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Related topic: Civil engineering, analysis

Comparative study of flexible and rigid pavement

Jan 11, 2022 – Alpha Sharma, Dharma Maharjan, Junu Shrestha, Dipika Rai


Abstract

With rapidly developing infrastructures, road transport being one of them, engineers around the world have been looking for cost effective solutions to build roads. Pavement choice is an eminent part of any road construction process. But the pavement’s life cycle cost depends on different variables and one of the most important is the location. Numerous studies were conducted in different countries around the world including India suggesting rigid pavement is more economical in the long run than flexible. But, since the thickness of pavement very much depends on soil subgrade and traffic characteristics, more research based on highways need to be conducted. Significant cost and time can be saved if the right pavement for the right condition can be chosen based on supporting data and studies. Since rigid pavement is gathering curiosity in  Nepal regarding its comparison to flexible pavements, we can reach some conclusions based on other research and their findings through this  review paper. 

Problem Statement

There are various factors that affect the cost of road development projects : construction and maintenance costs. If we can make a comparative analysis based on various factors that affect the construction of road projects, that lower the cost of construction and increase the lifespan and also meet all the demand of vehicular population and decrease the maintenance cost, it would strengthen other aspects of development.

Since the cost of roads highly depend on design wheel load, subgrade properties, and availability of local materials, study based on specific regions is highly necessary.

Possible Outcomes

The possible outcome at the end of this project is understanding present day facts about the flexible and rigid pavements based on various factors like design wheel load, material property, subgrade property, temperature, environmental considerations, etc. and reviewing the most efficient and economical way to develop road projects to give recommendations for future road projects in Nepal.