Renewal of the massive road infrastructure requires periodic maintenance, rehabilitation and reconstruction at the most appropriate time in the roads life cycle. While sufficient financing is a clear requisite for preservation, education, training and research are necessary to ensure the work is carried out effectively. An operational framework for roads infrastructure has been outlined. A set of generically based activities within the framework have been identified. These activities have been matched with specific skills required to carry out the tasks. While current educational approaches, particularly civil engineering programs do a good overall job in teaching fundamentals, there is a need to emphasize infrastructure renewal. Well documented case studies, workshops, and seminars are also required to realize the benefits of a well run renewal program. A number of research opportunities have been identified in this paper. These needs range from developing new technologies in the area of design, materials, construction and maintenance to better modeling approaches for road infrastructure deterioration and optimization of alternative renewal strategies. (A)
Abstract