The CSIR advanced material testing laboratories conduct tests on road building materials for road engineers and researchers, road owners, construction groups and consultants.

The costs of building and maintaining a road are high. According to the 9th State of Logistics™ survey released in June 2013, South Africa’s per lane-km road construction costs are R30 million, with road maintenance costs being R0.3 million per lane-km. To ensure the most cost-effective construction of roads, and its increased lifespan, road owners must pay attention to the specific road materials to be used in the structural and other layers of the road, taking into account the specific situation where, and the purpose for which, the road will be constructed.

The CSIR’s advanced material testing laboratories conduct tests on road building materials needed by researchers and road engineers, both from the CSIR and externally, including clients such as consultants, road owners and construction groups. The specifications set out in these laboratories have been incorporated into the updated South African Pavement Design Method (SAPDM). The SAPDM was developed by the CSIR and others for the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL).