Reimagining Unbound Road Pavement Technology: Integrating Advances in Unsaturated Soil Mechanics, Testing, Design, Construction and Performance in the Post-digital Era

E.H. Davis Lecture 2021

Professor Jayantha Kodikara

The Industry 4.0 revolution marks a significant transformation in pavement technology, underscoring the integration of digital and physical systems to innovate traditional, empirical-based pavement design, construction, and maintenance practices. This transition promises enhanced efficiency, sustainability, and the adoption of integrated practices, epitomized by implementing “Digital Twin” technology. Drawing on insights from the Australian Research Council (ARC)’s Industry Transformation Research Hub for Smart Next Generation Transport Pavements (SPARC Hub), this presentation delves into the comprehensive integration of advances in unsaturated soil mechanics, pavement testing, design, construction, condition assessment, and asset management within the lifecycle of unbound road pavements with thin asphalt seals. The focus is on how this technological amalgamation streamlines decision-making processes and significantly enhances the functionality and durability of pavement infrastructures.

The presentation will also explore future research directions to overcome implementation barriers, explore untapped technological potentials, and evaluate the sustainability benefits of digital approaches in pavement engineering. Furthermore, it will address how incorporating climate effects into pavement design can further enhance resilience and adaptability, ensuring that our infrastructure meets the challenges of changing environmental conditions. By leveraging advanced technologies and data-driven insights, we aim to revolutionize pavement engineering, paving the way for more resilient, sustainable, and efficient road networks.

Professor Jayantha Kodikara Director, ARC ITRH on Smart Next Generation Transport Pavements – SPARC Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University

Professor Jayantha Kodikara is the Director of ARC Hub for Smart Next Generation Transport Pavements – SPARC (http://www.sparchub.org.au) within Monash Civil Engineering. He is also the leader of Monash Pipeline Research Group. He has published over 500 publications on diverse topics and has graduated over 50 PhD students. He is a Chartered Professional Engineer in Australia and a Fellow of Engineers Australia. His fundamental research has led to the development of the MPK (Monash-Peradeniya-Kodikara) Framework and Model for unsaturated compacted soil modelling, which uncovered a direct link between the traditional compaction curve and advanced unsaturated soil modelling. Seminal contributions in the applied research area include elucidating buried water pipe failure and deterioration mechanisms, leading to global paradigm shifts in pipeline asset management. He has received several awards for innovation and industry collaboration, including National and International Water Association Awards and B/HERT Award in 2016, ARRB Impact Award in 2019, and Monash Vice-Chancellor’s and Dean’s Awards for Innovation and Enterprise in 2013, 2019 and Excellence in Post Graduate Supervision Award in 2024.

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