Table 2: Completed Workshop Questionnaires
Table 3: Additional Suggestions by Participants
Query |
Yes |
No |
No View |
1. Is there a need for specific Low Volume Rural Roads (LVRR) Standards and Technical Specifications for Lao PDR | 100% |
||
2. Axle loading is an appropriate LVRR classification criterion for Lao PDR | 60% |
30% |
10% |
3. Using 6T axle loading limits on LVRR will be difficult to enforce with barriers | 80% |
10% |
10% |
4. A very low volume – low cost classification and design option (+/- 1T) would be useful. | 40% |
30% |
30% |
5. Pavement specifications must take into account the nature of available local materials | 100% |
||
6. There should be alternative options available to unsealed gravel wearing courses | 90% |
10% |
|
7. There is a problem in achieving satisfactory periodic maintenance on gravel roads | 80% |
20% |
|
8. Composite alignment designs (Spot Improvement) are likely to be a useful option for LVRRs | 100% |
||
9. Should more emphasis be put on Safety in LVRR specification and design | 90% |
10% |
|
10. Do you agree with the general approach to classification and specification | 70% |
20% |
10% |
11. Do you agree with the general approach to setting up a research strategy | 80% |
20% |
|
12. Do you agree with the general approach to the training modules | 70% |
20% |
10% |
Additional suggestions on LVRR Classifications There is need to study the Lao context and situation in more depth There is need to include a very basic access option as the lowest road category. “Basic Access” is one step below the LVRR and it needs a different specification depending on actual conditions More details on road structures should be provided by this project. |
Additional suggestions on LVRR pavement options Need to provide more clear detailed pavement options for Lao PDR The use of local materials should be the first priority. In order to reduce dust in villages, some kind of sealed pavement should be used as well as barriers to control traffic. |
Additional Suggestions on the Research Strategy Need to undertake more road trials in the nearest areas as pilot projects Engineers involved in research should be screened by highly qualified senior experts Financial support for research should be made available Life cycle cost calculation for various road classes should be one of the research topics. |
Additional suggestions on the Training Modules The trainers from PTD and LRD should be involved in the first training session There is a need to coordinate with other ongoing activities relating to the road training A group of 20 people for the training course is too limited. |
WORKSSHOP DISCUSSIONS
The workshop presentations provoked some very useful discussion on the SEACAP 3 strategy and objectives. A summary of these discussions is included as Appendix A to this report. Non-project participants were asked to comment on the project by completing a questionnaire. A total of 10 participants returned questionnaires and comments; these are summarised in Tables 2 and 3.