The University of Birmingham has completed a major research study examining how road trenches and excavations influence deterioration of highway assets. Using advanced sensor technologies and high‑precision testing, researchers gathered detailed evidence on how both new and existing structures respond when trenches are opened and reinstated.

The study compared reinstatements carried out in line with current legislative requirements against those completed using methods that fall below expected standards. Findings show that all reinstatements affect overall pavement performance, but where poor techniques are used, deterioration accelerates significantly.

The research provides new insight into how reinstatement quality directly influences long‑term road condition and offers valuable evidence to support improvements to existing guidance and practice.

You can download a copy of the article here
 

Corehard Ltd has introduced the latest PANDA Penetrometer for hire, featuring upgraded software, improved usability and integrated GPS for precise location tracking. The enhanced system delivers expanded capability for analysing ground resistance and compaction control to recognised international standards.

After several years of seeking permissions from developers we are now able to hire out Panda2 penetrometer devices.This will be welcome news to many, as we have had countless enquiries relating to potentially hiring the devices and we are delighted that we can now do so.The full kit is available with both fixed and sacrificial cones with sufficient rods to achieve 5m depth where conditions allow and further rods are available if required.

Additionally, there is the option of hiring a mechanical rod extractor for difficult or deep soundings.

Undertaking test through foundation 
Undertaking test through foundation

For further information please contact Shaun Robinson on +44 1438 225 102 or alternatively email him at shaun.robinson@corehard.com

Consultation proposes increasing the guarantee on utility firms’ roadworks and introducing new asphalt standards, to keep roads pothole-free for longer

Please follow link or copy and past into browser:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/long-lasting-repairs-to-stop-potholes

The Times newspaper has on Monday 30th April 2018 published several articles in relation to congestion and road works on UK highway infrastructure. One of the front page articles headed “Roadworks banned to fight plague of potholes”  outlines plans for government  to deal with congestion and potholes. It states that “Utility companies will be ordered to put new pipes and cables under pavements or grass verges as a default position before seeking to dig up roads”.

The article also states that “Britains roads are ranked 27th in the world for quality, behind European economies such as Germany, France and Spain as well as Chile and Cyprus”.

Further to the times newspaper articles, several other news networks and outlets picked up on the story with particular attention to potholes and the government plans of prevention. Chris Grayling, the transport secretary, said that change was needed because potholes were far more likely to appear on sections of roads that had been dug up recently.

Further articles relating to this story can be viewed by using links below: