News

SMEs developing innovative solutions to improve road infrastructure now have until 12 April, 2013, to apply to exhibit free-of-charge at the first Road Infrastructure Innovation Expo being held in Brussels, Belgium, 4-6 June 2013. Due to the involvement of additional countries and the final constitution of the scientific committee for the Infravation programme, organisers have extended the exhibitor registration deadline. All research fields are welcome addressing the theme of Advanced and Innovative Constr

Plans are in hand to carry out upgrades to a key stretch of highway in Peru. Work on the VII stretch of the Ayacucho-Abancay road will be carried out by the Kishuara III consortium. The contract is worth US$139 million. This consortium is headed by Spanish contractor firm, OHL, which has a 43% stake in the business. Its partners are Peruvian firm, Constructora TP, and Constructora Malaga Hnos.

Massive infrastructure industry interest is expected in Indonesia, following the announcement of an almost unprecedented number of contracts. The Indonesian Government is offering no less than 2,378 bridge and road construction projects in all. The total value of these projects is US$2.16 billion. Of these, 496 projects have now been opened to tender and with more due shortly. Actual construction work on these projects that are already open to tender will begin from second half of 2013 until end-2014. The 2

A new agreement has been established between Japanese firm Fujitsu and Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research A*STAR. The agreement concerns research into long-term urban sustainability solutions to deliver high standards of living, work opportunities and economic growth. The work will focus on using data from various agencies in Singapore to derive an understanding of complex dynamics within the city. The research will use modelling and simulation to guide critical decisions and implementa

A report from the St Petersburg Administration suggests that up to 18% of the city’s roads are currently unfit for use. Plans were made in the third quarter of 2012 to repair about 33% of these damaged road links in the second quarter of 2013. The official data reveals that the city currently has 56,500km of roads. The planned budget is for US$161.63 million for repair works to 3,400km of the city’s roads in 2013.

A wide array of measures is being used around the world to encourage customers to buy electric vehicles. Customers are still proving reluctant in many markets to buy electric vehicles, with range concerns and purchase costs amongst the key. Nissan reports that sales of its sophisticated Leaf model (developed jointly with its partner Renault) have been sluggish in Europe, despite glowing reviews in various motoring magazines. In the UK one leading thinktank, the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), h

The European Union Road Federation and the Spanish Road Association have presented the results of their joint WhiteRoads Project, which highlights road links with good safety standards. This project has taken three years of research and is intended to create a positive approach to road safety and focus on zero fatality roads, as opposed to the traditional practice of focusing on black spots. A European White Spot (EUWS) is defined as a section of road 15km long or more where there have been no fatal acciden

A new study of bicycle accidents in Germany has revealed some interesting data, as this interview with chief traffic officer for the city of Munster, Udo Weiss, reveals. The interview highlights key risk patterns and also suggests some possible safety measures.

EmiControls new large turbine – the V22 – will be showcased at bauma 2013. The company, which began trading independently in 2012, offers mobile and stationary solutions for optimum dust emission control during demolition, recycling plant, quarry, mining and industrial-based applications.

DAT instruments is a leading manufacturer of dataloggers for geotechnical activities and special foundations. The company, whose dataloggers are suitable for use in applications relating to jet grouting; grouting; cement injection; drilling; MWD; CFA; soil mixing; vibroflotation; diaphragm walls; Lugeon tests; and mineral investigation. Product reliability and company service are said to be among DAT instruments key priorities.