THE CONTRIBUTION OF ACCELERATED TESTING OF PAVEMENTS TO IMPROVED PRODUCTIVITY

The purpose of this paper is to describe the Australian Accelerated Loading Facility (ALF) program, its management, and the interaction of the program into a co-ordinated national strategy for pavement research. The outputs and benefits of the seven trials conducted to date are described, together with issues relevant to the continuation of the program. During the seven ALF trials completed to date in four Australian states, 90 experiments have been completed, and 14 million load cycles have been applied to 35 pavement types at an estimated annual benefit of $30M. The benefits of intense study of well- controlled pavement test sections over a relatively short period of time have led to a series of continuous, incremental improvements in Australian pavement technology. Given the increasing truck volumes, loads and tyre pressures on Australia's roads and the need to contain the costs of maintaining and rehabilitating the aging Australian road network, the thrust of the ALF program will continue to be directed towards the evaluation of new technologies and practices in order that the most cost-effective construction and rehabilitation strategy can be adopted. For the covering abstract of this conference, see IRRD no 843040.