Road Construction Laboratory
INTRODUCTION TO THE LABORATORY
The Road Construction Laboratory is one of Széchenyi István University’s key scientific and service centres, equipped with state-of-the-art testing and measurement technologies. Our primary mission is the comprehensive physical, mechanical and rheological testing of conventional and alternative materials used in road construction, as well as modern pavement materials and components. In parallel, we specialise in high-precision diagnostic measurements related to Hungary’s and the wider region’s transport infrastructure networks.
Our modern, internationally competitive equipment enables in-depth analysis of the viscoelastic properties of a wide range of asphalt mixtures and bituminous binders. Particular emphasis is placed on visibility measurements of traffic engineering elements, including road markings and traffic signs, as well as high-precision, non-destructive Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) diagnostics.
Alongside university education and the training of future professionals, the laboratory serves as a hub for innovative industrial collaboration. We actively participate in national and international research and development (R&D) projects and undertake independent engineering consultancy and accredited quality control assignments. Our aim is to translate scientific research results directly into everyday road construction and maintenance practice, supporting the development of sustainable, durable and safe road infrastructure.
Contact
- Dr. Nagy Richárd
- 9026 Győr, Egyetem tér 1., L4 laborépület, L4/6.
- +36-96-503-400 mellék: 3139
- nagy.richard@sze.hu
KEY RESEARCH AREAS AND SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES
1. Next-Generation Binders and Sustainable Asphalt Mixtures
Crumb Rubber and SBS Polymer Hybrid Modifications
Modelling the viscous, elastic and plastic properties of crumb-rubber-modified binders with different rubber contents and particle sizes (e.g. 7%, 15% and 20% CR derived from recycled tyres). Our aim is to extend pavement service life and reduce environmental impacts by optimising rheological properties.
Fibre-Reinforced Pavements
Design of cost-effective and sustainable asphalt mixtures using dispersed basalt, lignin and polyester fibres (e.g. 0.3% basalt fibre). Our research demonstrates that fibre reinforcement can significantly reduce the amount of costly SBS polymers required without compromising the fatigue or rutting resistance of the mixture.
2. Advanced Material Modelling and Numerical Simulations
Finite Element Method (FEM) and Discrete Element Method (DEM)
Virtual modelling of laboratory Indirect Tensile Strength (ITS) and dynamic fatigue tests of asphalt mixtures, for example using ABAQUS. The simulations enable parameters obtained from laboratory measurements to be applied to accurately predict the stress–strain behaviour of real pavement structures subjected to high axle loads (e.g. 100 kN).
3. High-Speed Road Diagnostics and Network-Level Pavement Management (PMS)
Urban Network-Level Pavement Management System (PMS) Integration
Research into mathematically based decision-support systems for organising pavement condition data (PCI) collected at network level. This research directly supports municipalities and road operators in the optimal, priority-based allocation of limited maintenance budgets and helps prevent the deterioration of critical road network elements.
Laser and Inertial Road Surface Profiling (RSP)
A key research area is the processing of data collected using the multi-laser Dynatest MK-III Road Surface Profiler (RSP) combined with accelerometers. Measurements collected at normal traffic speeds are used to determine the International Roughness Index (IRI), Mean Profile Depth (MPD) and transverse rut depths in real time. Particular attention is paid to GPS-based GIS synchronisation of sensor data, providing a primary data source for network-level PMS applications.
Non-Destructive Pavement Layer Assessment and Geometric Correlation
A key research area is the processing of data collected using the multi-laser Dynatest MK-III Road Surface Profiler (RSP) combined with accelerometers. Measurements collected at normal traffic speeds are used to determine the International Roughness Index (IRI), Mean Profile Depth (MPD) and transverse rut depths in real time. Particular attention is paid to GPS-based GIS synchronisation of sensor data, providing a primary data source for network-level PMS applications.
Services and Testing
1. Bitumen and Binder Rheology Testing
Advanced Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) testing
Determination of the complex viscoelastic properties of bituminous and modified binders using an Anton Paar MCR rheometer.
Force ductility and cohesive fracture energy testing
Measurement of binder ductility and structural cohesion using a digital 1500 mm ductilometer.
Short- and long-term laboratory ageing
Simulation of binder ageing during production and construction using a Rolling Thin Film Oven Test (RTFOT) system.
Dynamic viscosity testing
Determination of binder flow properties at different shear rates and temperatures using a digital Brookfield rotational viscometer.
2. Asphalt Mechanical Testing and Specimen Preparation
Dynamic stiffness and fatigue testing
Performance-based characterisation of asphalt mixtures using a modern servo-hydraulic universal testing system, including stiffness modulus, fatigue life and creep testing.
Wheel-tracking and permanent deformation testing
Assessment of the rutting susceptibility of asphalt mixtures under repeated loading.
Closed-system bitumen extraction and composition analysis
Fully automated determination of asphalt binder content and mixture composition.
Computer-controlled specimen preparation
Preparation of standard asphalt specimens using a gyratory compactor and conventional Marshall compaction.
Precision core preparation and particle size distribution analysis
Cutting of asphalt cores and beam specimens and determination of aggregate particle size distribution.
3. Non-Destructive High-Speed Road Diagnostics and PMS Data Collection
Laser road surface profiling (RSP)
Measurement of longitudinal and transverse pavement profile, IRI, MPD and rut depth using the 21-laser Dynatest MK-III system at normal traffic speeds.
Network-level Pavement Management System (PMS) support
GIS-based pavement condition assessment, defect mapping and development of decision-support databases for cost-effective maintenance planning.
Triple-frequency Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) diagnostics
Continuous, non-destructive determination of pavement layer thicknesses and identification of discontinuities and hidden structural defects.
4. Field Surveying, Utility Detection and Traffic Engineering Measurements
Dynamic compaction and bearing capacity measurements
Rapid field determination of the dynamic deformation modulus of earthworks, protective layers and base courses.
Traffic engineering visibility measurements
Measurement of daytime and nighttime visibility and retroreflectivity of road markings, traffic signs and high-visibility materials.
Robotic surveying and digital mapping
High-precision topographic surveys, as-built verification and support for BIM workflows.
Non-destructive utility and pipeline detection
Precision location of underground metallic and non-metallic utilities, pipelines and cables.
Non-intrusive radar traffic counting
Long-term autonomous traffic surveys, speed measurements and vehicle classification without disrupting traffic.
MAIN EQUIPMENT
