Features

Since the launch of the 20th anniversary campaign and thanks to the leadership of IRF Chairman Abdullah Al-Mogbel and the generous support of IRF Members, IRF Fellows, individual patrons and other organisations, pledges to the International Road Educational Foundation's Future Fund have now exceeded US$535,400 The endowment built over the last 20 years has been instrumental in supporting the Foundation's core mission of providing academic training to university graduates in fields related to the development

An alliance of companies has come together to realise major infrastructure projects in Latvia including its biggest bridge. Patrick Smith reports. Riga, the Latvian capital, has the finest collection of Art Nouveau buildings in Europe and its centre is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

IRF is continuing its proven programme of developing the skills and knowledge of young highway professionals Asked what his career goals are, Leslie Mills, an aspiring civil engineer from Ghana indicates he hopes, "...to be part of the next generation of African engineers that will help solve some of the fundamental ills affecting transportation infrastructure in Africa." The 63rd class of IRF fellows attended a 10 day IRF road scholar programme from January 18 to 27, 2012. "The potential of building a pro

A wide variety of new equipment and technology to assist production at asphalt plants is about to be launched onto the market, while asphalt producers are continuing to look at greener working practices. Guy Woodford reports Lintec, in partnership with Loesche, recently created what they say is the world's first containerised Coal Mill Plant for independent coal dust supply at the jobsite which offers mobility and high economic efficiency through the substitution of gas or oil with coal. The mobile co

"One of the most important challenges for the Highways Agency (HA) is the management of Britain's motorways to improve traffic flows, reduce congestion, cut travel times and maintain better local air quality. But as traffic volumes increase, the HA is constantly looking for more economical, effective and sustainable methods of managing the country's motorways. "The Managed Motorway concept uses detectors to measure congestion, control software to display mandatory speed signs and an enforcement system to

New demolition tolls are coming to market while safety training for high reach excavator operators has been establishe.d With the Intermat equipment exhibition due shortly, various manufacturers are offering new demolition tools to the market. Meanwhile the UK's National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC) is now setting a lead in the sector by offering a high reach excavator training course. The NFDC has partnered with the National Demolition Training Group (NDTG) to develop the world's first train

A variety of new technology for temporary speed zones during major highway projects across the globe is about to hit the market, while other proven systems remain in demand. Guy Woodford reports The D-Cam P is one of four new mobile speed reading products for temporary speed zones being launched this month by Truvelo. Deployable solely as a speed camera or at a red light intersection to monitor red light offences, the D-Cam P can also act as a speed camera on the green and amber light phases. The machin

A variety of systems are available for quickly and efficiently removing water from roads as Patrick Smith reports The presence of water in a highway layer reduces the bearing capacity of the road, and in doing so it also reduces the structure's lifetime. Indeed, the recent extremely cold winter in many parts of Europe has shown that in colder climates there is a risk of frost damage when water is present resulting in costly potholes, so drainage systems performing properly are important in road design.

German firm Vögele has built the world's largest and most sophisticated paver manufacturing facility - Mike Woof writes. Part of the Wirtgen Group, Vögele has benefited from the massive investment the company has made in all of its major manufacturing operations. The Hamm, Kleemann, Vögele and Wirtgen facilities in Germany have all been improved, with both Kleemann and Vögele now using brand new, purpose-built factories constructed on green field sites.

An innovative solution was put forward to support slip roads on a Dutch motorway. Patrick Smith reports The 2010 opening of the A7 motorway extension on the southern ring road of the city of Sneek, The Netherlands, brings an end to local traffic misery. By using innovative Tensar Geocell Foundation Mattress technology over weak estuarine clay, MNO-Vervat Noord, the main contractor, constructed a key junction and its slip roads in weeks instead of months, with considerable cost savings. The conversion

With the asphalt paving segment split broadly into two methods, American or European,. it is no surprise that manufacturers. from these countries have dominated the market for some years. An interesting development in recent times has been seen with various European firms developing asphalt pavers to suit North American needs, including BOMAG, Dynapac and Vögele. Caterpillar and Volvo by comparison both offer both European and US-style pavers, with separate model ranges that have been developed over many ye