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Scientific Divisions

Research departments provide the substantive foundation for the studies, analyses, and projects carried out by the Road and Bridge Research Institute. They bring together specialized teams conducting research, expert assessments, and implementation work in support of transport infrastructure.

The Concrete Department specializes in expert assessments of concrete quality, as well as concrete pavements and precast road elements. It conducts laboratory and field testing, technical evaluations, acceptance inspections, and arbitration services, ensuring durability, safety, and the highest standards in the execution of road infrastructure projects.

Scope of Activity:

Expert services in the field of:

  • quality of materials used for cement concrete pavements, precast road pavements, stone pavements, clinker pavements, and engineering structures,

  • technology and quality control of works related to the construction of concrete floors, cement concrete pavements, precast road pavements, stone pavements, and clinker pavements,

Preparation of National Technical Assessments

  • for products used in transport engineering,

Laboratory and field research on:

  • materials and technologies used in the construction of concrete pavements and engineering structures,

  • innovative materials and technologies applied in the construction of concrete pavements and engineering structures,

Testing activities

  • inspection, acceptance, and arbitration testing of concrete and precast road elements.

Contact:

The Division of Pavement Technology and Diagnostics conducts comprehensive assessments of the technical condition of roads and airports. It evaluates load-bearing capacity, evenness, rutting and skid resistance of pavements. Using advanced measurement methods and the experience of its team, the Division supports safe design and rehabilitation of transport infrastructure.

Zakład Diagnostyki Nawierzchni

The activities of the Pavement Diagnostics Division cover issues related to the assessment of technical pavement parameters such as load-bearing capacity, longitudinal evenness, transverse evenness (rutting), skid resistance properties and surface condition. The Division prepares expert reports and opinions based on comprehensive studies carried out both at the road network level and for individual road sections designated for rehabilitation.

The Pavement Diagnostics Division deals with the following fields of road engineering: materials used in road pavements, modern methods of testing pavement technical parameters, mechanistic methods of pavement structural design, and road traffic safety.

In its work, the Division applies modern research and analysis methods as well as the extensive experience of its professional team.

Scope of activities:

  • pavement design (structural dimensioning),

  • comprehensive technical condition assessment of streets,

  • comprehensive technical condition assessment of roads,

  • technical condition assessment of airport pavements,

  • scientific supervision of measurements and data processing,

  • assessment of pavement skid resistance properties,

  • assessment of longitudinal and transverse evenness (rutting) of pavements,

  • assessment of pavement load-bearing capacity,

  • visual assessment of pavement condition,

  • identification of structural layers of road pavements,

  • construction and servicing of SRT-3 measurement systems.

Major projects of the Division

  • Assessment of the condition of national, voivodeship and county roads within the Capital City of Warsaw in the years 1998–2001, 2008–2009, 2012, 2018

  • Diagnosis of the condition of street pavements for the City of Łódź in the years 1999–2001

  • Diagnosis of the condition of street pavements, among others for the cities of: Kraków, Bydgoszcz, Łódź, Toruń, Koszalin

  • Assessment of the condition of voivodeship roads for the Voivodeship Roads Authority in Katowice

  • Assessment of the condition of voivodeship roads for the Voivodeship Roads Authority in Olsztyn

  • Assessment of the technical condition of pavements on sections of toll motorways A1, A2 and A4

  • Preparation of Annex No. 4 to the Guidelines of the Pavement Condition Assessment System entitled “Skid Resistance – Measurement and Condition Assessment Principles”

  • Substantive supervision of friction coefficient measurements using SRT-3 devices

  • Development of a method for identifying pavement layer moduli using an FWD device with quasi-static tests

  • Assessment of the effectiveness of crack repairs on selected test sections based on measurements at high and low pavement temperatures

  • Analysis of damage caused by abnormal vehicles and preparation of a fee schedule for the passage of such vehicles

  • Analysis of the impact of unconventional marking of “black spots” on road safety

  • Development of a Database of research works concerning road traffic safety

  • Development of a method for assessing the condition of transverse pavement cracking

  • Numerous expert opinions concerning the assessment of technical condition and the development of pavement repair technologies

  • Development of a method for converting asphalt layer moduli to equivalent temperature

  • Analysis of Polish regulations concerning skid resistance properties of road surfaces in light of requirements applicable in European countries

  • Development of seasonality coefficients for road pavements under Polish climatic conditions

  • Development of principles for inspecting the condition of shoulders, ditches and pavement drainage

  • Impact of the accuracy of pavement structure identification on the design of road strengthening

  • Implementation measurements of road pavement structures at the network level

  • Geotechnical assessment of subsoil using radar techniques with particular emphasis on hydrological conditions

  • Analysis of pavement crack propagation using radar techniques

  • Analysis of the possibility of using radar techniques in assessing interlayer bond condition

  • Analysis of variability of skid resistance properties of the wearing course in the initial period of its service life

  • Development of conversion functions for friction coefficient values obtained using SRT-3 and T2GO devices

  • Assessment of the impact of asphalt layer compaction on obtained dielectric constant values

  • Development of a comprehensive Pavement Technical Condition Diagnostic System for national roads (DSN)

  • Development of the BIKB-IBDM visual pavement condition assessment method

  • Participation in working groups developing the “Catalogue of Typical Flexible and Semi-Rigid Pavement Structures” and the “Catalogue of Strengthening and Rehabilitation of Flexible and Semi-Rigid Pavements”

  • Opinion on proposed requirements concerning skid resistance properties of road pavements

  • Research studies on the impact of seasonality and external conditions on the variability of pavement friction coefficient

  • Deflection testing using the TSD deflectometer on national roads

  • Deflection testing using the TSD deflectometer on roads in other countries: Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark (comparative studies), Finland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Greece

  • Participation in RID – I /76 project “Protection against road traffic noise”

  • Participation in the GOSPOSTRATEG programme, project “11.5 t road network”

Measurement Capabilities

  • SRT-3 measurement system

  • FWD and HWD dynamic deflectometers

  • GSSI and 3DR ground-penetrating radars

  • SPDE laser profilograph

  • MFV measurement system for damage identification

  • TSD laser deflectometer

  • Tiresonic Mk-4 measurement system for pavement noise testing using the CPX method

  • Advanced diagnostics of bicycle paths

Contact:

The Research, Development and Knowledge Transfer Division supports innovation and the advancement of science in road engineering and transport. Its experts conduct research, prepare analyses, develop reports and R&D projects, and support publications as well as interdisciplinary cooperation in Poland and abroad.

Zakład Badań, Rozwoju i Transferu Wiedzy

Research, Development and Knowledge Transfer Division

The Research, Development and Knowledge Transfer Division is a unit specialising in comprehensive activities supporting the development of science and innovation in the field of road engineering and transport. The team of experts conducts research and development work including, among others: evaluation of scientific activity, monitoring of staff achievements, preparation of research quality analyses, initiation of R&D projects and supervision of their implementation. The Division supports scientific publications, the development of research potential and the establishment of interdisciplinary project teams in Poland and abroad.

The Division carries out tasks related to the creation and maintenance of integrated databases of road and bridge infrastructure, analyses of investment costs, road accidents and the socio-economic impact of investments. It conducts research on traffic safety and user behaviour, as well as life-cycle analyses of pavements in the context of environmental efficiency. The Division provides analytical services in the fields of GIS, statistical analytics, predictive modelling and artificial intelligence, disseminating research results through training, expert studies and cooperation with stakeholders in the road and transport sector.

Main areas of activity:

Scientific activity evaluation
– Coordination of the research quality assessment process within the Institute.

Monitoring of scientific achievements
– Recording and analysis of the achievements of research staff.

Reporting and analyses
– Preparation of reports concerning the quality of scientific activity.

Publication and research support
– Assistance in scientific publishing and development of research potential.

National and international cooperation
– Establishment of interdisciplinary project teams.

Research and development projects
– Initiation of projects, preparation of grant applications, substantive supervision.

Dissemination of research results
– Training, expert studies, cooperation with the road and transport sector.

Infrastructure databases
– Development and maintenance of integrated road and bridge databases.

Cost and investment impact analyses
– Investment costs, road accidents, socio-economic impact.

Pavement life-cycle analyses
– Assessment of environmental efficiency.

Research on road user behaviour
– Road traffic safety analyses.

Analytical services
– GIS, statistical analytics, predictive modelling, artificial intelligence

IBDiM Report

IBDiM Report

Contact:

The Technical and Construction Regulations Division supports the development of road and bridge engineering by providing opinions on legal acts, technical documents and strategies. Its experts develop and update model documents and standards, lead advisory teams, organise training sessions and public consultations, ensuring the highest quality of technical knowledge.

Zakład Przepisów Techniczno-Budowlanych

Scope of activities:

  • providing opinions on legal acts, programmes, forecasts, policies and strategies in the field of road and bridge engineering;

  • preparation, updating, verification and review of documents constituting technical knowledge, including, among others, Model Documents and Standards;

  • analysis of the need to introduce new model documents and standards as well as amendments to technical and construction regulations;

  • maintaining records of documents constituting technical knowledge;

  • leading advisory teams and technical committees for model documents and standards in road and bridge engineering;

  • organisation of training sessions and events related to public consultations on model documents and standards.

Contact:

The Geotechnics and Foundations Division supports the development of road, railway and industrial infrastructure by providing assessment of material quality, supervision of earthworks, technical consultancy, innovative ground improvement solutions, and certification of new materials and products, ensuring the highest quality and safety of project implementation.

Zakład Geotechniki i Fundamentowania

Geotechnics and Foundations Division

One of the many activities of the Road and Bridge Research Institute is the work carried out within the Geotechnics and Foundations Division, covering road, railway and broadly understood industrial issues.

The team of specialists performs work related to:

  • assessment of material quality (soils, aggregates, geosynthetics) and control of earthworks as well as road subbases and railway track beds,

  • identification and determination of the suitability of new materials and industrial waste, and methods of their improvement,

  • application of special ground improvement methods,

  • technical and scientific consultancy, expert opinions, specialised supervision, model designs and other services concerning road and foundation works in difficult geotechnical and terrain conditions,

  • standardisation activities and certification of new materials and products.

The Road and Bridge Research Institute, and consequently also the Geotechnics and Foundations Division, has been designated as a Technical Assessment Body and, upon application by manufacturers, issues, amends, extends and withdraws National Technical Assessments for construction products used in transport infrastructure construction.

Scope of Activities in the Field of Geotechnics

  • research and implementation works, scientific consultancy in the field of road, railway and bridge geotechnics, foundations and environmental engineering,

  • standardisation activities and certification of new materials and products.

The Geotechnics and Foundations Division is equipped with laboratory facilities for testing natural and anthropogenic soils, as well as equipment for in-situ testing of soils and foundations.

Areas of Expertise

The team of specialists is prepared to carry out work related to:

  • assessment of material quality (soils, aggregates, geosynthetics) and control of earthworks as well as road subbases and railway track beds,

  • identification and determination of the suitability of new materials and industrial waste, and methods of their improvement,

  • application of special foundation and ground improvement methods,

  • technical consultancy, expert opinions, specialised supervision, model designs and other services concerning road and foundation works in difficult geotechnical and terrain conditions.

Geotechnics Division

Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory

The Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory deals with special methods of ground improvement and enhancement of subsoil properties as well as foundation engineering. The work carried out includes research, field tests, experimental works and implementation of various geotechnical technologies, testing of foundations and structures, expert opinions and unique designs, as well as supervision of specialised projects.

The Laboratory prepares technical assessments, specialised expert reports and technical opinions, as well as scientific publications.

Geotechnics is a branch of engineering closely related to civil engineering. It is a discipline concerned with soil properties in the context of the design and construction of earth and underground structures, as well as building and road pavement foundations. It is an interdisciplinary field drawing upon soil science, soil mechanics, foundation engineering, geology – particularly engineering geology, chemistry, physics, structural mechanics, rheology, etc.

Scope of Activities in the Field of Foundation Engineering

  • testing of foundations of bridge structures,

  • investigations, expert opinions and supervision in the field of foundations of bridge structures as well as general and industrial construction,

  • substantive preparation of technical approvals and opinions for new materials and solutions,

  • technical consultancy in the field of foundation engineering and deep excavation support,

  • design of foundations for bridge structures as well as general and industrial construction, in particular deep foundations,

  • design of strengthening of existing foundations,

  • implementation of scientific and technical achievements in the field of foundation engineering,

  • supervision during the construction of engineering structures.

Within the Geotechnics and Foundations Division, a Field Pile Testing Laboratory operates, conducting load-bearing capacity tests of piles and integrity testing of pile shafts using the low-strain wave propagation method.

Contact:

The Bridges Division supports the design, construction and safe operation of bridges, viaducts, flyovers, tunnels and culverts. Its experts supervise project implementation, carry out inspections and expert assessments, test materials and structures, and develop guidelines and technical regulations for road infrastructure.

Zakład Mostów

Bridges Division

The Bridges Division covers all stages of the construction and operation of bridge structures (bridges, viaducts, flyovers), wildlife crossings, tunnels and culverts; from the design of structures and construction technologies and supervision of their implementation, through detailed inspections, expert assessments and technical condition evaluations defining conditions for safe operation, to supervision of repair works on these structures.

Within the Bridges Division, tests are conducted on structural, insulation and repair materials, as well as on road equipment and road engineering structure components made of steel and concrete.

The Bridges Division carries out field testing, including load tests of bridge structures and structural monitoring under operational loads.

The Bridges Division develops drafts of technical and legal regulations concerning road and bridge engineering, including guidelines recommended by the Minister of Infrastructure.

The Division consists of:

  • Bridge Structure Testing Laboratory

  • Bridge Diagnostics and Repair Laboratory

Contact:

The Corrosion and Chemistry Division supports the durability of bridges, viaducts, towers and industrial structures by designing corrosion protection systems, supervising their implementation, carrying out inspections and expert assessments, conducting material testing, and organising training sessions and courses in corrosion protection.

Zakład Korozji i Chemii

Corrosion and Chemistry Division – Accreditation

The Corrosion and Chemistry Division covers all stages of construction and operation of metal and concrete structures in terms of corrosion protection (bridges, viaducts, power transmission towers, steel structures and industrial plant equipment), from the design of corrosion protection systems and execution technologies and supervision of their implementation, through detailed inspections, expert assessments and evaluation of the technical condition of corrosion protection systems. The Laboratory conducts testing of the chemical composition of polymer and mineral materials.

Within the Corrosion and Chemistry Division, testing is carried out on anti-corrosion, insulation and repair materials used for engineering structures and in other areas of industrial activity made of steel, other metals and concrete. The Division deals with corrosion processes across all branches of industry. Testing is conducted for certification purposes such as National Technical Assessments, PSE and railway recommendations, in accordance with the NORSOK procedure and others.

The Corrosion and Chemistry Division conducts field testing, including assessment of the condition of corrosion protection systems, coating adhesion testing, evaluation of surface preparation and sampling for further laboratory testing. The Division employs Inspectors certified by IBDiM, FROSIO and AMPP. A detailed list of conducted tests is described in the laboratory scope of activity section.

Within the Corrosion and Chemistry Division, drafts of technical and design regulations are prepared, including guidelines recommended by the Minister of Infrastructure.

The Corrosion and Chemistry Division organises courses and training sessions in the field of corrosion protection and repair of bridge structures.

Scope of Activities

  • testing carried out by the accredited Corrosion and Chemistry Laboratory AB 1424,

  • preparation of technical expert reports and opinions,

  • training in corrosion protection of steel and concrete.

Contact:

The Corrosion and Chemistry Division supports the durability of bridges, viaducts, towers and industrial structures by designing corrosion protection systems, supervising their implementation, carrying out inspections and expert assessments, conducting material testing, and organising training sessions and courses in corrosion protection.

Zakład Technologii Nawierzchnii

Pavement Technology Division

The Pavement Technology Division deals with issues related to road pavements. The scope of the Division’s activities includes areas connected with broadly understood road pavement technology, in particular asphalt pavements. The Division conducts testing of materials and construction products in three accredited laboratories. Its extensive equipment enables both laboratory and field testing. The Division’s experts prepare technical and court expert opinions, provide technical consultancy and design road pavements. They also participate in processes related to the certification of construction products, preparation of recommendations, and national and European technical assessments. The Division takes part in national and international research projects and cooperates with road administration authorities, road managers, manufacturers, contractors, design offices and other scientific institutions. Research staff participate in training courses, seminars and scientific conferences.

Asphalt pavement technology, block pavement technology, resin pavement technology, pavement rehabilitation, pavement repair, pavement sampling, development of technical requirements, weekend pavement rehabilitation, long-life pavements, low-noise pavements, anti-cracking layers, bus bay pavements.

MINERAL-ASPHALT MIXTURES and other hot and cold mixes, testing, sampling, mix design, recycling and use of waste materials, mix design and preparation of type testing, recycling and use of waste materials, preparation of technical requirements for non-standard materials and technologies.

OTHER MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS – IBDiM conducts testing of geosynthetics, expansion joint tapes, use of waste materials, type testing, geosynthetics, asphalt-rubber expansion joint tapes, cellulose fibres, polymer fibres, rubber and rubber-asphalt granulates, waterproofing membranes, joint sealants, waste materials, use of recycled materials.

Contact:

The Road Marking Division supports the safety of road infrastructure by conducting research on horizontal and vertical road markings, preparing expert reports, opinions and certificates, providing consultancy on construction sites, participating in certification and technical assessment processes, and cooperating with public authorities, manufacturers and contractors.

Zakład Oznakowania Dróg

Road Marking Division – Accreditation

The Road Marking Division deals with issues related to horizontal and vertical road markings. The Division operates an accredited laboratory where both laboratory and field tests are carried out. Experts of the Road Marking Division prepare opinions, technical and court expert reports, participate in processes related to the certification of construction products and the preparation of National Technical Assessments. The Road Marking Division actively participates in the development of technical regulations and cooperates with road administration authorities, road managers, manufacturers, contractors and other scientific institutions.

SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES:

• assessment of technical parameters of horizontal and vertical road markings on roads and streets of all technical classes – field and laboratory testing,
• assessment of in-service performance properties of materials for horizontal road markings on road test sections,
• preparation of expert reports and on-site consultancy, supervision over the execution of horizontal road markings,
• research and implementation works,
• preparation of certificates, technical specifications and guidelines,
• organisation of technical training courses.

Laboratory tests carried out by the accredited laboratory of the Road Marking Division AB 424:

• retroreflective sheeting
• vertical road signs
• active vertical road signs
• support structures – posts and lattice structures
• solvent-based paints, water-based paints, thermoplastic materials, cold-applied (chemically curing) materials, retroreflective tapes
• prefabricated elements for horizontal road markings
• road studs (raised pavement markers)
• active road studs (active raised pavement markers)
• glass beads
• markings for visually impaired persons – textured pavement markings
• waterproofing pavement systems
• road safety devices

Field tests:

• vertical road signs
• horizontal road markings
• bicycle paths
• textured pavement markings
• waterproofing pavement systems
• road safety devices
• variable message signs
• road studs

Contact:

The Management Systems and Telematics Division supports modern transport by designing and integrating ITS systems, managing spatial data, conducting telemetry measurements and remote sensing, and performing research on road materials. Experts develop strategies and support smart city solutions, urban mobility and road traffic safety.

Zakład Systemów Zarządzania i Telematyki

Scope of activities:

Intelligent Transport Systems:

• standardisation in ITS systems,
• ITS system architecture,
• communication systems,
• navigation systems in transport,
• spatial information systems and databases,
• education related to ITS systems,
• integration of ITS systems,
• road remote sensing,
• road telemetry measurements (traffic volume measurement, weigh-in-motion systems, pavement condition assessment, camera monitoring, etc.).

Transport policy:

• national and regional transport policy,
• coordination of urban policies: sustainable transport and spatial planning,
• urban mobility management,
• transport systems in a smart city,
• reduction of local pollutant emissions and greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector,
• autonomous support systems for road transport.

Studies related to winter and summer road maintenance.

Testing and assessment of materials used in winter road maintenance.

Substantive preparation of National Technical Assessments and technical opinions for road safety devices.

Research capabilities

Contact:

The Bridge, Concrete and Aggregates Research Centre in Żmigród, a branch of the Road and Bridge Research Institute, conducts advanced research within the Concrete and Aggregates Laboratory, the Bridges and Drainage Devices Laboratory, and at the “STEND” testing facility, carrying out static and dynamic analyses of structural elements and supporting innovation in infrastructure.

Ośrodek Badań Mostów, Betonów i Kruszyw - Filia Wrocław

The Bridge, Concrete and Aggregates Research Centre in Żmigród is a Branch of the Road and Bridge Research Institute and comprises: the Concrete and Aggregates Laboratory, the Bridges and Drainage Devices Laboratory, and the “STEND” Facility for Static and Dynamic Testing of Structural Elements.

Contact:

Bridge, Concrete and Aggregates Research Centre Żmigród–Węglewo – Wrocław Branch

The Bridge Research Centre in Kielce, a branch of the Road and Bridge Research Institute, supports the development of bridge infrastructure by preparing expert reports, inspections and structural assessments, providing supervision and technical consultancy in the prefabrication and construction of bridges, conducting laboratory testing of materials and structural elements, and performing calibration of tensioning devices and hydraulic actuators.

Ośrodek Badań Mostów - Filia IBDiM w Kielcach

Scope of Activities – Kielce Branch:

• expert reports, special inspections and testing of bridge structures,
• supervision, design, as well as issuing opinions and providing technical consultancy in the field of prefabricated element production and bridge construction,
• laboratory testing of materials, structural elements and equipment of bridge structures,
• calibration of tensioning devices and hydraulic actuators.

Bridge Laboratory

Scope of Activities:

Expert reports and special inspections of bridge structures
Technical expert reports and special inspections include the assessment of technical condition and events that occurred during the construction or operation of bridge structures.
They cover damage inventory, material testing, structural analyses and conclusions forming the basis for determining further actions regarding the subject of the expert report.
We possess equipment, instrumentation, software and authorised personnel, ensuring the comprehensive performance of technical expert assessments.

Load testing of bridge structures
Load tests constitute part of acceptance testing of road and railway bridge structures. They may also be used to assess the current load-bearing capacity of structures already in operation.
We have equipment and instrumentation enabling the measurement and recording of displacements, strains and structural accelerations.

Contact: