Assessing the conditions of rural road networks in South Africa using visual observations and field-based manual measurements: A case study of four rural communities in Kwa-Zulu Natal

Abstract

<p>The present study used visual observation and field-based measurements to assess the physical conditions of Minor roads (R3), Collector roads (R4) and Local roads (R5) in four rural communities in Kwa-Zulu Natal Province. The function of these road classes is to provide access from homesteads to main roads that connect rural areas to towns. The aim of this study was to assess the physical conditions of unpaved road networks, with the view to understand the physical, environmental and anthropogenic factors that influence the state of rural roads. Road classes of interest were traversed and a number of surface distresses (such as potholes, rutting, erosion channels, corrugations, loose material and stoniness) were identified and assessed in order to determine the surface conditions of each road class. Thereafter, two classification methods were used to rate the severity and extent of each surface distress on each road class. Results indicate that there was more than one surface distresses identified and assessed on each road class within the selected communities. It was noted that all the road classes had moderate to severe surface distress, except for the R3 road class in Emazabekweni community. The moderate to severe surface distresses reflected problems associated with poor drainage systems and maintenance. Visual observation and field-based methods are useful tools that can aid in identifying and assessing the physical conditions of unpaved roads as well as possible environmental, physical and anthropogenic factors at interplay, especially in resource limited regions. This study recommended that road authorities should ensure that proper drainage systems should be well designed, constructed and maintained on all gravel roads in order to reduce surface deterioration associated with runoff. In addition, road authorities should be carrying out regular monitoring procedures to ensure that surface distresses are identified and resolved during their early stage of development. </p>