HIGHWAYS RESEARCH STATION

Highways Research Station was established in the year 1954. Foundation stone was laid by the former Governor Thiru. Sri. Prakasa of Madras in the year 1956 and the building was inaugurated by Former Chief Minister Thiru. K. Kamaraj of Tamil Nadu in the year 1957. Research on techniques, testing of materials adopted in Highway Construction and quality control for Road & Bridge works being executed in Highways Department are the primary functions of HRS. It also provides technical guidance to the personnel of Highways Department, whenever required. Highways Research Station is headed by the Director (Chief Engineer level officer) and functioning with 2 Joint Directors, 1 Superintending Engineer, 6 Deputy Directors and 17 Divisional Engineers.

THE OBJECTIVES OF HRS

The primary objectives of the Highways Research Station are,

• Research,
• Testing.
• Training.

FUNCTIONS OF HRS:

• Researches on innovative construction materials and technologies.
• Testing on materials used for road and bridge works.
• Offering technical solutions for field issues.
• Ensuring quality of works in several stages.
• Capacity building of the Highways staff through training.
• Offering suggestion to Execution wings in Road safety measures for ensuring safe and seamless traffic.
• Offers technical guidance for geometric and junction improvements.

I. ACTIVITIES OF HRS:

1. ROUTINE ACTIVITIES:

HRS has four laboratories at Chennai viz., Soils, Concrete, Bitumen and Traffic Labs with state- of- the- art equipments. Well equipped eight regional laboratories are also functioning at Villupuram, Trichy, Thanjavur, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Salem, Tiruppur and Coimbatore.
Routine activities like testing of soil & rock samples, pile load tests for bridges, non-destructive tests on concrete members, material testing viz cement, steel, designing of flexible and rigid pavements, concrete and bituminous mix designs, evaluation of surface characteristics by road surface roughness tests, structural evaluation by carrying out Benklemen Beam Deflection Test (BBD) and Junction improvement techniques based on traffic and assessing the Vehicle Damage Factor (VDF) by axle load survey are being undertaken in the above laboratories.

II. LAB ACTIVITIES:

2.1. Crushed Stone Sand (M-Sand):

Crushed Stone Sand (M-Sand) is being used in Tamil Nadu Highways Department since 2015 as an alternate to River Sand. The manufacturing unit is being inspected by the Superintending Engineer (H) Construction & Maintenance and Divisional Engineer (H) Quality Control of the respective circles to ensure the quality of Crushed Stone Sand (M-Sand) and being used for various Highways Works.

A detailed Study on the Crushed Stone Sand (M-Sand) obtained through Vertical Shaft Impact (VSI) Crusher unit with variation in percentage of micro fines (75 micron passing) was undertaken by HRS. It was observed that 28 days compressive strength achieved by using Crushed Stone Sand (M-Sand) are well above the compressive strength that achieved using River Sand and more than 1500 concrete mix design were evolved and used various construction works in Highways.

RCC Beam Test using Crushed Stone Sand (M-Sand)

RCC Slab Test using Crushed Stone Sand (M-Sand)

2.2.Remedial Measures for Rehabilitation of Distressed Bridges:

During the Year 2018 the following Old bridges requiring repair and rehabilitation were inspected by a team of HRS

• ROB at Km.123/2 of Old NH-45 Passing through Tindivanam town of Villupuram (H) C&M Division.
• Bridge at Km.0/2 of Pennaiyar bridge approach road (SHU-47) Kallakurichi (H) C&M Division.
• Thanthai Periyar Bridge across Cauvery River at km 0/385 - 1/850 of Musiri –Kulithalai –Pudukottai –Alangudi –Peravoorani –Sethubavachatram Road (SHU-71) in the jurisdiction of Karur (H), C&M Division.

During the year 2019, the following old Bridges requiring repair and rehabilitation were inspected by a team of HRS

• The Mayor Muthu Bridge at km 443/8-442/2 of Varanasi-Kanyakumari road (Abandoned NH-71) (SHU-73) in the jurisdiction of Madurai(H), C&M Division.

Suitable remedial measures such as Sealing of Cracks, Guniting / Shotcreting, replacing the bearings, replacing expansion joints, repairs to wearing coat, Bed protection and river training works were suggested to enhance the service life and utilization of the bridges.

2.3 Roughness Test conducted for TNRSP Roads

Roughness test is conducted for the roads in Output Performance based Road Contract for the Maintenance of TNRSP roads in presence of HRS Engineers. Recently, the roughness test was conducted for Nagapattinam – Thoothukudi Road from Km 10/2 to 102/0 for both directions.

Roughness test for Nagapattinam – Thoothukudi Road from Km 10/2 to 102/0

3.CONSULTANCY WORKS:

Apart from the routine activities, the following consultancy works have been carried out,

• Airport Authority of India (AAI) – Methodology to be adopted for improving CBR value of existing value in Runway Basic Strips.
• SIPCOT Industrial Park, Thervoykandigai – Design of overlay thickness using Benkleman Beam Deflection (BBD)..
• RITES – Design of GSB, WMM in existing holding yard for M/s Kamaraj Port Ltd.

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES:

4.1. Completed Research Schemes:

The completed research schemes under Tamil Nadu Innovation Initiatives Fund (TANII) and their outcome are as follows,

4.1.1. Study on the effect of Nano clay in bituminous mixes

As Modified bituminous mixtures over the conventional hot bituminous mixes, the addition of nano clays viz., Bentonite Nano clay & Montmorillonite Nano clay as modifiers to the conventional bitumen enhance the mechanical properties & improves the performance against rutting and fatigue of bituminous mixes.

4.1.2 Study on performance of jute fibre reinforced cold bituminous mixes

Flexible road pavement are constructed using Hot Bituminous Mix which is manufactured and laid at high temperatures (140 to 175oC) requiring considerable fuel for heating which also causes environmental pollution. As an initiative for greener roads, increased attention is bestowed to the improvement and utilization of Cold Bituminous Mix, since Bitumen Emulsions are used instead of Bitumen. IRC:SP:100-2014 “Use of cold mix technology in construction and maintenance of roads using bitumen emulsion” specifies lower Marshall stability values for design mix of wearing course. Hence, modification is necessary for higher stability value comparable to hot mix design to suit high traffic conditions. Naturally available Jute fibre has been chosen for this study for adding with Cold bituminous mix and studying its performances.

The research method includes the Material selection, Material Characterization, Preparation of cold bituminous mix with various percentage of jute fibre dosage, with various lengths. Preparation of bituminous specimens (Marshall Method) with various percentage of binder, Conducting Marshall test on control mix and modified mixes in order to determine optimum binder content, accordingly performance tests were conducted and following inferences are obtained.

Specimens after rutting

c
• Jute fibre reinforced cold bituminous mix has better Rut resistance and Stability value.
• These mixes may be used in wearing course in Highways roads.
• It is environmental friendly with absolutely zero pollution. This mix helps in reducing green house gas emission.
• It is labour friendly that is no occupational hazard to the workers.
• Cold Mix Bituminous Concrete mixes can be laid in wet and humid climatic conditions.

4.1.3 Study on performance of bituminous pavement laid over stabilized subbase

This study aims to find out most economical pavement design technique by stabilizing granular layer, recycled asphalt and Geogrid interlayer with respect to conventional method of pavement construction.
From observation of seven stretches and data analysis & interpretation, Granular base and subbase with Geogrid performed well with minimum observed vertical compressive strain.

4.1.4 Study on Improving the CBR value of Subgrade soil by adding Quarry Dust

4.1.5 Bridge Instrumentation for Structural Health Monitoring System in Highways Department

• To enhance the performance of an existing bridge, instrumentation based diagnosis was studied by installing the sensors with data acquisition system and its accessories at the existing bridge (km 2/4 of Inner ring road Ekkattuthangal across Adyar river).
• This will also be helpful in studying the structural deformation on day to day basis.

4.1.6 To study the effectiveness of curing compounds on concrete pavement

• Based on the study, it was found that resin based curing compounds more effective compared to water based curing compounds.
• Curing compounds can be used at places where water curing is inconvenient or potable water for curing is not available.
• Also it reduces the huge quantity of potable water and labour for curing.

Casting of slab samples

Applied curing compounds on slab

4.1.7 Accident study for Vulnerable Road User

This study is proposed mainly to suggest suitable remedial measures to reduce the road traffic accidents caused to Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs) in Urban corridors.
The study locations have been identified considering the occurrence of conflicts between vulnerable road users and vehicular movement, severity of conflicts, movement of pedestrians and dense traffic For this study, 18 locations have been identified in three major cities viz.,Chennai, Madurai and Coimbatore. The performance analysis for the each location was carried out considering the parameters such as Footpath, pedestrian crossing, vehicular speed, etc., and suitable remedial measures to enhance the safety of vulnerable road users have been suggested.

Pedestrian and Traffic movement near Pedestrian crossing opposite to Tambaram Railway station, Chennai

Pedestrian – Vehicular conflict at Singanallur junction, Coimbatore

4.2. Ongoing Research

4.2.1 Study on the technology of long lasting pavement with the construction of Circular Test for model study

Study on the technology of long lasting pavement with the construction of Circular Test for model study is to facilitate the accelerated circular test track for design of the long lasting flexible pavement in which no structural deterioration occur due to fatigue cracking and rutting. Loading is effected such that the limiting strains for Horizontal Tensile strain is 80µstrain and Vertical compressive strain is 200µ strain. The model pavement system would be tested for real time loading till the end of the design life, by accelerating the loading and environmental conditions and to suggest its suitability such that the wearing course alone needs to be changed thereby attaining the reduction in the periodical maintenance cost on the pavement.

Laying of bituminous course in model test track

5. IRC PAPER PRESENTATION

During the 80th annual session of Indian Road Congress held from 19 th to 22nd December 2019 at Patna (Bihar), three technical papers were presented on behalf of Highways Research Station, Chennai, as detailed below:

5.1 “Study on improving the CBR value of soil using Quarry fines” presented by Er.S.Kathiya, AE/Soils Lab.,

5.2 “Study on the effect of Nano clay in Bituminous mixes” presented by Er.M.Brindha Devi, AE/ Bitumen Lab.,

5.3 “Study on behaviour of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) in concrete” presented by Er.M.Anandaraj, AE/Concrete Lab.

MEMBERSHIPS

The Director, HRS is a member of the following committees of Indian Road Congress (IRC),

• Accreditation of New Material and Te0.chniques Committee
• Human Recourse Development Committee

REVENUE EARNED

During the financial year 2021-22, laboratories of Highways Research Station has conducted 18,078 tests and earned revenue of Rs.13.12 crore.

II. TRAINING CENTRE

Training is the quintessence of the development of a Department. A separate Training Centre is functioning in the Highways premises in Guindy, Chennai to impart training to the engineers and staff of the Highways Department to augment their performance by updating the latest technology.
The Training Centre houses a state of the art Auditorium, 4 numbers of air-conditioned class rooms and Mini Conference Hall with latest Audio – Video facility. The Hostel has 40 numbers of well furnished air-conditioned rooms, good gymnasium for men and women separately, outdoor and indoor game facilities, Wi-Fi facility etc.

The following training programmes have been completed in 2020-21

• Induction training for the newly recruited 144 Assistant Engineers of Highways in 2020,
• During 2020-21, the following 5 training programmes were organized for the benefit of Highways Department Officers.

Three programmes were arranged online during the period of lockdown to contain Covid -19 from September 2021 to October 2021. Besides, a one day field visit to important projects of Metro wing on 23.10.2021 was arranged for the engineers working in the Offices of the Chief Engineers and Superintending Engineers in Chennai City to familiarize them with the nitty-gritty of the execution of the projects.

After the relaxation of the Covid lock down, the following two physical training programmes were conducted in the lecture halls from 24.11.2021 to 03.12.2021

• Green Highways
• Impact Assessment of Highway Projects

In order to reduce the number of accidents in Tamil Nadu, as per the direction of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu to create awareness on ‘Road Safety” and under the guidance of Hon’ble Minister for Public works, Highways and Minor Ports a special continuous training programme on “Road Safety Engineering” to all the Engineers of the Department has been launched. Hon’ble Minister for Public works, Highways and Minor Ports insisted that creating accident free Tamil Nadu should be the dream of every engineer of highways department. The Principal Secretary to Government, Highways and Minor Ports department insisted that new methods to be found to ensure road safety as per the guidance of Indian Road Congress and utilising the latest technologies. The Hon’ble Minister for PWD, Highways and Minor Ports Department inaugurated the first phase of the programme on 15.12.2021 in a function held at the Training Centre. The first phase is planned for 400 engineers divided into 10 batches of 40 engineers each. Training for three batches have been completed till January 2022 and subsequent programmes are being planned.

Green Highways 24.11.2021 to 26.11.2021

Impact assessment 07.12.2021 to 09.12.2021

“Road safety engineering” inaugural function on 15.12.2021

Road safety engineering from 04.01.2022 to 08.01.2022

Road safety Engineering 24.01.2022 to 29.01.2022

III. ROAD SAFETY WING

Road safety wing was formed with creation of 40 posts in various categories vide G.O. Ms.No.171 / Highways and Minor Ports (EAP-1) Department, Dated 26.12.2020 and commenced functioning from 23.02.2021 under the head of Director, Highways Research Station with one Superintending Engineer and eight Divisional Engineers.

1. Scope and objective of the Road Safety Wing :

• To analyze the road traffic accident data from TNRADMS , iRAD and other collateral sources
• To coordinate with various stake holders department and NGO’s on issues of Road Safety
• To undertake Traffic studies, Experiments, Data collection for major projects and studies on Road Junctions, Intersections, Cross road facilities on the possibilities of proneness to accidents
• To carry out the junction improvement proposals and other road safety works as per standards
• To carryout field/observational visits and suggesting suitable remedies including monitoring the post improvement
• To carry out the accident studies and collection of all data relevant to Road Traffic accidents.

2. Black Spot

As per MoRT & H, Memo:No.RW/NH/15017/109/2015/P&M (RSCE) Dated: 28.10.2015, ‘Road Accident Blackspot is a stretch of Highway of about 500 m in length in which either 5 road accidents (in all three years put together involving fatalities/grievous injuries) took place during last 3 calendar years or 10 fatalities (in all three years put together) took place during last 3 calendar years’.

Number of Blackspots identified by the MoRT & H for the year 2015 – 18

3. Road Safety Works funds allocation

Since 2014-15 to 2020 - 21, Road safety works to an amount of Rs. 850.00 Crores have been sanctioned under Comprehensive Road Infrastructure Development Programme (CRIDP) by the Government of Tamil Nadu.
For the year 2021 – 22, 403 numbers of Road safety works to an amount of Rs. 200.00 Crores have been sanctioned under CRIDP vide G.O. (Ms) No. 135, Highways and Minor Ports (HF 2) Department, Dated 16.12.2021. These works are executed under Construction and Maintenance wing.
Since 2019-2020 to 2021-2022, 121 numbers of Road safety works to an amount of Rs. 476.81 Crores have been sanctioned under Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in National Highways

4. Integrated Road accident Database

The Integrated Road accident Database (i-RAD) programme is an initiative of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRT & H) to establish an accurate and structured framework for road accident data collection across India. It is a central accident database collation and management system. This new version of i-RAD has been introduced in place of RADMS.

IV. QUALITY CONTROL

A three-tier quality control system is being adopted in Highways Department, to check the quality of works at all stages, by conducting relevant tests. Nine Quality control Divisions at circle level have been established to achieve the above purpose. The quality checks conducted at every stage of a work ensures better quality assurance.