Investigative Study of Possible Causes of Failure of A Section of Road in Jos- Plateau, North - Central Nigeria

Abstract

The durability of transportation infrastructure is critically dependent on their design and construction. Some roads have experienced early distress after construction while others long after construction. Several design methods have been developed to determine the thickness and composition of road surfaces required to carry predicted traffic for a given period of time. However, maintenance is expected to take place every 2-5 years to keep the asphalt from hardening leading to extensive cracking. Similarly, failed areas should be patched to keep the damaged area from getting bigger. It is in this regard that a study of a section of a road in Jos-Plateau Nigeria was carried out with the aim of examining the defects in relation to geotechnical properties that could probably be responsible for failure of the road. The engineering tests carried out include sieve analysis, specific gravity, natural moisture content, Atterberg limits, compaction and California bearing ratio show that the materials used in constructing the road possess good geotechnical properties. Increase in traffic and loading of the road by heavy duty vehicles beyond the design and carrying capacity of the road is possibly one of factors responsible for the rapid deterioration of the road. Recommendations of changes in construction practice that could minimize or eliminate the likelihood of reoccurrence of the defects have been suggested.