Ingenieria Civil

Road Construction: History and Procedure

written by: Tarun Goel • edited by: Lamar Stonecypher • updated: 5/17/2013

Road Construction Methods have changed a lot since the first roads were built in about 4000 BC. Read on to learn more about road construction methods and procedures.

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In ancient times, river transport was much faster and easier than road transport. The Romans were one of the first to build stone paved roads in North Africa and Europe to support their military operations. Later the Arabs built roads that were covered with tar. The roads were constructed by preparing earthworks and lifting the road foundation at the center for water drainage. Road construction techniques gradually improved by the study of road traffic, stone thickness, road alignment, and slope gradients. Initial road construction materials were stones that were laid in a regular, compact design, and covered with smaller stones to produce a solid layer.

The building techniques were simple but effective as they reduced the travel time considerably and connected one place to another by land. The Appian Way in Rome still exists although it was constructed 2300 years ago. If Roman roads are considered the beginning of road construction, Telford Pavements are known as the second step of this process, followed by the Macadam Pavements that ultimately lead to the Bitumen Roads. Today, the concrete roads have added another dimension to stability and strength of the roadways.

• Road Construction Techniques

Modern road construction involves the removal of geographic obstacles, and the use of new construction materials that are far more improved and durable. Rock and earth is removed by explosion or digging. Embankments, tunnels, and bridges are constructed, and then vegetation is removed by deforestation, if necessary. Finally, the pavement material is laid by using a range of road construction equipment.

Roadways are basically designed and constructed for use by vehicles and pedestrians. Storm drainage and ecological considerations should be considered seriously. Sediments and erosion are controlled to avoid damaging effects. Drainage systems are constructed so that they should be able to carry waste water to a waterway, stream, river, or the sea.

• Importance of Earthwork

Earthwork is one of the major works involved in road construction. This process includes excavation, material removal, filling, compaction, and construction. Moisture content is controlled, and compaction is done according to standard design procedures. Normally, rock explosion at the road bed is not encouraged. While filling a depression to reach the road level, the original bed is flattened after the removal of the topsoil. The fill layer is distributed and compacted to the designed specifications. This procedure is repeated until the compaction desired is reached. The fill material should not contain organic elements, and possess a low index of plasticity. Fill material can include gravel and decomposed rocks of a particular size, but should not consist of huge clay lumps. Sand clay can be used. The area is considered to be adequately compacted when the roller movement does not create a noticeable deformation. The road surface finish is reliant on the economic aspects, and the estimated usage.

Bulldozers are some of the most important items of equipment used in road construction. Since a bulldozer is expensive, economic usage factors should be considered when using one. Bulldozers are extremely useful for road construction where it is possible to throw the waste excavated material on the road sides. Bulldozers may only be used if the slopes at the sides are not excessively steep. However, work on steep slopes can be accomplished by a bulldozer by using special techniques and expertise.

Construcción de carreteras: Historia y Procedimiento

escrito por: Tarun Goel • editado por: Lamar Stonecypher • actualización: 05/17/2013

Métodos de construcción de carreteras han cambiado mucho desde los primeros caminos fueron construidos en el 4000 aC. Siga leyendo para aprender más sobre los métodos y procedimientos de construcción de carreteras.

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