ROad Surface Innovation Test Arena, ROSITA

Purpose and goal

The purpose was to make a feasibility study of a Swedish test site for road surfaces in full scale at AstaZero together with other development environments for modelling and simulation, laboratory testing and in-situ field testing in traffic. The test site should be able to cover/represent all climatic areas of Norden. Further, to develop the project consortium to cover all needed competencies and Nordic road conditions. All objectives were fulfilled.

Expected results and effects

In a first step, a feasibility study was conducted with an in-depth market analysis, technical specification, establish consortium, communication plan and writing application for the financing of the design phase. The consortium has been broadened substantially with more industries and research organisations and broader climatic conditions. A very constructive collaboration with VTI has started for the benefit of the entire Swedish transport sector. All objectives are fulfilled.

Planned approach and implementation

The project was primarily designed to use workshops for efficient progress and compilation of all needs and interests. Already existing national and international tests sites were also documented. The working concept proved to be very efficient allowing everybody to state their opinions while, at the same time, making progress with clear goals. Much effort has also been used to enlarge the consortium to cover all necessary needs of such a test site. This work could probably have been carried out in a more efficient way if we had started preparing a clear “offer”.