Skip to content
Australian Road Research BoardJune 10, 20222 min read

OmniGrip Direct becomes first recipient of TIPES certification

TIPES_OmniGrip

The first proprietary surfacing systems have just been evaluated for use in Queensland under the Australian Road Research Board’s (ARRB) Transport Infrastructure Product Evaluation Scheme (TIPES) as applied to High Friction Surface Treatments (HFST) & Coloured Surface Treatments (CST).

TIPES uses a performance-based assessment methodology, developed in consultation with road jurisdictions, to evaluate the ability of proprietary products to provide satisfactory long-term performance when applied to roads subject to heavy traffic under Australian conditions.

OmniGrip Direct’s materials were assessed by a joint Product Evaluation Panel (PEP) as being suitable for use on such roads in Queensland (OmniGrip CST as a CST and OmniGrip HF as an HFST) and have been awarded a TIPES Certificate. Both surfacing systems were evaluated to Level 3 (of 3) which considers performance over a period of at least 5 years based on data and other evidence provided relating to previous sites treated.

TIPES Governance Manager, Mark Steidle noted: ‘We are particularly pleased to have been able to work in partnership with road jurisdictions such as the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads to finalise the product certification protocols and specifications, and then conduct subsequent evaluations. Specifically, these materials play a significant role on modern road networks, helping to deliver positive road safety and traffic management outcomes’. Mr Steidle also congratulated OmniGrip Direct, the products’ approved suppliers, for being the first through the process and ‘for their passion and thoroughness in successfully demonstrating that the composition and performance of their products meets and in many cases exceeded the requirements of TMR’.

Darren Scerri, CEO of OmniGrip Direct added ‘We recognise this as Australia’s toughest product approval system. Achieving approval recognises the quality and durability of our high-friction surface, OmniGrip HF, and Australian recycled-glass coloured surface, OmniGrip CST. The winners will be Queensland’s drivers and riders who will be safer on roads, bus lanes, bike lanes and paths, and road asset managers who will benefit from reduced lifecycle costs’

The evaluations of three other surfacing systems are in their final stages and progress will be charted in ARRB social media and selected press to keep the industry informed of the range of products TIPES approved for usage in the state.

Footnote:
The assessment protocols for HFSTs and CSTs and how to apply for assessment are detailed in local TIPES Supplements, which can be found by clicking here.

For more information on TIPES, contact Paul Hillier of ARRB on 0416 120 478 or paul.hillier@arrb.com.au

RELATED ARTICLES