ROAD PAVEMENT DESIGN UNDER TROPICAL CLIMATE

Most pavement design methods used in tropical countries originated in European temperate climates, and direct application of these design methods have often led to expensive pavement failures, especially under increased traffic loads. The author describes a study of flexible pavements under Kenyan climatic conditions, and proposes a basis for development of sound pavement design for the tropics. He outlines the use of the Marshall stability and flow tests for asphalt under tropical conditions, and compares the advantages of the cement-stabilized murram base to the crushed stone base. When considering thin surfacing for flexible pavements which are particularly popular in tropical countries, reduction in horizontal tensile stresses can be achieved by using base materials with a high modulus of elasticity. While curbs and gutters are useful in reducing horizontal tensile stresses and strains in flexible pavements, their effect on pavement deflection is negligible, the author concludes.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Presented at the Fourth IRF African Highway Conference, Nairobi, Kenya, January 20-25, 1980. For individual papers see TRIS Accession Numbers 311921 through 311971.
• Corporate Authors:

  International Road Federation

  525 School Street, SW
  Washington, DC  United States  20024
• Authors:
  • Gichaga, F J
• Publication Date: 1980

Media Info

• Pagination: n.p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Asphalt pavements; Atmosphere; Climate; Crushed rock; Deflection; Failure; Marshall test; Modulus of elasticity; Pavement design; Pavements; Tension; Traffic loads; Tropics
• Uncontrolled Terms: Tensile stress
• Old TRIS Terms: Marshall stability marshall stability & flow test flow; Pavement deflection
• Subject Areas: Freight Transportation; Highways; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00311948
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 9 1980 12:00AM