The University of Birmingham has undertaken and completed a comprehensive research article relating to the impact of trenches and excavations in the road and how they may contribute to deterioration of the asset. Sensor technologies and advanced testing were applied in order to extract data which would provide evidence on how the new and existing structures were affected. This paid particular attention to correctly applied methods of reinstatement and compaction, as against methods which fell below expected requirements under current legislation.

What is interesting is how all reinstatements affect overall performance, but where poor methods are applied it is evident that acceleration and increase in deterioration occurs.