The road construction procedure involves several systematic steps, from initial planning to
final pavement marking. Here’s a complete overview of the typical road construction
process (for asphalt or flexible pavement), covering surveying, earthwork, base
preparation, and paving:
🚧 1. Planning and Design
Feasibility Study: Assess environmental, financial, and engineering viability.
Design: Prepare detailed alignment, profile, cross-sections, drainage, and pavement
structure.
Approvals: Obtain permits from relevant authorities (environmental, municipal,
traffic).
📏 2. Site Clearance and Surveying
Clearing: Remove trees, shrubs, topsoil, and obstructions.
Surveying: Set out centerline, benchmarks, and levels using GPS or total stations.
Grubbing: Remove stumps and organic materials.
🏗️3. Earthwork
Excavation: Cut soil/rock to achieve designed road profile.
Filling: Place approved fill material in layers (150–250 mm thick).
Compaction: Compact each layer using rollers to meet density requirements (95–
100% Proctor).
🚜 4. Subgrade Preparation
Grading: Level the compacted earth to design slope and camber.
Compaction: Ensure uniform density to avoid settlement.
Proof Rolling: Detect soft spots and rework if needed.
Optional: Add geotextile or subgrade stabilization (lime, cement) in poor soils.
🧱 5. Sub-base and Base Course
a. Sub-base (e.g., GSB – Granular Sub Base)
Spread graded crushed stone or gravel.
Compact in layers to specified thickness and density.
b. Base Course (e.g., WBM/WMM – Wet Mix Macadam)
Lay and compact aggregates mixed with water or binding material.
Ensure adequate drainage and strength.
🛣️6. Bituminous Layers (Flexible Pavement)
a. Prime Coat
Apply bitumen emulsion on base course for bonding.
b. Tack Coat
Light bitumen spray before asphalt layers.
c. Bituminous Macadam / Binder Course
Lay coarse bitumen mix to form the intermediate layer.
Compact using pneumatic or tandem rollers.
d. Wearing Course (e.g., Dense Bituminous Macadam or Asphalt Concrete)
Final surface layer for smoothness and durability.
Paved and compacted with finishers and rollers.
🚰 7. Drainage and Side Works
Drainage Ditches/Channels: Construct side drains and culverts to prevent water
accumulation.
Shoulders: Construct using granular material or same mix as the pavement.
🚧 8. Road Furniture and Markings
Guardrails, sign boards, curbs, and barriers.
Line Marking: Apply thermoplastic paint for lanes, arrows, pedestrian crossings.
Cat’s Eyes or reflectors for night-time visibility.
✅ 9. Final Inspection and Handover
Surface Testing: Ride quality, skid resistance, compaction checks.
Deficiency Correction: Fix any defects before final handover.
As-built Documentation: Submit drawings, test reports, and completion certificate.
🔒 Safety & Environmental Compliance
Use PPE for all workers.
Follow traffic control plans during construction.
Comply with dust, noise, and water pollution regulations.
Would you like a downloadable Road Construction Method Statement, BOQ (Bill of
Quantities) template, or a site checklist?
