A look at road construction along steep mountain slopes
Regions that are located adjacent to mountain slopes or steep hills often require a dependable road network. The road ensures that development reaches mountainous neighbourhoods and that people in such locations have access to the rest of their surroundings.
In addition, mountain slopes are often sites for mineral extraction, tourism, and other natural resources. As a result, a reliable road network along mountain slopes and hilly areas is an important part of civil engineering.
Challenges
Constructing a road on hilly terrain is far more complex than other environments. Hilly areas are prone to more extreme climatic conditions, high altitude, and sparse infrastructure. In addition, such construction work needs to overcome the following challenges:
Varying slopes: not all mountain slopes have the same degree of steepness. Some areas tend to be steeper than others, causing the challenge for engineers to ensure that the road surface is not uneven. There is also the risk of objects falling off steep edges and onto the road surface.
Varying climates along the mountain: Steep mountain slopes may have varying climatic conditions. For example, higher altitudes may receive more rainfall and result in more slippery surfaces than lower altitudes. In addition, one side of the mountain slope may receive heavy rainfall while the opposite side remains dry for most of the year.
Sharp edges and turns: steep slopes also cause sharper edges and turns on proposed road constructions. This presents a challenge for the road to be constructed safely despite the surrounding terrain.
Developing a framework for construction
To ensure that the road on the mountain slope is safe to use and cost-effective to construct, civil engineers will begin with a comprehensive assessment of the terrain. They will analyse the slopes of hill to determine a proper alignment for the road surface. During design, selecting the most convenient path is essential in ensuring safety and reduced costs.
One thing that engineers cannot avoid is using a longer path along the hillside. A longer path reduces the steepness of the slope and makes construction work easier to complete. Engineers will typically use valleys and low-lying slopes to map out the path for the road under construction.
Another important element that engineers consider is the weather. Varying conditions of temperature, pressure, and rainfall can affect the usability of the road. Engineers will calculate air temperature along the proposed path of the road to determine how much fog will build up.
The angle and amount of rain/snowfall will also be carefully considered. If the slope is facing south, precipitation tends to evaporate faster than slopes facing north. The surface of the road should also remain high enough to prevent it from becoming flooded. Annual rainfall amounts and drainage patterns will determine the likelihood of high water levels along the road.
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