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High Specification
Aggregates (HSA's) I do not intend to write a lot this month, I think I will have a bit of a break from things "highways maintenance". But, I just had to share with you an item of good news, well I think it is good news. The report, "The Sustainable Use of High Specification Aggregates for Skid-Resistant Road Surfacing in England," is now available. I say, now available, rather than published, although it is published, because at the moment the bad news is that the report is not available as a printed, bound, copy. But the good news is, I am led to believe that all engineers and technicians, and anyone who has an interest in this topic, can obtain a free copy of the report on a CD-ROM. That is how I obtained my copy and I do not regard myself as special, just interested. I understand that if those of you who wish to obtain your own copy, contact, Capita Symonds, Tel. 01342 327161, Fax. 01342 315927, or, email : claire.huxley@capita.co.uk, asking for the Project Manager, Claire Huxley, a CD-ROM copy will be sent to you without charge. This is excellent, as far as it goes, but if you are anything like me you do not like reading lengthy reports on technical matters on a computer monitor, even my "works" posh new flat screen job. So, the first thing you do is try and print off a copy in colour, because the report has some very nice colour plates of aggregate, and aggregate related processes. This is a lengthy and expensive process, how much nicer if sufficient funds could be found to "finish the job", and offer professionally bound copies that will stand the test of time as did this reports predecessor, published in 1992. A much thumbed copy of that report still sits in my bookshelf. However once you have achieved your printed copy perusal is a much more enjoyable, and efficient task. This 162 page A4 report represents part of the output from research carried out by Capita Symonds Limited (CSL - formerly Symonds Group Ltd., and before that, Travers Morgan Ltd.), for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) under research contract SAMP/1/039. I understand that the report will eventually be obtainable from the MIRO (Mineral Industry Research Organisation) website, after some refurbishment of the site. I am not going to spend my time describing the content of this report, just trust me, it is very comprehensive, and a rewarding read for those of our ilk. Indeed, I believe those who do not have a similar background to myself will also find it a very rewarding read if they are looking for well researched information, and a large amount of detailed background on the subject of aggregate in relation to road surfacing. This includes information on the types of aggregate, the manufactured materials, the manufacturing processes and how they are are used in surfacing and maintaining the highway network. (There is a considerable section that will give you an indication of the physical properties of aggregates from sources all over the UK for the technical lads and lasses like myself.) It is my opinion that all those involved in specifying, and purchasing aggregate for use in roads in England, and perhaps further a field, must have a copy of this report. You may think this is a rather strong recommendation, but I personally regard the overall content of this report as rather important, some may think it is particularly relevant to those responsible for maintaining local highway networks. Motto of the Month
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