Category Archives: Infrastructure

Large amounts of microplastics from worn road markings

The wear and tear of road markings is an important source of microplastic emissions. The amounts are difficult to calculate but are estimated to be at the same level as emissions from other significant and already-known sources. This is shown in a new study from VTI. Ida Järlskog, researcher...

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Building bridges faster

A new connection between a precast abutment wall and a cast-in-place foundation was developed for rapid construction of bridge abutments. The connection was developed at the University of Iceland with assistance provided by structural designers, a precast concrete fabricator, and the Icelandic...

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Parking regulations are essential to limit car use in cities and towns

Political anchoring, up-to-date knowledge and precise communication with all involved parties are crucial for ensuring a comprehensive parking policy in Norwegian municipalities. Photo: Shutterstock.com Regulation of parking and establishing a comprehensive parking policy are for many...

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VTI’s measurements make airfields safe

Håkan Carlsson is the laboratory manager for measurement technology and workshop at VTI. His role gives him responsibility for the activities, and he normally doesn't have time to take part in the practical work. However, there is one exception, and that is proof load testing for airfield bearing...

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The risk of road accidents increases as more and more roads become polished

In recent years, there have been a number of serious road accidents due to motorists skidding off the road. The reason is believed to be that the country's roads are becoming increasingly smooth. VTI has investigated the cause of the problem in a pilot study. New designs of studded tyres, a rise...

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Sustainable pavement

In VTI's road laboratory, test specimens of so-called ‘green’ asphalt are displayed on a bench. The asphalt is black in colour, but its properties make it better for the environment and climate than established asphalt mixtures, hence the name green asphalt. For example, the asphalt may last...

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Study of infrastructure support and classification for automated driving on Finnish motorways

Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency set a project to assess the feasibility of Finnish motorway section between Helsinki and Tampere on E12 highway for operation of SAE Level 3-4 automated vehicles, to propose a framework for service level classification for them and to prepare a proposal for...

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Smart streets

Today, in climate change, urbanisation, digitisation and electrification we see four widely discussed societal megatrends that will have an impact on virtually all areas of our lives, and urban transport infrastructure is no exception. City view of Stockholm, Sweden. Photo: Anastasia...

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A venerable laboratory central to the development of research models

The oldest is the test road machine, which was built during World War II. It was initially used to find better solutions for gravel road constructions. Then came asphalt. The concrete coffers for the gravel road construction were turned upside down(!), and then the machine could be used to improve...

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Wider roads can result in fewer accidents

In roads with only two lanes and oncoming traffic, making the roads wider can reduce traffic accidents when traffic volumes are high. Photo: Shutterstock A new TØI report Safety effects of cross section elements describes how traffic accidents are affected by different road standards....

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