Statement attributed to City of Ballarat Director Infrastructure and Environment, Bridget Wetherall
The City of Ballarat takes its responsibility in delivering safe, sustainable and cost-effective roads infrastructure extremely seriously.
We recently completed a trial using a nanotechnology stabilising agent in the reconstruction of a 1.6km section of Gillies Road, between Jubilee Road and Millers Road at Bald Hills.
While early indications of the trial in April showed the outcome was a success, the treated base layer is showing some signs of failure in small, isolated areas.
Our team worked closely with local contractor Fulton Hogan and the product agent on-site every day throughout the construction period and the trial method was carried out by a contractor to exact specifications.
The trial section of the road passed several tests including a proof roll, a test for bearing capacity via the use of a pavement deflector meter and compaction testing.
We have re-engaged with geotechnical engineers and the nanotechnology supply consultant, with testing now underway in a bid to identify the cause of the deterioration.
Pending these results, we will then determine the best course of action to remedy the road. In the interim, defects are being patched with asphalt to ensure safety for road users.
This nanotechnology project has been successfully used for more than 30 years in cold and wet climates throughout Europe.
The City of Ballarat has trialled the product in small sections of unsealed and sealed roads over the past seven years, with promising results.
We will consider other options and methods to determine if the product remains a viable option going forward.
The product is renowned for more than halving the cost of constructing rural roads - reducing the pavement depth required from between 250 and 350mm, less than half the depth of a conventional road.
It has also delivered roads with a bearing capacity between five and 10 times' stronger than that of a conventional road.
This particular trial cost $970,000, including purchase of the nanotechnoloy materials. In comparison, a road upgrade of that length using traditional road building methods would cost approximately $2 million.
Separately, another 4.1km section of Gillies Road is being reconstructed this year between Addington Road and Glendonald Road.
This section of road will be completed as per standard road construction practice.
At a cost of $5 million, this new road pavement is more expensive but represents conventional road building techniques with a design life of 25 years.
While this trial result is disappointing, the City of Ballarat remains committed to exploring innovation with a focus on safety, quality and long-term value for the community.
