What is essential for building good roads in swampy areas?

Question

I am thinking about roads that are constructed in areas where the water table is high and it rains all year round. What type of road build up would be required and what type of materials should be used?

Answer 1

I don't work with roads per say, but I have worked on backcountry trail maintenance, and I assume roads are similar just much bigger and much more stability required.

Basically, if a trail (or in this case a road) was going through a low area where water often collects in a rain you have to build a strong foundation. For trails and roads this can be done using a raised compacted dirt bed covered with gravel. This provides stability and drainage. Just be sure you do your best to give a solid foundation above typical "puddle" levels before you cement over it.

If the land is too swampy you should either seek another route or build a more complicated raised platform (nearly a bridge).

Hope this helps!!

Answer 2

Basically, you use a LOT of rock. You remove the worst of the native to get rid of all the organics. Then you start placing rock. Depending on the amount of fill required, you could use small boulders, then a lift of 6"-10", then 2"-6" followed by your top course of 5/8" minus. Compacting each lift.

I have designed a 3' section of 3" minus rock for a 16 acre log yard project over muck. It has lasted 10 years and is going strong.