Assessment of Quality of Road Infrastructure: The Case of Dessie and Kombolcha Cities
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Date
2023-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The objective of the research is assessment of the quality of road infrastructure in general and identifying the current condition of road infrastructure, the effects of poor quality road infrastructure on the functional performance of the road and identifying the challenges of quality road infrastructure construction at Dessie and Kombolcha cities in particular. Both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were used. The research methodology used is descriptive research as it aims to find out the effects of quality on the functional performance of road infrastructure. To put this methodology in to practice, desk review was carried out to identify the effects of the road quality on the functional performance of road infrastructure. Survey questionnaire and in depth interview of decision makers, experts and engineers of the cities was administered to accomplish the research objective. The researcher used stratified purposive sampling technique to identify and select proper sample respondents from each city for filling up questionnaire on quality issues associated with poor infrastructure performance. Data was analyzed on both quantitative and qualitative methods to answer research question and attain the research objective. Data collected using questionnaires was coded, entered, clean and analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Science (IBM SPSS Statistical version 22). The collected data was presented used descriptive statistical analysis to analysing various characteristics of respondents. The main findings include the road infrastructures at Dessie and Kombolcha cities currently are mainly asphalt roads, cobblestone roads and gravel roads. The quality of these roads was found to be satisfactory. These roads satisfy the dwellers of the cities about 74.23 %. The effects of quality of these roads on functional performance of the roads were viewed from three corners namely effectiveness, reliability and cost. The challenges of quality road construction were found to be as heavy traffic load, quality of construction material, nature of the subgrade soil, thickness of road layers, environmental effect, poor drainage, workmanship, technology used in construction, poor mix design, use of inexperienced site staff and flaws in specification. In the recommendation, road infrastructure asset inventory with pavement serviceability index, identification and questioning of accountable bodies for poor performance of the roads, strict follow up and putting into effect of quality controlling means, use of appropriate technology, experienced designers and supervisory staff is compulsory for maintaining quality road infrastructure
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Challenges, Infrastructure