Project Description
The ITEN consortium, comprising specialists from IRD, Fifty2Consultancy, and The Driven Company Associates, was engaged by the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), Qatar, to support quality enhancement measures within its national highway infrastructure programme. This strategic quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) initiative, led by ANAS and Ashghal, aimed to deliver robust, technically aligned pavement specifications and performance protocols that reflect international best practice and local conditions.
The project focused on developing comprehensive guidance and technical documentation for a wide spectrum of pavement construction materials. It formed part of Ashghal’s broader Quality Improvement Scheme, underscoring the Authority’s commitment to achieving long-term infrastructure resilience and sustainability across the Qatari road network.
Work Undertaken
Under the umbrella of the Pavement QA/QC Service, the ITEN team delivered an integrated package of consultancy services, combining expert technical input with practical application know-how. Key deliverables included:
- Development of Four Technical Manuals covering:
- Bituminous binders
- Aggregates
- Stabilisation techniques
- Recycling methodologies in pavements
- Characterisation and Assessment of Pavement Materials, including:
- Asphalt mix design and performance evaluation
- Recycled material suitability
- Specification of unbound and cement-bound materials for subbase and base layers
The project team worked collaboratively to align technical guidance with Ashghal’s evolving specifications and performance targets. Emphasis was placed on tailoring material characterisation methods to Qatari environmental and loading conditions, integrating performance-based approaches with practical implementation pathways.
Benefits to the Client
For Ashghal, the introduction of these manuals and technical recommendations represents a significant leap forward in the standardisation, repeatability, and assurance of pavement construction quality. Key client benefits include:
- Improved Quality Control: Systematic QA/QC frameworks that embed clear protocols for sampling, testing, and compliance verification.
- Increased Material Confidence: Enhanced understanding and utilisation of local, recycled, and stabilised materials, supporting sustainable construction goals.
- Operational Efficiency: Reduced variability in pavement performance outcomes through standardised materials guidance.
- Strategic Knowledge Transfer: Capacity-building through bespoke documentation aligned with international standards and tailored to local challenges.
