Abstract:
Good transportation systems are pre-requisites to economic development. Empirically
developed, archaic test methods are traditionally used for materials classification used in road
construction. This system normally classifies naturally available materials subjected to chemical
weathering conditions, as unsuitable for use in the load-bearing road pavement layers. Consequently,
design standards normally require the use of imported materials at considerable costs, severely
restricting road network development under scenarios of limited funding. The introduction of
applicable nanotechnologies has been shown to enable the use of naturally available materials in
all pavement layers at a substantial reduction in costs. The successful roll-out of these nanotechnology solutions depends on a sound, scientifically based approach. Aspects such as toxicity, health
and safety, etc. must be addressed in a holistic approach together with material compatibility and
fundamental engineering requirements. The successes achieved over the last decade, introducing
material compatible New-age Modified Emulsions (NME), are based on fundamental concepts that
need to be considered in a holistic test, evaluation and implementation strategy. This paper identifies
fundamental concepts related to nanotechnology implementation in the context of road pavement engineering, which needs to be addressed to ensure successful implementation. Ad hoc implementation
of new-age technologies without adequate scientific evaluation could prove detrimental.
