ORIS worked with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on the modernization of a section of the A380 highway in Uzbekistan - more specifically, the stretch from kilometer 673 to kilometer 698.

With the support of ORIS, the ADB deployed a digital analysis approach with multiple scenarios to transform the road's initial design and find the best option in terms of its environmental and social impact criteria.

Using the capabilities of the ORIS Materials Intelligence platform, the ADB team created a virtual copy of the project - called a "digital twin".

This approach enabled an in-depth comparative analysis, assessing key parameters such as mechanical performance, circular economy, carbon emissions, resource consumption, road safety and resilience to climate change.

The results of these simulations, facilitated by artificial intelligence, guided design choices towards options aligned with sustainability objectives and adapted to the local context.

*The main objectives: 

• Improve regional connectivity;
• Improve road safety; 
• Design a sustainable and resilient road;
• Reduce journey times.

In terms of road safety, the overall objective was to reduce fatalities by 25% and meet UN minimum standards.

How did ORIS help improve road safety on the project? 

Based on the methodology of the International Road Assessment Program (iRAP), the ORIS platform made it possible to formulate recommendations for improvements representing an investment of $7.1 million. The aim was to achieve the United Nations (UN) minimum 3-star safety rating. 

The estimated impact is that the improvements would save more than 1,800 people injured or killed.

*Step 1: Road Safety Assessment with iRAP Methodology :

iRAP's 'Star Ratings' provide an objective measure of the level of road safety, incorporating over 52 road attributes. These ratings cover factors such as accident probability, severity, speed, influence of external flow and ability to cross the median. The ORIS platform evaluated the initial design according to this approach, showing that it fell short of the objectives set by the UN.

*Step 2: Countermeasures Plan:

Based on this assessment, the ADB, with the assistance of ORIS, has drawn up an improvement plan aimed at achieving the minimum 3-star rating, in line with UN and ADB standards. 

This plan includes countermeasures such as: 

• • Safety barriers ; 
  • Rumble strips on shoulders ;
  • Speed reductions at critical sections.

Identification of countermeasures to reduce road safety risks on the A380 project (source: BUILDING GREENER, RESILIENT TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE, ADB, September 2023)

The implementation of these countermeasures, representing an additional investment of $7.1 million, would induce a significant reduction in the potential for fatalities and serious injuries, thus avoiding 1,845 fatalities over the 30-year life of the A380's 673-698 km section. 

For more information: https://www.adb.org/publications/greener-resilient-transport-infrastructure-uzbekistan