Bangkok--5 Aug--ธนบุรินทร์ เอเซีย แปซิฟิค
More than 450 academics, professionals, and engineers from 24 countries around the world are gathering at the 7th International Conference on Road & Airfield Pavement Technology (ICPT), the first time in Thailand, held at Queen Sirikij National Convention Center. Mr Supoth Sublom, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, is presiding over the opening ceremony. The 7th ICPT, which will run until 5th August 2011, is organised by Ministry of Transport, Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Engineering and the Roads Association of Thailand. The conference is also supported by the Thailand Convention and Bureau (Public Organisation).
Presiding over the opening ceremony of the 7th ICPT, Mr Suphoth Sublom, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Transport said “The Ministry of Transport, which is responsible for the strategic policy and infrastructure of Thailand’s transportation sector, is pleased to be the co-host of the 7th International Conference on Road & Airfield Pavement Technology (ICPT) together with Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Engineering and the Roads Association of Thailand. This marks the first time the event has been organised in Thailand. The 7th ICPT is aimed at promoting the advancement of pavement technology worldwide with emphasis on road and pavement applications in the developing countries. Moreover, it also highlights the Ministry of Transport’s 100th anniversary celebration on 1st April 2012. The 7th ICPT conference, which is being held from today to 5th August, will host more than 450 professionals in the field of pavement technology from 24 countries around the world who have gathered to learn about the new advancement of pavement technology.”
Prof Emeritus Dr Direk Lavansiri, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the 7th International Conference on Road & Airfield Pavement Technology, said “The 7th ICPT, organised for the first time in Thailand and under the theme ‘New Horizon of Pavement Technology’, has helped Thailand towards being one of the leading countries in pavement technology. The 7th ICPT is aimed at promoting the advancement of pavement technology worldwide and its importance to developing countries. It also creates opportunities for academics, engineers, and specialists to share and exchange technology and experiences from some of the world’s most renowned researchers. For example, on 3rd August Prof Gilbert Baladi from the Department of Civil & Environment Engineering at Michigan State University will talk on ‘Theoretical and Actual Trends of the Pavement Remaining Service Life and their Impacts on the Cost-Effectiveness of the Pavement Management Decisions’, while Prof Akira Kawamura from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of Kitami Institute of Technology will speak about ‘Using Road Users-Oriented Approach in Pavement Evaluation : Critical Data and Potential Tools’.”
Prof Emeritus Dr Direk further remarked that, “On the following day, there will be a presentation on ‘Challenges and Opportunities in Developing Sustainable Asphalt Pavement Tools’ by Prof Youngsoo Richard Kim from North Carolina State University and “Decision Making in an Asset Management Environment: Data and Tools” by Prof Omar Smadi from Lowa State University. Moreover, attendees to the conference will be able to explore many other subjects, presented in English, that include Design and Analysis, Materials, Planning and Financing, Management Systems, Construction, Maintenance and Rehabilitation, Testing and Evaluation, Operational Characteristics and Performance, and Economic and Environmental Issues in addition to 112 abstracts presented orally and in posters. Participants can also visit exhibition booths from several organizations linked to road pavement technology.”
Prof T F Fwa, Chairman of ICPT International Advisory & Executive Committee said, “The International Conference on Pavement & Airfield Technology emphasises pavement technological development in developing countries, by encouraging exchange and transfer of pavement technology among professionals and researchers of different countries. Organising the ICPT in Asia also benefits professionals within the region. Since 1993 we have organised 6 ICPT conferences in Singapore, China, Korea, Japan, and now in Thailand.”
For those interested in the 7th International Conference on Road & Airfield Pavement Technology, , visit www.icpt2011.org.
Photo caption:
Mr Suphoth Sublom (centre); Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and Prof Emeritus Dr Direk Lavansiri (2nd from right); Chairman of the Organising Committee of the 7th International Conference on Road & Airfield Pavement Technology, are seen with Mr Aram Konsombat (far left); President to the Roads Association of Thailand, Assoc Prof Dr Boonsom Lerthiranwong (2nd from left); Dean to the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, and Prof T F Fwa; Chairman of ICPT International Advisory & Executive Committee, during the official opening ceremony of the 7th International Conference on Road & Airfield Pavement Technology (The 7th ICPT) organised for the first time in Thailand by Ministry of Transport, Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Engineering and the Roads Association of Thailand at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.