Analysis of road rehabilitation based on visual and technical assessment within the local scenario

Abstract

During this study the consistency of road rehabilitation strategies in Malta was tested. Road upkeep is essential for a country which is highly dependent on its roads for transportation, and this necessitates the need for a consistent and substantial injection of funds. As a result, this study attempted to analyse the quality that the Maltese road authorities are trying to achieve after rehabilitating a road by the use of visual and technical inspections. Throughout the process, different techniques and procedures were explored, together with important factors causing road instability. The Benkelman Beam was the main instrument which was used to conduct road inspections, a test which is able to determine the deflection of a road under a rolling load. This was supported by a Visual Condition Survey, a Trial Pit analysis and a Plate Bearing test. With the use of such techniques and through a planned methodology, results were achieved for six different stretches before and after rehabilitation. A deflection control value was also established from other well-constructed roads and using this combined data, the road specimens be analysed. The concern commonly found throughout the road specimens were either ageing, thin layers of asphalt, or weak layers of subgrade which either lack compaction or are deteriorated as a result of water infiltration. Rehabilitation proved to be an overall improvement to the road stretch with some exceptions to particular locations which showed signs of weakness even after rehabilitation and are more likely to fail for first.