The asphalt construction site of the future - a dutch perspective

This paper brings together challenges facing asphalt construction in the Netherlands and the vision for a Construction Site of the Future given ever-changing requirements of the road construction industry. Drawing on the experiences of more than 40 case studies monitored over a period of eight years, this paper highlights a few key issues relating to process improvement and how it can be addressed using current construction informatics. The vision is firstly communicated to professionals using a scenario for the asphalt Construction Site of the Future. The scenario is intended to highlight the potential benefits of integrating new sensor technologies and informatics into the rather complex asphalt construction process. Current practical challenges are then addressed including the development and integration of real-time information systems to support the process in the context of operational, tactical and strategic decision-making. We highlight the developmental implications for the construction industry should the vision for the future be adopted, the potential benefits of implementing new sensor technologies and informatics, the effects on human resources, and the potential impact on knowledge management initiatives. Finally, we position the important roles of public clients and contractors to successfully address challenges of variability in the asphalt construction process.

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