Common Technical Terms for Roads
Carriageway: The part of the road intended for the movement of vehicles.
Wearing Course: The top layer of the carriageway, which is directly subjected to traffic and wear.
Binder Course: The intermediate layer of the carriageway, which provides adhesion and transfers loads between the wearing course and the base course.
Base Course: The bottom layer of the carriageway, which supports the loads from traffic and distributes these loads into the soil beneath the road.
Subbase: The layer beneath the base course, which is responsible for uniformly distributing loads and preventing soil deformations.
Stabilized Soil: Soil treated with additives (e.g., cement, lime) to improve its mechanical properties and stability.
Road Geometry: The geometric characteristics of the road, such as curve radius, slope gradient, carriageway width, and longitudinal slopes.
Cross-Section: The cross-sectional view of the road, which shows the heights and slopes at different parts of the carriageway (e.g., center, shoulders).
Design Speed: The maximum recommended speed for safe travel on the designed road.
Visibility Curves: Sections of the road where drivers have clear and sufficient visibility to detect obstacles or oncoming vehicles.
Road Markings: Lines, signs, and symbols applied to the carriageway to guide drivers and ensure safe traffic flow.
Traffic Signs: Systems of signs and indicators that provide instructions and warnings to drivers regarding traffic conditions and conduct rules.
Intersection: An area where two or more roads meet, and vehicles can change direction.
Access Road: A section of road that provides access to properties, buildings, or industrial areas.
Directional Signs: Signs indicating the direction drivers should follow to reach their desired destination.
