Features

Using geosynthetics for soil reinforcement is highly effective but requires a high quality and trusted geogrid. When it comes to deciding which geogrid is best for a specific project, a number of product parameters must be taken into account. In the design of steep slopes, the most important parameter is the available long term design strength (Pdes). Recently, Colbond has significantly increased this factor for its high performance Enkagrid product, recognised with a newly updated BBA (British Board of Ag

Special fabrics are often used in civil engineering works, including highways, to make soil stronger Geosynthetics have been used in roadway construction for thousands of years with natural materials being mixed with soil to improve quality and stability. While today's products are much more sophisticated, the principles are the same. For example, when used with soil, geotextiles (permeable fabrics) can filter, separate, reinforce, protect, or drain, and they are often made from polypropylene or polyester,

A huge logistics operation has been carried out successfully at New York's JFK Airport. One of the busiest runways at one of the world's busiest airports is now open to air traffic again, following a 120 day closure for resurfacing.

Safety in tunnels is of paramount importance, and in 2014 the European Union will be introducing new safety rules for such structures. As in other parts of the world, many tunnels under construction will be built to high standards incorporating the latest technologies.

High-tech road markings are being used in a bid make roads safer in Europe as Patrick Smith reports Intelligent road studs are being installed on two of the busiest sections of the main roads heading towards the port of Dover in County Kent, south-east England.

A huge highway upgrade project will transform the Cairo-Alexandria road link into a world-class connection as Mike Woof reports. The work to upgrade the Desert Highway connecting Egypt's sprawling capital Cairo with its major port Alexandria, is one of the country's largest infrastructure projects for many years. This 220km highway link is being widened and improved to cope with the hugely increased traffic volumes resulting partly from Egypt's fast growing vehicle population. The Egyptian economy is strong

A UK highway project has benefited from the latest software, GIS and GPS technology, Mike Woof reports. Sophisticated software, GIS and GPS technology has played an important role in a large highway upgrade project in the UK and helping to increase efficiency and drive down construction costs.

Most of the major manufacturers of extraction and crushing equipment worldwide will be present at the upcoming Hillhead show, either directly or through local distributors. Set in a working quarry, the Hillhead exhibition has set a lead for the quarrying sector. An industry only show, the event is being held this year at the Hillhead Quarry, Buxton in the UK on 22-24 June.

Cornwall's Saltash Tunnel on the A38 trunk road is a crucial link between the county, and the neighbouring county of Devon, and is used by 38,000 motorists per day. Opened in 1988, the 410m long road tunnel in south-west England, is a single bore with three traffic lanes, and is part of the tidal flow system across the three-lane Tamar Bridge. The central lane has a speed limit of 30mph (48km/hour) and operates as a reversible lane to cope with holiday and rush hour traffic.

The final results of the International Road Transport Union's (IRU) New Eurasian Land Transport Initiative (NELTI)-Phase 2 have confirmed road trade links between Europe and Asia as an economically-attractive and viable alternative to traditional, saturated maritime trading routes. This was unveiled at the recent 6th IRU Euro-Asian Road Transport Conference and Ministerial Meeting held in Tbilisi, the Georgian capital, which concluded that removing the remaining procedural impediments at borders and deve

The US infrastructure network requires urgent attention - * T Peter Ruane. America's transportation infrastructure was once the "shining light on top of the hill." Major investments in a national highway, bridge, transit, airport, port and waterway system during the 20th century paid great dividends. The free and efficient flow of goods and people across the 50 states led to unparalleled economic expansion. The mobility and prosperity resulting from an interconnected infrastructure was a model for the world

Part of an extensive motorway network measuring some 185km, the ongoing Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GIFP) is creating a modern, world-class toll route system that provides major impetus to socio-economic growth in South Africa's most populous and commercially active region.

As engineers write tighter and tighter specifications for grouting, so equipment manufacturers must develop solutions which can help contractors meet those specifications, and prove that they have met them Atlas Copco's new mobile grouting system, Unigrout Smart A, has been designed to do just that: it can mix, pump, monitor, log and control flow and pressure precisely. The control system allows on site mixing of a range of grouts as required by the project.

The opening of a 1.8km tunnel in southern England is designed to ease traffic bottlenecks in an environmentally sensitive area. Patrick Smith reports

One of the world's longest bridges is being built in Norway – for traffic volumes of just 2,000 cars/day reports Adrian Greeman. The stunning landscape of the long sea fjords in Norway is one of its glories, attracting thousands of tourists every summer. But the high mountains and deep sea inlets are also one of the great obstacles to transport and development.