Abstract
The pavement conditions of roads in the Niger Delta and the geotechnical properties of the soil materials used in constructing them were studied in an attempt to find permanent solutions to the recurrent widespread pavement failures in the region. The most severe surface deformations, pavement cracking and failures occur in the seasonally flooded fresh/salt water swamps because of the high water table, poor drainage and the very fine-grained (> 70 0.000000ines) silty clays/clays used. It is suggested that a pavement design consisting of well compacted, subgrade/sub-base, cement stabilized base course, paved shoulders and good drainage would ensure good performance and avoid the expensive haulage of better base materials from long distances.
