18 April 2023
Tonkin has been involved in supporting regional local government in South Australia to develop a complete asset management approach to unsealed roads management.
Over the last 20 years this has involved establishing field assessment methodologies, postprocessing field condition data, developing predicative modelling and comparing performance with actual works in the field to satisfy the valuation and asset planning legislative requirements in the state.
In parallel, Tonkin has led research and the development of other tools to better understand unsealed road material performance. This research work began in 2008 to deliver the Ellis. R , Andrew B (2013) paper at the IPWEA Conference in Darwin where a protocol to develop and aid the selection of materials for unsealed roads was established.
From 2018 to 2023, Tonkin established a practical framework for ongoing unsealed material testing, monitoring and reporting.
Rod's IPWEA 2023 paper outlines the key principles developed and presents suggestions for expanding the use of the framework in other regions of Australia.
If you would like to find out how Tonkin can help your organisation improve management of unsealed roads, please don't hesitate to contact Rod Ellis.