The Construction of Bituminous Macadam Roads by the Penetration Method, According to Virginia Practice

Abstract

Each State has its own specifications and methods for building roads. These methods are fundamentally more or less the same, but differ because of different weather conditions, different soils, different kinds of rock (or lack of rock), and other factors. These all play a very important part in road construction. Conditions vary in different portions of each State and allowances must be made for them, both in design and construction. Textbooks and specirications can serve at best, only as a guide for the general methods of design and construction, and the engineer in charge of the work must consult his own judgement for the details. . . . Construction of roads may be divided into three parts: grading, drainage, and surfrace. Discussions often arise as to which of these is the most important in the building of a first class road. The fact is that all three are of equal importance and so related that poor work in one is bound to arfect the others. [From Introduction]