What are the advantages and disadvantages of Pavements?

For vehicular use are generally divided into two main categories –

(i) Rigid pavements have a high compressive strength, which tends to distribute the load over a relatively wide area of soil. There are several advantages of properly constructed rigid pavements –

» Low maintenance costs

» Long life with extreme durability

» High value as a base for future resurfacing with asphalt

» Load distribution over a wide area, decreasing base and sub grade requirements

» Ability to be placed directly on poor soils

» No damage from oils and greases.

» Strong edges

The disadvantages of rigid pavements include –

» High initial costs

» Joints required for contraction and expansion

» Generally rough riding quality

» High repair costs

(ii) Flexible pavements consist of a series of layers, with the highest quality materials at or near the surface. The strength of a flexible pavement is a result of building up thick layers and thereby distributing the load over the sub grade; the surface material does not assume the structural strengths as with rigid pavements.

The advantages of flexible pavements include –

» Adaptability to stage construction

» Availability of low-cost types that can be easily built

» Ability to be easily opened and patched

» Easy to repair frost heave and settlement

» Resistance to the formation of ice glaze

The disadvantages include –

» Higher maintenance costs

» Shorter life span under heavy use

» Damage by oils and certain chemicals

» Weak edges that may require curbs or edge devices

(i) Curbs can be used of concrete is probably the most common material used for both barrier and mountable curbs. Concrete curbs are durable and relatively easy to construct.

(ii) Asphalt is frequently used for curbing, especially where curved parking is lands must be constructed. They are economical and easy to construct.

(iii) Granite curbs are not as frequently used as asphalt or concrete unless granite is quarried in the area. Granite curbs are far more durable than concrete.