ROAD NETWORK, MATERIALS, AND EVALUATION IN JORDAN

The economic activity in Jordan during the last 10 years has caused a substantial increase in traffic, which in turn has affected the condition of pavements, especially those designed for lower traffic volumes. Many stretches of roads will have to be improved or reconstructed earlier than expected. Although the increase in traffic is assumed to be the major factor in road deterioration, other factors such as the effect of materials, design methods, and construction procedures cannot be overlooked. An appraisal of the Jordanian environment, road traffic, and road-making materials is presented. Problems with materials and construction are discussed and some typical pavement failures and their probable causes are described. Case histories that dealt with the evaluation of asphalt pavement deterioration in several roadway sections in the Irbid area of Jordan are discussed. This evaluationn involved the physical sampling of components, condition surveys by 40 people who rated the roads, and the mechanistic measurements of a Present Serviceability Index. Some present and future studies on pavement components are also included.