Project 12.1 (2019)

Use of bituminous emulsions in and on unsealed roads to improve ride quality, to lower the maintenance costs and to reduce the environmental impacts such as dust suppression
Background

Unsealed roads cover almost 50% of the public roads in Australia. These roads are mainly used to access rural and remote communities. Frequent maintenance operations with high demand for water are required. Unsealed roads can be restricted with no access during or after heavy rainfall. The surface of unsealed roads can be subject to higher risks of deterioration including corrugation, pothole and aggregate loss.

Project Objectives

1. To nominate five locations based on the climate, soil type and road condition

2. To study the existing condition of the selected segments for roughness, pavement profile and pavement materials

3. To investigate the compatibility of the bituminous emulsionwith the pavement materials

4. Field trials

5. To monitor the condition of the treated roads (6 months)

6. To analyse the impact of treatment on ride quality, maintenance costs and environment

Chief Investigators: 
  • Professor Jayantha Kodikara (LCI - Monash University)
  • Dr Arooran Rajah (Monash University)

 

Industry partners: 
Downer EDI Works Ltd
Research themes: 
Theme#1 - Smart testing, modelling & design
Partner investigators: 
Jerry Tan (Downer EDI Works Ltd)
Hamed Haghighi (Downer EDI Works Ltd)