All About ROADS

Roads are an essential mode of transportation, and road transport provides the necessary network and connects various parts of a region/ country. Roads are used for transport and communication by humans on feet, animals, vehicles etc. There is a wide variety of classifications of roads according to the major types of roads. The history of roads dates back to 2600 and 2200 BC, when the firsts roads were known to be paved in Egypt. Since then, a plethora of changes have occurred to give us the current modernised version of a road for motorised vehicles and pedestrians and animals together. Features that accompany a road are sidewalks, roadways, lanes, verges, bike paths, medians etc.

These paved pathways can be classified according to various criteria. Classification of roads is based on the location and function, materials to construct major types of roads, Traffic volume, width, economy, topography, etc., which contribute to the road transport. 

Based On Location And Function

Based on location, roads can be classified as National Highways, State Highways, District Roads and Rural Roads. Now, as the name suggests, these roads serve individual purposes and functions. Further, based on the type of roads, we have the conventional undivided two-way road, the expressways and freeways. Apart from this, based on the use of roads, we have the pedestrian ways, cycle tracks, motorways etc. 

Based On The Material Used

This is an extensive classification, as various types of materials are used to build different kinds of roads according to the purpose concerning road transport. You have the Earthen roads, which are laid with soil and are cheaper compared to the other roads. Then there are Murrum Roads formed due to degeneration and disintegration of the weathering caused on igneous rocks. Water Bound Macadam are rough roads that contain crushed stones. Though they are better compared to Earthen, Kankar, and Murrum roads, they may disintegrate under heavy traffic. Then, there are the concrete and bituminous roads, which are excellent for road transport.

Based On Traffic Volume 

Major types of roads based on traffic volume classification are Low Traffic Roads, Medium Traffic Roads and High Traffic Roads. Low Traffic Roads are roads that carry on an average of fewer than 400 vehicles each day. Medium Traffic roads are the ones that carry vehicles anywhere between the numbers 400-1000, and high traffic roads are the ones that carry more than 1000 vehicles per day. 

Based on Topography 

Road transport can be further classified into different types based on the topography of roads. Considering the surrounding topography, roads can be classified as plain area roads and hilly roads. As the name suggests, Plain area roads are roads that have very minimal bends and ups and downs, while hilly roads are the ones constructed in areas with steep bends and curves. Planning an execution is difficult on hilly roads as compared to plain area roads. 

Based on Rigidity

Based on the rigidity and compactness of the road, roads are divided into flexible roads and rigid roads. Flexible Roads are roads having four layers, the outer surface layer or surface course is topped with bituminous material. This pavement surface requires proper maintenance to prevent it from disintegrating due to heavy traffic. Rigid pavement roads are non-flexible roads made of cement concrete.

Conclusion

To conclude, we discussed what roads are and how road transport is important for connecting two places. We also discussed the major types of roads along with the classification of roads. Roads could be classified based on various factors, including material, function, rigidity, and traffic, to name a few.