Concrete Roads
and Their Construction

TN THE UNITED KINGDOM—PROVINCIAL 43 of large pebbles. In the lower layer of the conci'ete, and 2 in. from its under surface, was placed one thickness of reinforcing fabric. While carrying out the work it was fortunately possible to divert the traffic on to a temporary road. After rolling the base, the first operation was to lay down the fabric, which was weighted and kept from touching the base by 2-in. pebbles or pieces of brick here and there. On the curved part of the road the fabric was laid parallel to the straight part and sheared off at the sides to suit the curve. Immediately before placing the concrete, which was of a. moderately wet consistency the base was w«ll watered. A length of 12 ft. to 15 ft. only was started every day, so as tobe certain of finishing the whole thickness before evening. This ensured the fine concrete on top being incorporated with the coarser concrete below. Each play’s work was finished off against temporary timber templates fastened on pegs at the sides and ends, the sur- face being formed by working a straight-edge longitudinally backwards and forwards on the end templates. By this means a fairly smooth surface was obtained and no rendering or touching up was necessary. To prevent the possibility of the surface being spoilt by rain at night, it was covered for twenty-four hours with a tarpaulin sheet, which was supported so that it did not touch the green concrete. After a length had been completed, the next was omitted for a while, and the alternate length concreted. No attempt was made to form any sort of expansion joint, the concrete being simply shovelled up against the older concrete face. The work occupied five weeks ; it was then left for another five weeks—viz., till October 9, 1917. when the traffic was turned on to it. As soon as weather conditions permitted (which was in November, 1917), the whole of the surface was served with a coat of hot tar, and dusted over with coarse sand. Latest Report.—In November, 1920, Mr. F. E. Wentworth- Sheilds reported that the road lias stood the traffic exceedingly well, and although, of course, a slight crack is visible at the joint of each day’s work, there is no sign of deterioration here or elsewhere. \\ hat little wear there is is very even, so that there are no pot-holes or malformations of a sort likely to become intensified by further traffic. The surface is not slippery, and the road has given general satisfaction, and is still in excellent con- dition.