Thread Split: Hello from Jo and a call for discussion of recycled materials in roads

[Journeymouse]

Hello from not so sunny Surrey

Just thought I'd say hello and introduce myself.

I answer also to Jo, Mouse and Jomouse and I'm doing an engineering doctorate in environmental technology at Surrey University in Guildford, Surrey, UK while being employed by Surrey County Coucil (SCC). My project for SCC is on the recycling and use of alternative materials in roads. Which isn't exactly that much to do with the Cycurbia, but I found the site while doing research and liked it so much that I have decided to stay...

If you want to know anything else it's on my web-site

Journeymouse

 

[Cardinal]

Welcome! I enjoyed your web site as well.

Why not a discussion of recycled materials in roads? Or "green" roads in general? How many of us have some influence in their construction, beyond their location? Is anyone out there doing environmentally-friendly road design? New Urban streets? Traffic calming?

Locally, we have talked about using foundry sands from a brownfield as road base material. I would also like to try a green road (storm water management) in our business park.

 

[Jen]

[modhat on] I liked Michaels questions so much that I put them here.{modhat off}

From a quick google:
recycled pavement center

 

[Journeymouse]

Reading and research

I thought I'd share some links so you blokes (and lasses) could see the sort of thing I've been looking at:

The Idiot's Guide to Highway Maintenance
http://www.highwaysmaintenance.com/
(I think this is on my web-site anyway)

Transport 2000
http://www.transport2000.org.uk

The Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions
http://www.dtlr.gov.uk/

The Highways Agency
http://www.highways.gov.uk/

In terms of green(er) highways, my project's supposed to end up with a decision aid that considers in-situ and ex-situ recycling and/or alternative material use (glass, PFA and so on) in comparison to just 'conventional' construction. My supervisors are ignoring phrases like 'sustainable development' and 'sustainable transport', but the current practice (or should that be rhetoric?) is to maintain the existing network rather than expand it. I've also been told to ignore planning, etc., which seems a little odd to me when in-situ recycling, the preferred technique', needs long, relatively straight stretches of road.