Project #11: Dirt Cheap: Improving Management of Unsealed Roads

This project is offered by the Roads and Transport Directorate, a joint initiative of the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA NSW Division and Local Government NSW (LGNSW). The Directorate is committed to improving the local road and transport network to meet future community, industry, and economic needs.

Project Description

Unsealed roads are a critical asset for Australia, supporting regional communities, freight, mining, and timber industries. With a network of 413,000 km nationally and a $5.8 billion gross replacement cost in NSW alone, their effective management is essential.

This project aims to explore whether current practices for maintaining unsealed roads are optimal or if alternative practices could provide better long-term outcomes. Specifically, the project involves developing an assessment management tool to estimate lifecycle costs for different road management practices. This tool will help councils assess long-term financial impacts and make informed decisions about their unsealed road networks.

Students will design and build a program (or Excel-based tool) to compare treatment costs over time, considering variable factors like material delivery costs. The project will culminate in a detailed guide explaining the tool’s usage and integration into council operations.

Disciplines, Knowledge and Skill required

This project is suited to students in their 3rd year or later, with backgrounds in civil, mechanical, or related engineering disciplines. Key skills include:

  • Basic programming or Excel proficiency.
  • Understanding of road maintenance practices.
  • Strong project management and stakeholder communication skills.

Format and Size

This project is ideal for teams of 4–6 students, allowing for specialization in key areas. It is particularly suitable for interdisciplinary courses or capstone subjects.

Support and Supervision

Guidance will be provided through existing IPWEA NSW & ACT publications. Supervision may include:

  • Regular Q&A sessions with Roads and Transport Directorate engineers.
  • Potential site visits for universities near IPWEA offices.

Deliverables

  • A program or spreadsheet for estimating lifecycle costs of unsealed road treatments.
  • A user guide providing context, analysis, and instructions for integrating the tool into council processes.
  • A final presentation, with opportunities for industry feedback at the IPWEA NSW & ACT state conference in April 2025.

Contact Details

Email your interest to: projects@engineeringfuturesinitiative.org

Theme
Civil
Size
Medium