CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES: LOW-VOLUME ROADS

Construction techniques  Module summarises key points on low- volume road construction techniques:  Favour spot improvement (good-enough and favours labour-based works)  Build durable structures (important as rural roads vulnerable to water damage)  Use durable and ecological surfacing (important because of limitations of gravel, dust generation, and need to restrict petroleum products)  Always a balancing act between durability and cost

Construction techniques  Overriding principles: cheap, durable, sustainable environmentally and socially  Don’t design for speed and comfort  Use labour-based techniques when feasible  Adapt technical standards to the natural environment  Use sustainable surfaces (durable but using local materials and labour)

Construction techniques: key points 2  Use spot improvement approach ( concentrate on drainage, stabilising slopes, making the road maintainable ):  Build cheap but durable road surfaces ( problems with availability and conservation of gravel, also dust)  Explore alternatives to gravel: ( engineered earth surface, low-cost hard surfacing, natural residues, cement on slopes, brick in towns)  Dust problems are growing with incomes and gravel roas becoming unpopular

References: construction techniques  Surfacing options Surfacing options  Low Cost Structures Low Cost Structures  Road surfacing Road surfacing  Low cost grading.pdf Low cost grading.pdf  Rural Road Surface Options.pdf Rural Road Surface Options.pdf  Eco-roads for Emerging Economies.pdf Eco-roads for Emerging Economies.pdf  Low cost road surfaces Low cost road surfaces  Good enough roads.pdf Good enough roads.pdf  Spot Improvement Manual.pdf Spot Improvement Manual.pdf  Dust Dust  Dust again Dust again