Communication

Numerical Modelling of a Pavement, Taking into Consideration Moisture Conditions and Type of Foundation Level

Illustrations © Authors

The history of roadbuilding can be traced back some 3,500 years. These early roads were for ceremonial purposes and may have carried little, if any wheeled traffic. It was not until the rise of the Roman Empire that a large network of roads was first constructed. Such was the desire to secure the Empire against enemies that, at its peak, around 0.5 km were built every day. The engineers responsible for these pavements understood some important truths about pavement drainage - truths which in many parts of the world are sometimes still not recognised today (Dawson, 2008).