EXPERIMENTAL SECTIONS IN THE HUNGARIAN ROAD MANAGEMENT

In the preparatory phase of new construction, rehabilitation and construction technologies there are several options to apply. The decision support can rely on computerised design programmes, laboratory test series, accelerated loading tests, monitoring of experimental (test) sections (and their eventual combination). These decision support means basically differ from each other from the view-point of time need and accuracy. This paper concentrates on the role and risks of experimental sections generally and in the Hungarian road management, highlighting some case studies. Sophisticated (professional) design, very careful construction, timely maintenance, as well as regular monitoring with expedient processing of condition data time series are all needed for the real success of an experimental section. If any of these preconditions is lacking, there is a real danger that misleading conclusions are (can be) drawn from the actual performance of the experimental section for the expected performance of the new construction or maintenance technology to be implemented. The Hungarian case studies to be outlined are connected with cement concrete pavements. Every case study is evaluated for its level of success; the eventual mistakes made there are also highlighted. Some general conclusions are drawn to provide information for the less experienced road sector stakeholders who plan to build trial section before implementing a promising new road technology in the near future.