This paper reports on the results of a case study program that sought to demonstrate the benefits of innovation in the industry and the nature of successful implementation processes. The case study program profiled three innovative projects in the road construction industry. This paper reports on the results of the three demonstration case studies: alliancing on the Port of Brisbane Motorway project; the use of ground penetrating radar to detect defects in bridge beams; and Australia’s first fibre-reinforced polymer bridge deck on the road network. The key findings from the studies are that: the benefits of innovation are significant; clients can play a key role in driving innovation; innovation involving adoption of existing advanced technologies and practices is just as beneficial as original innovation; the type of contract employed on a project can have a profound impact on the opportunities for innovation and the benefits derived; and small local businesses can be technology leaders. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E212706.
Abstract