TIPES (transport infrastructure product evaluation scheme) IPWEAQ 128th North Queensland Branch conference Erik Denneman, ARRB Group
Outline • Aims of TIPES • Background to TIPES • Scope of TIPES • The TIPES process
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Aims of TIPES Aims of TIPES •
Assessment of non-standard products that fall outside the scope of established standards and specifications
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Allow innovative products to gain market acceptance
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Reduce barriers to innovation, which is otherwise slow and incremental in road construction
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Assist road agencies with independent and expert evaluation of products to inform major investment decisions
Background to TIPES The Transport Infrastructure Product Evaluation Scheme (TIPES) •
Originally developed by QTMR
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Now administered by ARRB
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TIPES now endorsed by Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.
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ARRB is seeking endorsement of TIPES by other state road agencies and striving towards one national scheme
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Internationally typically administered by national accreditation bodies (Agrément)
Scope of TIPES The TIPES process covers •
Non-standard road construction products, e.g. non-traditional stabilisers, ultra thin surfacing products, pothole fillers, etc
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Possibly to be extended to traffic engineering products, e.g. ITS solutions
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Focus in presentation on road construction products
The TIPES process The TIPES process 1.
Application
2.
Initial (laboratory) assessment
3.
Field performance trial
4.
Registration of technical opinion
The TIPES process Application 1.
Proponent submits supporting information including: •
Intended use of product
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Claimed performance of product
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Quality assurance documentation
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Data on past performance
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Materials safety data sheet
2.
Submitted information is assessed
3.
Proponent advised whether submitted information is sufficient
The TIPES process Initial assessment 1.
Panel of experts appointed (will include road agency representatives)
2.
Laboratory test program formulated
3.
Perform laboratory tests
4.
Panel assess outcomes laboratory tests and decides whether product can advance to field validation stage
5.
Depending on the track record of the product and quality of supporting data, interim registration may be considered at this point
The TIPES process Field performance trial 1.
Panel sets requirements for field performance trial (appropriate traffic conditions and geometry)
2.
Proponent negotiates construction of trial with road agency
3.
Performance monitored over period of typically 2 years
The TIPES process Registration of technical opinion 1.
Once the assessment process is complete, panel of experts prepares technical opinion
2.
If outcome is favourable, technical opinion is included in public register
3.
Proponent is provided with certificate of registration
Making TIPES work for you As a road agency: •
Request a TIPES certificate of registration, showing a favourable technical opinion of the innovative product for the intended use, as a condition of purchase.
As an interested proponent of a product: • Apply for assessment of a product by submitting the TIPES application form and supporting documentation as set out in the Guide for Applicants www.arrb.com.au/TIPES
Information on TIPES For more information on TIPES: www.arrb.com.au/TIPES Or contact Erik Denneman Team Leader Pavement Technology
[email protected] Phone: (07) 3260 3500 Mobile: 043 908 4751 ARRB Group Limited 123 Sandgate Road Albion QLD 4010