The Danish Road Institute celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2003. The history of the institute and some of the research and development highlights are described. The institute, initially called the Danish Road Laboratory, was set up in 1928 to evaluate new maintenance methods for roads. In 1998, the institute was restructured and two departments were created: the Asphalt Department (research, development, testing and consultancy regarding asphalt pavements for roads and bridges and their surface properties) and the Research and Testing Department (research, development, testing and consultancy regarding unbound and hydraulically bound surfaces and materials). The institute has focused on bearing capacity, friction, evenness and rutting on roads. The institute uses bridge, construction and pavement management systems to provide information on the condition of roads and structures. Present areas of research include perpetual pavements, asset management and total reuse of the road.
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