The XII International Scientific and Practical Conference "Innovative Technologies: Ways to Extend the Service Life Intervals of Highways" took place in Moscow at the Moscow Automobile and Road Construction State Technical University (MADI) venue. The event brought together employees of road transportation industry departments, manufacturers of road materials and members of academic community.
Vyacheslav Petushenko, Chairman of the Board of Russian Highways State Company, addressed the conference participants with a welcoming speech. He wished the participants a productive and successful conference. He also pointed out that modern engineering methods allow for more efficient use of materials and resources during construction and installation works.
"The road industry responds to the existing challenges. As global and domestic economic landscapes shift, so do the supply and logistics chains. To adapt, we are streamlining our operations and creating technical innovations that cut costs, enable us to augment workload within constrained timeframes, and maintain top-tier quality. This has a direct impact on the country's economy. Thus, the new approaches also impact the intervals between repairs. This makes the topic of today's conference highly relevant. I am happy that this event is held in the university. This is where the future leaders of our industry are trained – the experts who will make the crucial technical choices shaping the future of road construction in this country," asserted Vyacheslav Petushenko.
Konstantin Mogilny, Head of the Technical Policy and Innovative Technologies Department of the Russian Highways State Company, took part in the event too. He provided an overview of the innovative technologies and materials being deployed on expressways, and then detailed the State Company's Innovation Development Program. The attainment of its key performance indicators will facilitate import phaseout, reduction of total lifecycle costs of motorways, higher work efficiency, and cheaper, faster construction.
Besides, he shared findings of large-scale research carried out at an experimental site as part of the M-12 "Vostok" expressway construction. Specifically, he spoke about accelerated testing of pavement structures using the TsIKLOS rig, alongside the implementation of asphalt concrete surface and base courses engineered according to the volumetric-functional design methodology.
"Research conducted at a major infrastructure facility helps verify the effectiveness and reliability of applied technical solutions, as well as the operability of the entire technology complex, from design to quality assurance during the construction phase. Moreover, as part of the experiment during the construction of the M-12 "Vostok" expressway, as well as the Diurtiuli–Achit segment, the volume of imported materials was reduced through the use of local resources. This helped lessen the load on the regional road network and ramp up construction efficiency. These solutions will be considered for further application," specified Konstantin Mogilny.
He further observed that extending the intervals between repairs for motorways depends on numerous factors, the primary one being the strength and durability of the roadbed. Given specific operating environments and rising traffic demands, it is advisable to opt for the most efficient and proven technologies and materials. Thus, engineering experts with the Russian Highways State Company have compiled a Model Solution Design Book, drawing on the experience gained from implementing grand-scale projects in recent years. Alongside this, the necessity of using recycled materials was emphasized. For instance, the share of recycled asphalt concrete in new pavements on expressways is planned to be increased up to 30% by 2028.
The Russian Highways experts are also constantly exploring new technical avenues to enhance safety, reliability, and comfort for every road user.
