Hot-Mix Asphalt Pavement Construction Practices in Ghana and Their Impact on Pavement Quality

摘要

Premature asphalt concrete pavement failures are prevalent in Ghana with the major blame often erroneously placed on axle loads. In this study, hot-mix asphalt pavement construction practices in Ghana were investigated. The aim was to establish the potential impact of the practices on pavement quality, performance, and durability. Data and information on asphalt pavement construction practices were collected through a questionnaire survey and supplemented with observation of practices at a number of sites where asphalt paving works were on-going. In addition, condition survey of selected asphalt pavements was carried out. The results indicated that hot-mix asphalt pavement construction practices in the country do not exemplify contemporary advancements within the asphalt paving industry and are partly to blame for the premature failures of asphalt concrete pavements. Sub-standard construction practices are prevalent due, in part, to the existence of significant gaps in the technical specifications used in the country for asphalt pavement construction and, in part, to lack of commitment by the contractors to pursue high construction quality because they do not suffer penalties for substandard works. The overall effect is a middling pavement performance characterized by early failures. To improve the quality and longevity of asphalt concrete pavements, a revamp of Ghana’s asphalt pavement construction practices, revisions to construction specifications used for road work, and adoption of innovative performance-based contracting arrangements are suggested.