BHU, NHAI sign MoU, to improve quality of roads

VARANASI: Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University) is going to play an important role in improving the quality of roads in India. The experts of the Institute will conduct a research work on the development of performance based mix design process for bituminous mixtures. For this, an MoU has been signed between IIT (BHU) and the National Highways Authority of India.
This research work will be carried out under assistant professor in the Department of Civil Engineering Nikhil Saboo as the principle investigator and Ankit Gupta of as the co-principal investigator.
According to Saboo, the surface layer of the flexible pavement is the costliest component, which bears most of the vehicular loading in the highway. The current methods involved in the mix design of bituminous mixtures has certain deficiencies and cannot assure performance of the surface layers in terms of resistance to rutting and fatigue cracking.
He said that it is envisaged that this study will come up with more logical guidelines on rational practices for developing mixes which can sustain heavy vehicular loading in Indian highways. Such optimized mix design will reduce the variability associated with the performance of bituminous mixes and will serve as an economical guideline for the long-term performance of flexible pavements.
This project is aimed towards construction of durable and long-lasting roads in India. It will also help in reducing the life cycle cost by delaying the need of frequent maintenance. The outcomes of this project will be implemented through construction of test sections in collaboration with NHAI. These roads will be evaluated periodically to understand the applicability of the developed methodology. This will help to gain more confidence in adopting the developed technology for construction of durable roads in India.
“This Industry-Academia relationship is anticipated to open further opportunities for exchange of ideas and expertise which will lead to sustainable development of infrastructure in the country,” he said.