20/10/2023
Let's discuss a topic, this one is for Civil Contractors and us Civil Engineering People:
ROAD FORMATION, CUMBER AND DRAINAGE
To perform the above task, the contractor needs the following: Bull dozzer, or excavator, Grader, steel roller and a water bowzer.
In none existence roads, some sections can be so bushy and dense, hence the use of a dozzer, to clear the road alignment. During road alignment formation, an experienced contractor forms road cumber and drain system on both sides using a dozzer.
The survey team is always ahead getting things done to show everyone where the road needs to pass. They will give road width, passage and what's needed in terms of design levels.
The Engineer's team at this stage before clearing must take note measurements of very big trees, their girths and computed separately for claim payments. They too must take existing topographic levels.
A good road is formed by creating a cumber on both sides of the road section. Grabbing is the second function after the dozzer has pushed through. Grabbing is cleaning on the road alignment free from all vegetation until a clear surface is achieved.
It's followed by by another passage by the grader to reap off the ground level to an even surface, water spread and ground compacted at least 6 standard passes using a steel roller.
Some may wish to ask, what is cumber, cumber is a term refered to as slope on either side of the road that allows the road to drain off water to the drain. Would you imagine if the road was a flat surface, water would pond in the mid section and the road and the drain would not function as intended. This water would pe*****te the road base and weaken it drastically. Cumber slope is usually 1.5% on either side.
Road formation is just the beginning of road construction, followed by subbase, basecourse and altimately asphalt or a final bituminous laid as a final road feature.