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

  • Efficient processing of RAP in the mix
    December 19, 2017
    There are important methods aimed at the reuse and recycling of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) a number of problems have to be solved however, mainly concerning the elimination of moisture content and how best to heat the RAP without damaging the binder. When RAP is used in percentages of up to 30-40% of the final mix, heating can be carried out through direct contact with hot aggregates. On the other hand, in order to use higher RAP percentages, up to 100%, the plant has to be fitted with a specific h
    Read More
  • The Preston Western Distributor
    September 7, 2023
    Costain, as main contractor for the Preston Western Distributor project, was involved from the earliest stages, thanks to the UK’s Early Contractor Involvement approach. The project was delivered on time and on budget to the benefit of the local environment, local businesses and the region’s workforce. David Arminas reports*
    Read More
  • Adavances in concrete vibration technology
    December 13, 2018
    The use of controlled frequency vibration (CFV) technology and its applications in construction continue to grow - *Paul Jaworski Controlled frequency vibration (CFV) technology has been around since the mid-1990s for concrete pavement applications. The technology has seen a gradual increase in acceptance, particularly in certain applications. For the 0-37mm (1.5”) slump pavement mix designs, many contractors were experiencing material separation due to speeds over 8,000vibrations/minute (VPM). With the wi
    Read More
  • Innovative paving techniques being utilised
    February 15, 2021
    Innovative warm mix materials are now being offered by key contractors to deliver longer surface life combined with more sustainable operations
    Read More

Highlighted Content