Impact of Soil Degradation on the Durability of Roads and Bridges in Middle Guinea: Synthetic Geoscientific Approach and Geotechnical Perspectives

Abstract

AbstractSeveral bridges and roads have deteriorated and become impassable in Guinea in recent decades. Because? The degradation of their supports (soils) and the crucial lack of basic geoscientific studies of their direct environments. We have set ourselves the objective of analyzing this problem in Middle Guinea and providing concrete solutions. The results of our social and state surveys (climatic, hydrological and geological services) show seasonal damage due to downpours. Our geoscientific studies reveal pedogenetic products (chemical and mineralogical) forming soil horizons (pasty and slippery on the surface), very sensitive to hydrolysis which modifies their states of stability (formation) and produce results which prevent the masters of ‘works on the realities that await them and guide them to a safe approach. Our geotechnical outlook provides concrete/direct measures combating this scourge on the Labé-Mali axis; at the Linsan and Mamou-Linsan deviations, thus facilitating socio-professional journeys which have become difficult.KeywordsMiddle GuineaRoadsBridgesDegradationRainfallPedologyGeotech