Development of Pavement Design Standards for Low-Volume Roads in Ethiopia. Assosa

Abstract

The Development of Pavement Design Standards for roads in Ethiopia is part of the African Community Access Programme (AFCAP) which has the main goal of providing safe and sustainable access for poor communities in Africa. The project described in this report is part demonstration and part research in that it builds on previous research in other countries whilst providing additional information on in-situ moisture sensitivity for some of the lateritic material found in Ethiopia. The plasticity of laterite contributes significantly to strength upon drying back by acting as “cement” to the nodules. The site on the Assosa-Kurmuk road was constructed to demonstrate this principle as well as to investigate the influence of sealed or unsealed shoulders on wheel path moisture and strength both in cut and fill. The results from long term monitoring should provide information that can update current practice in the use of neat natural bases as well as on the use of sealed and unsealed shoulders