PAVEMENT FAILURE INVESTIGATION

PAVEMENT FAILURE INVESTIGATION

Abstract:

Pavement Investigation or Evaluation is the study which provides information to the general investment and planning programme and maintenance phases of pavement management. It assesses the deficiencies and defects of existing sections of pavement thereby pinpointing the rehabilitation needs or otherwise. This case study centred on a selected major highway linking Kaduna and Plateau states i.e. Katabu – Pambegua – Jos Road whose pavement has tailed and is in a very deplorable condition. The most fundamental methods of laboratory and field tests have been adopted in the study i.e. CBR and materials classification and characterisation. Some of the major causes of failure were identified as use of very poor quality lateritic materials, poorly graded stone base aggregates, use of asphaltic concrete which excluded some aggregate fractions with the resultant reduction in stability and resistance of the asphalt. Also, the compaction of various pavement layers was quite inadequate in addition to other poor workmanship. From the test results of the investigation, some remedial measures, ranging from complete reconstruction in some sections to crack sealing and asphaltic overlay for the restoration of both structural and functional deficiencies of the pavement have been recommended.

PAVEMENT FAILURE INVESTIGATION