Griffith University’s long-term pavement performance research for Southeast Queensland SEQ) has been recognised in the 2012 National Awards for Local Governments.
Gold Coast City Council, Logan City Council and Redlands City Council were commended in the category of Asset and Financial Management for their Long-Term Pavement Performance Study for SEQ.
The Griffith University team leading this research, has been working in collaboration with the local authorities for the past 10 years, finding ways to better manage the maintenance of road networks and paving the way for better roads in the SEQ.
Program leader, Dr Gary Chai (pictured), from Griffith’s Centre for Infrastructure Engineering and Management, said the national recognition is another significant milestone for this study.
“This research has looked at various factors, including the environmental impacts on pavement performance in the long-term,” Dr Chai said.
“The study has established deterioration factors for road surfaces within the three local council areas and these findings have led to improvements and timely identification of road sections which require rehabilitation,” he said.
In announcing the winners, The Hon Simon Crean MP, Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, said the standard of the entries in 2012 had been extremely high.
“The National Awards for Local Government are designed to recognise and reward Local Councils for their important work in supporting their local communities,” Mr Crean said.
Associate Professor Michael Blumenstein (Dean of Research) and Professor Yew-Chaye Loo (Program Director) have congratulated the research partners and the pavement research team members, Dr Gary Chai, Dr Rudi van Staden and Dr Sanaul Chowdhury.
“This National Award recognises the innovative research being conducted in the field of Civil Engineering at Griffith University,” Associate Professor Michael Blumenstein said.
“The long term pavement performance project led by the Griffith researchers in cooperation with local Councils addresses a real problem in our community with very practical solutions,” he said.
“Funding for this project has come from research partners, Queensland Southern Regional Road Group and Roads Alliance and their contribution and continuing support are greatly appreciated.”