Roadmaking

Roadmaking, also known as road construction, is the process of constructing paved or unpaved routes for motorized traffic, pedestrians, and other users. It includes planning, design, earthworks, drainage, paving, and finishing operations. The goal is to provide a durable surface that safely carries expected traffic under local climate conditions and soil properties.

Design typically considers expected traffic volumes and weights, load distribution, subgrade strength, drainage, climate, and right-of-way constraints. Pavements are generally categorized as flexible pavements (asphalt or bituminous surfaces with granular bases) and rigid pavements (Portland cement concrete). Some roads use composite designs combining asphalt overlays with concrete bases.

Construction begins with site surveying and earthworks to prepare a stable subgrade. Drainage is essential to prevent water infiltration. The pavement structure usually comprises a subgrade, a subbase or base course, and a surface layer. Materials commonly include crushed stone or gravel for bases, asphalt concrete or Portland cement concrete for the surface, and binders such as bitumen or cement. Compaction by rollers or similar equipment is critical to achieve required bearing capacity and smoothness.

Maintenance is a core part of roadmaking, including sealing, resurfacing, crack repair, and pothole filling. In many regions, recycling and environmentally sustainable practices are used, such as recycling asphalt pavement and using warm-mix asphalt.

Roadmaking standards are set by national or regional transportation agencies and are complemented by quality-control tests during construction.