Our pavement maintenance programme has improved significantly in recent years owing to research undertaken by the Canterbury Accelerated Pavement Testing Indoor Facility (CAPTIF). This world-class road surface facility also works with overseas roading authorities, testing different types of pavement and surfacing under a revolving, loaded dual-tyred truck wheel that closely replicates actual road conditions.
CAPTIF testing services
CAPTIF works with roading authorities to:
- identify answers to roading problems and the impact of different vehicle types on pavements
- undertake research projects into the use of different materials and construction techniques in road pavements.
Situated near Christchurch International Airport, CAPTIF has the technology and personnel to test a wide range of pavement and vehicle properties, and the interaction between them. Regular road construction equipment is used to build the test-pavement and standard heavy vehicle components are fitted to the loading apparatus.
Construction
Control room
Testing is carried out indoors, in a controlled environment that eliminates weather factors that can affect the clarity of results. Tests include:
- pavement materials and construction techniques
- comparative testing of different heavy vehicle suspensions, loads and tyres
- pavement–vehicle interaction.
Pre-test work
Wheel and arm
Fully computerised data acquisition systems, both in the pavement and on the vehicles, ensure complete data sets for the test duration. Test data can be supplied either in raw form or in a fully analysed report.
The CAPTIF facility maintains a close liaison with the University of Canterbury.
Email us to find out how CAPTIF can assist with your pavement testing.