American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture

Contribution to the Geotechnical Mapping of Lateritic Gravels in Western Senegal for Road Construction in Senegal, West Africa

2026-01-08

Lateritic gravels (LG) constitute a strategic material for road construction in Senegal. This study aims to map and perform a geotechnical characterization of lateritic borrow pits from the Dakar and Thiès regions, in order to assess their suitability for use in sub-base and base layers of road pavements. Physical and mechanical tests were carried out on laterites from nine sites in their natural state, and after stabilization with 1%, 2%, and 3% cement. The results show that most laterites from the Dakar and Thiès regions except those from the Ngoundiane and Lam-Lam quarries, which exhibit excessive plasticity (PI > 25%) are suitable for use as sub-base materials (CBR > 30%). However, most of them do not meet the CEBTP and AGEROUTE standards for base course applications. After cement stabilization at 1%, 2%, and 3%, the CBR values range between 54% and 374.53%. Laterites from Toglou 1, Sindia, and Tchicky can be used as base course materials (CBR at 95% > 80%, and in some cases > 160%) starting from 2% cement content, while all laterites become suitable from 3% cement, except Lam-Lam, which meets specifications only at 4% cement content. Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests on cement treated laterites (1%, 2%, and 3%) yielded results that comply with CEBTP (1984) standards (1.8 < Rc < 3.0 MPa). In terms of tensile strength, only the Sindia, Toglou, Yeba, and Tchicky quarries met the CEBTP criterion (Rt > 0.3 MPa) after 3% cement treatment.

Sustainable Rooftop Solutions for Indian Urban Spaces: Evaluating Bio-Solar Integration

Avitesh, Tejwant Singh Brar, Rajiv Garg, Mohammad Arif Kamal — 2026-01-23

As urbanization accelerates in India, the demand for sustainable solutions in urban spaces has become increasingly critical. This paper explores the potential of integrating bio-solar technologies into rooftop design as a means to enhance energy efficiency, reduce urban heat islands, and promote green practices within Indian cities. By combining solar energy generation with biodiverse green roofs, this study evaluates the multifaceted benefits of bio-solar integration, including energy savings, improved air quality, and enhanced urban resilience. Through an expert survey conducted among professionals in urban planning, architecture, and renewable energy sectors, insights were gathered on the feasibility, benefits, and potential barriers to implementing bio-solar systems in urban rooftops. The findings indicate that integrating bio-solar solutions can enhance energy efficiency, improve air quality, and contribute to urban biodiversity. This paper advocates for maximizing the adoption of bio-solar technologies as part of sustainable urban planning, providing a framework for policymakers and stakeholders to facilitate their implementation in Indian cities.

Pavement Condition Evaluation of the Kapalong-Talaingod-Valencia (Bukidnon) Road in Mindanao, Philippine

Neil Ian O. Tagaan, Jonathan B. Calibara — 2026-02-23

Roads are public assets whose pavement condition directly influences safety, mobility, and sustainability. Corridors in steep, high‑rainfall terrain with heavy truck traffic deteriorate quickly, requiring systematic evaluation. This study assesses a 51.541-km section of the Kapalong–Talaingod–Valencia (Bukidnon) Road (K1538+(-687) to K1588+854) using the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Visual Condition Index (VCI) . Multi‑year VCI records (2021–2024) were analyzed alongside a 2025 field survey to classify current conditions, identify distress types, and derive maintenance implications. Results show that Poor segments exhibit mixed cracking and surface wear, while Bad segments combine wide cracking, shattered slabs, and slope/road‑slip indicators . Five‑year trends reveal untreated sections sliding from Fair/Poor to Bad, whereas targeted interventions restored selected stretches to Good. Quarry haul traffic and geohazards emerged as key accelerants of deterioration. Prioritized treatment guidance is proposed: reconstruction for short failing stretches with structural distress; rehabilitation overlays for longer Poor sections; and preventive maintenance for Fair/Good corridors . Currently, 41.44% of the corridor is rated Fair, while 10.12% is rated Poor/Bad. Strategic implementation of preventive maintenance on Good/Fair sections, coupled with rehabilitation and reconstruction of isolated Bad spots, could by 2027 raise Good >50% and reduce Poor+Bad <5%, while closing the 4.27% data gap. These findings highlight the importance of proactive asset management in sustaining serviceability under challenging terrain and traffic conditions.