The news has it that the country’s roads and bridges are in need of repair. Can they be built so they last longer? How is it that the ancient Romans could build a bridge in Trier Germany, as an example, that is still in use today? Roadbuilders and state highway people are silent on this possibility and do nothing to inform road users and taxpayers of options. Are we taken as being shortsighted so as to refuse paying more to get a lot more? Some unexpert suggestions for longer lasting roads and bridges so we don’t need to soon pay again and again for reconstruction are as follows:
- Richer concrete mix.
- Thicker concrete roads.
- Stainless steel or epoxy coated rebar.
- Metallic plating or other durable coating on bridge steel to stop rusting due to road salt.
- Harmless de-icing chemical other than salt on bridges for northern areas.
- Raise roadbeds with sufficient gravel or sand to get above frost heave for northern areas.
- Rebar to connect concrete road sections to minimize unevenness from frost heave and heavy vehicles.
- Diamond cutter skimmer machine to shave off the highest of bumps on deteriorating roads.
Please post your related suggestions.