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New tests for cracking and rutting are easy to perform, use existing equipment and work well on mixes with different binders and recycled content - Kristina Smith writes Researchers at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) have developed new tests for cracking and rutting, designed to be quick and easy to carry out, using existing laboratory equipment. The most advanced of these is the IDEAL Cracking Test (IDEAL-CT), which could be appearing in specifications in some of the US states in around six

New developments in compaction equipment are being introduced to the market - Mike Woof writes Ammann has broadened its asphalt compactor range with the addition of the ARX 91 model New compaction machines are offering improved performance for road builders, with equipment being introduced to meet the specific needs of key markets. Ammann has broadened its asphalt compactor range with the addition of the ARX 91 articulated tandem roller for emergent markets. The firm claims that the machine is able

A sustainably good road surface often depends on how well understood is the ground underneath the road’s route. Brian Jones* offers some best practice and advice for getting the most from ground-penetrating radar investigations Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is one of the most accurate non-destructive testing (NDT) methods available. To get the most from GPR surveying, it is absolutely essential to understand how GPR tools work and follow best practices when conducting surveys. Key areas to be aware o

A Wirtgen slipform paver SP 15i operated fully automatically to produce kerbs near Mobile, in the US state of Alabama, as the company explains. When a new residential area is developed, the individual contract work sections are often very detailed. Roads and paths have to be paved and access roads to the individual plots constructed. Various traffic areas are often separated by concrete structures such as kerbs. These kerbs can be either pre-cast parts or monolithic profiles produced right on the job sit

New asphalt plant technology is being introduced by a range of manufacturers to meet varying needs and increase system versatility.

The World Health Organization’s 2018 Global Road Safety Status Report – the definitive international road safety performance benchmark – paints an alarming picture, just two years from the United Nations’ target to cut fatal traffic injuries by 2020, and confirms that road fatalities represent one of the worst public health epidemics in history. “Think about it. In the Plague of Justinian in 541 and 542 AD, approximately 100,000,000 people died, making this event recognised as the worst epidemic in hist

The 81st session on the Inland Transport Committee of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) will have a strong focus on automation in transport during 2019. UNECE and International Road Federation (IRF Geneva) joined hands last December to host a flagship event at the UN headquarters in Geneva. This high-level ITS event focussed on “Governance and Infrastructure for Smart and Connected Mobility” and was organised to kick-start a collaborative dialogue among key ITS stakeholders followin

Challenging ground conditions meant a design rethink - and some engineering firsts - for California’s Gerald Desmond Bridge Replacement Project* The Port of Long Beach on Terminal Island south of Los Angeles is the second-busiest container port in the US. It handles around 15% of all imported goods, much of it with Asia. As the Port of Long Beach was growing in importance over the past half century, the 51-year-old Gerald Desmond Bridge has faithfully been delivering thousands of daily commuters to wo

A workshop into environmentally-friendly road construction was held in Denmark - report from Mikkel Bruun, Bruun Communication Recent advances in road construction have included the development of climate asphalt, which reduces rolling resistance and saves CO2. But what is it and how does it affect the production and use of asphalt pavements? And what are the socio-economic implications? The ROSE project that just ended with a workshop in Copenhagen might hold the answers. The rule of thumb is that lo

Morgan Morris, a master’s student at the University of Central Florida, recounts her life-changing experience as President of the 2019 Class of IRF Fellows After the short span of a week, a graduate research IRF Fellow transforms into an approachable, professional leader overflowing with inspiration and ideas. “In some ways, attending the IRF Fellows Road Scholar Program is comparable to going to an all-you-can-eat sushi buffet. You are not sure what exactly you signed up for, but in the end, you rea