Design Guidelines for Low-Volume Macadam Pavements in South Africa

Macadam principles in pavement engineering were applied in South Africa up to around 1960. Mechanization and increased production requirements led to a decline in the use of macadam layers. More recently interest in macadam pavements in South Africa was renewed because of the labor-friendly construction methods. Much of the experience that had been available was lost as people retired, and new techniques of construction gave a new perspective. There is thus a need to provide guidance to new entrants to the industry and capture the experience that was common knowledge several decades ago. The aim of this report is to present a guideline document for construction of appropriate and economic macadam pavements based on extensive South African research coupled with vast experience in the construction of these layers. Guidance on appropriate use of the different variants of macadam layers, the material properties, the structural design process and catalogue, functional design considerations, and construction practice is provided. It was found that under the current socioeconomic upliftment program macadam principles provide an appropriate and cost-effective solution to paving urban streets.