Evaluation of Road Pavement Failure: A Case Study of Federal Medical Center Jabi Road, Abuja.

Abstract:

Background of Study: In Nigeria, roads frequently degrade soon after construction, especially if the work is not done properly. However, some roads last for a long time before they deteriorate. This current study examined the factors that contribute to road collapse alongside the Federal Medical Centre road, Abuja and proposed optimal solutions. Methods: Sufficient soil samples were obtained at the road’s collapsed segment. However, a Traffic volume study was conducted together with laboratory investigation such as Natural moisture content determination, Sieve analysis, Atterberg limit testing, Compaction test and California bearing ratio analysis using (BS 1377) to better understand the factors causing the road failure. Results: The result from Natural moisture content shows that the soil sample obtained contained an amount of water for each sample, while sieve analysis shows that the samples have satisfied the requirements. In addition, the Atterberg limit test indicates that the earth’s samples are good and excellent for use in building roads, while for compaction, the OMC and MDD values gotten have also satisfied the requirements. More so, the California bearing ratio test also shows that the sub-base materials are good, which makes the layers of good strength. A traffic volume study was done by counting the number of vehicles going and coming out from various organisations surrounding the road in the morning and Afternoon hours. Conclusion: The construction materials of the road are good and excellent and have all complied with the requirements. Hence, by visual observation, the road's drainage system could be better, and the road surface needs to be cambered to the direction of the drainage to drain off water, especially during the rainy season. Water poses a lot of threat to roads, gradually creating void and allowing water infiltration, causing severe damage to the subsoil and pavement. Therefore, it is recommended that the drainage system should be properly built while cambering the road to either direction for proper running off of water.