Revision history [back]
 |
1 |
initial version
|
|
Concrete and temporary surfaces would most likely cost far more than gravel which presumably is relatively local.
It may be that you can significantly improve the road performance by improving its construction. You mention that the soil is hard when dry so if you can get the water off before it soaks in it will help. Mind you, heavy trucks are a tough test for any road material.
The critical point is to get water off the road as quickly as possible by using a camber cross section with large flat drains (1/2 the road width on each side) which provide the material to make the camber. The side drains are diverted away from the road at regular intervals to keep water flow down and prevent erosion and water logging.
The new surface needs thorough compaction with hand rammers or rollers. A bit of moisture helps, but if it's already muddy it's too wet.
Earth Roads: Their construction and maintenance from the Development Bookshop is what I used many years ago in Zambia and it covers all the basics.
Another possibility is this material that I heard of from South Africa. It's a stabiliser that you mix into the soil. I have no personal experience of it but I believe DFID were trialling it in Mozambique a few years ago. Could be worth contacting them. www.ecobond.co.za
Regards,
Duncan Kerridge
|
2 |
No.2 Revision
|
Concrete and temporary surfaces would most likely cost far more than gravel which presumably is relatively local.
It may be that you can significantly improve the road performance by improving its construction. You mention that the soil is hard when dry so if you can get the water off before it soaks in it will help. Mind you, heavy trucks are a tough test for any road material.
The critical point is to get water off the road as quickly as possible by using a camber cross section with large flat drains (1/2 the road width on each side) which provide the material to make the camber. The side drains are diverted away from the road at regular intervals to keep water flow down and prevent erosion and water logging.
The new surface needs thorough compaction with hand rammers or rollers. A bit of moisture helps, but if it's already muddy it's too wet.
Earth Roads: Their construction and maintenance from the Development Bookshop is what I used many years ago in Zambia and it covers all the basics.
Another possibility is this material that I heard of from South Africa. It's a stabiliser that you mix into the soil. I have no personal experience of it but I believe DFID were trialling it in Mozambique a few years ago. Could be worth contacting them. www.ecobond.co.za
Regards,
Duncan Kerridge
