Insights into how to maximise productivity in asphalt maintenance divisions and techniques for prolonging road pavement life span

Abstract

There is a fine balance to be achieved between having appropriate WHS procedures in place to ensure a safe work environment and being able to still achieve a high level of productivity in the work place. It is important not to burden front line workforce crews with high levels of paperwork which is deemed necessary for proof of safe work and proof of works. The difference in productivity between what many council crews can achieve vs private contractors is now huge largely due to over complications of procedures put in place by many councils. The only difference is the amount of compliance paperwork/admin required by the council crews… Investigating benchmarking opportunities as to what levels of work load is achievable with certain assets is essential in setting out work programs. One council was averaging 6-12 ton per day of small patches with their maintenance crew setup…. a 3 month trial highlighted that 20-30ton per day was actually easily achievable with the assets that were being used by this maintenance crew…. Priority 1 jobs do occur which are a dangerous hazard and need to be actioned immediately. Many “priority 1” jobs can be actioned safely within a 24hr period of notification without exposing litigation concerns. Planning out of the most efficient route to action as many potholes as possible is paramount to ensuring maximum productivity and should be planned by the area supervisor or in conjunction with team leader/ganger. The sad reality with many front-line maintenance crews is that they will do the minimal amount of work as they can get away with and it is essential the area supervisors, co-ordinator’s are aware of crews actual physical movements. Many councils have implemented vehicle tracking thinking this is an effective way of monitoring crews locations and work performance- this is not an effective measure and is easily manipulated by crews. For example, Council maintenance trucks will often be the 1st to arrive at Asphalt plants and as per contract agreements should be 1st loaded yet many will choose to wait out the front of the plant and let many other trucks load before them. Streamlining operational procedures is not the only way to improve productivity in maintenance divisions. Constantly evolving technologies mean that new and innovative solutions are always coming to the market which offer great opportunities to improve productivity, reduce costs and prolong road pavement life spans. Water ingress into pavements is the mortal enemy roads and responsible for most pavement failures and hence workload. The AJT range of products are an innovative solution to traditional methods used to prevent water ingress and premature pavement failure. The range differs to traditional over banding sealing methods as most situations mean no heating is required offering superior product performance, time savings, environmental savings and reduced WHS concerns. Performing preventative maintenance measures while performing traditional road repairs can lead to substantial ongoing cost savings, improved productivity and extension of the life of pavements.