This book is concerned with appropriate construction technology in the building and maintenance of roads. It is one of a series resulting from the World Employment Programme of the ILO. By drawing upon the detailed studies that have been carried out by the ILO and experience from recently executed labour-based programmes, the book shows that the use of more labour-intensive techniques can be technically and economically efficient. It also shows that the level of planning and organisation required for efficient labour-based programmes is no less demanding than that for equipment-based programmes. The book is in two parts. The first deals with the institutional framework within which the application of appropriate technology is proposed and with the various aspects of the implementation of appropriate technology. Having discussed the institutional framework it continues with a discussion of the major aspects of labour-based road construction, using as a basis the various ILO studies and programme in Iran, Thailand, Nepal, the Philippines, India and Kenya. Finally, in the summary, the editors draw together the main aspects that arise from the preceding chapters and discuss the implications of the use of a more appropriate technology in road construction in developing countries.

Rural Road Engineering in Developing Countries provides a comprehensive coverage of the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of rural roads in developing countries and emerging nations. It covers a wide range of technical and non-technical problems that may confront road engineers working in the developing world, focusing on rural roads which provide important links from villages and farms to markets and offer the public access to health, education, and other services essential for sustainable development. Most textbooks on road engineering are based on experience in industrialised countries with temperate climates or deal only with specific issues, with many aspects of the design and construction of roads in developing regions stemming from inappropriate research undertaken in Europe and the USA. These approaches are frequently unsuitable and unsustainable for rural road network environments, particularly in low to middle income countries. This book takes on board a more recent research and application focus on rural roads, integrating it for a broad range of readers to access current information on good practice for sustainable road engineering in developing countries. The book particularly suits transportation engineers, development professionals, and graduate students in civil engineering.

Provides an analysis of rural road maintenance in the Asian region.

Brochure explaining the rationale for the ILO's labour-based road construction and maintenance programme, which is part of the Construction Technology Programme.