We are NACOE

The National Asset Centre of Excellence

Delivering engineering excellence through leading road asset research that welcomes innovation and drives road management practice efficiency; creating fit-for-purpose engineering solutions.

Leading transport innovation in Queensland since 2013

Our Purpose

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Discover the research findings that are already driving efficiency and shaping a more resilient and productive road network for Queensland. Get an overview of all key projects, outcomes, and future focus areas.

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Delivering engineering excellence through leading road asset research that welcomes innovation and drives road management practice efficiency; creating fit-for-purpose engineering solutions.

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Research areas

Asset Management

The NACOE Asset Management subprogram is focused on advancing asset management modelling practice and the underlying assumptions within these models, and has delivered several significant projects to date with a focus on improving:

  • Decision making tools
  • Asset condition
  • Informing government of asset performance
  • Better use of maintenance funding
  • Network access and reliability

In addition, the program has included research into new funding strategies that explore life cycle costing implications, particularly considering the risk of major weather events and flooding across Queensland.

Heavy Vehicle Management

NACOE projects within the Heavy Vehicle Management discipline have achieved significant benefits to the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads by assisting with capability development and fostering of partnerships across the organisations.

These projects drive transport efficiency, reduce demand for infrastructure upgrading and save lives on our roads.

Projects within the Heavy Vehicle Management discipline are investigating ways to:

  • reduce the road toll
  • drive freight efficiency
  • improve network efficiency
  • improve access

The Heavy Vehicle Management program has a strong focus on collaborating with industry to ensure implementation.

Network Operations

NACOE projects within the Network Operations discipline have achieved significant benefits to the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads by assisting with capability development and fostering of partnerships across the organisations.

These projects drive transport efficiency, reduce demand for infrastructure upgrading and save lives on our roads.

Projects within the Network Operations discipline are investigating ways to:

  • reduce the road toll
  • drive freight efficiency
  • improve network efficiency
  • improve access

The Network Operation program has a strong focus on collaborating with industry to ensure implementation.

Pavements

The Pavements Program represents the largest proportion of the NACOE program, with approximately half the total investment and is focused on delivering engineering best practice across:

  • Asphalt
  • Road surfacing’s
  • Unbound granular and marginal materials
  • Stabilised/modified pavements
  • Sustainability and technology projects (including alternatives to traditional pavement materials).

With a strong focus on collaborating with industry to ensure implementation, the Pavements program has the potential to deliver very significant cost savings compared to current practices, allowing for more road projects to be constructed.

Road Safety

NACOE projects within the Road Safety discipline have achieved significant benefits to the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads by assisting with capability development and fostering of partnerships across the organisations.

These projects drive transport efficiency, reduce demand for infrastructure upgrading and save lives on our roads.


Projects within the Road Safety discipline are investigating ways to:

  • reduce the road toll
  • drive freight efficiency
  • improve network efficiency
  • improve access 

The Road Safety program has a strong focus on collaborating with industry to ensure implementation.

Structures

The Structures program represents approximately 20% of the research program investment and aims to enhance benefits to the network in several ways, including:

  • Testing and analysis of vehicle interactions on bridges to gain a better understanding of the capacity and performance
  • Improving bridge monitoring, advanced systems, and best practice asset and risk management methodologies
  • Introduction of advanced materials and technologies into the design of structures across the network.

Sustainability

The Sustainability program is focused on the research and development of sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions for road and transport infrastructure.

Key activities in this program cover the followed areas:

  • use of recycled and alternative materials in road construction
  • climate change adaptation and mitigation
  • calculating and reducing greenhouse gas emission

 The Sustainability program has a strong focus on collaborating with industry to ensure implementation.

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WHY CHOOSE NACOE

For more than a decade we’ve driven national research collaboration, innovation, and practical solutions for the future of Australia’s road infrastructure.

Over 250+ implemented projects

Driving change and delivering measurable economic and operational benefits since 2013.

30+ dedicated researchers

Leveraging world-class expertise from NTRO, TMR, and universities.

Direct benefits for QLD

Delivering demonstrated cost savings and high-performing, resilient infrastructure.

Growing industry partners

Expanding our network to maximise expertise and share knowledge.