Civil Bhai

◆Flexible Pavement◆

• The road pavements, which can change their shapes to some extent without rupture, are known as flexible pavements.

• Any change of shape occurring in the sub grade and subsequent layers on it, is reflected by the top surface of the pavement.

• Water Bound Macadam (WBM) pavements are the examples of flexible pavements.

• These types of pavements are constructed when funds are not sufficiently available, large number of roads are to be constructed, local materials are to be advantageously used, traffic load is not very heavy, good sub grade is available etc.

• Figure shows the typical cross section of flexible pavement.

◆Non-flexible or Rigid Pavement◆

• The road pavements which cannot change their shape without rupture are known as Non-flexible or rigid pavements.

• Any change occurring in the shape of the sub grade is not reflected by the surface of these pavements.

• Cement concrete road pavements are the examples of rigid pavements.

• These types of pavements are constructed when funds are sufficiently available, long life of the road pavement is desired, sub grade is poor or varying nature, traffic load is very heavy etc.

• Figure shows the typical cross section of non-flexible or rigid pavement.

Comparison between flexible and rigid pavement