Alternatives to conventional gravel wearing courses on low volume rural roads: Phase 1

Abstract

The Problems with the location of sustainable sources of suitable materials for the upgrading of various local roads to TRH 20 standard in a number of locations in the Limpopo Province resulted in an investigation to assess possible alternatives to conventional unsealed roads. An analysis of various alternative road structures has shown that certain of these can be more cost effective than the current techniques. Others are marginally more costly in the long term, but this cost can be offset by intangible and usually unquantifiable benefits accruing to the communities involved. Recommendations regarding the implementation of these have been made. These benefits accruing to the community and the establishment of sustainable road maintenance SMMEs in the area make some of these options very attractive. Benefits that are not quantified such as reduced dustiness, environmental and material conservation and ownership of the roads should also be considered. It is illustrated, however, that even excluding these benefits, sealing of local materials with an appropriate bituminous surfacing can be beneficial. Placing a conservative value of, say, 15 per cent of the project cost on non-quantifiable benefits would result in a significantly greater value of the alternatives discussed.