Material shortages and changing demands on the road network are leading to the need for new, or innovative, products to be utilised in road construction and maintenance. Indeed, this need extends beyond the pavement to markings, safety enhancing products and lighting. In order to ensure that only appropriate products are introduced to the road procurement process, there is a need for a systematic assessment of new products. This paper describes the development of such a system, known as Materials Innovation Management System (MIMS). This paper represents an interim description of progress made to date in what is anticipated will be a successful development of a much needed system. The paper explores the origins of the initiative as well as the process followed in developing a conceptual design for the system. It also describes the major elements of the system, and gives some indication of how the major processes would work. It also describes current international and local practice and uses this as a benchmark against which to compare the system design. Finally, the paper describes some of the challenges facing the further development of the system. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. 0612AR242E.
Abstract