City of Ballarat breaks new ground with successful nanotechnology road trial

The City of Ballarat has successfully completed a groundbreaking trial using a nanotechnology stabilising agent in road reconstruction – delivering a more durable road surface and significantly reducing construction costs.

The innovative trial, recently used as part of a 1.6-kilometre road reconstruction of Gillies Road between Jubilee Road and Millers Road, involved using the clay-based soil on-site mixed with the liquid stabilisation agent that permanently transforms the soil, strengthening the material at a molecular level.

Early indications of the trial show the outcome is a more resilient road surface for rural roads that can better withstand increased traffic loads and harsh weather conditions.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the trial could change the way local governments construct roads, delivering sustainable and cost-effective roads infrastructure.

“Ballarat is proud to be leading the way in adopting new technology that delivers real value for our community,” she said.

“This nanotechnology will extend the lifespan of our roads and help us use resources more efficiently, reduce maintenance costs and also lower our environmental impact.”

City of Ballarat Director Infrastructure and Environment Bridget Wetherall said the nanotechnology product more than halves the cost of constructing rural roads.

“This nanotechnology reduces the pavement depth required from between 250 and 350mm - less than half the depth of a conventional 700mm road,” she said.

“It also delivers a road with a bearing capacity between 5 and 10 times’ stronger than that of a conventional road.”

The nanotechnology delivers a flexible pavement that can withstand cracking and provides a waterproof pavement that can resist flooding conditions, reducing ongoing maintenance.

It is also non-toxic and environmentally sustainable – using the soil on-site.

The trial section of road has passed several stages, including a proof roll, a test for bearing capacity via the use of a pavement deflector meter and compaction testing.

The City of Ballarat will now explore broader use of the technology in future roadworks and infrastructure upgrades across the municipality.

Terra 3000 has been used for more than 30 years in cold and wet climates throughout Europe.  

The product is now progressing through certification requirements for use on Australian roads at the University of Queensland.

The City of Ballarat has trialled the product in small sections of unsealed and sealed roads over the past seven years, with the 1.6-kilometre road reconstruction of Gillies Road between Jubilee Road and Millers Road the biggest to date.