The Victorian Shire of Campaspe, in conjunction with Australia Road Research Board, has utilised Ground Penetrating Radar to determine the depths of its gravel road pavements.
Fifty kilometres of gravel roads were selected, with the depth of gravel measured every 100 metres. The accuracy of the results was plus/minus 15 per cent.
This survey has indicated that the average depth of rock for this 50 kilometres sample is 63 millimetres. Another survey has just been completed over the same sample and this will enable the Shire to accurately determine the rate of loss of gravel due to traffic maintenance practices and environmental factors.
For the first time, the Shire will be able to determine the average useful life for its gravel road network. This will ensure the Shire knows what levels of funds should be expended to maintain its gravel road network.
Council believes this innovation can be used by any Local Government with a gravel road network to assist them to determine the useful life of their gravel road pavements. It is hoped that as the technology is modified, the costs of carrying out such surveys will be reduced.
The whole gravel network can be surveyed and monitored every three years, thereby giving Council an accurate assessment of the condition of its gravel road network. Without this information, Councils are guessing at the average life of these pavements and consequently will not be realistically assessing the money required to maintain their gravel road networks.
For further information on this assessment system, contact Ralph Kop, Campaspe’s General Manager Assets & Planning, on (03) 5481 2242.
