Asset management

What we do

Contact information:

Khangwelo Muronga
Research Group Leader
@email

Yoliswa Kula
Business Development Manager
@email

Sipho Dikweni
Commercialisation Manager
@email

Highlights

Two people looking at an item on a truck

Software to help authorities track overloaded trucks at weighbridges

The CSIR has developed a weighbridge management system to protect public road infrastructure by identifying and flagging overloaded heavy vehicles. A weighbridge measures the total weight of road vehicles and their contents, allowing traffic law enforcement authorities to enforce load regulations effectively. By preventing overloaded trucks from using the roads, this system helps extend the lifespan of road networks, optimises road maintenance budgets and reduces accidents caused by excessive vehicle loads. Read more.

Fingers pointing at tablet screen

An app to report and monitor road maintenance issues

The CSIR has developed a mobile application (app) to streamline and digitise the reporting of road infrastructure maintenance issues such as potholes and traffic signal failures in Gauteng. Road infrastructure failures pose a significant problem for motorists nationwide, leading to vehicle damage and safety concerns. The CSIR was commissioned by the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport to develop the mobile app, The app uses geographic information system technology, allowing it to pinpoint the exact location of reported maintenance issues and allocate them to the correct road authority for repair and maintenance.

Lights on a road

Embracing the Future: Revolutionising mobility with technology

In today's rapidly evolving world, mobility is being redefined. Transportation is no longer just about moving from point A to point B. Smart mobility is ushering in a new era of interconnected, efficient, and sustainable transportation systems, powered by cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of mobility worldwide. Read the full thought leadership article by the CSIR’s Khangwelo Muronga. Read the full thought leadership article by the CSIR’s Khangwelo Muronga.

Our capabilities

Structures management system
Structures management system

Bridges and other road structures are vital assets requiring systematic management. The CSIR bridge management system is used by numerous road authorities in South Africa, as well as in other African countries enabling systematic inspections, asset prioritisation and optimisation. This system has expanded to cover additional road structure types and other infrastructure asset types.

Road asset management systems
Road asset management systems

A road asset management system is a critical tool for road authorities to manage their road networks. Our team provides technical assistance to authorities in deploying suitable components of a road asset management system as part of a collaborative partnership.

Heavy vehicle overloading

Overloading on roads causes premature road deterioration. Several national, provincial and metropolitan strategies have been developed by the CSIR, including the National Overload Control Strategy. We have worked on overload control projects in many countries in Africa. 

heavy vehicle on the road
Self-regulation of heavy vehicles

Our team has recommended self-regulation in heavy vehicle transport in the National Overload Control Strategy as a potential initiative to complement law enforcement efforts, by reducing overloading, improving maintenance and driver wellness. It engages the full logistics chain through accreditation, promoting shared responsibility for safe transport on public roads.

Large vehicle on the road
Performance-based standards for heavy vehicles

Performance-based standards (PBS) is an alternative framework for heavy vehicle regulation that specifies actual on-road performance requirements, as opposed to primarily governing overall vehicle mass and length dimensions. Piloted in South Africa in 2007, PBS vehicles offer higher payloads, improved safety, reduced road wear, lower fuel use and emissions and operate under strict permits on approved routes.

Large vehicle on the road
Abnormal loads system

The Abnormal Vehicle Registration (AVR) system ensures that truck tractors, dollies and trailers for abnormal loads are registered with payload details. The AVR programme calculates permit fees, recommends speed limits or escorts, manages client accounts and digitises permit issuance for efficient data transfer.