Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s Roads General Authority (RGA) has started an advanced research study to evaluate the performance of asphalt layers, as well as the use of materials salvaged from building demolition sites in road construction.

The study is aimed at enhancing environmental sustainability, preserving natural sources of materials, raising spending efficiency and controlling costs.

Researchers obtained treated gravel from demolition sites as well as specialized environmental landfills, in addition to asphalt mixtures that include a variety of materials that are designed and tested in the laboratory for analysis. The study will then implement experimental road sections.

The RGA will measure the success of the experiment using specialized sensors to monitor the resistance and efficiency of the sections during the tests. The efficacy of experimental sections will be tested using the heavy traffic load simulator — the first device of its kind to be used in the Middle East for simulating climate and traffic loads.

The evaluation work will continue in the first phase for a year, during which examination and evaluation work will be carried out, and results and recommendations will be analyzed.

The authority is working on implementing a package of studies and scientific research aimed at promoting innovation in the road sector and upgrading road services. The RGA is a regulatory authority under the Ministry of Transport and Logistics that is responsible for overseeing the country’s construction, operation and maintenance of roads.