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.