FOCUS AREAS THE TECHNICAL PROGRAMME

Conference theme:

          Roads of the future

                Living within the carrying capacity of the planet

Opening/keynote session

Keynote topics

A (broad based) global perspective of current and future thrusts/endeavours to underpin a stable society living within the resources of earth.  (e.g. Earth Institute)

Tackling Africa’s $93billion infrastructure deficit to redress the region’s income inequality (e.g. World Bank)

Scope for cooperation between the public and private sectors to advance sustainable practice in the bituminous product industry (South African road authority/agency)

Focus area 1 – Reduced energy consumption in the construction of bituminous layers

Coordinators: K Naidoo, G Catin

Topics:

1. Lower temperatures in the mixing and laying of durable asphalt and bitumen stabilised materials
2. Re-use and recycling of asphalt
3. Potential for the use of industrial and demolition waste in road layers

NOTE: This session could be split to cover reduced temperature applications and re-use/recycling separately should the offers of papers justify it.

Focus area 2 – Reducing the impact of road building activities on the environment

Coordinator: S Solomons

Topics:

1. The development and use of life cycle inventories and life cycle assessments for bituminous pavement layers
2. Reduction and management of harmful emissions associated with bituminous products
3. Pavement material selection to lessen the depletion of natural resources
4. Proper disposal of bituminous waste
5. Asphalt surfaces for improved fuel economy and mitigation of road noise

Focus area 3 – Designing for extended performance of bituminous layers

Coordinator: H Marais, K Louw

Topics:

1. The introduction of mix design procedures for improved durability and performance characteristics of asphalt
2. Ultra thin asphalt layers, spray seals and microsurfacing for high performance areas
3. Designing wearing courses to meet road user needs in terms of comfort and safety.

NOTE: This session could be split, dealing with hot/warm mix and ultra thin asphalt on the one hand and spray seals and microsurfacing on the other should the offers of papers justify it.

Focus area 4 – Flexible pavement systems for extended life

Coordinator: B Verhaeghe

Topics:

1. Balanced structural pavement design procedures for a broad range of operating conditions
2. Optimal design or rehabilitation strategies and total whole life cost assessments for roads in both urban and rural locations
3. Methods and procedures for assessing the costs of periodic interventions
4. Impact of climate change on road pavements and evolving adaptation strategies
5. Long life asphalt pavements to minimise frequent interventions and disruptions to traffic flow.

Focus area 5 – Asset Management

Coordinator: A Taute

Topics:

1. Exploiting bituminous product technology to provide sustainable employment, to improve access and mobility and to optimise whole life costs.
2. Economic sustainability through the procurement and management of bituminous roads
3. Meeting the needs for capacity and skills development in the bituminous products industry
4. Bituminous roads and pathways as a means to advance equity in the production and sale of goods and services.
5. Ensuring the safety of road users and employees during roadworks