STUDENTS' CORNER - 172

Logistics: Infrastructure- roads

In this session, we shall see about two kinds of roads: WBM Roads and Concrete Roads.

WBM Roads

 Water is used to bind the materials, the interlocked crushed aggregates

WBM stands for Water Bound Macadam. Let me explain in simple words how this WBM road is laid or constructed. On the surface of the road, crushed stones are laid; and to interlock the separate stones, stone dust is used; the crushed stones are laid along with sand, gravel and slug; all these put together are called aggregates. Finally, water is used as a binding agent and then they are rolled on for making the surface even.  The thickness of the layer depends on the size of the aggregates used. Allowing the paved road to dry is the final act in the construction of this WBM road.

The word Macadam refers to the name of the Scottish engineer John Loudon McAdam who pioneered this kind of road construction.

Concrete roads

Concrete road

Water, aggregate, and Portland cement--- these three go in the making of concrete. Usually cement is in the power form and it is used as a binding agent as water is used in WBM roads.

Concrete roads are durable and safe since the surface is generally smooth; they are less prone to wear and tear; and it does not require much expensive maintenance.

In our next session, we shall move on to tailored transportation as part of the role of transportation in supply chain.