Initial publication by the Institute of Asphalt Technology

In a recent presentation to the Institute of Asphalt Technology's Scottish branch, Robin Hudson-Griffiths, Director of ORIS Consulting UK, and Alain Mardo, ORIS Project Management Consultant, unveiled a platform that promises to be a game-changer in the infrastructure industry. The ORIS platform aims to revolutionise the way projects are planned, designed, and executed, with a focus on sustainability, efficiency, and technological integration.

The ORIS platform is not just a theoretical model but a practical tool that has been populated with every single production site in the UK. This includes but is not limited to quarries, asphalt coating plants, RMC plants and recycling centres. The comprehensive database allows for accurate transport analysis - both cost and carbon, helping project planners understand how long it will take for materials to get from production sites to the project location along the routes permitted (maximum gross weight, height and width of the selected delivery vehicles).

Robin said "The ORIS platform is designed to identify efficiencies early in the project life cycle. It's a tool that brings together all the elements you need for a successful project, from cost analysis to carbon footprint calculations." The platform features a carbon calculator that examines the composition of raw materials and calculates the carbon footprint. This provides a certified cost and carbon material assessment for each site and each proposed material/layer or product. Given the increasing focus on sustainability and climate resilience in infrastructure projects, this feature is particularly crucial. The carbon calculator provides granular insights, factoring in even future maintenance needs. It accounts for the specific equipment and fuel type required across a project's lifespan. In real-world applications, ORIS has driven substantial reductions - carbon emissions have been cut by 10-55% and whole life costs by 15-30% on average across a range of infrastructure projects. Alain added, "We understand that sustainability is not just a buzzword but a necessity. Our carbon calculator helps project managers make informed decisions that align with global sustainability goals."

The ORIS platform also offers design optimisation features. It can automatically calculate the carbon footprint and natural resource requirements for different highway design options, providing a full life cycle assessment. Moreover, the platform is accredited to undertake road safety due diligence, focusing on new road schemes that need to meet specific iRAP (international road assessment programme) safety star ratings.

The ORIS team is not resting on its laurels. They have a memorandum of understanding with Autodesk to integrate civil 3D software, which will make the carbon calculation process more efficient and accurate. This integration will also enable faster comparison of alternative designs, streamlining the decision-making process. The Autodesk integration is now in beta testing, with plans for full release in early 2024. This plugin will enable ORIS capabilities directly within Autodesk software, providing infrastructure professionals seamless access to enhanced project planning and design tools. Alain said, "Our collaboration with Autodesk is a significant step forward. It will allow us to offer even more robust features, making the ORIS platform the go-to tool for infrastructure planning."

During the presentation, Alain provided a live demo of the ORIS platform, showcasing its capabilities in real-time. The platform allows users to zoom into specific areas to see the number of production sites, helping them make informed decisions based on the availability of materials. The platform also offers a detailed breakdown of CO2 emissions, costs, and material consumption for each design option.

One of the standout features of the ORIS platform is its user-friendly interface. During the live demo, Alain showed how easy it is to navigate through the various modules. The platform offers customisation options, allowing users to tailor the tool to their specific needs.

Robin said, "We've designed the ORIS platform to be as user-friendly as possible. We understand that not everyone is a tech expert, so we've made it accessible for all skill levels." 

The ORIS platform has already garnered attention from key players in the infrastructure industry. Several companies have expressed interest in integrating the platform into their project planning processes. The ORIS team is also in talks with governmental bodies for potential collaborations. Alain noted, "The positive reception we've received so far is encouraging. It validates our belief that the ORIS platform can make a significant impact in the industry."

To ensure that users can make the most out of the platform, ORIS offers comprehensive training and support services. This includes webinars, tutorials, and a dedicated customer support team to assist with any issues. Robin added, "We're committed to providing ongoing support to our users. Our training modules are designed to help users get up to speed quickly, and our support team is always on hand to assist." 

The introduction of automation in pavement design reports is revolutionising the pavement engineering sector, and ORIS is at the forefront of this transformation. By automating the generation of detailed pavement design reports, ORIS is enabling unprecedented time savings for engineering firms. Gone are the days of manual creation and exhaustive review of voluminous documents. This automation streamlines the entire design process, freeing up designers and clients to concentrate on tasks that add real value to their projects. Alain said, "We're continually evolving the platform to meet the needs of the industry. Our upcoming features are designed to make project planning even more efficient and inclusive."

The ORIS platform is poised to revolutionise the infrastructure industry, offering a comprehensive tool for project planning, design optimisation, and sustainability. With its user-friendly interface, robust features, and focus on sustainability and safety, it's no wonder the platform is already attracting attention from industry leaders. As Robin concluded, "The ORIS platform is more than just a tool; it's a solution for the challenges facing the infrastructure industry today. We're excited to see how it will shape the future of project planning and execution."