UNRA investigates the cause of premature pavement failure on Kyenjojo-Fort Portal road with GETLAB
Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) is a government agency in Uganda responsible for managing, maintaining, and developing the country's national road network. Established in 2008, the agency plays a key role in improving road infrastructure, promoting economic growth, and facilitating transportation across Uganda.
Challenge
The road rehabilitation project, which was fully funded by the Government of Uganda at a cost of 119 billion Shillings was contracted to China Wu Yi construction firm. Upon completion, the 50-kilometre road was commissioned by President Yoweri Museveni in December last year. However, the road, which starts from Kyenjojo Town Council and ends at the Mpanga market T-junction in Fort Portal Tourism City developed cracks around Kaihura trading centre in Butiiti Sub County, Kyenjojo district. The stretch measuring about 300 metres became bumpy, forcing the contractor to cordon it off. This road is an important connection in western Uganda, and pavement failures such as cracking or surface deformation can significantly affect transportation and safety.
Solution
UNRA partnered with GETLAB to carry out investigative tests on several parts of the Kyenjojo-Fort Portal corridor to identify favourable rehabilitation schemes
Results
Because Kyenjojo - Fort-Portal road is major district connector, GETLAB helped UNRA identify the root causes of the premature pavement failure on the Kyenjojo-Fort Portal road including subgrade issues, poor material quality and drainage problems. The investigation provided clear recommendations for corrective actions, which involved improved construction techniques, better material specifications, and enhanced drainage systems to prevent water damage.
Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA)
UNRA has trusted GETLAB with its projects for more than 5 years
https://www.unra.go.ugField Density Testing
This test was carried out to determine if the soil has been compacted sufficiently, ensuring its load-bearing capacity and resistance to settlement.
Dynamic Probing Light Test
This test was used to evaluate the subgrade’s compaction bearing capacity and identify weak zones.
Test Pit Logging
Done to examine the thickness of the different road foundation layers
Asphalt Core Recovery
This process was used to extract representative samples from the existing pavement for analysis
