Colas’s technical department in the West
actions that
added further Projects range from pavements to dynamic of France, and CEREMA, who will be paying
scope to the equipment via processes and job site particular attention to the evolution of grip
software. organization. and the accident rates on the 2 sections•
Thanks to the
users who got In 2020, Colas was among the selected
involved. Without projects with Rugocol Grip, our thin to very We’ll be back in 3 years with news of
you, these thin surfacing protocol offering high and validation for Rugocol Grip!
advances would lasting grip.
not have been
This course has a granular matrix with
possible.
differential wear integrating natural or
other aggregate with very high polishing
resistance.
16
It boasts outstanding grip qualities that
are suitable for sectors prone to accidents
(damp, winding roads; braking areas; etc.).
training sessions It also satisfies local government safety and
1
environmental requirements.
The Dordogne Regional Council and
CEREMA (center for studying and analyzing
hazards, the environment, mobility
community
and spatial planning) attended several
preparatory meetings with Colas’s technical
network. Together, they identified two
hazardous road sections for assessing
Rugocol Grip.
The Colas agency in Saint-Astier took charge
of the two demonstration sites in September
2021: one on the RD6089 in Saint-Léon-sur-
l’Isle and the other on the RD710 in Lacropte.
11
 PARTNERSHIPS
by Carole GUEIT
Odor control
additives
for bitumen
Colas France, Continental Bitumen and the Core Center’s Chemistry Division have joined forces
in order to make progress in odor control for our bitumen binders. Odor-neutralizing agents can
enhance the appeal of our pavements.
It is widely recognized that certain bitumens
have an unpleasant smell, due to their
chemical composition. There are different
LE MAG — 2022
ways of tackling this problem in a binder
or mix plant – either by addressing the
production equipment or adding odor
control agents to the bitumen itself. In the
latter case, however, in order to protect
the health of staff and local residents, it is
important to check that the additive does
not release toxic molecules that would go
unnoticed, because odorless.
Using an bitumen that the oil company has
already treated (such as Shell Freshair®)
was a first step in this direction. However,
keen to be able to diversify our bitumen
supply sources, we decided to deepen our
knowledge about the additives themselves.
Feedback from the Colas Group around
the world - namely from the US, Canada,
Thailand and Australia - provided a list
of additives that have already been
used. Further additives with the right
characteristics were also sought out in order
to run a comparative study on the broadest
possible scale.
An in-depth research phase consisting
in analyzing the literature and discussing
with suppliers (chemical composition, flash
point, mechanism, etc.) narrowed the field.
Several additives were selected for further
investigation on two concomitant fronts: in
the lab and on an industrial scale.
12
IN THE LAB
The Core Center’s Chemistry Division used headspace gas
chromatography and mass spectrometry to compare the volatile
molecules emitted by pure bitumen, and by the same bitumen once
one or more of a series of additives had been added.
The additives could then be ranked according to their ability to curb
the emission of the most odorous molecules in bitumen, and according
to the innocuousness of their own emission.
INDUSTRIAL SCALE
Colas France West and South-East regions ran tests on the different
additives at an industrial scale. Several mix plants, and the warehouse
in Blaye, were equipped with a special pump that can incorporate
a few hundred ‰ of additive into the bitumen during the transfer
procedure in the safest possible way.
Feedback was collected, including testimonials from on-site staff,
applications teams, and local residents. Some have access to a
dedicated app for logging complaints.
PARTNERING FOR A GLOBAL ANALYSIS
Aligning the conclusions of both studies (lab and industrial) will lead
to a solution that is both efficient and protective of health and safety.
By helping to ensure that our pavements are more appealing, the fruit
of this partnership will therefore be of benefit, on a broader scale, to
our in-house and external partners•
Members of the working group:
Continental Bitumen: Emmanuel Cornet, Jérémy Courtois, Philippe Heurtel
West France: Jean-Yves Villaine
South-East France: Philippe Bouvard, Frédéric Rilliot
Core Center: Ludivine Fanouillet, Carole Gueit
PARTNERSHIPS
by Julien MORINEAU and Pascal GUIHO
Colquick,
the high-performance
storable mix
The Colquick production plant in France has moved into new premises in Brebières. Optimization
studies carried out jointly by the new production unit, Colas France North-East region and the
Core Center have extended the shelf-life of buckets of Colquick to 1 year.
Colquick is the best-performing storable mix
from Colas on the market for small-scale
repairs, such as potholes. It is sold in 25-kilo
buckets.
Colquick contains no volatile flux
and therefore has the advantageous
characteristic of not generating volatile
organic compounds (VOCs).
Once laid, the mix needs to be sprayed with
water before compaction. The water triggers
a chemical reaction that hardens the mix
within a matter of hours and makes Colquick
so effective.
Colquick’s mechanical performance is better
than that of its competitors, and worthy of a
hot mix, making it one of the best products
on the market.
This solution is particularly suitable for
repairs bearing substantial traffic, where
classic storable mixes do not have sufficient
hold.
Colquick is made in France by Colas
France North-East region. The production
unit moved into new premises in October
2020, having outgrown the previous plant’s
production capacity in light of growing
demand.
The new premises cover 600m² and
accommodate the manufacturing equipment,
the raw materials and the entire production
process.
A bucket of Colquick used to have a 6-month
shelf life, but this is being extended to 1 year
to give our clients more leeway•
13
 PARTNERSHIPS
by Thierry DELCROIX
Vegecol’s
renaissance
Vegecol, our light-colored mix featuring a plant-based binder, needs no introduction! TÜV
AUSTRIA, an organization that independently assesses the renewability of bio-sourced products,
has awarded it its “4-star OK Biobased” label (over 80% bio-sourced ingredients).
Since it was first used in 2003 on the aptly named Route du Futur
(road of the future) in Ploufragan, this binder has benefitted from
substantial further research. Its main ingredients are a pine-tree resin
that is produced in France, and a plant-based oil made from GMO-
free oilseed produced in Europe. Vegecol is still produced at the Colas
plant in Vitrolles.(Bouches-du-Rhône).
After several experimental job sites around the world between 2017
and 2020, we entered a phase of progressive deployment in 2021.
Vegecol is a low-carbon alternative to traditional attractive surfaces
LE MAG — 2022
and urban landscaping solutions, such as exposed-aggregate concrete,
slabs, cobblestones, etc.
An independent third-party organization recently highlighted
Vegecol’s negative carbon footprint. This means that in the coming
weeks, we will be able to publish an Environmental Product
Declaration in compliance with NF EN 15804+A1.
The Vegecol binder is translucent and can therefore be used to create
attractive pavements that showcase the natural color of the aggregate.
It is also perfectly suited to creating pavements for soft mobility
options and urban landscaping.
Three job sites in the southern half of France were completed between
April and September 2021:
• Square in Senillé-Saint-Sauveur (Vienne) ;
• Pedestrian walkway in Dolus-d’Oléron (Charente-Maritime) ;
• School yard in Colomiers (Haute-Garonne).
These successful projects involved different mix plants and different
lay-down teams, all of whom appreciated the product’s workability:
Vegecol is applied either manually or mechanically at a relatively low
temperature in the region of 140°C.
Vegecol is therefore one of the spearheads the Group’s low-carbon
strategy•
2003: Roll-out of Vegecol 1
2017 › 2020: Experimental Vegecol job sites
2021 › 2022: Controlled roll-out of Vegecol
14
Square in Senillé-Saint-Sauveur (Vienne)
Pedestrian walkway in Dolus-d’Oléron (Charente-
Maritime)
School yard in Colomiers (Haute-Garonne)
PARTNERSHIPS
by Eftychia GRANA
BASt : Germany’s federal
highway research institute
In April 2021, the Flowell dynamic road markings system underwent its first battery of EN1436-
standard tests on the circular test bench at BASt, where roads are simulated in the lab!
BASt is a highway research institute. It was THE FLOWELL SOLUTION TESTED AT BAST
created by the German government in 1951 Seeing and being seen are major
and its vocation is to improve the safety, prerequisites for road safety.
environment-friendliness, efficacy and
Road markings can be considered an
performance of technical solutions for roads.
essential element of visual guidance for road
It carries out tests on behalf of the German users.
Transport & Digital Infrastructures Ministry,
Road markings are made from various
ensuring that road markings, among other
materials combined with a range of drop- April 2021:
things, comply with safety and durability
on products (reflective beads, anti-skid
requirements. First series of
aggregates). The result ensures visibility
Flowell tests
(both day and night) and provides sufficient
3 Flowell
A CIRCULAR TEST BENCH grip.
solutions
To speed up and facilitate certification tests, Flowell is a luminous road marking solution. approved
the BASt has developed a turntable road- It features slabs of LEDs and offers the rough
for urban
marking test system (RPA) for road marking texture of a wearing course. environment.
tests. The RPA consists in a horizontal This innovative solution had never been
2022:
turntable on which up to 20 different road tested at BASt - or at any other certification
Second series of
markings can be tested simultaneously. The site, such as RN2 (France) or AETEC (Spain)
tests to validate
road markings are loaded with up to eight - which is why negotiations commenced with improved
test wheels that produce the same degree of BASt on the possibility of testing Flowell• versions..
wear and tear as real vehicles in traffic.
The road markings are applied to special test
specimens with the same composition and
texture as a finely structured road surface
consisting of mastic asphalt.
The tests are carried out on one type of
road marking material at a time: paint, cold
mixes, thermoplastic materials, foils. The test
duration depends on the subsequent use that
is to be made of the road marking system in
question. It can vary from 100,000 wheel roll-
over cycles for temporary markings (Class
P2) to 4 million for permanent use (Class 07).
A test certificate is issued if all minimum
requirements are met, i.e. those enshrined in
German regulations and European standards
pertaining to the technical characteristics
of traffic and the physical and chemical
© BASt
properties of the materials.
Laboratory test on a Flowell slab Wear & tear test turntable
15
 INTRINSIC MATERIALS This physical score sheds light on an urban
REPORT by Philippe BARRIÈRE, Laurence DURIVAULT-REYMOND, Frédéric FRANÇOIS, Abboud HAJJAR,
CHARACTERIZATION: A KEY STEP material’s capacity to absorb or reflect
Pierre MARÉCHAL and Arnaud SANZEL
Surface materials used on the ground and energy received, and its surface temperature.
A low-albedo material absorbs more energy.

Cool islands
on buildings in urban environments have
the capacity to absorb and store heat,
which contributes to the formation of
UHIs. The radiative and heating properties
of the materials can significantly increase
Its surface temperature will be higher. On the
other hand, a high-albedo material absorbs
less energy. However it contributes to the
multi-reflection of the sun. This characteristic

and spaces
To help towns and cities adapt to climate change, Colas is developing solutions that contribute to
the creation of cool islands and spaces in urban environments. They improve the thermal comfort
of users on a local scale whilst also generating other advantages. This article outlines various ways
of analyzing individual sites to tailor bespoke solutions.
URBAN HEAT ISLANDS AND HEAT WAVES
The term Urban Heat Island (UHI) refers to a built-up space where the
temperature is higher than in neighboring rural areas. The extra heat is
due to the differences in radiative, thermal and water values between
a dense urban area and the surrounding countryside. Several factors
come into play, such as:
• the shape of the urban complex, which can prevent air from
LE MAG — 2022
So within one and the same town we see
variations in temperature readings from one
spot to another, due to the specific urban
characteristics of each zone. For example:
whether or not the streets are in line with
dominant winds, and the distance between
buildings. Narrow streets with tall buildings,
called “canyon streets”, trap the sun’s rays
temperature levels in towns and cities. Bare is notably linked to the color of the material –
ground and plant-covered surfaces, to be but not exclusively, as some materials reflect
found more readily in the countryside, do not rays outside the visible spectrum.
demonstrate the same behavior. The average albedo of planet earth is 0.28
(0.34 for the continents, 0.26 for the oceans).
Downtown albedos vary immensely: 0.05 for
ALBEDO
new asphalt mixes; 0.20 for old asphalt mixes
Albedo, or solar reflectivity, is the main containing either pale aggregate or some red
characteristic that determines how any
material will behave with heat. Albedo is the
aggregates, and concrete. An albedo in the
region of 0.5 can be achieved with pavement
relationship between solar energy received mixes containing only elements that are pale
and reflected energy. Albedo is expressed on in color (binders, aggregate).
a scale of 0 to 1, where 1 represents a surface
that reflects 100% of the energy, and 0 a
surface that absorbs 100% of the sun’s rays
with no reflection.
A surface with an albedo below 0.03 (or 3%)
is perceived as being black. A surface with
an albedo above 0.8 (or 80%) is perceived
as white. A perfectly white surface, or a

circulating between buildings and also trap heat from the sun’s rays;
• construction and pavement materials, which tend to absorb heat
during the day and release some of that stored heat at night;
• a lack of plants and water surfaces, which would boost evaporation
and evapotranspiration for a cooling effect;
• anthropic heat emissions (air con, vehicles with heat engines, etc.)
perfect mirror, reflects 100% of the light and
more, which bumps up the temperature
compared to other, more open, urban spaces. therefore has an albedo of 1. At the other end
of the scale, a totally transparent surface or a
UHIs are only to be found in towns and
perfectly black surface has an albedo of 0.
cities and they are largely dependent on
weather conditions. The UHI phenomenon
is accentuated during heat waves, when
differences in temperature between towns
and rural zones can reach up to ten or so
degrees, notably at night. Climate change
amplifies the frequency and intensity of such
extreme weather events.

Differences in radiative, thermal and water values

between town and country.

To help towns and cities adapt to climate

change, Colas is developing solutions that
contribute to the creation of cool islands
and spaces in urban environments.
Cool islands improve thermal comfort
on a local scale, providing users with
comfortable conditions during heat
waves. The physical properties of
materials, micro-climatic considerations,
usages and goals all need to be taken
into account when tailoring the right
A mobile, autonomous albedometer for measuring surface albedo outdoors
This albedo station was designed by the Core Center. Readings are taken in compliance with the ASTM
E1918, ISO 9060 and ISO 9901 international standards. Two pyranometers are mounted horizontally
and back-to-back: one faces upwards and measures total solar irradiance; the other faces downwards
and measures the intensity of solar radiation reflected by the surface under analysis. The sensors are
connected to a programmable data collection unit.
Albedo readings are to be taken in the middle of the day if they are to be useful, when the sun is at its
highest point in the sky. The ASTM E1918 standard specifies that readings must be taken when the sun
reaches a height of at least 45°. For the Paris region, for example, readings are to be taken between the
months of April and August and between 10am and 3pm. Other parameters are also to be taken into
account, such as the weather (preferably a sunny day) and the height of the reading (to be adjusted in

solution for each site. Colas embraces
an interdisciplinary approach to these
analyses, calling upon experts from a
host of different fields.
see next
light of obstacles in the environment such as walls and reflective elements, or areas of shade).
This piece of equipment can not only assess dry mineral surfaces, but also surfaces that have been
sprayed with water, as well as reflecting pools and plant-studded surfaces. The Core Center’s
albedometer

16 17
 REPORT
Cool islands and spaces
THERMAL INERTIA COMBINING THERMAL INERTIA AND
While the surface properties of a material determine how much ALBEDO
sunshine is reflected or absorbed, the thermal properties of a material The two physical principles detailed above
used in a massive structure determine its ability to accumulate and explain the behavior of urban materials in
then release heat. The longer it takes for heat to be absorbed and relation to the solar energy they receive.
subsequently released, the more thermally inert the material is. Let’s take the example of a black mix
Thermal inertia refers to the quantity of heat that a material can exposed to full sunshine during the day.
store and then release. Said quantity depends on three parameters: Because of its low albedo it will absorb
thermal conductivity, i.e. the material’s ability to transmit heat; thermal practically all of the sun’s rays it receives,
mass, i.e. the energy needed to heat the material; and density – the and thus store a lot of heat. Because of its
relationship between the material’s weight and its volume. high thermal capacity, it will be able to reach
Thermal inertia also describes the speed with which a material warms high temperatures when absorbing the sun’s
up and then cools down. In a high-inertia material, heat circulation is rays. Finally, as it has high thermal inertia, it
slowed down and it will take more time for the temperature to become will warm up slowly during the day and then,
uniform (the material therefore needs more time to cool down or to at night, it will cool down just as slowly, in
warm up). The heavier and thicker a structure, the greater the inertia. step with the cooling outdoor air. It will thus
LE MAG — 2022
The principle of inertia is one of the main reasons why Urban Heat contribute to maintaining a relatively high
Islands form, because construction materials have higher thermal ambient temperature at night.
inertia than the natural ground. At the other end of the scale, a sandy
material (stabilized sand, exposed-aggregate
concrete) is pale in color and will therefore
reflect more of the sun’s rays during the day.
Furthermore, because its structure contains
lots of air, it has low energy-storage capacity,
which is an additional advantage for the
Heat cycle: storage in the ground and release.
climate.
Comparing urban and rural settings.
The combined effect of all of the
characteristics of the structures and the
materials they are made of (albedo and
thermal inertia) thus explains their impact
on the microclimate… and the higher
temperatures in towns and cities.
The Core Center has started to compile
a reference library of the radiative
characteristics (albedo) and thermal
properties (thermal conductivity and thermal
mass) of Colas surfaces and materials
(dense-grade, permeable, draining mixes that
are dark or light in color, concrete, organo-
mineral surfaces, etc.)
18
WATER BALANCE IN AN URBAN ENVIRONMENT
SIMULATING RAINFALL TO BETTER
Drawing up a full hydrological analysis of an urban area is a very UNDERSTAND HYDROLOGY
challenging task. Based on the grand cycle of water, it requires many
readings to be taken out in the field. For practical reasons, surface
water sources and underground water sources are analyzed separately.
Drizzle
Bruine Rain
Pluie Moderate
Pluie modérée Heavy
Pluie forte PluieStorm
orageuse
The hydrological status of urban surfaces expresses the balance rain rain
between water resources (rainwater, run-off water) entering into a
system (storage after infiltration) and the water that leaves the system
(evaporation and evapotranspiration in the presence of plants) in a
given zone and period of time.
Beneath the ground, hydrological phenomena include downward
percolation and upward capillarity. The proportion of surface run-off
water increases in line with the proportion of soil seal, to the detriment
of water storage and surface evaporation (cf. diagram).
Colas has developed a prototype test bench in the lab for
characterizing the hydrological performance (run-off and infiltration)
Fine rain simulated on Raincol
of permeable surfaces and materials in entire permeable structures
Core Center run-off bench
(see insert opposite).
The prototype developed by Colas is
Eventually, we also aim to determine the evaporation levels of
used in the lab to measure run-off and
our surfaces and solutions relative to their porosity, as well as the
infiltration on small samples of mix, for
evapotranspiration of our plant-bearing solutions. The goal is to be
a given slope and spray-rate.
able to offer new urban cooling solutions.
The prototype aims to determine
a “superficial run-off coefficient”
reflecting the relationship between
the volume of water presented to the
surface of the material, and the volume
Evolution of hydrological conditions in relation to soil seal
of water that runs off said material.
For a given slope under given rain
conditions, the coefficient offers a
good indication of the material’s
capacity to curb the direct formation
of run-off on its surface, and thus its
capacity to allow the water to trickle
down into the underlying structure.
In an operational context, such a
coefficient can offer valuable guidance
– when choosing a surface for a spatial
planning project, for example, or
designing a rainwater management
system in a permeable parking lot.
The purpose of the prototype
developed by Colas is to characterize
see next
the hydrological performance of
surface courses and complete
permeable structures in the comfort of
the lab.
19
 REPORT

Cool islands and spaces

THERMAL COMFORT: ON-SITE
INSTRUMENTS FOR ASSESSING USER
PERCEPTION
The surface temperature of a material, linked
to its albedo, is not enough to express user
thermal discomfort in outdoor spaces in
summer. Other factors also impact how
users feel, above and beyond the thermal
properties of materials.
Thermal indicators have been developed
to give a clearer picture of how users feel
in an urban environment. They are based
on microclimatic parameters such as the
temperature and hygrometry of the air, wind
speed, and the rays emanating from the sun
and neighboring surfaces.
Thermal comfort indices can be calculated
LE MAG — 2022
One of the most frequently used thermal
comfort indices used around the world in the
field of UHIs is the UTCI (Universal Thermal
Climate Index).
The Core Center has developed a
microclimate station for measuring all
physical phenomena linked to the climate on
a local scale (see insert).
Once thermal comfort indices have been
determined, they are crossed with the
results of surveys carried out in the field
among users. As well as asking them how
comfortable they feel with the heat, it is
important to get contextual information
CITY INFORMATION MODELING TO
CREATE COOL ISLANDS AND SPACES
BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a way
of managing information on the scale of a
construction project. By analogy, CIM (City
Information Modeling) is a way of extending
information management to the scale of an
urban area. Data from BIM feeds into CIM,
and vice versa. It is possible to develop
a 3D digital model, for an entire urban
project, that is compatible with microclimate
modeling. This is achieved by harnessing
the complementarity of GIS (Geographic
Information Systems) and BIM. Microclimate
modeling requires varied data; the data set is
specific to each project and may include:
• Data about the shape of the urban
Given the diversity of data sources, software
interoperability can often be a problem
with BIM. Some data processing is therefore
unavoidable.
BIMbyCo and the Core Center are developing
a way of processing the data using ETL
(Extract Transform Load) software such as
the FME (Safe Software) solution and 3D
software such as Grasshopper/Rhino.
Digital microclimate simulations generate
heavy calculations. They demand specific
computer resources that can be devoted
to this task for several days. It is therefore
essential to optimize the phase during which
the digital model is created if we are to
respond to the different stages of a call for
tenders in good time.

based on these readings plus other
parameters linked to the users, such as
metabolism and clothing.
Thermal comfort
(has the user just left a room with air con, complex and how land is used: available GIS and BIM are major levers for speeding up
or a poorly insulated building?), details from free sources - such as France’s microclimate modeling.
of the user’s mood and also their level of National Institute of Geographic and
acceptance of the perceived comfort. Forest Information (IGN) for buildings, for
example, and the “open data” portals of CIM for urban cooling solutions
local administrations. This is GIS data in
shapefile or CityGML(1) format.
• Data from the construction project:
contained in a file in IFC (Industry
Foundation Classes)(2) format.
• Weather data pertaining to the site in
question (temperature, wind, etc.): this
data can come from the databases of
weather organizations or specialist
websites. Simulations can be based on
weather conditions that are representative
of the selected zone, or models that take
into account how the weather will evolve
several years into the future. Specialist
microclimate modeling software also
features weather data.
• Data about the location of vegetation: very
little such data is available.
• Data pertaining to the thermal and
radiative properties of the materials.

see next
(1) CityGML: an IT format for representing, storing and exchanging 3D models of towns and landscapes based on XML. It defines the major
topographical features of a town according to their geometrical, topological and semantic properties and appearance.
(2) IFC is a universal program of cooperation in the sphere of building design, construction and use. It is based on open work processes and
standards.

20 21

REPORT
Cool islands and spaces
ILLUSTRATING THE RESULTS OF URBAN
MICROCLIMATE
SIMULATION CALCULATIONS ON A
SCALE MODEL
Microclimate simulation calculations
generate a host of outcomes that need to be
interpreted and represented. Microclimate
modeling software suites provide the option
of visualizing calculation results, and the
post-processing function integrated into the
software is very complete from a scientific
and technical point of view. However, it is
not sufficiently user-friendly: to visualize the
results, the settings have to be adjusted in a
rather complex way. But the main stumbling
block, in fact, is the need to own the software
LE MAG — 2022
in question in order to be able to visualize
the raw results. Result files therefore have to
be converted before the various stakeholders
can access the data, or before the files can
be shared on a broader scale. It therefore
appears necessary to share the results in
mainstream CIM and GIS formats.
Big cities, but also towns of more modest
dimensions, are making increasing use
of scale models for their urban projects.
Physical models are the medium of choice for
presenting data to professionals, contracting
authorities and the users of a town or city.
A physical model not only shows existing
buildings and future projects, but it also
incorporates data and associated services.
Physical models offer a way of visualizing
and representing quality-of-life indicators in
the town: greenery, air quality, noise pollution.
They can also showcase initiatives in favor of
the environment or that foster user comfort,
such as cool islands.
BIMbyCo and the Core Center are working
on using physical mock-ups of urban areas
to represent the results of microclimate
simulations - sunlight, air temperature, air
flow, thermal comfort indices such as UTCI.
The data is represented in the form of a heat
maps, bar charts, and points of interest.
22
Thermal comfort measuring station of the Core Center
Anemometer •
Thermo-hygrometer •
Black globe thermometer •
Pyranometer •
THERMAL COMFORT MEASURING
STATION
The Core Center has designed a
mobile station that determines
thermal comfort indices. It comprises
a set of sensors: a pyranometer, a
thermo-hygrometer (sheltered),
an anemometer and a black globe
thermometer. The equipment
measures the various pertinent
weather parameters: solar radiation,
the temperature and humidity of the
ambient air, wind speed and direction,
and the temperature of the black globe.
The black globe thermometer
comprises a black sphere containing
a temperature sensor at its center.
The sphere is painted black so battery-powered
that its external surfaces absorb programmable data
all surrounding rays: it becomes acquisition system
sensitive to all sources of heat in in a watertight case
its environment (rays from the sun,
buildings, pavements, plants) and also
to exchanges by convection.
The sensors are positioned at user
height (approximately 1.5m) and
are linked to a battery-powered
programmable data acquisition system
in a watertight case.
Finally, it is interesting at this stage to talk of
“digital twins”, which amounts to associating:
• the digital model of an engineering
structure, town or area;
• a computer platform for accessing the
digital model; and
• data that is external to the model (which
may come from monitoring with the IoT, for
example)•
23
CORE BY COLAS
EXPERTISE
by Sébastien QUIGNIOT and Aurélie LORSERIE
Data Science:
a new specialization
at the Core Center
The recently appointed Metrology Methods & Data Science (M2DS) department is diversifying by
creating a Data Analyst position. The remit of the new branch is to develop a “statistics” strategy
in order to rise to the challenges inherent in data.
Data plays a key role in this digital era: test
results, instrument/sensor readings, statistical
feedback from industry, etc. Wherever the
LE MAG — 2022
information comes from, it is presented in
multi-dimensional tables and spreadsheets.
The main task of a Data Analyst is to process
and analyze the data. Once the information
it contains has been summarized it can be
interpreted, enabling project managers and
decision-makers to make the best choices.
There are two fundamentals in data analysis:
the quality of the data and the methodology.
Quality data can be mined with a vast panel of
tools, some of which are described below with
examples of usage directly linked to our labs.
COMPARATIVE TESTING
Comparative testing consists in taking a series
of readings in order: to assess the precision
of a measuring method; or appraise the skill
of a laboratory through round robin testing;
or establish a reference value for a standard
reference material.
Assessing the accuracy of particle grading
carried out by image analysis.
EXPERIMENT DESIGN
Experiment design is the way in which
experiments are structured. The aim is to
ensure that a maximum amount of information
can be harvested from as few tests as possible.
Controlling production parameters at an
emulsion plant.
24
Experience has shown that carrying out
analyses without having first of all put in
place a strategy for the subject in question,
means that the statistics gleaned are only of
limited use, if any! This new process will, in
the long-run, consolidate study management,
as all parameters linked to data processing
and data mining will be integrated. Here’s
some feedback from Aurélie LORSERIE on a
concrete example of a transversal approach.
Collaboration was the key to the success of
her project.
Aurélie, can you give us some background
about your study, and why you decided to
focus on the statistics.
It was a complex study on the subject of
polymer-modified bitumen. The goal was
to gain a better understanding of how our
METHODOLOGY VALIDATION Sébastien binders behave, and hopefully observe
QUIGNIOT
This procedure checks the effectiveness of a methodology, by assessing formula-related tendencies.
the precision and accuracy of a test. By getting to know more about bitumen/
Characterizing the methodology adopted for the elementary polymer pairings, we’ll be able to get back to
analysis of bitumens or minerals. our clients more quickly when they request
formulae. That was the key driver behind the
study.
DATA ANALYSIS / MACHINE LEARNING
To get there, we needed a large number of
These terms refer to a series of techniques for the exploratory analysis Aurélie characteristics from the usual tests, carried
of regressions and classifications (analyses that may, or may not, LORSERIE out on different formulae. We selected five
be supervised). Qualitative/quantitative data is processed, and the pure bitumens and four polymers, giving a
information summarized in an optimally exhaustive analysis. total of thirty-six formulae, both with and
without cross-links. The characteristics of
Descriptive and comparative analysis of data generated by 2
each binder had to be identified in thirty-six
measuring devices.
tests. That was a huge job. We organized
and shared the work with Hincol labs in
This catalogue of techniques is built into the process for managing the India and Tipco labs in Bangkok: production
development of new products and technologies. The latest component, at the Core Center, ageing at Hincol, and
data analysis, takes the form of a statistics strategy as illustrated in the characterization at Tipco.
block diagram below.
Xavier Guyot (Tipco) eventually sent us a
data matrix containing no fewer than 1,584
entries that we then had to analyze.
I realized that the task was monumental
and there was a risk we’d miss some pieces
of information if we carried out a “classic”
analysis. That’s when I thought to myself
that you could help me get the most out of
Study, Statistics strategy Tests, experiments the situation, by carrying out a statistical
project, idea Data structure
Pre-validation of model analysis.
Assessment of certitudes
Statistical processing Data analysis
Modeling
Analysis of experiment design
INTERVIEW
How do you feel now about your first
“statistical experience”? And did the
results live up to your expectations?
It was no walk in the park! I’m not at all at
ease with statistical studies and data mining;
it took a while for me to grasp the different
notions and how they play out. But thanks to
the many conversations we had, I started to
learn the vocabulary and better understand
what can be achieved.
Statistical analysis made it possible to define
linear correlations between binder formula and
performance. We created groups of formulae,
classifying them in light of their average
performance scores in the different tests.
We were also able to highlight some
correlations between tests. For example,
there is a strong correlation between the
elastic recovery of a fresh binder and the
results obtained for moduli.
One of the main conclusions seems to be
that the nature of the bitumen has a greater
impact than the nature of the polymer or the
bitumen-polymer couple.
But other avenues remain to be explored!
Keen to carry out further studies?
Absolutely! But this time, learning from our
data and our experience, the first step would
be an experiment design phase. We could
then program the most pertinent tests and
get an even greater return on everyone’s
efforts.
I’m really pleased to have carried out the
study. The results are the fruit of true
collaboration between the ORE Center and
our colleagues in India and Thailand. A huge
“thank you” to them!
Although our study is currently one-of-a-
kind, I hope it will inspire everyone to work
more with others in the future •
25
CORE BY COLAS

EXPERTISE EXPERTISE
by Benoît BOU- VERET by Arnaud PLASSAIS and Arnaud SANZEL

New: 3D radar Modeling

for inspecting to help prevent ISA
pavements Internal Sulfate Attacks (ISA) are one of the main sources of structural damage in concrete.
Prevention involves capping the maximum temperature reached during hydration, by adapting
In 2021, the Core Center acquired a 3D radar, a new piece of equipment for inspecting pavement how the concrete is worked and designed. Whereas simplified assessment methods have a safety-
structure. The goal in 2022 is to identify situations where our 3D radar is likely to play in the based approach, and on-site temperature monitoring can be fastidious, digital modeling offers
Group’s favor by giving it a competitive edge. precision and speed.

AN ENHANCED GROUND-PENETRATING RADAR The “maturity” approach assesses a may be heterogeneous, finite element modeling permits the geometric
With its 21 antennae, the 3D radar probes the structure across a width concrete’s mechanical resistance on a job discretization of the structure under study. It is therefore easy to
of 1.5 meters in one pass, whereas a conventional GPR measures along site based on temperature readings plus determine, for any calculus instant, the temperature of the “finite
LE MAG — 2022

a line.
Its antennae work on the principle of “stepped frequency”, which
allows for deep probing without sacrificing resolution. 3D visualization
on 3 orthogonal planes (see illustration) makes it easy to identify
classic items (interfaces, utilities) and may enable us to go further,
such as detecting delamination or assessing the density of a mix.
Readings being taken by the Colas France West team
Inspections using the 3D radar coupled with a deflectometer were
carried out in 2021, thanks to efforts from Colas France teams.
More are planned for 2022, notably in coordination with New
Technologies.
All inspection requests, and all site proposals, are more than welcome!•
Readings by the Colas France Île-de-France
Normandy team
course
interface
presence
of technical
sleeves
experiment results mapped onto a graph elements” of which the piece is composed.
to illustrate the evolution of mechanical Determining power generated, tied in with the conditions at the limits
behaviors. The notion of “equivalent time” is of the model, can therefore reveal the temperature of the structure
used to correlate the degree of advancement during hydration for a given formula and application conditions, and
in real conditions with the degree of whether or not the ISA temperature threshold was reached.
advancement in the lab by integrating the
In short, the finite element calculus and integrating the exothermal
formula’s thermal history.
phenomenon of hydration enables us to:
The principles of this method can be applied
• know at any instant in time the precise temperature range of a
to determine maximum temperature, and
complex concrete structure after pouring;
thus help prevent ISA.
• take into account weather conditions surrounding the structure (sun’s
Usually, the evolution of the temperature of
rays, wind, nocturnal radiation);
a concrete structure is calculated using finite
element models of transient heat transfer. • anticipate different job site scenarios easily and relatively
Such calculations solve the heat equation in inexpensively (concrete formula, nature of the binder, type of
3D and reveal the range of temperatures in formwork, pouring temperature, phasing, etc.).•
the structure at different moments in time.
Similarly, convective and radiative exchanges
are naturally taken care of by the “ABAQUS” An Internal Sulfate Attack (ISA) is the formation over time of
calculus code used systematically at the expansive materials (ettringite) that are likely to cause damage to
Core Center. a concrete structure.
A Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a An ISA is mainly caused by the concrete reaching high temperatures
However, modeling the kinetics of concrete
device fitted with radar antennae that when young (over 65°C).
hydration - a reaction that is both exothermic
can probe a structure or subsurface in a It mainly affects large-scale constructions and prefabricated
and thermally activated - requires the
non-destructive manner. elements that have been steam cured.
development of a user code that has to be
A GPR is used in archaeology and in the
grafted onto the calculus solver. The kinetics
military, for example, to detect changes
of concrete hydration are determined
in material - the presence of cavities,
according to the concepts used to measure
foundations, bone or metal. Where roads
maturity: for each iteration of calculus,
are concerned, a GPR is used mainly
maturity is calculated as a function of the
to detect interfaces between courses,
temperature history of each finite element
underground cables and pipes, or the
from when the concrete was poured and its
waterproofing course of an engineering Temperature range in an acropod during
present temperature.
structure. concrete hydration: the core reaches 64°C
For bulky pieces, although temperature fields after several hours.

26 27
 EXPERTISE
by Sophie DECREUSE
Pyrites
The word pyrite comes from the Greek for flint stone, as it
can be used to make sparks! During the Gold Rush, pyrite was
known as fool’s gold because the glittered like gold but was
worthless. Today, when pyrites are present underground they
can create quite a few problems. But how do we detect and
eliminate them?
Pyrite is a mineral with the formula FeS2.
It is found in magmatic, metamorphic and
sedimentary rock… in short, practically
everywhere!
A QUICK CHEMISTRY LESSON
Pyrites react with water and oxygen to form
iron oxide and hydrogen sulfide that can then
become sulfuric acid.
LE MAG — 2022
FeS₂ + 15/4 0₂ + 5/2 H₂0
pyrite oxygen water
▷ FeOOH + 2 H₂S0₄
thite sulfuric acid
PROBLEMS CAUSED BY PYRITE OXIDATION
Acid drainage in quarries and
embankments
This problem occurs in magmatic and
metamorphic rock that is very rich in pyrite
as soon as the rock is unearthed and enters
into contact with water and air. The reaction
triggers the formation of sulfuric acid, a fall
in the pH of surface water, and the release
of other chemical elements into the water
– such as heavy metals and sulfates. As a
result, water collected in the area may need
to be treated. The same phenomenon can
occur in embankments created with pyrite-
rich materials.
Ugly smears on asphalt or concrete
The deterioration of pyrites in concrete or
asphalt leads to ugly streaks on the surface,
due to the formation of iron oxides. The
marring of a structure’s appearance in this
way often gives rise to client complaints,
which are rarely covered by insurance because
only aesthetic and not detrimental to the
purpose of the structure.
28
EXPERTISE
© Philippe Hauza
by Myriam DESROCHES
Sustainable chemistry
at the service
of roads
Cubic pyrit
Sulfur emissions in smoke released during lay-down operations Green chemistry consists in applying
Studies carried out by the Core Center demonstrate that close to 1% the principles of sustainable develop-
pyrite (expressed in SO3) in aggregates can be enough to exceed the
ment to the world of chemistry.
SO2 emission thresholds set in mix plants. This is due to the oxidation
of the pyrite at high temperatures.
It is defined in twelve principles1 including
Structural problems in concrete pollution prevention, designing safer
Two types of structural problem can occur in concrete: products, improving energy efficiency,
reducing the use of organic solvents, and
• pyrite present in the aggregate used to make concrete;
consuming less raw materials, notably of
• pyrite present in earthworks materials situated beneath the
fossil origin. These principles have been
concrete (concrete slabs on soil, foundations, etc.)
applied to road construction for many
These problems have been identified in Quebec in particular. years, but they are a hotter topic today than
Sulfates released during pyrite oxidation react with the hydrates in ever, with climate pressure mounting. The
hardened cement paste. Hence the formation of secondary ettringite principles of green chemistry tie in perfectly
and expansion. with the Colas Group’s low-carbon goals.
Agro-sourced Vegecol and Ekoflux are
HOW CAN WE IDENTIFY PYRITES? already classics in the Colas product
portfolio, and a host of other plans are afoot
Method Advantage Drawback
to develop materials that are safer and more
Measure total sulfur Standardized method Just a few grams of material sustainable.
content, or sulfide are used to characterize an
Work on emulsifiers made from shrimp
content in aggregate entire site
shells2, which are not toxic for the
Monitor the pH of Good description of Pertains to just a few kilos. environment, has, for example, led to a first
aggregate immersed pyrite reactivity Takes 2 weeks for first
cold mix produced in the lab.
in acidified water reaction.
Thanks to the innovative process of
SEM and/or XRD Clearly identifies the Cannot be performed hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL), by-products
on samples pyrites in-house. Often used if a from the agro-food industry can be used
pathology is observed. Tiny
to obtain a visco-elastic binder that comes
samples.
“Chemical” method Useful for monitoring Method neither standar-
entirely from the biomass3. “Zero-carbon” Road chemistry
bitumen, meanwhile, is set to replace classic
(oxygenated water
then thiocyanate)
a site over time.
Quantifies pyrite
dized nor published (UNPG
survey). In some cases, the
bitumen, shifting from a binder with a carbon that respects
footprint of +200kg CO2/t to a binder with a
reactivity. Tests carried
out on several kilos.
pyrite does not react once in
the materials.
footprint equal to 0kg CO2/t. mankind and the
Green chemistry is therefore opening up
new vistas and pushing Colas to innovate
environment »
The representativeness of the sample being analyzed remains a
by seeking out new raw materials and new
major problem for most of the above methods (a few grams analyzed
processes for more responsible roads•
to characterize an entire site). Risks can be reduced (although not
completely canceled) by properly mapping out the presence of pyrites
(in fractures and faults, dispersed throughout the site, only in certain (1) P.T. Anastas, J.C. Warner, 12 Principles of Green Chemistry, in Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice, Oxford University Press: New York, p.30, 1998.
(2) Chapelle et al., Biosourced oligomer from chitosan and use thereof as a cationic or non-ionic emulsifier of aqueous emulsion of bituminous or
rocks, etc.)
non-bituminous binders, 2019, EP3760648 (A1)
It is essential not to count on the complete absence of pyrite, but (3) Durand et al., Préparation de matériaux viscoélastiques obtenus à partir de liquéfaction de résidus de biomasse végétale, 2020, patent request
rather on tests that quantify sulfur• N°20 07610
29
 SHOWCASE OF TECHNIQUES SHOWCASE OF TECHNIQUES
by Arnaud LEROY

Enhancing our Communication media

technical presence for Colas solutions
The Core Center is regularly invited to make presentations at events and conferences. The wide Colas' range of solutions was revised in 2021 in order to make it simpler and comprehensible at
range of subjects broached during these communication initiatives spotlights the expertise and a glance.
know-how of the Group’s technicians. Let’s take a look at some of the events we attended in 2021.

Petersen Asphalt Research Conference National Mayors’ Meeting

1 July 13-16, 2021
Xavier Carbonneau
3 (Salon des Maires)
November 16, 2021
Abboud Hajjar
For 4 years now, we have been
working with Nynas on the Colas hosted a round table on climate
characteristics of binders in change and cooling solutions for
pavements that have reached the urban spaces. The panel included
end of their life span. Why, you may speakers from Bouygues Real Estate PRODUCT
LE MAG — 2022

wonder? The answer is: so that we and the start-up Vertuo. CATALOGUE AT A GLANCE COLAS SOLUTIONS
can understand the mechanisms WEBSITE
The new user- A detailed presentation of
that govern the kinetics of ageing.
friendly catalogue specialty products focusing (Re)discover the range
The aim is eventually to be able is segmented on usage, infrastructure and of Colas road products
to curb ageing by optimizing our into type of low-carbon profile: exactly in a few clicks.
Eurobitume & Eurasphalt 2021
formulae. The notion of life span
is one of the major levers to be 4 June 16-18, 2021
usage and type
of infrastructure,
what you need for presenting
specialty products and
actioned in the fight to reduce Jean-Philippe Gillet with a low-carbon learning more about them..
greenhouse gas emissions, along with the environmental section, too.
cost of producing a product. A solution that emits less GHG Colas attended the 7th E&E Congress.
The Core Center published 10 articles COLCLAIR
but is less durable is pointless. LA COULEUR AU SERVICE
DE LA MOBILITÉ PARTAGÉE

This project was chosen to feature on the PARC conference that you can also find in Coltec. Here are
program (Petersen Asphalt Research Conference). Being 2 examples:
showcased at this annual international event for experts in An innovative joint approach to the properties of
bitumen and binders really put the topic on the map!
Colclair enrobé,
NÉVIAN (11)

bitumens and emulsions Avenue du palais princier,

DOHA (QATAR)

The necessary ground work continues with the support of NOUVEAU CATALOGUE
the AIF (Asphalt Institute Foundation), which is partially Variations in the viscosity of bitumen emulsions can
PRODUITS COLAS
funding the project. occasionally be noted at emulsion production plants Voie rapide urbaine,

from one bitumen delivery to the next. This study aims to

MANDELIEU-LA-NAPOULE (06)

WEBINAR
pinpoint the characteristics of bitumen that can lead to
Watch a re-run
viscosity variations in emulsions. Tendencies have been PRODUCT FACTSHEETS
of the new
Le Moniteur Innovation Day (MID) observed, relating the composition of the bitumen to
2
catalogue Product factsheets are less
July 6, 2021 certain characteristics of the emulsions. However, no single presentation. technical and more visual, to be
Abboud Hajjar bitumen parameter can explain variations in emulsion used for external communication.
viscosity.
Colas participated in the Design & Construction program
#2 at the event, contributing to a round table discussing What are the best rheological criteria for
today’s best practices in materials, energy and eco-design. characterizing polymer-modified bitumens? EXPERT FILES
This provided an opportunity to: These confidential datasheets
The classification standards for polymer-modified are exclusively reserved for
• explain the value of the analytical approach developed bitumens are currently under review by CEN/TC336/WG1. VIDEOS the technical network. They
by Colas to deal with the problem of Urban Heat Islands This provides an opportunity to take a step towards the All you need to know in explain the success of our
(UHIs); classification of binders as a function of their performance. one minute! A simple, specialty products (formulae,
• present the various urban cooling levers that can be A panel of different SBS-modified industrial bitumens has informative and fun lay down operations, follow-
actioned, tailoring spatial planning solutions to each been studied in order to identify which rheological tests introduction to a product. up procedures, etc.)
situation. are most pertinent in terms of performance.•

30 31
 SCIENCE EVENTS
by Thierry DELCROIX
Is hydrogen Within the framework of its traditional Science Events, hosted in
partnership with the magazine La Recherche, the Campus for Science
and Techniques invited three specialists to address this question:
the answer?
Isabelle MORETTI, PhD in geoscience, member of the French
Academy of Technologies, energy specialist, former Scientific
Director of Engie, now retired. She is currently associate researcher
and head of the natural hydrogen research group at Pau University.
Chair of the European Gas Research Group in Brussels since 2017.
Hydrogen is not only harnessed as a molecule for refining fuels and producing Olivier JOUBERT, materials chemistry professor and chair of the
Energy Storage and Electrochemical Conversion group (ST2E) at
ammoniac and fertilizers. It is also an energy vector, hailed with hope, promises
the Jean Rouxel Institute of Materials (CNRS-IMN). Chair of the
and a good dose of imagination. Can it really be THE miracle solution in the fight French network for research on hydrogen as an energy source
against global warming? (FRH2), federating all French academic research groups in the
fields of hydrogen production and storage (and also fuel cells and
electrolyzers) with about 270 permanent researchers.
Valérie BOUILLON-DELPORTE, graduate of ESSEC and KEDGE,
technology marketing specialist, head of the hydrogen ecosystem
at Michelin. 1st VP at France Hydrogène for mobility issues, aiming
to accelerate and fund research projects that will make hydrogen a
reality as soon as possible.
Hydrogen is the most prevalent element in the solar system. It is invisible
2022
— 2022
and odorless. All hydrocarbons and water contain hydrogen.
MAG —
HOW IS HYDROGEN PRODUCED ON AN INDUSTRIAL SCALE?
LE MAG
Steam reforming of natural gas is the technology currently used to
produce 95% of the world’s hydrogen.
LE
It offers the advantage of being cheap; the transformation process
is not expensive. However, there is a huge downside: the process
generates approximately 10 kilos of CO2 per kilo of hydrogen.
The term ‘grey hydrogen’ is used to refer to hydrogen produced from
carbon molecules (methane).
It is called ‘blue hydrogen’ if the CO2 emitted during production is
captured and stored geologically, or used as a raw material. There are
only a handful of pilot projects in this field around the globe today.
Water electrolysis is another production technology that can be used.
It is carbon-free, but requires substantial electric energy to separate
the oxygen and hydrogen in the water molecule.
Such carbon-free hydrogen is more costly to produce than grey
hydrogen. It is categorized as either ‘green’ or ‘yellow’ depending
on the feedstock energy used to produce the electricity required for
Hydrogen electrolysis:
• green if the feedstock energy is renewable
has many • yellow if the energy is nuclear.
applications DIFFERENT STORAGE METHODS
Using hydrogen requires storing energy that is not immediately
and is a flexible needed and that can be retrieved in various forms. Hydrogen can
currently be stored in the following forms:
energy vector. » • Compressed gas in cylinders: 200 bar in a lab, or 700 bar in a
hydrogen car. This is a safe technology, but it comes with two
disadvantages: the technology requires a lot of energy and the gas
is voluminous (1kg of hydrogen requires a 10-kg gas tank).
32
• Solid form using techniques involving
absorption or adsorption by a material.
This is a very safe - but also very hefty -
technology.
• Liquid form if heated to 60°C for maritime
and aeronautical applications, but this
requires energy.
MANY APPLICATIONS
Hydrogen is a hot topic! Slightly over 3 years
ago, the European Commission realized that
hydrogen has a strategic role to play if Europe
is to reach its renewable energy percentage
goals (32% of the energy mix by 2030).
Applications in industry and construction
are governed by standards and restrictive
regulations. The use of hydrogen could
help decarbonize the extremely pollutant
steel industry, for example, and foster the
production of “green” steel.
As hydrogen can neutralize CO2, it will
potentially be possible to produce “low-
carbon cements” in the future.
Biogas can also be boosted with hydrogen.
Forthcoming directives for a 55% decrease
in CO2 emissions in the car industry, for
example, are motivating industrialists and
researchers to find solutions that will reduce
the current impact of heavy mobility.
Favoring a hydrogen-powered vehicle over an
electric vehicle is the obvious choice for a taxi
driver: it is unthinkable to have to recharge
the vehicle’s battery after every few clients!
Filling up with hydrogen is just as quick as
currently filling up with gas at the gas station.
And vehicle autonomy is the same, too.
As for truck drivers, they need to use all
available space for carrying goods; choosing
hydrogen frees up valuable space that would
otherwise accommodate electric batteries.
Those working on hydrogen today can rise
to these new challenges, and Europe is
fortunate to have industrialists and cutting-
edge research labs that will be able to export
their technological know-how in the field of
hydrogen.
A leadership role in hydrogen is all the more
strategic as Europe does not have it in
batteries.
After a century of coal and a century of
fossil fuel, are we about to enter a century of
hydrogen?
To be continued•
33
 QSE
by Johnny CLATOT
A better understanding
of climate change
for a better response
We look back on two days of workshops on the topic of climate change, held alongside the
Environmental Department.
It can often be difficult to broach such a
complicated subject as climate change.
In order to give as clear a picture as possible
of the current state of knowledge on the
subject, environment officers Charlotte
Labrousse, Stéphane Jollet and I decided to
organize a “climate fresco”.
LE MAG — 2022
CLIMATE FRESK
“Climate Fresk” is a game based on the main
results of the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change) report. It heightens awareness
about the ins and outs of climate change.
“Climate Fresk” comprises a set of 42 playing
cards. A piece of information taken from the
IPCC report is printed on each card.
The goal of a workshop is for all of the
participants to take stock of the information
on the cards. The latter are arranged on the
table in a way that explains the mechanisms
of climate change.
The players discuss the various facts and
compose a fresco. Thanks to collective
intelligence and the educational value
of the cards, links between the cards are
established. The systemic nature and the
complexity of climate change really stand out.
OPENING UP THE DEBATE
The final phase is dedicated to discussion.
Each player is invited to express how they
feel about the facts highlighted during the
first part of the activity. Some statistics are
shared in order to fuel the debate. Statistics
also allow everyone to see the impact that
each and every tiny everyday gesture can
have, and also grasp the effect that collective
action can have, such as, for example, within
a company.
34
CONCLUSION
Our workshops ended with a reminder of
the 6 pillars of the Group’s Low-Carbon &
Biodiversity strategy. Colas aims to reduce
its CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030 (scopes
1, 2 and 3a), which tied in perfectly with the
fresco created earlier in the activity.
All 4 sessions that we organized were a huge
success. Working together proved to be
a very positive experience for the players,
despite addressing such a sensitive subject.
The fact of laying all of the cards out on a
table gives a global vision of the issue at
hand.
The activity also shed light and
understanding on the Low-Carbon &
Biodiversity strategy that the Colas Group
is implementing within the “Act and
Commit Together” CSR plan, including the
role of the Core Center in contributing to
the development of low-carbon technical
solutions.
To allow still more colleagues to participate
in this activity, further workshops will be
organized very soon. Our goal is to make
everyone at the Core Center a fresco creator•
QSE
by Stéphane JOLLET
Safety Day 2021
health first and foremost
As Safety Week 2022 comes to a close, we look back at the Core Center's Safety Day, held in
October 2021, focusing on the topic of health.
The half-day session began with a reminder A third activity focused on ergonomics,
of the Group's safety rules (life-saving rules) which also have a huge impact on health: Safety day
and a quiz to make sure the information the ergonomics of a work station or the 2022
was understood. Adhering to the rules is lab, driving a vehicle, or working from at Core Center
fundamental to reaching our zero-accident home. October 14,
goal. This was a great opportunity for us all to get 2022.
Subject:
Jean-Yves Bignon, Colas Risk & Insurance together in an instructive yet social context.
Director, went on to give a report on road A lot was learnt about the key subject of our business
safety in 2021. The statistics have improved health and then the event closed with a and traffic.
over recent years; now that trend needs to be delicious buffet.
consolidated. A huge thank you to all the safety officers at
4
The subject of migraines was broached the Core Center for organizing the activities.•
in a video. Although this is the third most
prevalent illness in the world, people
generally know little about it.
sessions
organized
Then there were three activities:
A game specially created for our Safety
Day called Every Minute Counts. It tied in
100 %
with the video broadcast during Safety
Week on the subject of cardiovascular
disease. It was collaborative, fun and
participant target
enlightening. A huge success.
for the Core Center
The company Santé Partners organized
an activity on the subject of sleep, as
sleep is closely related to health.
12
9 3
6
35

Émilie COMBES
Research & Development
Officer in the Materials
Division
LE MAG — 2022
Being out in the field gives
me a solid grasp of how
product lay-down unfolds.
I can also proffer instructions
for trouble-free operations. »
36
Émilie Combes has always been passionate
about materials. When she was studying
at university specializing in Physical
Measurements, a professional in that field
was invited to make a presentation. That
was when Émilie discovered Colas: it was
an engineer from the Campus for Science
& Techniques who came to share her
experience with the students.
Émilie can still remember that visit, by an
engineer who is now a colleague! “I joined
Colas immediately after leaving university,
in 2007. And I’ve worked here ever since,”
she remembers. In almost fifteen years,
Émilie has worked in 2 departments: initially
in the Mix Department, before joining the
Materials and Hydraulic Binders Department
in 2015. “Our department develops and fine
tunes new products for roads and buildings,
in particular concretes, mortars, soils and
hydraulic binders. The fields of application
are many and varied. It’s extremely
stimulating.”
On top of mix design, Émilie also closely
monitors product evolutions: with time
and as needs change, products have
to be improved. “I have been fortunate
enough to work on developing a host of
products, including three flagship products:
OPTIGRAVE, COLPAV and THERMECO.”
Émilie is involved from the lab all the way to
final applications. She regularly goes out to
job sites, accompanying local teams as they
deploy innovations. “Being out in the field
gives me a solid grasp of how product lay-
down unfolds. I can also proffer instructions
for trouble-free operations. After all, the
job sites are the very reason for all the
work I do!” For Émilie, such cooperation is
priceless. She doesn’t like routine; she enjoys
regularly changing her work environment.
Recently Émilie became the key contact
for all requests pertaining to materials
and hydraulic binders. For someone who
considers that “you can’t drive a project on
your own”, this is a way of sharing her know-
how and providing technical assistance on
products she knows inside out•
PORTRAITS
by Judy HUE
With remote working, social distancing,
and no more coffee breaks, the COVID-19 It’s so gratifying to know
pandemic has changed life at work beyond
recognition, and added a whole new
dimension to joining a company! Eftychia
that the products we
Grana joined Colas after the first lock-down,
in May 2020. But she has settled in at the
develop at the Core Center
Campus for Science & Techniques thanks to
her very positive attitude. “I was very warmly
help improve our daily life
welcomed,” she explains. “I really like the
atmosphere at the Core Center - half way and curb our impact on the
between a business and a university - so I
can alternate between research and concrete environment. »
applications.”
With a degree in Materials Engineering, an
MSc in Chemistry and Materials Technology,
and a thesis on the chemistry of polymers,
Eftychia is quite the specialist! As an R&D
Engineer in the Chemicals Division, she puts
her expertise into practice. “My job is to
design new products in the lab, characterize
them, and present the results. If all goes
well, I then go out to the job sites to see the
product in action.”
Eftychia works on all sorts of solutions
developed by Colas, including pavements,
paints and marking products, plus Wattway
and Flowell to name but these.
Eftychia was born in Greece and readily
admits to always having been drawn to
all things French. She started learning the
language from the age of 12, and then
fulfilled her dream by moving to Bordeaux in
2012.
A natural optimist, Eftychia believes that Eftychia GRANA
there is a solution to every problem. The Research & Development
answer lies in communication and sharing Engineer in the Chemicals
information with colleagues. “I fully support
the Group’s ambition to reduce CO2
Division
emissions. It’s so gratifying to know that the
products we develop at the Core Center help
improve our daily life and curb our impact on
the environment,” she says•
37
 ON THE MOVE

Welcome
newcomers!

Pia Benjamin Angelina Maxime

LAMOTHE SHIFERAW GRECO REDONDIN
July 2021 WERKOU January 2022 January 2022
R&D Engineer December 2021 R&D Technician R&D Engineer
R&D Engineer
LE MAG — 2022

Vincent Abdelhadi Justine

GROSSHENNY BOUCHKHI DORENGE
Transferred April 2022 June 2022
February 2022 R&D Engineer Chemistry
Environment R&D Engineer
Director

Congratulations
on your medal!
MEDALS AWARDED IN 2021

30 YEARS’ SERVICE 20 YEARS’ SERVICE 15 YEARS’ SERVICE

Michel ROBERT Philippe HAUZA Laurence DURIVAULT REMOND
Lab Section Officer Technical Director R&D Project Manager
Jean-Philippe GILLET Élise MORIN
R&D Supervisor R&D Executive

38 39
LE MAG 2022 Colas Group Techniques, Research & Development magazine
4 rue Jean-Mermoz 78772 Magny-les-Hameaux cedex, France – Email : recherche-et-developpement@colas.com – www.colas.com
Managing Editor: Cédric Leroux. Editor-in-Chief: Thierry Delcroix. Editorial Committee: Thierry Delcroix, Arnaud Leroy, Cédric
Leroux, Isabelle Couillet, Sophie Decreuse, Niculai Droniuc, Frédéric Bau, Michel Robert, Issam Hasnaoui, Aline Claustre.
Writers: Wael Al-Shamma, Philippe Barrière, Benoit Bouveret, Marina Chalamet, Johnny Clatot, Isabelle Couillet, Thuriane
De Lajudie, Sophie Decreuse, Thierry Delcroix, Myriam Desroches, Laurence Durivault-Reymond, Frédéric François, Pascal
Guiho, Eftychia Grana, Carole Gueit, Abboud Hajjar, Judy Hue, Stéphane Jollet, Tony Kucharek, Catherine Legrou, Cédric
Leroux, Arnaud Leroy, Aurélie Lorserie, Pierre Maréchal, Julien Morineau, Arnaud Plassais, Sébastien Quigniot, Benjamin
Roujolle, Julien Roux, Arnaud Sanzel. Aknowledgements: Julie Bouckaert Bigot, Philippe Bouvard, Emmanuel Cornet, Jérémy
Courtois, Philippe Heurtel, Frédéric Rilliot, Jean-Yves Villaine. Photos credits: Colas, François Bouriaud, Joachim Bertrand,
Bast, Xavier Seyler, Étienne Mahé. Graphic design: effet-immediat.com et W&Cie.