Deterioration and Failure Rates of Maintained Roads in Nigeria

This study evaluated failure rates of roads maintained by FERMA in Delta state and its effects. The three roads investigated are: Benin-Asaba dual carriage way (266km), Warri-Sapele-Benin dual carriage way and Asaba -Allah-Ebu Edo state border road(47km). Road condition survey was carried out on the three roads to ascertain the extent of deterioration. Sieve analysis, liquid limit, compaction and CBR tests were conducted on the material used for the maintenance works for quality control purpose. Liquid limit, optimum moisture content, unsoaked CBR values were 21%, 8.5% and 117% respectively. These were observed to be within the FMW highway manual guidelines. It was observed that beyond 12months, Benin-Asaba and Warri-Benin roads experienced 2% and 5% failure rates while Asaba-Illah recorded 30% failure rate within a 12month period. These failures were attributed to heavy traffic with heavy duty wheel. Challenges of road maintenance in the field and remedial measures for highway maintenance is also discussed. The authors recommend that FERMA should seek redress and go back to the establishing blue print for operations and funding and also refers to Federal Roads Authority bill (2015) for backups. These tools have been provided to equip the agency to carry out her mandate effectively keeping the road infrastructures in good condition.