Roads

Based on Materials

1. Earthen Roads

Earthen roads are laid with soil. They are cheaper than all types of roads. This type of road is provided for fewer traffic areas or countryside areas. A good drainage system should be provided, which reflects excellent performance for a more extended period.

2. Gravel Roads

Gravel roads are also low-quality roads, but they are better when compared with earthen roads. A compacted mixture of gravel and earth is used as pavement material in this case.

3. Murrum Roads

The museum is a matter obtained from the disintegration of igneous rocks by weathering agencies. This is used to make roads called murram roads.

4. Kankar Roads

Kankar is an impure form of limestone. Kankar roads are provided where lime is available in a reasonable quantity. The Kankar roads are of low quality and performance.

5. WBM Roads

Water Bound Macadam (WBM) roads contain crushed stone aggregate in their base course. The aggregates are spread on the surface and rolled after sprinkling water. WBM roads provide better performance compared to earthen, gravel, murrum, and kankar roads.

WBM roads are laid as layers of about 10cm thickness of each layer. They are very rough and may disintegrate immediately under traffic.

6. Bituminous Roads

Bituminous roads are prevalent roads around the world. They are the most used roads in the world. These road types are low in cost and suitable for driving conditions. The thickness of bituminous roads depends upon the subgrade soil conditions.

7. Concrete Roads

Cement concrete is used to construct pavements in the case of concrete roads. These are very popular and costlier than all other types of roads. They are not flexible, so they require less maintenance.

Concrete roads are suitable for high-traffic areas. They are laid with joints and the time of construction is more.

Based on Location and Function

1. National Highways

National highways are the main roads that connect all major cities to the capital of the country. They run throughout the length and breadth of the country. A minimum two-lane road is provided for national highways.

2. State Highways

State highways are the second main roads that connect significant parts of the state within it. State highway ultimately connects to the national highways.

3. District Roads

District roads are provided within the cities and connect markets and production places to state and national highways. Two types of district roads are there namely, Major district roads connect the headquarters of the neighboring district with the main parts of the area while minor district roads are laid within the region.

4. Rural Roads or Village Roads

Village roads connect the nearby villages. They lead to a nearby town or district road. Usually, low-quality roads are provided as village roads because of low traffic.

Based on Traffic Volume

1. Light Traffic Roads

The roads which are carrying 400 vehicles daily on average are called light traffic roads.

2. Medium Traffic Roads

If a road is carrying 400 to 1000 vehicles per day, then it is said to be a medium-traffic road.

3. High Traffic Roads

If a road is carrying more than 1000 vehicles per day then it is considered a high traffic road.

Based on Economy

Low-cost roads

Medium cost roads

High-cost roads

The economy depends upon the location and function of roads and also on traffic analysis.

Based on Traffic Type

1. Pedestrian Ways

Pedestrian ways are exclusively built for pedestrians, and no vehicles are permitted in this way.

2. Cycle Tracks

Cycle tracks or bicycle tracks are provided on both sides of the pavement for cyclists; hence they can travel safely.

3. Motorways

Motorways are also known as expressways. Only a few vehicles are accessible to use this type of road. The cars which can move with high-speed acceleration are permitted in this way. Motorways make travel quick and provide comfort for high-speed vehicles.

Based on Rigidity

1. Flexible Roads

Flexible roads consist of a flexible layer as a pavement surface, which requires proper maintenance; otherwise, they can be disintegrated easily with heavy traffic. All types of roads except concrete roads fall under this category.

2. Rigid Roads

Rigid pavements are non-flexible and cement concrete roads fall under this category.

Based on Topography

1. Plain Area Road

The roads constructed on the leveled surface are known as plain area roads.

2. Hilly Area Roads

Roads constructed in hilly regions are called hill area roads or ghat roads. Generally, these are provided around the hill in a spiral shape.