Resources

While pavement design and management practices are based on static axle loads, the actual loads applied to pavements are dynamic, varying as the suspension responds to the unevenness in the pavement surface.

The structural number (SN) of a road pavement is a method for describing the strength of a road pavement, in pavement deterioration models that are currently being calibrated for New Zealand road conditions.

This project developed market research techniques for deriving improved values for the unit benefit parameters specified by Transfund New Zealand for use in transport project evaluation throughout New Zealand.

Recognising the significance of scour (ie channel erosion, in all its forms) as a cause of bridge damage, a screening methodology for assessing and ranking New Zealand bridges in terms of their susceptibility to scour is presented.

Geosynthetic-reinforced soils (GRS) have been found to be cost-effective compared to traditionally used retaining structures in specific situations.

A study, carried out in 1998–2000, investigated if a traffic noise lvel of 55dBA, the level allowed in the 1994 Transit New Zealand Road traffic noise guidelines, was an acceptable limit in New Zealand for areas that previously had low traffic noise.

A methodology has been developed to identify the cost-optimal earthworks cut slope design and establishment of appropriate earthworks contingency factors.

The vehicle-ownership forecasting model research project, undertaken in 1996–1997, is described.

Potential economic disbenefits of dust emission from unsealed roads impact on crop production, animal food supply and health, accident potential, property values and maintenance costs, vehicle operating costs and personal health.

This report develops project evaluation procedures to incorporate risk assessment of road link reliabilities.