Economy of Design of Rigid Pavement with Tied Concrete Shoulders

Abstract

Roads play a vital role in the development of a country. A good network of highways is important as it helps in the development of trade, commerce and other activities that characterise a vibrant and forward-looking nation. As from the recent past years, India is shifting toward the construction of rigid pavements, and it is high time that all the factors that affect the economy of its construction should be taken into consideration. One of the main factors is the type of shoulders provided. Even a small decrease in the thickness of pavement leads to an appreciable saving of the material used in its construction, thereby affecting the economy of the project. Therefore, an attempt has been made to design a two-lane two-way National Highway proposed to be laid in Haryana by considering various types of shoulders, viz., tied concrete shoulders and earthen shoulders. It is observed that by providing tied concrete shoulder, there is an appreciable reduction in the slab thickness appreciably which affects the economy of project, thereby attaining the goals of sustainable development in an effective manner.