FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, MINNA

NIGER STATE.

SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY (SET).

DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING

CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY
(MBT 710)

TOPIC
EARTHEN ROAD CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

BY

ABDULSALAM ABDULRAHMAN ABAYOMI

(M. TECH/SET/2022/12979)

SUBMITTED TO: ASSOC. PROF. E.B OGUNBODE

NOVEMBER, 2023

TABLE OF CONTENT
CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction 1
1.1 Background of the Study 1
1.2 Definition of Earthen Road 1
1.3 Types of Earthen Road 2
1.4 Terms Used in the Construction of Earthen Road 3
1.5 Materials Required for Construction of Earthen Road 5
1.6 Tools and Equipment Used in Construction of earthen road 5
1.7 Construction Procedure for Earthen Road 5
1.8 Precaution to be Taken While Constructing Earth Road 7
1.9 Repair and maintenance of Earth Roads 7
1.10 Advantages of Earthen Road 9
1.11 Disadvantages of Earthen Road 10
1.12 Conclusion 10
REFERENCES 11
1.0 Introduction

Earthen roads, made primarily from natural materials like soil, gravel, and clay, have played a

significant role in human history, providing essential routes for trade, transportation, and social

connectivity. These roads, also known as dirt roads, trackways, or unpaved roads, are valued for

their economic feasibility and versatility in both rural and urban settings. This seminar paper

delves into the various dimensions of earthen roads, focusing on their construction, maintenance,

resilience, and sustainability.

1.1 Background of the Study

Earthen roads, also known as dirt roads, have been an essential part of transportation networks

for centuries, providing access to remote areas and connecting communities. They are

constructed using natural materials such as soil, gravel, clay, and sometimes aggregates. While

earthen roads are often the most practical choice in rural and less developed regions due to their

cost-effectiveness, their construction and maintenance require careful consideration and

expertise. This seminar paper delves into the critical aspects of earthen road construction and

maintenance. The aim is to provide insights into the construction, maintenance, and

sustainability of these roads. Understanding the nuances of earthen road infrastructure is crucial

for maintaining access to remote areas and preserving these roads as a cost-effective and eco-

friendly transportation solution.

1.2 Definition of Earthen Road

When the foundation and wearing surface of the road consists of one or two compacted layers of

an ordinary soil or stabilized soil then such road is called as “Earth Road’.

Earthen Road is a low-cost road in which a pavement structure is constructed with the soil

available at the site. This road is commonly utilized for agricultural road networks, which is

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important for transporting agricultural goods and commodities. This type of road is generally

constructed in village or rural areas. The earthen road is the lowest form of pavement surface

used and is considered the first stage in the development of road pavement construction. This

type of road requires frequent maintenance to make it serviceable, i.e., mainly after the monsoon.

Diagram of Earthen Road

1.3 Types of Earthen Road

There are 2 types of earthen roads

a. Ordinary Earthen Road

b. Stabilized Earthen Road

a. Ordinary Earthen Road

The earthen road, whose foundation and the wearing surface consist of one or more compacted

layers of natural soil along its alignment, is an ordinary earthen road. Such a type of road surface

is generally dusty, and ruts are formed quickly.

b. Stabilized Earthen Road

Stabilized earthen road is an earthen road whose foundation and the wearing surface are

constructed from one or more compacted layers of stabilized soil (Stabilized with physical,

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chemical, or biological agents to increase strength and durability). It can carry greater traffic and

load and provides better service than ordinary earthen roads.

Differences between Ordinary and Stabilized Earthen Roads

Features Ordinary Earth Road Stabilized Earth Road
Foundation and wearing surface Natural soil Stabilized soil
Maintenance Frequent Less frequent
Durability Less durable More durable
Load bearing capacity Lower Higher
Traffic suitability Light traffic Heavy traffic
Cost Less expensive More expensive
Suitability for weighty vehicles Not suitable Suitable
Dustiness Dusty Less dusty
Rut formation More prone to ruts Less prone to ruts

1.4 Terms Used in the Construction of Earthen Road.

 Borrow pits

They are the pits dug along the alignment of the road. They are generally dug to use the earth

material from the pits for the construction of road embankment. Borrow pits should always be

dug 5 meters away from the toe of the embankment.

Diagram Showing Borrow Pits

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  Spoil Banks:

Spoil banks are generally constructed from excavated soil on the sides of cutting. They are

generally constructed parallel to the alignment of road. Height of spoil bank should not be less

than 1.5 m. Care should be taken that they are constructed 3 m away from top edge of cutting.

Diagram Showing Spoil Banks

 Lead

At the time of construction of road soil is excavated to use it for the construction. The horizontal

distance between the excavated earth and the point of placing that excavated soil is called as

lead. Generally, on site, 30 m lead is taken as initial for which contractors do not get any

additional payments.

 Lift:

Lift is the vertical distance of the lifting of excavated earth required for the construction.

Generally, on site, 15 m lift is taken as initial for which contractors do not get any additional

payments.

 Balancing Earth Work:

Excavation of earth is required for the construction process but at the same time balancing of the

earth work is also recommended. There should be no large difference in the earth obtained from

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cutting to earth required for filling. To minimize this difference proper selection of gradient is

required.

1.5 Materials Required for Construction of Earthen Road

The material required for the earthen road is well-graded soil with a liquid limit of less than

35% and a plasticity index of 4-10% or natural soil that is available locally and suitable

stabilizer if required for the given conditions.

1.6 Tools and Equipment Used in Construction of earthen road

1. Spade: It is used to dig or break soil lumps.

2. Shovel: It is used for digging, lifting, and moving materials like soil, gravel, etc.

3. Wheel Barrow: It is used to transport materials from one site point to another desired

point.

4. Dozer: It is used for excavation purposes (i.e., in cutting and filling works).

5. Roller: It is used for compacting the road surface.

1.7 Construction Procedure for Earthen Road

1. First of all proper survey of the site is done. Selection of area for borrow pits is kept outside

the land with of earth road. Center line is fixed and pegs are driven for reference of verticals

profile of road. The alignment of the road is selected such that

a. It is short in length.

b. It is easy to construct.

c. It is safe for users (Free from rockfalls & landslides).

d. It is economical.

2. Before excavation, the site is totally cleaned from shrubs, trees, grass and other organic matter.

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3. After the excavation process, the sub-grade of road is prepared. It is provided with sufficient

camber and proper gradient. Generally, the thickness of the pavement construction decides the

depth of sub-grade. Preparation of subgrade includes the following steps: -

a. A soil survey is carried out to determine the soil’s stability and approximate load-bearing

capacity.

b. Clearing the Alignment: It is required to clear the road alignment from grasses and vegetal

covers.

c. Excavation or filling work up to the desired grade.

d. Shaping the subgrade.

e. Compacting the sub-grade. Depending on the soil’s bearing capacity, additional soil layers

may be required.

4. After the preparation of the sub-grade it is properly compacted by rolling operation with the

help of rollers. Sufficient amount of water is sprinkled along with rolling operation for proper

compaction.

5. After the compaction another layer of graded soil is laid after sprinkling of water. The

thickness of this layer is kept between 8-12 cm.

6. After the final work the camber of the earth road is properly checked and if found faulty it is

then needed to be corrected.

7. After the construction of earth road, it is needed to be cured with sufficient amount of water

for 4-5 days.

8. After proper curing is done the earth road is allowed to dry for minimum of 3 days and then it

is opened for traffic.

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 1.7 Precaution to be Taken While Constructing Earth Road.

1. The camber to be provided in the construction of this road should be very steep i.e values from

between 1 in 20 to 1 in 33 should be adopted.

2. To prevent the erosion of soil due to rain water, the maximum gradient should be 1 in 20.

3. To dispose of the rain water, the height of the embankment should be above 600 mm.

1.8 Repair and maintenance of Earth Roads

In general, it may be stated that the surface of earth roads be easily disrupted and more often than

other types of roads hence, the earth roads will require frequent maintenance. Below are the

usual damages noticed on earth roads,

 formation of dust in dry weather,

 formation of cross ruts along the surface after the rainy season due to surface water, and

 formation of longitudinal ruts along wheel path of slow-moving vehicles.

For the purpose of convenience, the maintenance of earth roads can be grouped in the

following two categories:

1. Normal maintenance

2. Preventive maintenance.

1. Normal maintenance

The items to be attended in normal day to day maintenance are as follows:

 Damaged road surface

 Side drains

 Stumps and rocks.

For the purpose of convenience, the maintenance of earth roads can be grouped in the

following two categories:

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 1. Normal maintenance

2. Preventive maintenance.

1. Normal maintenance

The items to be attended in normal day to day maintenance are as follows:

 Damaged road surface

 Side drains

 Stumps and rocks.

 Damaged road surface

The ruts, potholes, etc. formed on the road surface should be repaired as early as possible. The

delay in repairs would cause obstruction and inconvenience to the traffic and it may also lead to

heavy repairs subsequently. A regular pattern is cut along the damaged portion up to the depth of

the pothole and it is filled up with the same type of soil and compacted thoroughly. If a large

portion of the road surface is damaged, the entire pavement is resurfaced with the help of

suitable mechanical equipment.

 Side drains

The side drains of earth roads are not lined and hence, it is very important to clean them

frequently during the process or normal maintenance.

 Stumps and rocks.

It sometimes so happens that during the earth work compaction, harder materials like boulders,

bricks, timber pieces or stones get mixed up with earth and form part of the pavement. If such

materials are noticed during normal maintenance, they should be immediately removed.

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(2) Preventive maintenance

The purpose of preventive maintenance of earth road is to take such measures beforehand so that

the cost of subsequent maintenance is reduced to a great extent. Following are the two ways in

which preventive measures can be taken:

(i) Control of moisture content

(ii) Restricting traffic after rains.

(i) Control of moisture content

The increase or decrease of moisture control seriously affects the stability of earth road surface.

Depending upon the climatic conditions, suitable measures should be taken to maintain the

desired degree of moisture in the pavement. It will also help in controlling the dust nuisance.

(ii) Restricting traffic after rains

It is evident that the surface of earth roads will become soft during rains and if heavy vehicles are

allowed to move on such surface, considerable damage would occur to the surface. Hence, at

places where it is possible to restrict the flow of heavy traffic for a few hours after rains, the

earth roads would be maintained in a better way. The road barriers may be used at either end of

the road for this purpose.

1.9 Advantages of Earthen Road

1. It is the cheapest type of road and can be constructed on a low budget.

2. Earthen materials are easily available.

3. Local people and materials are utilized during the construction.

4. Can be blacktopped easily whenever required.

5. Can be constructed in less time (i.e., Fast Construction).

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1.10 Disadvantages of Earthen Road

1. Earthen roads are only useful for light traffic. the lifespan of the road cannot be sustained if it

is allowed for heavy traffic.

2. This type of road wears quickly and Requires frequent maintenance (mainly after heavy

rainfall).

3. This type of road is usually dusty during the dry season.

1.11 Conclusion

Earthen roads, though often overlooked in the context of modern transportation, remain a vital

component of many transportation networks. Their cost-effectiveness, adaptability, and potential

for eco-friendly infrastructure make them a valuable consideration, particularly in rural and

developing regions. Proper construction techniques, material selection, drainage management,

and regular maintenance are essential for ensuring the resilience and sustainability of earthen

roads in the 21st century.

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 REFERENCES

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Horpibulsuk, S., Rachan, R., & Chinkulkijniwat, A. (2009). Stabilization of a marginal lateritic
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Kief, H. (2005). The ABCs of Gravel. Federal Highway Administration. FHWA-SA-05-026.

Lentz, D., & Blackburn, W. H. (2014). Development of vegetation density and cover estimates
from field images and spectral indices in an earthen road context. Journal of Applied
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Owusu-Nimo, F., Udeaja, C., & Kelly, D. (2014). Sustainable management of unpaved rural
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Van der Merwe, R., & Booysen, P. (2006). Guidelines for the design and construction of
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Yin, S., Xie, W., & Zou, X. (2013). A review on soil stabilization methods. Geotechnical and
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