Optimising reinstatement with a new tool

A new app is now available to optimise road reinstatement works
March 10, 2021 Read time: 1 min
A new app is available for checking air voids in reinstated road surfaces

It has been developed by regional water firm United Utilities to improve the job of laying asphalt after roads have been dug up to carry out repairs.

The app addresses the tricky task of measuring and controlling the amount of air contained within the final reinstatement.

According to United Utilities, most technical elements of highway reinstatement can be controlled by skilled operatives, except air void levels. This is an area that is almost impossible to control and measure while teams are working onsite and instead, it is usually tested retrospectively after the asphalt has been laid, through sampling and testing. But this approach is time consuming and inefficient.

The firm developed the easy-to-use app for teams to use during reinstatement. After answering a series of questions and following specific instructions, the tool calculates the air voids in the asphalt that has been laid.

Results from initial two months' usage showed teams using the app achieved 100% compliance from their work and much improved air void levels.

Related Content

  • New radio wave technology assesses asphalt integrity
    March 14, 2017
    Real time information on asphalt density and uniformity can boost construction quality - *Roger Roberts, GSSI. Properly compacted asphalt is a major factor in the lifespan of a road, as inadequately compacted asphalt deteriorates at a more rapid rate than properly compacted material. With the billions spent on road construction and repairs each year, it has become a matter of urgency to find new technologies that can ensure the integrity of asphalt on newly paved roads. New radio wave technology is now avai
    Read More
  • Innovations introduced to optimise milling
    September 28, 2015
    New developments for the milling machine sector should help optimise performance, as well as increase health and safety standards for site personnel Advances in the milling machine market generally focus on new models being available or developments to drums and cutters. However some rather different developments are taking place that could well deliver long-term improvements for health and safety as well as the quality of work carried out, optimising milling operations. Earlier this year, new guideli
    Read More
  • A flexible approach to concrete testing
    February 20, 2012
    One of the world's most versatile building materials is subject to a variety of tests to make sure it is fit for purpose. Patrick Smith reports
    Read More
  • New M90 surfacing in the UK gain praise
    January 8, 2013
    Early evaluation of surfacing work on the M90 at Rosyth – the first major application of Scotland’s new TS2010 specification – has earned positive praise. Transport Scotland’s determination to obtain pavement that is durable, long lasting and safe (especially in early life) is clearly apparent on the M90 just north of the Forth Road Bridge. Here surfacing has been carried out this spring to TS2010, a tough new specification designed to ensure thin surfacing pavements that work. And the initial prognosis is
    Read More

Highlighted Content