Thursday, January 9, 2025
24.1 C
Lagos

The Challenges of Recurring Potholes in Nigeria Roads

By Moses Braimah

In Nigeria, roads are constructed using multiple layers, each designed for a specific purpose.

These layers include the subgrade, sub-base, base course, and surface layer, typically made of bitumen or asphalt. The subgrade forms the foundation and must be compacted to support the above layers.

The sub-base provides additional support, while the base course distributes traffic loads to prevent excessive stress on the subgrade. The topmost layer, usually bitumen, offers a smooth, durable surface for vehicles.

As a key component in in road construction in Nigeria, it is important to delve in more into the role of bitumen. It is a viscous, petroleum-based material, primarily used for binding the road layers and providing a weatherproof surface. Its flexibility allows roads to expand and contract with temperature changes, reducing cracks and wear.

However, bitumen is highly susceptible to damage caused by water infiltration, which explains why potholes quickly reappear after patching. When water seeps through cracks in the surface, it weakens the lower layers, causing the road to collapse under pressure from vehicles.

Drainage and its Importance

Proper drainage systems are critical in road construction. Effective drainage systems are essential for maintaining road longevity. When present and functional, they divert water away from the road, preventing waterlogging, erosion, and weakening of the subgrade.

In contrast, blocked or absent drainage systems cause water to seep into the road layers, weakening the structure and accelerating pothole formation. This is particularly problematic during Nigeria’s rainy season, where the heavy downpour overwhelms poorly designed drainage systems, leading to rapid deterioration of roads.

So, what are the alternatives to bitumen? Given the limitations of bitumen in handling water damage, suggested alternative materials can be explored. These include materials such as geopolymer binders, recycled plastics, and composite materials. They offer greater resistance to environmental factors. However, the most promising alternative to bitumen is concrete pavement.

Why is concrete pavement a superior alternative? Concrete pavement is known also as rigid pavement. It is made from cement and aggregates. It is stronger and more durable than bitumen, particularly in areas with heavy rainfall or high traffic volumes. Concrete’s rigid structure resists deformation, making it less prone to potholes and other surface failures. It also has a longer lifespan, reducing maintenance costs over time.

Advantages of Concrete Pavement over Bitumen

Durability: Concrete lasts 30-50 years compared to bitumen’s 15-20 years, making it a more cost-effective option in the long run.

Water Resistance: Concrete is less permeable than bitumen, offering better protection against water damage and reducing the risk of potholes.

Load-Bearing Capacity: Concrete can handle heavier loads without warping, making it ideal for highways and high-traffic routes.

Reduced Maintenance: While concrete is more expensive to install initially, its low maintenance requirements translate into significant savings over time.

Thermal Resistance: Unlike bitumen, concrete is not sensitive to extreme temperature changes, making it more stable in Nigeria’s varied climate.

Bitumen vs. Concrete: A Comparison

Cost: Bitumen is cheaper to install but requires frequent maintenance, while concrete has a higher upfront cost but lower long-term expenses.

Environmental Impact: Bitumen is derived from petroleum, contributing to environmental degradation. Concrete, though energy-intensive, can be more eco-friendly, especially with newer technologies like carbon capture during production.

Application: Bitumen is more flexible and easier to work with for smaller roads and projects. In contrast, concrete is better suited for highways, bridges, and areas with high traffic.

 

Aspect Bitumen (Asphalt) Concrete
Cost Cheaper upfront Higher initial cost
Lifespan 10-15 years 20-40 years
Maintenance Frequent repairs Low maintenance
Water Resistance Prone to water damage Highly water-resistant
Thermal Performance Softens and cracks in heat Stable under temperature changes
Sustainability Less eco-friendly (derived from oil) Can be made from recyclable materials

 

In summary, while bitumen has been the traditional choice for road construction in Nigeria, it may no longer be the best option in the face of recurrent potholes and rising maintenance costs.

With its superior durability, load-bearing capacity, and water resistance, concrete pavement presents a compelling alternative, particularly for high-traffic and coastal roads like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

Implementing better drainage systems alongside this shift in materials could significantly improve Nigeria’s road infrastructure for future generations.

 

– Braimah is an Executive Project Director at PacificMessages.

spot_img
spot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

KPMG Recognises PalmPay for Excellence in 2024 West Africa Banking Industry Customer Experience Survey

PalmPay, a leading Africa-focused fintech platform, has been recognized...

Is There a Hidden Liquidity Crisis in the Nigerian Banking System?

By Elvis Eromosele The Nigerian banking system, once celebrated as...

Nigerians Should Expect N2000 to $1 Exchange Rate in 2025

Cheta Nwanze, Founder of SBM Intelligence says Nigerians (individuals...

Esther E. Okafor, Renowned Educationist, Author for Burial Jan 4

The remains of renowned educationist and author, Mrs. Esther...

Topics

NNPC/Seplat JV’s “Eye Can See” Programme Restores Vision, Hope in Imo

Host community members await further medical attention during the...

Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya Lead 2017 FDI Flow in Africa

South Africa shares the title of largest African FDI...

Signal Alliance, Microsoft, Cisco Partner to Deliver Azure Stack

L-R: Uche Nwaukwa, Signal Alliance Azure Practice Lead; Sophia...

Nigeria Releases N14bn for Payment of Accrued Pension to 2022 Retirees

Aisha Dahir-Umar Director-General National Pension Commission (PenCom) The Nigerian Government has...

Nigeria: Hospitality to Generate $500m by 2020- PwC

Nigeria’s hospitality revenue should reach $507 million by 2020...

NAICOM to Engage Insurers on 10-Year CEO Tenure Code

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) says it will engage...

CBN: ‘Dr. Isa Abdulmumin is Our New Spokesman’

  The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has named Dr....

Stanbic IBTC Pension Attributes Stable Outlook Rating to Commitment to Excellence

  Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited, a subsidiary of Stanbic...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img