The CIHT Prize for the Best Performance in a Highways or Transportation Related Final Year Project
Olivia Thomas, Aston University
Opportunities and constraints of integrating Dutch engineering principles into local UK design guidance and its value in achieving net zero by promoting cycling.
Madeline Harris, Nottingham Trent University
Assessing the durability of low carbon cement binders used for soil stabilisation under climate change impacts
The CIHT Prize for the Best Performance by a Highways or Transportation Apprentice in a Degree or Graduate Apprenticeship
Francesca Leonard, Aston University
Best overall performance in terms of module attainment
The CIHT Prize for the Best Performance by an MSc or MEng Student in Highways or Transportation
Ben Kettleborough, Nottingham Trent University
Pavement Assessment and Design Report
Olivia Thomas
Aston University
Opportunities and constraints of integrating Dutch engineering principles into local UK design guidance and its value in achieving net zero by promoting cycling.
Globally, we are facing a climate crisis, with domestic transport being the greatest contributor of GHG’s. Whilst the Netherlands have successfully reduced their GHG emissions through the promotion of cycling, cycling uptake in the UK remains a challenge. The major differentiating factor between cycling in these countries is the inclusion of Dutch Engineering Principles in Local Design Guides. It is the aim of this research project to identify existing and new opportunities and constraints for the inclusion of Dutch Engineering Principles in Local Design Guides; subsequently this shall facilitate the development of Dutch styled cycle infrastructure, promote cycling uptake and reduce GHG emissions from domestic transport in the UK.
The project examined existing literature and conducted a survey of 27 UK transport planning professionals in January 2024 to understand the full extent of the opportunities and constraints of DEP in LDGs and practice and whether it would have a tangible impact on the net-zero agenda. The survey consolidated the existing constraints and opportunities found in literature, as well as identifying new ideas that assist with the incorporation of DEP in LDG’s and addresses gaps in the state of the art.
It was concluded that psychological and environmental factors were the most chronic barrier to the inclusion of DEP but lack of adoptable space to implement these design features and the lack of evidentiary support to show there is human demand to justify the investment of DEP was an additional, new constraint that had yet to be fully developed in the art. Conversely, the survey discovered the unique opportunity whereby many experts were not aware that the Netherlands allowed <500CC to use cycle infrastructure. This could propel demand for DEP in the UK, as more people could use the infrastructure, promoting mode shift and addressing capacity issues.
Overall, DEP is viewed as an expensive pipe dream with little opportunities and many constraints. However, if these constraints were to be alleviated and the opportunities of DEP to be highlighted, through further quantifiable studies and the support of experts and people who want to cycle, it would provide a robust case for its integration in the UK; this contribution to assisting with the net-zero agenda is invaluable.
Francesca Leonard
Aston University
Best overall performance in terms of module attainment
Francesca’s work demonstrates an informed and empathetic approach to promoting safe, sustainable and accessible transport for all. Examples of her work include a final year project aimed at understanding the impact of cycle crime (and perceptions of risk) in influencing travel choices, an examination of the challenges of balancing protection of an historic bridge with the need to maintain the transport function it serves, and the human factors considerations of smart motorway operation. She has also written about her work on the Commonwealth Games planning.
Madaline Harris
Nottingham Trent University
Assessing the durability of low carbon cement binders used for soil stabilisation under climate change impacts
In the face of climate change the severity of weather variations, including high-intensity rainfall, and droughts, has only increased causing significant damage to the performance of pavements. The ability of pavements to resist deformation relies on the strength of the subgrade soil, particularly its response to volume changes. Expansive soils present exacerbated shrink-swell properties under the influence of moisture changes, posing a significant challenge to pavement resilience. Whilst cement and lime soil stabilisation techniques have been proven to provide enhanced strength properties and adequate durability in resisting moisture fluctuations, a more sustainable approach is of importance, hence the need to explore the durability of low-carbon binders.
This study investigated the durability of low-carbon binders, H-EVA, CEM/GGBS, and lime+CEM/GGBS in comparison to lime-treated soil subjected to wetting and drying cycles, imitating the harsh environmental conditions. The strength of these binders and plasticity characterisation was assessed after a variety of cyclical tests were performed, to evaluate the durability performance of the binders. The results signify the negative effect that the change in moisture has on the strength of the stabilised soil. Concluding that the lime+CEM/GGBS binder has the best resilience against climate change impacts and H-EVA minimal, where the addition of lime increased the durability through further reduction in water demand.
Ben Kettleborough
Nottingham Trent University
Pavement Assessment and Design Report
The report involved conducting the necessary calculations, designs and recommendations for three trunk road schemes and providing the necessary advice for each of the schemes. The schemes were made up of two existing trunk roads with available survey information and one new trunk road that involved design options. All work produced within the report was in accordance with the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) and relevant clauses were referenced throughout the report.
Scheme 1 required the use of TRACS data. Interpretation was required on the general condition of the scheme. Also, recommendations were required on whether further detailed (‘scheme level’) investigations are required on any sections of the scheme, and if so what type of detailed investigations should be conducted (and what information these investigations would provide).
Scheme 2 required using road pavement data for interpretation of the overall condition of the entire pavement. For sections where the condition is poor, or showing signs of deterioration or lack of support, the possible cause of the poor condition was reported, and initial consideration of appropriate treatment options were recommended.
Scheme 3 required assessing and recommending the performance design options for a new road foundation based on preliminary DCP data. There was a requirement to determine and report the Design Traffic for the new road. Options were designed for flexible pavement designs (both for fully flexible and flexible composite with HBM base).
All calculations, designs and advice adhered to the guidelines and content of the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB). The sustainability of pavement designs and assessment methodologies were considered.
