QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF ASPHALT PAVEMENT MATERIALS ON

MAJOR ROADS WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN, NIGERIA.

BY

ABEGUNDE PRECIOUS OLANREWAJU

MATRIC NO: 206412
 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 GENERAL BACKGROUND

High-quality road networks are crucial for the socio-economic development of any nation,
particularly in developing countries like Nigeria (Akiije and Oyekan, 2012). Asphalt, a relatively
thin, high-quality bituminous surface material, overlays a series of granular layers in a flexible
pavement structure. Bitumen is chosen for asphalt production due to its outstanding cementing
power, waterproofing properties, and cost-effectiveness (Adedimila, 2000).

The surface layer of the pavement structure is pivotal, serving the ultimate function of providing
an economical, safe, and comfortable riding surface for users. It also protects the sub-structure
layers (base, sub-base, and subgrade) from water infiltration and foreign materials, distributing
stress from axle loads satisfactorily without compromising durability.

Within the specific context of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, an esteemed institution, the
intricate network of major roads assumes a critical role in sustaining the vibrant academic
community. These roads facilitate the daily movement of students, faculty, staff, and visitors
across the expansive campus, playing a crucial role in supporting various academic and research
activities.

Despite these considerations, the premature failure of road pavements shortly after construction
or rehabilitation has emerged as a significant challenge within the University of Ibadan. The
Federal Road Safety Corps of Nigeria (FRSC, 2011) reported that out of every 10,000
populations, 162 deaths occur due to road crashes, ranking Nigeria 191 out of 192 countries with
unsafe roads. As part of the broader national network, the vast road network within the
University of Ibadan demands attention to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals
navigating the campus roads.

The current scenario has led to setbacks in the Nigerian economy, with road failures causing the
loss of lives and property worth millions of naira through road crashes. Identified causes of road
failures include poor construction materials, inadequate design and specification, suboptimal
road usage, poor drainage, and geological/geotechnical factors (Aghamelu and Okogbue, 2011;
Ofonime and Aniekan, 2005; Jegede, 2000; Adeyemi and Oyeyemi, 2000; Gidigasu, 1980).

In response to these challenges, this study aims to investigate the properties of asphalt concrete
used for pavement construction in Nigeria to determine if they contribute to untimely road failure
within the University of Ibadan. Asphalt samples will be collected from three asphalt plants in
the southwest for bitumen extraction and various tests, including sieve analysis, Marshall
Stability, flow tests, penetration, and viscosity tests. The results will be compared to the 2007
Federal Ministry of Works and Housing Standard Specifications for Roads and Bridges to make
appropriate recommendations. The findings of this research will contribute to the academic
discourse in civil engineering and offer practical solutions for optimizing the quality of asphalt
pavement materials, specifically within the unique context of the University of Ibadan.

1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

The University of Ibadan in Nigeria relies on an extensive network of major roads crucial for
daily academic operations. These roads, facilitating the movement of students, faculty, staff, and
visitors, are constructed with asphalt pavement materials. However, the persistent challenge of
premature road pavement failure poses a significant threat to the university community's
efficiency, safety, and overall well-being.

Despite recognizing the importance of high-quality road networks and the unique role of major
roads within the University of Ibadan, the deterioration of asphalt pavement materials has
become a pressing concern. The premature failure, characterized by the rapid development of
potholes and stress-related issues soon after construction or rehabilitation, compromises the
university's commitment to providing a safe and reliable transportation infrastructure.

This issue aligns with broader national challenges faced by Nigeria in maintaining its road
network, as highlighted by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC, 2011). The consequences of
road failures are magnified within the university, affecting not only the convenience of
movement but also the safety and well-being of individuals navigating the campus roads.

Factors contributing to road pavement failure include poor construction materials, inadequate
design and specification, suboptimal road usage, poor drainage, and geological/geotechnical
factors (Aghamelu and Okogbue, 2011; Ofonime and Aniekan, 2005; Jegede, 2000; Adeyemi
and Oyeyemi, 2000; Gidigasu, 1980). Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive
assessment of the asphalt pavement materials on major roads within the University of Ibadan.
This research aims to investigate whether these materials meet the required standards set by the
Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, identifying potential areas of improvement.

Therefore, the overarching problem is the significant and recurrent premature failure of asphalt
pavement materials on major roads within the University of Ibadan, posing risks to safety,
efficiency, and the overall functionality of the university's transportation infrastructure. This
necessitates a focused inquiry into the quality of asphalt pavement materials and the
development of informed recommendations for enhancing road durability within the unique
context of the University of Ibadan.

1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

1.3.1 AIMS
This research aims to assess and improve the quality of asphalt pavement materials on major
roads within the University of Ibadan, promoting the longevity and structural integrity of the
road infrastructure.

1.3.2 OBJECTIVES

To achieve the research aim, the following specific objectives have been established:

1. Understand the quality of asphalt materials on major roads at the University of Ibadan.
2. Evaluate the durability and strength of collected asphalt samples in a laboratory setting.
3. Identify weaknesses, cracks, or structural problems in the existing asphalt pavement.
4. Prioritize and document issues based on severity for targeted improvements.
5. Propose practical and cost-effective solutions for enhancing the quality and longevity of the
asphalt pavement.

REFERENCES

1. Akiije, I. and Oyekan, G. L (2012). Stabilization assessment of aggregates in asphalt concrete

mixtures. International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research. 3(4): 695-699.

2. Aghamelu, O. P. and Okogbue, C. O. (2011). Geotechnical assessment of road failure in the

Abakaliki Area, Southeastern Nigeria. Intern’l Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering
11(2): 12 - 24.

3. Adedimila, A. S. (2000). Bitumen: Nigeria’s other black gold? Inaugural Lecture Series,
University of Lagos.
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5. Jegede, G. (2000). Effect of soil properties on pavement failure along the F209 highway at
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6. Federal Road Safety Corps (2011). United Nations decade of action on road safety. Benin City
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8. Gidigasu, M. D. (1980). Geotechnical evaluation of residual gravels in pavement construction.

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9. World Factbook (2004) available on the Central Intelligence Agency Website

https://www.cia.gov