Geotechnical Investigation of Pavement Failure Causes and Inherent Solutions for Sustainable Highway Construction in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

The rapid growth of urbanization and industrialization in Sub-Saharan Africa has led to increased strain on transportation infrastructure. Pavement failures on highways are prevalent in the region due to complex interactions of environmental and human factors.

This article presents an in-depth analysis of pavement failure causes in Sub-Saharan Africa based on comprehensive geotechnical investigations. It identifies inherent solutions to mitigate these failures and ensure sustainable highway construction.

Causes of Pavement Failures

Environmental Factors

• High rainfall intensity: Extensive rainfall causes water infiltration, weakening the pavement structure.
• Poor drainage: Inadequate drainage systems result in water accumulation, leading to subgrade erosion and pavement deformation.
• Expansive soils: Certain soil types expand and contract with moisture variations, causing pavement cracking and upheaval.

Human Factors

• Overloading: Excessive axle loads from heavy vehicles accelerate pavement deterioration.
• Deficient construction practices: Poor materials selection, inadequate compaction, and improper drainage design contribute to pavement failures.
• Lack of maintenance: Negligence in timely repairs and maintenance exacerbates pavement degradation.

Inherent Solutions

Addressing pavement failures requires a holistic approach that incorporates inherent solutions:

Maximizing Drainage Efficiency

• Install proper drainage systems to divert water away from the pavement.
• Use porous pavements to allow infiltration and reduce water accumulation.

Improving Subgrade Stability

• Select appropriate foundation materials that are resistant to moisture variations.
• Employ soil stabilization techniques to enhance subgrade strength and reduce erosion.

Optimizing Pavement Design

• Design pavements to withstand specific traffic loads and environmental conditions.
• Incorporate stress-absorbing layers and geosynthetics to enhance pavement resilience.

Benefits of Sustainable Highway Construction

• Improved road safety: Well-maintained highways minimize accidents and fatalities.