Innovative methods could cut road building costs by millions

Using more innovative construction methods could shave millions of dollars from the cost of road and bridge projects, but infrastructure companies remained “stuck” using less efficient techniques, a study has found.

A new study by Queensland University of Technology’s Faculty of Built Environment and Engineering found 77% of companies surveyed who had tried to introduce new, potentially cost-efficient products in the past three years had encountered “significant obstacles” in implementing them.

Disagreement between road owners, contractors and suppliers about who should carry the risk for new products - as well as the tender process itself - often stymied their efforts.

“When selection of contractors is based mainly on their bid price, they are less motivated to propose new products that may be perceived as more risky than standard products,” said co-author Dr Karen Manley.