University Road Research Planned

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30063, 22 February 1963, Page 12

University Road Research Planned

(From Out Own Reporter)

WELLINGTON, Feb. 21. A co-operative road research project in which the engineering schools at the universities of Canterbury and Auckland will participate was mentioned at a meeting of the National Roads Board.

It was suggested that the attention of engineering students would be focused on current reading problems, and that thinking on road problems would be stimulated. The Director of Roadipg (Mr J. H. Mackay) said that late last year an approach was made to the two univer-

sities to see if they would be interested in such work. Since then there had been an encouraging response from the University of Canterbury Preliminary discussions had been held with the engineering staff at the university to allay fears and reconcile differing viewpoints. The proposals under consideration are that the universities should investigate the relative load spreading properties of different types and grading of base course materials in pavement structures, and the effect on bearing value of variations in moisture content and compaction. In promoting this research, it is proposed that the Ministry of Works arrange for the construction of full-scale test sections for the school’s use in soil research, that the Ministry provide data-recording instruments, and that details of the work to be carried out should be agreed upon by the Reading Division and the university. Present indications are that it would cost about £2500 to construct test sections and carry out necessary incidental work to enable the university to proceed with the research work outlined. No direct payment to the university would be involved.