PAES 421:2009 – Farm-to-Market

Roads
• PAES 421:2009 – Farm-to-Market Roads
• Standards for Design, Construction, and
Maintenance
 Overview of PAES
• The Philippine Agricultural Engineering
Standards (PAES) are official technical
guidelines established by the DA-BAFE.
• These standards ensure the quality, safety, and
sustainability of agricultural infrastructure.
• PAES 421:2009 is dedicated to Farm-to-Market
Roads (FMRs), setting specifications for
various types: Earth, Gravel, Bituminous, and
Concrete.
• It addresses the full lifecycle of FMRs—from
design and construction to maintenance.
 Importance of Farm-to-Market
Roads
• FMRs play a critical role in rural development
by improving connectivity between farms and
markets.
• They reduce post-harvest losses by providing
quicker access to buyers.
• FMRs also enhance access to health,
education, and government services, fostering
social and economic inclusion.
• A reliable FMR network boosts productivity
and income for farming communities.
 Scope of PAES 421:2009
• This standard provides specifications for roads
used primarily for agricultural transport.
• It is applicable in areas with low to moderate
traffic, typically in rural and agricultural zones.
• Four types of roads are covered: Earth, Gravel,
Bituminous, and Concrete.
• The standard includes planning, design
criteria, construction methods, and
maintenance practices.
 Objectives of the Standard
• Establish technical parameters that ensure the
long-term usability of FMRs.
• Promote the use of local and sustainable
materials where possible.
• Enhance safety, minimize environmental
impact, and ensure economic feasibility.
• Provide guidelines for both government
agencies and contractors.
 Road Classification Based on
Surface Type
• Earth Roads: Basic, low-cost roads using
compacted soil.
• Gravel Roads: Roads surfaced with compacted
layers of gravel.
• Bituminous Roads: Flexible pavements using
asphalt mixes.
• Concrete Roads: Rigid pavements designed for
high durability.
• Classification determines cost, maintenance
frequency, and suitability based on terrain and
 Earth Roads – Characteristics and
Usage
• Made from locally available soil compacted
into shape.
• Very cost-effective, suitable for very light
traffic.
• Most vulnerable to weather, especially during
rainy seasons.
• Typically used as access roads in isolated
agricultural areas.
• Requires frequent regrading and reshaping.
 Limitations of Earth Roads
• Low load-bearing capacity makes them
unsuitable for heavy equipment.
• Easily eroded and rutted during rainfall.
• High maintenance requirements.
• Best used as temporary or low-volume routes
during dry seasons.
 Gravel Roads – Benefits and
Construction
• Constructed using well-graded gravel or
crushed stones.
• Offers better performance under moderate
traffic and wet conditions.
• Can be upgraded from earth roads.
• Cost-effective option with longer service life
than earth roads.
• Requires periodic grading and regraveling.
 Gravel Road Standards
• Gravel should have a maximum particle size of
40 mm.
• At least 25% should pass a 9.5 mm sieve for
proper binding.
• Plasticity index: 4–9 to allow for cohesion and
prevent dust.
• Proper drainage is key to minimizing erosion
and surface wear.
 Bituminous Roads – Composition
and Function
• Constructed with asphalt over a compacted
base.
• Flexible design allows for minor subgrade
movement.
• Provides a smooth, sealed surface that
reduces dust.
• More suitable for areas with moderate to
heavy traffic.
 Construction Considerations for
Bituminous Roads
• Requires trained personnel and equipment.
• Prime and tack coats must be applied before
asphalt.
• Must be laid at 120–150°C and compacted
while hot.
• Bituminous surface course usually 50–100 mm
thick.
 Concrete Roads – Properties and
Use
• Rigid pavement offering high durability.
• Long service life with minimal maintenance.
• Ideal for flood-prone, high-load areas and
high-traffic zones.
• Typical thickness: 150–200 mm depending on
usage.
 Concrete Mix and Curing
Requirements
• Use Type I or II Portland cement.
• Target 28-day strength: minimum 20.7 MPa
(3000 psi).
• Use water-cement ratio suitable for durability.
• Must be properly cured for at least 7 days to
prevent cracks.
 Road Alignment Principles
• Follow natural terrain as much as possible to
reduce earthwork.
• Avoid steep slopes (>10%) to maintain traction
and reduce erosion.
• Curves should be gradual and provide proper
sight distance.
• Balanced cut-and-fill design reduces
construction costs.
 Horizontal and Vertical Curve
Design
• Horizontal curves use superelevation to
improve safety.
• Vertical curves ensure smooth transitions and
visibility.
• Proper curve design improves safety and ride
comfort.
 Cross-Section Elements of Roads
• Components include carriageway, shoulders,
slopes, and drainage.
• Crown slope: 2–4% to promote water runoff.
• Shoulders stabilize the road and serve as
emergency lanes.
• Adequate ditches prevent water
accumulation.
 Subgrade Preparation Techniques
• Remove vegetation, roots, and unsuitable
materials.
• Compact soil to 95% modified Proctor density.
• Improve weak subgrades with geotextiles or
selected fill.
 Pavement Layer Composition
• Standard layer structure:
• - Subgrade (natural soil)
• - Sub-base (optional)
• - Base course (gravel or aggregate)
• - Surfacing (gravel, bituminous, or concrete)
• Layer thickness based on expected traffic load.
 Drainage System Design
• Critical for road longevity and user safety.
• Includes side ditches, culverts, and cross-
drainage.
• Side slopes should be protected with grass or
riprap.
• Inadequate drainage is a primary cause of
road failure.
 Culverts and Cross-Drainage
• Placement and sizing must be done to
accommodate water flow.
• Culverts should be positioned to avoid road
damage.
• Types include pipe, box, and arch culverts
depending on terrain.
 Maintenance – Routine and
Periodic
• Routine maintenance includes grading,
pothole patching, and clearing ditches.
• Periodic tasks include regravelling, resurfacing,
and applying bitumen for weatherproofing.
• Both are necessary to prevent premature road
deterioration.
 Environmental Considerations
• Avoid disturbing natural watercourses, wildlife
habitats, and flood plains.
• Sediment control measures should be applied
to prevent erosion.
• Minimize air pollution and dust by using water
during construction.
 Community Involvement
• Involve local stakeholders in planning and
construction.
• Use labor-based methods to create jobs and
support local economies.
• Community acceptance and participation are
key to the long-term success of FMR projects.
 Quality Control in Construction
• Proper material testing (e.g., soil, aggregate,
bitumen) should be conducted before
construction.
• Compaction, layer thickness, and surface
smoothness should be checked regularly.
• Supervision during construction is essential to
meeting PAES standards.
 Safety Features
• Install guardrails, reflective markers, and clear
signage.
• Ensure proper slope stabilization and maintain
visibility at curves.
• Safety should be a priority for all phases of
FMR construction.
 Legal and Regulatory Framework
• Align with DPWH, DA-BAFE standards, and
local regulations.
• Follow procedures for land acquisition and
environmental clearance.
• Ensure compliance with national and local
safety standards.
 Maintenance – Preventive
Measures
• Preventive maintenance focuses on extending
the service life of the road by periodic
resurfacing, sealing cracks, and ensuring
drainage remains functional.
• It is an ongoing process that helps in reducing
major repairs and the overall cost of road
upkeep.
 Rehabilitation and Upgrading of
Roads
• Rehabilitation focuses on restoring the road's
structural integrity.
• Upgrading involves improving the surface
quality and load-bearing capacity to handle
increased traffic.
• Both processes ensure the road remains safe
and functional over time.
 Erosion Control Techniques
• Erosion can weaken road structures, especially
in the shoulder and drainage areas.
• Methods include using erosion-control
blankets, planting grass, and constructing
retaining walls.
• Proper slope stabilization is essential for long-
term road performance.
 Use of Geotextiles in Road
Construction
• Geotextiles provide a barrier between the soil
and other layers, helping to control erosion
and improve load distribution.
• They are particularly useful in areas with weak
subgrades or high moisture conditions.
 Traffic Control and Road Safety
• Traffic safety is a key consideration during
construction and while the road is in service.
• Proper signage, road markings, and speed
restrictions should be in place.
• Barriers, guardrails, and safety lanes should be
installed to protect users.
 Construction of Bridges on FMRs
• For river crossings and other obstacles, FMRs
may require the construction of bridges.
• Bridge design should follow safety standards
and ensure structural integrity.
• Materials such as reinforced concrete or steel
may be used.
 Road Surface Texture and Skid
Resistance
• A smooth road surface can cause tires to lose
grip, especially in wet conditions.
• Road texture should be designed to provide
adequate friction and skid resistance.
• Considerations include roughness,
compaction, and material selection.
 Cost Estimation for Road
Construction
• Accurate cost estimation ensures that
sufficient funds are available for the entire
project.
• Consider factors like labor, materials,
equipment, and transportation.
• Cost estimation should also factor in future
maintenance needs.
Environmental Impact Assessment
• Before construction, an environmental impact
assessment (EIA) should be conducted.
• The EIA evaluates the potential effects of the
road project on air quality, water sources,
wildlife, and ecosystems.
• Necessary mitigation measures should be put
in place.
 Public Consultation and
Stakeholder Engagement
• Public consultation helps in identifying
community concerns and integrating local
knowledge.
• It promotes project acceptance and reduces
potential opposition.
• Stakeholders, including farmers, local
governments, and contractors, should be
involved early.
Road Design for Agricultural Access
• FMR design should focus on the specific needs
of the agricultural community.
• The design should accommodate various
vehicles, including trucks, tractors, and
animal-drawn carts.
• The road must provide all-weather access to
farms and markets.
 Drainage Considerations for FMRs
• Effective drainage ensures the road is durable
and minimizes maintenance.
• FMRs should have proper culverts, side
ditches, and cross-drainage systems.
• Design for seasonal rainfalls and flooding
conditions, common in agricultural areas.
 Slope Stability and Earthworks
• Slope stability is vital for preventing landslides
and road failures.
• Earthworks should ensure proper cut-and-fill
operations to avoid erosion and slope
movement.
• Use retaining walls or embankments in critical
areas.
 Temperature and Moisture
Considerations in Pavement
• Temperature fluctuations and moisture can
affect the road surface's integrity.
• For bituminous and concrete roads, control
expansion and contraction through expansion
joints and moisture barriers.
• Proper curing of concrete roads is essential to
ensure strength.
 Road Performance Evaluation
• Continuous monitoring of road performance
ensures its usability over time.
• Evaluations should include surface condition,
traffic volume, drainage efficiency, and safety
measures.
• Regular assessment helps in planning for
repairs and upgrades.
 Maintenance of Bituminous
Surfaces
• Bituminous surfaces require regular
maintenance to prevent cracking, rutting, and
surface wear.
• Regular re-sealing and resurfacing will help to
extend the surface's lifespan and prevent
water infiltration.
 Use of Local Materials in
Construction
• Using locally available materials in road
construction helps reduce costs and supports
local economies.
• Local materials such as gravel, sand, and clay
should meet quality standards and be
appropriate for the road’s design.
 Quality Assurance and Control
• QA/QC measures ensure that the construction
follows specifications and meets the intended
quality.
• Material testing, equipment calibration, and
visual inspections are essential components of
quality control.
Road Maintenance in Flood-Prone
Areas
• Flood-prone areas require special design
considerations to minimize flood damage.
• Elevated embankments, raised drainage
systems, and erosion-resistant materials
should be used in flood-prone zones.
 Factors Affecting Road Durability
• Several factors impact road durability,
including traffic loads, weather conditions, soil
types, and material quality.
• Proper design, construction, and timely
maintenance are critical to extending the
road’s lifespan.
 Climate Change and Road
Infrastructure
• Climate change brings unpredictable weather
patterns that affect FMRs.
• Designs should account for increased rainfall,
flooding, and temperature extremes.
• Adaptation measures such as improved
drainage and stronger materials may be
needed.
 Maintenance of Concrete
Pavements
• Concrete pavements require periodic
inspections for cracks, joint sealing, and
surface smoothness.
• In high-traffic areas, re-surfacing or
rehabilitation may be needed to maintain
serviceability.
 Training and Capacity Building for
Road Workers
• Skilled labor is crucial for ensuring the road is
constructed to the highest standard.
• Provide training on construction methods,
quality control, and safety procedures.
• Ongoing education helps improve efficiency
and road safety.
 Sustainability in Road Design
• Sustainable practices focus on minimizing
environmental impact while ensuring road
durability.
• Use of recycled materials, energy-efficient
construction methods, and local resources are
some ways to make roads more sustainable.
 Role of Technology in Road
Construction
• Technology such as Geographic Information
Systems (GIS), automated grading machines,
and drones can enhance road planning and
construction.
• Advancements in materials such as high-
strength asphalt and geo-synthetics improve
road performance.
 Road Rehabilitation vs. New
Construction
• Rehabilitation focuses on restoring an existing
road's serviceability and extending its life.
• New construction involves building a road
where none previously existed.
• Both methods are vital for maintaining and
expanding rural infrastructure.
 Funding for Road Projects
• Funding for FMR construction and
maintenance may come from government
budgets, private sector investment, or foreign
aid.
• Proper financial planning ensures that funds
are allocated for both construction and long-
term maintenance.
 Project Management in Road
Construction
• Effective project management is critical for the
timely and cost-effective completion of road
projects.
• Project managers must coordinate between
stakeholders, manage resources, and monitor
construction progress.
 Innovative Materials in Road
Construction
• Innovative materials such as warm-mix
asphalt, recycled aggregates, and rubberized
asphalt can improve road durability and
reduce environmental impact.
• Research and development into new materials
can offer sustainable alternatives to traditional
construction.
 Legal Liabilities in Road
Construction
• Contractors must comply with local laws and
regulations regarding labor, safety, and
environmental standards.
• Failure to meet legal requirements can result
in fines or project delays.
Public-Private Partnerships in Road
Projects
• Public-private partnerships (PPP) can help
finance, build, and maintain FMRs.
• These partnerships combine government
oversight with private-sector efficiency and
funding.
• Clear agreements and monitoring mechanisms
are essential for successful PPP projects.
 Case Study: Successful FMR
Projects
• Present real-life examples of successful FMR
construction and maintenance.
• Show how these projects improved rural
accessibility and boosted agricultural
productivity.
• Highlight lessons learned and best practices
for future projects.