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Reporting on the asphalt industry Issue 37 | Autumn/Winter 2016
CARFEST NORTH
Support for Children in Need
SHELL ECO-MARATHON
Energy efficient vehicles line up
FRESH APPROACH
The case for a Major Road Network
02
www.asphaltuk.org INDUSTRY NEWS
MOVE SHIFTING RESPONSIBILITY
TOWARDS FOR EFFICIENCY PROGRAMME
THREE-TIER n It is a period of change for the Highways
Maintenance Efficiency Programme (HMEP)
Survey – will take responsibility for HMEP’s
Connect and Share resource.
SYSTEM? as the government seeks to put the scheme
on a more sustainable footing. It looks set to
devolve responsibility for different aspects of
HMEP documents will remain free to
use and it is hoped the new system will
present councils with even more support
the programme to separate partners. to present a coherent service to local
The local roads sector The asset management and highways authorities.
is at a watershed. procurement products HMEP has made The ongoing HMEP ethos of ‘for the sector,
Investment, freely available, for example, will be passed by the sector’ will be maintained by drawing
on to Local Partnerships (a joint venture on the expertise of a range of stakeholders
governance,
between HM Treasury and the Local through a central steering group.
regionalisation, Government Association). The membership of that group is still
skills, technology and even Brexit In addition the National Highways and being finalised but it is likely to include
are all issues that could have Transport Network – a subscriber-based, the DfT and representatives from local
service improvement organisation best authorities, the private sector and
profound consequences for the known for the NHT Public Satisfaction professional industry bodies.
future of the network in the
years ahead.
There is already a shift taking place towards a
two-tier road network – one where the SRN
EMISSIONS LINK WITH
receives the bulk of investment while the
local road network continues to struggle, for
ROAD CONDITION
maintenance funding in particular. n European research shows that smoother roads can
The Rees Jeffreys Road Fund advocates that reduce CO2 emissions from vehicles by around five per cent,
one way of tackling this in order to support highlighting the need for road maintenance to be part of
regional economies could be the introduction any strategy to reduce road emissions.
of a three-tier system by setting up a Major The research was carried out by members of FEHRL
Roads Network (MRN). This was the subject of (Forum of European National Highway Research
an interesting discussion at the recent All Party Laboratories). It adds weight to the call from FEHRL – along
Parliamentary Group meeting (page 8). with EAPA (European Asphalt Pavement Association) and EUPAVE (European
It is not yet clear how the Government will Concrete Paving Association) – for increased investment in roads and greater alignment of
respond to the ‘Roads for the Future’ study, policies on CO2 with those for upgrading and maintenance of roads.
but the report suggests that there should be The findings show that the condition of the road surface directly influences vehicle fuel
enough funding available to support all three consumption: if the surface is in poor repair, fuel energy will be wasted. ‘Rolling losses’ include
without local authorities getting an even energy used in overcoming the effects of unevenness, joints and rutting through suspension
smaller share: a scenario we all want to avoid. systems and from high rolling resistance at the tyre/road interface. In addition, a road network
Embracing Change was the theme for our which is allowed to deteriorate will also lead to higher road maintenance or reconstruction costs
annual Sharing Best Practice event, held at the over the long term – contributing to further CO2 emissions.
National Motorcycle Museum near Birmingham. Based on a five per cent CO2 reduction, upgrading two thirds of Europe’s road network by
This free event has become an important 2030 could lead to yearly savings of 28 million tonnes of CO2 – equivalent to replacing six
platform for local authority highways engineers million cars with zero-emission cars.
to share knowledge and ideas and was The paper (http://bit.ly/2fbl57x) concludes by suggesting that the investment costs of
attended by delegates from all over the country a well-funded and aligned maintenance strategy for CO2 would be paid back in terms of
(pages 10 and 11). stimulating the economy for growth and jobs, fuel savings and reduced vehicle maintenance in
Elsewhere in this issue, we look at innovation addition to the environmental benefits.
in the sector – including new equipment,
materials and technology – as well as case
studies, news and diary dates.
We have also revamped our website to make
CONTRACT’S ULTRA SITE STATUS
it easier to navigate and contact the press and n A partnership between Tarmac and Nottinghamshire County Council has become the first
information team. It can be found at www. highways maintenance contract in the UK to achieve Ultra Site status under the Considerate
asphaltuk.org Constructors Scheme (CCS).
Ultra Site status is the top award under the scheme and requires registered contractors and
Alan Mackenzie their supply chains to demonstrate industry-leading best practice and collaboration among
Chairman, Asphalt Industry Alliance clients, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers.
03
INDUSTRY NEWS www.asphaltuk.org
IN BRIEF
n Over 1,600 people have signed up for
the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC)
since it launched its first programme,
‘Mastering bitumen for better roads
and innovative applications’ in April (see
Asphalt Now 36).
The free training portal is run in
conjunction with Total and French
engineering school École des Ponts and
is aimed at students, professionals and
The A338 team
bitumen users as well as members of the
celebrate the project’s
completion public. Courses are available in English
and French and combine video lectures,
additional reading and staged quizzes to
LOCAL AUTHORITY ROAD SCHEME
monitor progress.
The course has already received positive
reviews from users and covers the entire
SECURES BIM LEVEL TWO SUCCESS bitumen chain, from crude oil to its final
applications in road construction and
n A £22 million project to upgrade a 5.2 mile stretch of the A338 Bournemouth spur road is the industry, as well as in future infrastructure.
first local authority road scheme to be managed to Better Information Management (BIM) level For more information, or to sign up, visit:
two standards. www.coursera.org/learn/mastering-
The nine-month major rebuild programme has been completed by Hanson Contracting bitumen
through the Dorset Highways Strategic Partnership, a 12-year collaboration with Dorset County
Council. n In a recently launched YouTube video,
The scheme included widening the dual carriageway as well as enhancing drainage and MPA members have outlined the industry’s
installing a concrete central reservation barrier to improve safety. The project also saw 100 per commitment to delivery for all its clients,
cent of the old carriageway – about 75,000 tonnes – recycled into the new road. given concerns over capacity having been
expressed in recent times.
The video shows new and ongoing
COMPETITION SEEKS SOLUTION FOR investments in action and the mutual
commitments required by highways
ROAD USERS AND ENVIRONMENT clients and industry alike to ensure that
both sides of the sector benefit from
n Entries are now open for the 2017 well as address technical and theoretical the New Era for Roads. The video can be
Wolfson Economics Prize, which this issues. viewed at the MPA YouTube site: www.
year is calling for fresh thinking on roads Founder Lord Wolfson said: “Now is our youtube.com/user/MineralProducts1/
infrastructure. chance to come up with answers that can featured and a supporting printed
The renowned prize, worth £250,000, is the help road users, protect the environment and brochure will also be available.
second largest economics prize in the world support our economy – ideas needed not
after Nobel and aims to bring forward new just in Britain but around the world.” n FM Conway has relocated its head office
thinking to help people, government and With the advent of autonomous vehicles to Sevenoaks, Kent, following a period of
businesses develop practical policies. on the horizon he suggests that: “a new kind rapid growth. Among recent successes is
This time it is seeking submissions on ‘How of driving will take a new kind of road and a a £56 million contract to deliver highways
can we pay for better, safer, more reliable new kind of funding.” surfacing work for East Sussex County
roads in a way that is fair to road users and The deadline for submissions is 2 March Council working as a sub-contractor to
good for the economy and the environment?’ 2017. For more information on the award, Costain/CH2M. The company will retain its
Applicants are encouraged to explain how visit: https://policyexchange.org.uk/ former Dartford home, which will provide
their answers might win public support, as wolfsonprize/ an expanded logistics hub alongside the
materials recycling facilities already located
at the site.
STUDIES IN PROGRESS n Aggregate Industries’ Contracting
n Six strategic studies are being carried out division has been awarded the gold
to inform the development of the government’s Investors in People standard after
second Road Investment Strategy (RIS 2) post 2020. The reports, which address some of the assessors praised the company for its
biggest challenges facing the road network, will be complete by the end of the year. Highways embedded culture of training, coaching
England will also revisit the 18 route strategies that identify the pressures on, and needs of, the and ‘inspirational’ leadership.
entire strategic road network, providing a major opportunity for stakeholders to have their say.
04
www.asphaltuk.org INDUSTRY NEWS
MILITARY RISK ASSESSMENT IS BASIS OF
MAKEOVERS
NEW CODE through risk-based assessment. The Code
makes 36 recommendations ranging from
environmental, heritage, training and
THE UK Roads Liaison Group (UKRLG) has communication issues, to financial planning,
published an updated Code of Practice whole life design and carbon lifecycle costs.
following a two year review. The recommendation for adopting a
Well-Managed Highways Infrastructure risk-based approach aligns with ISO 55000
was commissioned by the Department for Standards for Asset Management and can
Transport with input from an extensive range be adopted for all aspects of highways
of stakeholder organisations including the infrastructure maintenance including setting
Institute of Highway Engineers, ADEPT, SCOTS, levels of service, inspections, responses,
CIHT, Transport for London and CSS Wales. resilience priorities and programmes.
The non-statutory Code offers updated Commenting on the new guidance,
advice to reflect the latest developments in the Andrew Jones, Parliamentary Under-Secretary
JOHN WAINWRIGHT & Company Ltd has maintenance sector – reinforcing the strides of State for Transport, said: “This reflects
supplied asphalt to two major military bases made through the Highways Maintenance the maturity of the sector, strengthening
in the South West – the Britannia Royal Naval Efficiency Programme (HMEP). It replaces three the links between risk, resilience and good
College in Dartmouth and the Royal Naval previous sets of guidance: Well-maintained asset management and ultimately allowing
Air Station in Yeovilton, Somerset. Highways, Management of Highways authorities to provide a more tailored service
The company supplied 652 tonnes of Structures and Well-lit Highways, which will to meet local requirements and priorities.”
10mm SMA surface course to resurface the cease to be valid from October 2018. Adoption of the Code is up to each
internal roads at the Dartmouth college and The overarching principal behind the highways authority based on its own
7,000 tonnes for use at the Yeovilton base. development of the new Code is the interpretation of risks, priorities and legislative
The contracts reflect the company’s need to deliver a safe and well-maintained requirements. The UKRLG is seeking feedback
commitment to investment and follow highway network through the adoption on the Code of Practice and comments can be
the opening of its new £9 million asphalt of an integrated asset management made via its website or by emailing ukrlg@
plant at Avonmouth, near Bristol, earlier approach to highways infrastructure ciht.org.uk
this year.
t
LOCAL AUTHORITY VIEWPOINT:
SAFETY RECORD
HEREFORDSHIRE’S RISK-BASED APPROACH
REWARDED n Herefordshire County Council has already the following day. At all
adopted the principles set out in the new other locations category
Code in its updated highways maintenance 1 defects will be
plan. responded to within
Clive Hall, Head of Highways and seven days.
Community Services, pictured right, at the “Our updated approach will enable a right-
council said: “The intention of the incoming first time approach to permanent repairs that
Well-Managed Highway Infrastructure will reduce the use of resources on repeat
code is that authorities develop their own safety repairs, protect the workforce, limit the
level of service through a local, risk-based environmental impact of maintenance work
approach. One of the ways this is reflected and ensure value for money,” added Clive.
in our plan is by the changes
we will implement to the Risk assessment matrix, defect categories and response times
FM CONWAY has won a gold medal at the way in which defects will be
Probability
RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of handled. This will enable us
Accidents) 2016 Health and Safety Awards. to prioritise resources and Impact Very low Low Medium High
The award is given to companies reduce disruption and overall Negligible 1 2 3 4
whose health and safety practices are risk to highway users.” Low 2 4 6 8
judged as gold level standard for at least This includes applying a
Moderate 3 6 9 12
five consecutive years. Entrants must also new model to inspection and
High 4 8 12 16
demonstrate year-on-year progression in repair assessment, resulting
health and safety compliance. in amended periods for the Category Cat 2C Cat 2B Cat 2A Cat 1
Andrew Cox, Director of Safety, Health, repair of defects. For example, A&B roads & prestige
Environment and Quality at FM Conway, said: category 1 defects identified Response Consider footways: by end of
minimum for forward 2 months 28 days the following day
“This award is testament to our long-term on A and B roads and prestige time frame programme All other locations:
commitment to lead health and safety best footways will continue to be 7 days
practice in the construction industry.” responded to by the end of
05
INDUSTRY NEWS www.asphaltuk.org
REPAIR TEAMS TACKLE KENT ROAD CHAOS
SMART WORK by road repair teams had in both directions. Hanson’s Area General
traffic flowing freely on the M20 in Kent Manager Graeme Howard said the job had
after a truck brought down a footbridge gone smoothly with the deliveries all done
and caused chaos on one of the busiest on the same day.
weekends of the year. The emergency support was the latest
The emergency repairs were carried out in success for the supply contract with Colas
double quick time by contractor Colas A1+ and A1+. Hanson also completed two night
asphalt supplier Hanson from its production surfacing jobs on the A21 in Sussex and
units at Allington and West Drayton. Kent over the summer – three miles at
It took 34 lorry runs to deliver over 1,200 Poppinghole Cross and two miles at Ringden
tonnes to the site near Maidstone, where a – which were completed over 15 nights
truck struck the bridge on the August bank between 10pm and 5.30am using a total of
holiday weekend, closing the motorway 3,190 tonnes of asphalt.
UPGRADE FOR CHILDREN IN NEED
FESTIVAL TRACK Pink paver: giving
children a new
AGGREGATE INDUSTRIES carried out essential works to the track at perspective
CarFest North to make it suitable to handle the high performance
vehicles which take part in the motoring festival.
CarFest, the brainchild of Radio 2 Breakfast Show host Chris Evans, is
now in its fifth year and raises money for BBC Children in Need.
Aggregate Industries provided over 1,100 tonnes of asphalt (770
tonnes of AC 20 dense binder course and 390 tonnes of AC 10 close
surface binder) to upgrade the track at Bolesworth, Cheshire. The
material was laid by 10 members of the company’s contracting team
over 5,000m2 of the track.
The company also provided its ‘pink paver’ for the Mega Land area
of the festival, where children experienced what it feels like to sit in a
large construction vehicle. The Volvo P6870c was specially wrapped
by Volvo for Aggregate Industries to help raise general awareness of the expertise of Aggregate Industries, both when it came to the delivery
cancer while out on the roads. of the track and as part of our event schedule. The team’s guidance,
In addition, the Aggregate Industries team was also on hand to together with support from our sponsors, means we have been able
educate visitors on the process of creating a super sleek racetrack – to create a fantastic home for our CarFest North event at Bolesworth.”
from quarrying the stone and processing the surface material to laying Aggregate Industries has a proven track record
the track. Neil Levene, CarFest’s of delivering top quality racing tracks, having
Operations Director, said: “This previously worked on circuits for Silverstone
is a popular event and we were and Snetterton, as well as the Festival of
delighted to be able to draft in Speed at Goodwood and Formula E in
Battersea Park.
Track works at
CarFest North
06
www.asphaltuk.org INNOVATION
Students from across the globe
came to London with their energy
efficient vehicles to compete in
the Shell Eco-marathon Europe
STUDENTS TACKLE and mobility. This year we used our premium
low temperature binder to create a high
performance circuit within a short time frame
EFFICIENCY CHALLENGE
which paved the way for the young engineers
to put their energy efficient vehicles through
their paces.
“The results are truly amazing: a team from
A CHALLENGING 2.2km street circuit was ultimate fuel economy: who could travel the France got 2,606.4km/litre equivalent from their
created at London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic most miles per gallon. Shell Eco-marathon compressed natural gas car. That’s the same as
Park so that young engineers could put Europe began in 1985 in France with 25 teams driving from London to Milan and back on less
their energy efficient vehicles through their participating from four different countries. than a litre of fuel.”
paces in the Shell Eco-marathon Europe. Over the years, the competition has grown into
The temporary race track was laid in just 48 a truly global event attracting thousands of
hours by contractor FM Conway using asphalt
containing Shell Bitumen’s premium low
students from all over the world.
ABERDEEN’S APPROA
temperature binder. Festival of energy saving ideas
More than 200 students from 29 countries The 2016 event took place as part of Make the
Aberdeen is using Rigagrip
took part to see who could navigate the track Future London, a festival of energy saving ideas
to improve safety at critical
with the least amount of fuel. and innovation, which was opened by football
junctions
The teams design and build cars that use a legend Pelé and welcomed more than 30,000
variety of energy types ranging from gasoline guests over four days.
and natural gas to electric batteries and This year’s Shell Eco-marathon Europe also
hydrogen. The designs fall into two categories: saw the introduction of the Drivers’ World
Prototype, which focuses entirely on driving Championship: a head-to-head race against
as far as possible using the least energy, and the 2016 UrbanConcept winners from North
UrbanConcept, where energy efficiency is America, Asia and Europe to find the quickest
important but the vehicles look more like and most energy-efficient driver.
normal city cars. A team from Indonesia won with a battery-
Teams can also win prizes for their work electric car and were rewarded with a week’s
off the track in different categories such as training with Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 team in
communication, design, technical innovation Maranello, Italy.
and safety. Emma Mallison, Shell Bitumen’s Regional
The Shell Eco-marathon began in 1939 Marketing Manager Europe/Africa, said: “The
at a research laboratory in the US following Shell Eco-marathon is all about innovation and
a friendly wager between scientists about adapting to new challenges regarding energy
07
INNOVATION www.asphaltuk.org
HANSON SPREADS THE BENEFITS
OF WARM ASPHALT Base, binder and surfacing layers for the A66 at
Crackenthorpe were laid successfully despite
activity taking place in winter and at night
Use of warm asphalts promises
environmental benefits of energy
saving, lower emissions and
enhanced durability and to this
list can now be added technical
advantages, including extended
compactibility in cold weather
and quicker reopening of roads to
traffic.
HANSON IS one contractor which has taken
these technical advantages on board and has
used warm asphalt to reinstate one of Cumbria’s
busiest roads; the A66 at Crackenthorpe, west
of Appleby.
“Carriageway closures were restricted to
night time during last winter,” said Hanson
North Technical Services Manager, Aggregates solutions we proposed.” (140oC, providing a 30oC benefit).
and Asphalt, Jon Sharp. “We had to get in The challenge was to lay two layers of base This rapid turnaround meant Hanson could
at 19.30, complete the planing out and course at 90mm each plus a binder course of lay the subsequent layers sooner and to the
replacement work, and get away for traffic to be 70mm, adding up to a total of 250mm, plus a right level of compaction. “Nypave PX50 allows
running by 08.00 the next morning. Tuffgrip thin surfacing of 40mm, all between for lower temperature compaction and rapid
“Time was short considering the amount 22.00 (after planing) and the morning cut off hardening of the asphalt which, in turn, permits
of work we had to do each shift. We needed point. two to three layers to be laid at night, in the
materials that could be compacted well despite Hanson proposed lower temperature asphalt cold, in short order,” says Nynas Asphalt Support
the cold temperatures and which would harden for the base and binder courses. Use of a warm Engineer Jukka Laitinen.
rapidly. Our client Kier (contractor to Highways asphalt containing Nynas Nypave PX50 allowed
England) agreed to the low temperature the asphalt to be mixed at a lower temperature Subsurface conditions
The asphalt – supplied from both Hanson’s Shap
and Keepershield asphalt plants – proved highly
ACH FOR HIGH RISK JUNCTIONS suited to the job, even though subsurface
conditions were less favourable than expected;
and the contractor found itself planing out to
IN SPRING 2015 Aberdeen City Council resurfaced a busy pedestrian crossing a greater depth and having to install not three,
with a new, high friction asphalt surfacing product. The use of Rigagrip has but four layers, of base and binder.
proved so successful, that the council has now specified it for a further high risk Due to the issues relating to the lower levels,
junction upgrade. the programme was revisited. More time was
An alternative to High Friction Surfacing (HFS), Rigagrip, which is made by provided for laying, meaning that speed of
Leiths (Scotland), offers a level of skid resistance that exceeds the requirement completion for the base and binder layers was
for category K sites – approaches to pedestrian crossings and other high risk no longer critical. This meant Hanson could
situations. move to a conventional 40/60 binder in its
Highland Surfacing carried out the work at North Esplanade West, with control asphalt.
testing, including micro-grip skid resistance, handled by Leiths. However, it stayed with Nynas Nytherm PMB
“The test results showed similar levels of grip and texture to the Rigagrip 75 bitumen for the A66’s 40mm thick Tuffgrip
previously laid in Aberdeen and we continue to promote the high performance surface layer. Specially modified, the binder allows
this material delivers, as detailed in the full Type Approval Installation Trial (TAIT), production of high performance asphalt mixtures
to other councils,” said Neil Anderson, Leiths’ Technical Director. at lower temperatures, which display enhanced
Technical Officer Sharon Toseland at Aberdeen City Council added: “Improving compactability in cold weather. Hanson uses
safety at critical junctions is a key priority for us and we are very pleased with the the product in summer too, for its early opening
results and will continue to specify Rigagrip on sites where HFS has been used potential, as well as its environmental credentials
previously.” which make it an obvious option when
sustainability is on the agenda.
08
www.asphaltuk.org ALL PARTY PARLIAMENTARY GROUP
PROPOSALS FOR A
MAJOR ROAD NETWORK
THE RENAMED All Party Parliamentary Group context of driving economic growth
(APPG) on Highways, chaired by Christopher by improving connectivity and
Chope OBE MP, met in October. accessibility for business,” Phil told
The group aims to promote the safety, the group. “Putting commitment and
environmental, economic, and social case resources into the SRN is great – but it’s
for local roads and its new name reflects the not enough to support the economy
need for an integrated approach when it at national and regional level. Business
comes to ensuring the network delivers, with also depends on the more important on a regional basis will be needed to manage
maintenance issues at its heart. local authority ‘A’ roads to provide the service it and develop the MRN and the emergence of the
The emphasis on service was echoed by needs from a good quality network with broad new sub-national transport bodies (part of the
speaker Phil Carey’s presentation on proposals geographical coverage.” devolution agenda across England) should make
made in ‘A Major Road Network for England’. Phil, this easier and more effective.
who is Road User Policy Advisor to Transport The presentation prompted a lively discussion
Focus and Vice-Chair of the Transport Associates’ “Business...depends on and much of the feedback stressed the need for
Network, is co-author, alongside David Quarmby, the more important further clarity on funding and governance. In
of the report which calls for a fresh approach to local authority ‘A’ roads closing Phil reiterated how the MRN would need
managing roads to better support the economy to provide the service it to be fit for purpose to deliver its full potential.
and meet England’s needs. needs...” Phil Carey
Six components
Importance to economic wellbeing “We have set out six essential components that
The report was produced by the Rees Jeffreys To enable the MRN to overcome the growing are needed to achieve this,” he said. “Many are
Road Fund and suggests that 3,800 miles of funding divide between the SRN and the rest already written into current standards and best
council-controlled ‘A’ roads in England (or of the network, the report proposes that the practice, but what is new is the emphasis on
four per cent of the network) deserve special scope of the National Road Fund, with income service and bringing them all together into one
recognition, alongside the Strategic Road from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) receipts in framework.
Network (SRN), because of their importance England from 2020, should be broadened and “Fit for purpose means fit for the user by
to the economic wellbeing of regions and the some funds redirected. understanding their needs and expectations;
country as a whole. “After all, those paying VED use local fit in the sense of being well managed for
Phil set out the report’s proposals to the authority roads at least as much as the SRN, and traffic flow; and, crucially, for safety. The MRN
APPG for a consistent, joined up approach to often can’t tell the difference between them,” must also be fit for communities and the
the planning, management and funding of the commented Phil. environment in addressing the mitigation of
Major Road Network (MRN) on a regional basis, The report does not advocate that setting up adverse impacts; must fit in with the more
allowing local authority major roads to have a an MRN would require changes in responsibility complex transport context in urban areas
planning regime and funding certainty similar for highways as it makes sense to retain local and integrate with the spatial and economic
to that now enjoyed by Highways England for control for major roads embedded in their planning processes.
the SRN. communities. However, strong collaboration “And, of course, the highway asset must be
“We’ve been looking at roads in the between local authorities and Highways England properly and systematically maintained and
renewed. We suggest that adherence to HMEP
CURRENT AND FORECAST CAPITAL AND REVENUE EXPENDITURE ON ROADS principles should be a condition for a local
authority operating part of the MRN, and that
this should be backed up by guidance focusing
on the distinct features of running heavily
trafficked, often multi-lane, roads.”
Further information on ‘A Major Road
Network for England’ can be found at: www.
futureroadsengland.org
09
ALL PARTY PARLIAMENTARY GROUP www.asphaltuk.org
KNOWLEDGE
SHARED
THE LATEST batch of current and future
highways professionals has passed through
the 43rd annual course on Asphalt Materials
and Pavements at Newcastle University.
The capacity attendance of 100 delegates
took part in lectures and on-site visits and
demonstrations to gain an introduction
to, or update on, asphalt and highway
construction technology.
Delegates came from across the UK
and overseas and from a wide range of
disciplines including materials suppliers,
contractors and clients to learn and share
Emilia Whitbread / Alamy
their experience and knowledge.
Local roads in
At the closing course dinner, the Institute
Kent suffered as a
of Asphalt Technology (IAT) was represented
result of last year’s
Operation Stack by Arthur Hannah, a past IAT President and
member of its Education Committee. In brief
speeches both Arthur and AIA Chairman Alan
PRACTICAL CHALLENGE OF
Mackenzie noted the ongoing importance of
training and competency for the industry. The
course will continue to be co-promoted by
UNDERFUNDING
THE IMPACT of long term underfunding, “Given Kent’s strategic
the University, MPA Asphalt and the IAT.
FULL WIDTH
as highlighted in the AIA’s Annual Local
Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) survey,
position, its proximity
to Europe plus
PAVER AVAILABLE
was the focus of the summer meeting of the increasing traffic
APPG on Highways. volumes, one can
Speaker Alan Casson, Road and Footway expect our highway
Asset Manager at Kent County Council, set assets to increase in
out the practical challenges experienced in quantity, value and cost to repair.”
managing a local road network valued at
Alan Casson, Kent County Council
£11.5 billion and comprising of 5,400 miles of
roads, in addition to other highways assets. will not in itself solve the problems we face
His talk highlighted to attending Members to maintain local roads. Funding will need to
of Parliament, representatives from the increase.”
House of Lords and industry figures, how, for Alan set out how the size of Kent’s
those working at the sharp end, it is a time highways maintenance backlog is expected
of diminishing resource, growing backlogs, to rise over the next decade, based on current A NEW generation of paver is available in the
deteriorating asset condition and increasing investment levels. Against a backdrop in UK which allows asphalt to be laid across a
customer expectation. which reductions in base funding from central full carriageway width in one pass.
government have yet to be felt, he raised Aggregate Industries is the only contractor
Bleak picture concerns about the task ahead for highway currently able to offer the Titan ABG heavy
“The main findings of this year’s ALARM authorities. duty paver, which is capable of laying asphalt
Survey echo our experiences in Kent as it A further point discussed at the meeting, and hydraulically bound mixtures in a single
paints a pretty bleak picture of the effects held just days after the Brexit vote, was the layer up to 13m wide and 300mm thick.
of long term underfunding, exacerbated by particular challenges faced by the county as This eliminates joints associated with two
increased traffic,” explained Alan. a result of its location as the road gateway standard sized paving machines laying in
“We support the aim of embedding the to the Channel − exemplified last year by echelon, improving the finish of the surface,
use of asset management in highways the impact of Operation Stack on local and reduces the health and safety risks
maintenance and are fully participating in the roads. associated with the need for multiple pavers
Highways Maintenance Efficiency Programme, “Given Kent’s strategic position, its proximity and gangs working in close proximity.
conscious of the need to maximise the use to Europe plus increasing traffic volumes, one Using the Titan ABG also reduces time
of finite funding. However, even with asset can expect our highway assets to increase in by laying at increased depths and covering
management being used extensively, this quantity, value and cost to repair,” Alan said. wider sections.
10
www.asphaltuk.org SHARING BEST PRACTICE 2016
The importance of collaboration in local highway
management was highlighted at this year’s
Sharing Best Practice event hosted by the
AIA at the National Motorcycle Museum near
Birmingham.
HIGHWAYS PROFESSIONALS COLLABORATE AT
BEST PRACTICE EVENT Norfolk, Buckinghamshire and Leeds, HMEP
Advocate Matthew Lugg OBE spoke on the
DfT self-assessment process and the future of
OVER 90 DELEGATES at Sharing Best Practice stakeholders,” said AIA Chairman Alan Mackenzie HMEP. Cross-border sharing was encouraged as
2016, including representatives from over as he kicked off the day-long programme under Paul Hardy set out the Welsh approach to asset
40 local authorities in England and Wales, the theme Embracing Change. “Sharing our ideas management on behalf of CSS Wales.
shared their experiences and solutions to the will help us get the most from opportunities that Client/supply chain collaboration was
challenges facing the local roads sector. the current period of change will bring.” also presented, demonstrating the benefits
“Today is all about working together across As well as presentations from local and successful implementation of Better
regions, across the supply chain and with authorities, including Surrey, North Yorkshire, Information Management (BIM) on a local
AMANDA RICHARDS
The first speaker at Sharing Best Practice explained Amanda.
2016 was Amanda Richards, Group Manager “Through two key actions – an increase
for Network and Asset Management at in road maintenance budget and contract
Surrey County Council. savings – we delivered a £100m investment
In addition to her local authority role, plan for major road maintenance to replace
Amanda is also a member of the UK Roads the worst 500km of Surrey’s roads and
Board and chairs one of its sub groups, deliver over 1,000 separate road schemes.
the Road Condition Management Group, “We are already seeing the effects: by
which governs UKPMS systems and their April this year, we had reconstructed 350km
associated condition surveys. of road within three years and achieved a
Amanda discussed Operation Horizon, 12 per cent contracts saving.”
Surrey’s five year roads programme, why it The programme of work was created
was introduced and the development of a from the existing rolling programme, public
15 year strategy for key highway assets. nominated schemes and those generated
“In 2012, around 17 per cent of Surrey’s through condition data. All suggested “Through two key actions... we
roads were classed as ‘poor’ compared schemes were validated and signed off by delivered a £100m investment plan
to the national average of 10 per cent,” local committees in the work areas. for major road maintenance...”11
SHARING BEST PRACTICE 2016 www.asphaltuk.org
E&E CONGRESS:
NICK TUPPER ANDREW MOLYNEUX INVESTING IN
“BS 11000... sets out commonly
agreed good practice and
OUR GREATEST
defines a common language...” ASSET
THE SIXTH Eurasphalt & Eurobitume (E&E)
Congress provided delegates with three
days of informative presentations, seminars,
workshops and exhibitions.
The theme was Investing in our greatest
asset: roads which provided a platform to
The West Yorkshire Combined demonstrate the innovation and investment
Nick Tupper, Head of Highways at Authority (WYCA), which was made in product development, technology
Norfolk County Council, explained the represented by board member Andrew and decision making in recent years.
council’s decision to move to BS 11000 Molyneux, is a collaborative authority More than 1,000 people attended the 2016
Collaborative Business Relationships between Bradford, Leeds, York, event, held in Prague, which also included
accreditation, how it was achieved and Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. over 250 technical papers delivered to
the resulting benefits. Andrew, Highway Asset Manager share information and ideas and stimulate
“It gives us a structured framework for Leeds City Council, set out how discussion.
for building effective and profitable collaborative highway infrastructure Among those who participated in the event
relationships, sets out commonly asset management has been were AIA Chairman Alan Mackenzie, who
agreed good practice and defines a embedded across these authorities to shared the findings of the 2016 Annual Local
common language for a collaborative the benefit of all involved. Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) survey,
approach,” he said. The group was established in 2014 and Director of MPA Asphalt Malcolm Simms
and works with the Leeds City Region who talked about sustainability in the sector.
Enterprise Partnership to promote The E&E Congress is held every four years
highways upgrade scheme by Hanson in economic development and strategic and is jointly organised by the European
Bournemouth for Dorset County Council. transport roles across the combined bitumen industry association, Eurobitume,
This year’s event saw, for the first time, a authority. and the European Asphalt Pavement
poster session in association with LG TAG (Local Association (EAPA). It is used as an important
Government Technical Advisers Group) under method of raising awareness of the key
the banner ‘Fit for the Future.’ The posters from local authorities to learn from the experiences market drivers; to share best practice and
local authorities and highways sector experts and successes of their sector colleagues, while technology; and respond with solutions to
provided case studies on tried and tested ways of helping industry representatives understand the future challenges.
implementing efficient highway management. constraints that highways teams operate under The event was an excellent opportunity for
so we can better support them in the future.” all involved to share knowledge and received
Feedback from delegates All presentations and poster sessions can extremely positive feedback from those
The popularity of the free event was emphasised be downloaded on the AIA website: www. attending. The next E&E Congress will take
in the positive feedback received through a asphaltuk.org place in Madrid from 13-15 May 2020.
delegate survey. Over 90 per cent of respondents
found the event ‘very useful’ or ‘useful’ and 100
per cent would attend a similar event again and
would recommend it to colleagues.
DIARY DATES
Alan Mackenzie continued: “We see Sharing Some 2017 dates for your diary:
Best Practice as a key milestone in the AIA’s
22-23 Feb 16th annual Asphalt, Pavement Engineering and Infrastructure conference,
annual programme. The timing of the event,
Liverpool John Moores University, Britannia Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool
ahead of the work associated with Challenge
www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/faculties
Fund and self-assessment submissions, allows
2 March ‘Delivering World Class Transport Infrastructure and Services’ – CIHT’s fourth
Another excellent, national conference, Park Plaza, Victoria, London
informative event organised www.ciht.org.uk/en/events
by the AIA. Top quality
speakers sharing best 15 June 51st IAT National Conference: ‘Driving Forward’, The Johnstown Estate Hotel
practice to the benefit of all. and Spa, Enfield, Co. Meath, Ireland www.instituteofasphalt.org
Very thought provoking with 3-8 Sept 44th Annual Residential Course in Asphalt Materials and Pavements,
some useful ideas gained Newcastle http://bit.ly/2eyQSRo
and experiences shared.12
www.asphaltuk.org ENVIRONMENT
A Warwickshire quarry is one of four trial projects to explore the concept whole picture, as the framework has no scope
to consider the worth of natural capital once
of Corporate Natural Capital Accounting (CNCA). But what is CNCA,
put to commercial use.
what does it mean and what are the implications for the asphalt industry? “For our pilot we were required to show a value
A CAPITAL IDEA TAKES
for mineral reserves at the time of the study, but
zero for the extracted mineral in 2032. We believe,
though, that the working of mineral reserves
delivers societal, environmental and economic
NATURE INTO ACCOUNT benefit, as aggregate products are used in the
construction of assets such as housing, schools and
transport infrastructure. There is an opportunity to
CNCA IS central to a 25-year plan, unveiled of our long-term operations.” Tarmac worked reflect this in the methodology in the future.
in autumn 2015 by the Department for within a framework developed by the UK
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), to Government’s Natural Capital Committee (NCC), Theory into practice
deliver a healthy natural economy and is set designed to ascertain the current worth of the “We’re starting to put theory into practice and
to be incorporated into the Treasury’s national site’s natural capital and then attribute a future there’s a lot more development to come. The
accounts by 2020. value to it post restoration. pilot has helped refine the thinking and the
Natural capital is, essentially, the elements The CNCA process starts with a register of concept of treating nature as an asset that
of nature which provide value or benefit to the natural capital assets which an organisation delivers quantifiable services.
people. Air, land, soil, biodiversity and geological either controls or benefits from. A wide range “We welcome the NCC’s decision to further test
resources are all assets just as buildings or of areas were evaluated at Mancetter including its methodologies via regional programmes and
bridges are. Assets have a financial value and carbon sequestration and storage from soils we ourselves are engaging with the University of
the Government estimates that Britain’s natural and vegetation; habitat and biodiversity; Birmingham to examine the ways local authorities
capital is worth some £1.6 trillion. minerals yet to be quarried; natural water, such may use natural capital assessments as part
CNCA applies this value to an organisation’s or as rivers; and recreation and amenity. of their decision making processes. Moving
society’s ‘balance sheet’ and, in doing so, paints a Compared with its condition at the time of forwards, it would be exciting to extend the pilot
picture of the benefit natural capital brings. the pilot, the CNCA process found that the fully- to work with other organisations in different
Mancetter was the only quarry to take part in restored site will deliver significantly improved areas and apply the methodology to whole
the CNCA pilot. It was an ideal location, with the wildlife conservation, carbon sequestration infrastructure projects, for example.
potential to have a further two million tonnes and recreation, with the financial value of these “From our perspective, the scope could
of minerals extracted up to the end of its exceeding the cost of restoration. be extended beyond aggregates to asphalt
operational life in 2024 and aftercare work then At the time of the pilot Mancetter Quarry had a materials. For example, a permeable asphalt
taking place to create a natural habitat. total net natural capital, excluding mineral reserves, surface can provide advantages in terms
“We are committed to ensuring that at the of £0.11 million. For the year 2032, following after- of biodiversity, flood prevention and water
end of a quarry’s operational life the local care, this was forecast to be £3.56 million. The worth provision, so there would be enhanced natural
ecology is richer, more varied and sustainable derived from carbon sequestration and biodiversity capital value with its use on a project.
than before,” explains Dr Martyn Kenny, Director was higher and, for the first time, a value could be “The quantification of such benefits could
of Sustainability at Tarmac, the quarry’s owner. placed on the amenity the restored site will offer. be used to support the justification and value
“This shows that a restored quarry carries of infrastructure schemes and/or identify
Pilot objectives significant value,” says Dr Kenny, “and highlights alternative designs in order to capitalise on
“Through the pilot, we wanted to test whether we the benefits of the CNCA process. This was these for the benefit of natural resources and
could track our progress against this commitment encouraging but the analysis does not give a local communities.”
using hard evidence and financial metrics.
Additionally, we wanted to see how CNCA could
support asset and resource management, and
boost our community engagement programmes
by showing the contribution our restoration
schemes can deliver to the local environment.
“We are committed to ensuring
“Lastly, we wanted to learn how the approach
that at the end of a quarry’s
could improve the resilience and sustainability operational life the local ecology
is richer, more varied and
sustainable than before.”
Asphalt Now is published by the AIA, a partnership
between the Mineral Products Association and Dr Martyn Kenny, Director of
Eurobitume UK. The generic term ‘asphalt’ used in this Sustainability, Tarmac
magazine refers to the range of asphalts and coated
macadams available in the UK. Views expressed in
Asphalt Now are not necessarily those of the Mineral
Products Association or Eurobitume UK.
Media and general enquiries:
AIA Press & Information Office
Mancetter quarry,
WestPoint, 78 Queens Road, Bristol BS8 1QU
Warwickshire
020 7222 0136 info@asphaltuk.org
@AIA_Asphalt www.asphaltuk.orgYou can also read
