Concrete Roads
and Their Construction

IN THE UNITED KINGDOM—PROVINCIAL 50 The concrete, which was laid on the top of the existing road, Was mixed in the proportion of 3| parts of crushed whinstone 1 J in. to -J in., and 11 parts j in., mixed with coarse whinstone grit, to 1 part Portland cement. The thickness of the concrete is 6 in., the reinforcement being placed about 2 in. from the under side. The cross-fall is about 1 in. to the channel, and the surface is finished with tar paint and chippings. As it was impossible entirely to close this main road, the con- creting was done in half-widths, each section being opened to traffic five weeks after completion. At the time of going to press one half of the road lias been finished and is said to be standing exceedingly well. It is the intention of the County Council, who have acquired some of the most up-to-date road-making plant, to layabout six miles of concrete road, and for this prepara- tions are being made. The work is being carried out under the direction of the County Surveyor, Mr. J. A. Bean, C.E., F.G.S. Somerset Lower Bristol Road, Bath.—In the first instance a length of 350 yds. of this road is being constructed in concrete, but upon com- pletion of this section a further length will probably be laid. The centre of the road is occupied by a tramway track, and on either side of the road, which runs practically east and west, are high buildings which exclude sunshine, with the result that the road is hardly ever free from moisture. The former road construction was hardwood paving, which had become in a deplorable condition, and, in view of the parti- cularly heavy traffic to which the road is subjected, it was felt by Mr. D. Edwards, A.M.I.C.E., the. City Engineer and Surveyor, that the only solution was a concrete surface. As the traffic could not be diverted and the width of the road in its narrowest part is 29 ft., the work was carried out in half widths. Ihe foundation is that of the original concrete, and so is well consolidated. Ihe thickness of the new road is 6 in., and the reinforcement was laid 2 in. above the bottom. The aggregate consisted of Pennant stone, 1| in. down to in.; limestone, 1| in. down to 1]- in.; fine stone chippings and