Discussion on Paper “Deterioration and Rating of Gravel Roads. A State of the Art” by H. Alzubaidi and R. Magnusson

ABSTRACT This paper discusses further the earlier work by [ALZ 02] and presents observations on gravel roads with reference to some developing countries such as Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Kenya. The majority of rural road networks are unpaved and are made from materials such as earth, volcanic cinder, crushed rock, chert and blast furnace slag. Further literature investigations showed that factors listed in [ALZ 02] still govern the deterioration and different modes of distresses. Rating methodology are usually not applied and decisions on rehabilitation are generally based on routine or periodic inspection, political and economic factors. The development of a new rating procedure as suggested by [ALZ 02] should incorporate specific and clear rating procedures for dust and loose gravel, application of computer software, and simulation of rating data with Geographic Information System(GIS) for an objective assessment of gravel roads. The new rating system would thus establish a sound basis for prioritising maintenance and budgeting costs, and would also make the new rating methodology suitable for adoption in most developing countries.