Classification of Road Network in the Gaza Strip According to Heavy Traffic Loads

Abstract

The Road network in Gaza Strip is considered as the main foundation of infrastructure. It is the only way for people, light and heavy goods carriers. Roads network should be developed, improved and continuously maintained to provide safe and secure driving environment for the rabid increase of driving population. In general, this study is about road networks and mainly focusing on the heavy traffic. All traffic surveys included all vehicle weight categories (over 18 ton), different road functions and types. There are 15 vehicle weight categories where the truck factor ranged from 0.004 to 9.55 which based on the number of axles and the actual total weight of the vehicle. The maximum weight of vehicle with cargo has reached 59 tons in Gaza Strip. Consequently, the Average Truck Factor (ATF) values (which was carried for road pavement design) for some road networks, in Gaza Strip, were carried out and compared with the results of previous studies. It was found that the ATF values in this study are higher than those of 2006 study. For example, the ATF in Salah El-Deen street (Ma'an area) was found at 0.802 while it was 0.40 in the previous study. There is a large variation in the results between the current study and the previous studies; this is due to the blockade on Gaza Strip and preventing materials from entering by the Israeli occupation. These materials are required for maintenance and construction activities. The prevention of these materials has led to worsen the conditions of the road networks which forced drivers to use certain roads and leaving them with no alternatives. This study provides one suggestion of five classes for road pavements (construction – maintenance – development) according to the values of the average truck factor. Finally, the study came up with several recommendations to include heavy traffic, traffic survey and road pavement classification.