regional capacity building and training services on use of...

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Regional Capacity Building and Training Services on Use of the DCP Pavement Design Method for Low Volume Sealed Roads

Final Training Report

Authors: M I Pinard and P Paige-Green

AsCAP Project Reference Number. RAS2145A

June 2018

Infra Africa (Pty) Ltd Gaborone Botswana

AsCAP DCP Design Workshop Summit Hotel, Kathmandu, Nepal

28th May – 2nd June 2018

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The views in this document are those of the authors and they do not necessarily reflect the views of the Research for Community Access Partnership (ReCAP), or Cardno Emerging Markets (UK) Ltd for whom the document was prepared

Cover Photo: Author

Quality assurance and review table

Version Author(s) Reviewer(s) Date

1 M I Pinard and P Paige-Green 22 June, 2018

N Leta 26 June, 2018

03 July, 2018

ReCAP Project Management Unit Cardno Emerging Market (UK) Ltd Level 5 Clarendon Business Centre 24 Berkeley St., Marylebone London W1H 5PW United Kingdom

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Key words Nepal, capacity building, low volume roads, Dynamic Cone Penetrometer, pavement design, materials testing.

RESEACH FOR COMMUNITY ACCESS PARTNERSHIP (ReCAP)

Safe and sustainable transport for rural communities

ReCAP is a research programme, funded by UK Aid, with the aim of promoting safe and sustainable transport for rural communities in Africa and Asia. ReCAP comprises the Africa Community Access Partnership (AfCAP) and the Asia Community Access Partnership (AsCAP). These partnerships support knowledge sharing between participating countries in order to enhance the

uptake of low cost, proven solutions for rural access that maximise the use of local resources. The ReCAP programme is managed by Cardno Emerging

Markets (UK) Ltd.

See www.recap.org

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Acronyms, Units and Currencies AsCAP Asia Community Access Partnership ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials CBR California Bearing Ratio DCP Dynamic Cone Penetrometer DN The average penetration rate in mm/blow of the DCP in a pavement layer DoLIDAR Department of Local Infrastructure Development and Agricultural Roads EOD Environmentally Optimised Design LVR Low volume road LVSR Low volume sealed road PMU Project Management Unit ReCAP Research for Community Access Partnership UKAid United Kingdom Aid (Department for International Development, UK)

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Contents Key words 3 Acronyms, Units and Currencies 4

1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 9 1.1 Background 9 1.2 Aims and Objectives of Project 9 1.3 Scope of Project 9 1.4 Purpose of Report 9

2 Pre-Workshop Planning Activities ........................................................................... 11 2.1 General 11

2.1.1 Identification of a Logistics/Workshop organiser 11 2.1.2 Selection of workshop venue 11 2.1.3 Site for demonstration of DCP measurements 11 2.1.4 Sourcing of DCP equipment and laboratory testing facilities 11 2.1.5 Sourcing of travel agent 11 2.1.6 Workshop Information note 11

2.2 Delegate Travel Logistics 12 2.3 Downloading of AfCAP LVR DCP Software 12

3 Workshop Details ................................................................................................... 13 3.1 Objectives 13 3.2 Programme 13 3.3 Attendance 13

3.3.1 Workshop opening 14 3.3.2 Opening Statement by ReCAP 15 3.3.3 Delegate introductions 15 3.3.4 Country briefs 16 3.3.5 Course overview 16

3.4 Workshop Presentations 17 4 Field Trip and Laboratory Testing ............................................................................ 18

4.1 Objective 18 4.2 Road Section for DCP Measurements 18 4.3 Demonstration of DCP Measurements 19 4.4 Demonstration of Laboratory DCP Measurements 20

5 Workshop Outcomes .............................................................................................. 22 5.1 General 22 5.2 Delegates Assessment Test 22 5.3 End of Workshop Evaluation 22 5.4 Workshop Feedback 23 5.5 Award of Certificates 25 5.6 Advanced Training 25

5.6.1 General 25 5.6.2 Potential trainees for advanced course 26

6 Summary ................................................................................................................ 27 6.1 Overall Summary 27

List of Figures Figure 1 – AsCAP delegates to Recap DCP training workshop ..................................... 12 Figure 2 – Opening remarks by Acting Director General, DoLidar ................................... 13 Figure 3 – Female delegates attending DCP training workshop ....................................... 14 Figure 4 – Nepal country presentation by Eng. Krishna Bahadur Katwai, DoLIDAR ......... 14 Figure 5 – Workshop session in progress ......................................................................... 16 Figure 6 – Delegates at start of field trip to Nagarkot ...................................................... 17

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Figure 7 – Section of Telkot-Bhattedada road chosen for démonstration of DCP measurements ................................................................................................. 17 Figure 8 – Demonstration of DCP field measurements .................................................... 18 Figure 9 – Example of scope for improving gravel wearing course by prior removal of oversize material .......................................................................................... 18 Figure 10 – Delegates’ group photo following lunch at hotel in Nagarkot ...................... 19 Figure 11 – Example of severe roadside erosion .............................................................. 19 Figure 12 – Use of concrete strip road in steep terrain .................................................... 19 Figure 13 – Demonstration of laboratory DCP-DN measurement ................................... 20 Figure 14 – Results of laboratory DCP-DN testing ........................................................... 20 Figure 15 – Award of certificates at end of workshop .....................................................24 List of Tables Table 1 – Number of workshop delegates by country ..................................................... 12 Table 2 – Outcome of course assessment ........................................................................ 21 Table 3 – Outcome of workshop evaluation by delegates ............................................... 22 Table 4 – Proposed list of candidates for Training-of-Trainers course ............................. 25 List of Annexes Annex A – Workshop Information Note ........................................................................... 29 Annex B – Workshop programme .................................................................................... 31 Annex C – List of workshop delegates ............................................................................. 31 Annex D – Workshop Opening remarks by DoLIDAR ....................................................... 33 Annex E – Country PowerPoint presentations ................................................................. 34 Annex F – Workshop PowerPoint presentations ............................................................. 35 Annex G – Delegates assessment test and results .......................................................... 36 Annex H – Workshop evaluation questions and responses ............................................. 37 Annex I – Basic Level Certificate of Attendance ............................................................... 38

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Executive summary As part of its capacity building initiative in the AsCAP region, ReCAP supported the holding of a 6-day Basic Level training workshop that was held in Kathmandu, Nepal from 28th May to 2nd June, 2018. The main objective of the workshop was to expose delegates to the latest developments in the environmentally optimized design of low volume sealed roads in which the DCP-DN method is a central aspect. The workshop was attended by 30 delegates from the five AsCAP countries of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan. The workshop programme was structured in such a manner as to provide a combination of classroom PowerPoint presentations and related discussions, guided use of the AfCAP LVR DCP design software, site visits and laboratory demonstrations. At the start of the workshop, each country representative presented an overview of the status of LVRs in their respective countries as a basis for subsequent discussions during the workshop in terms of potential application of the DCP-DN method in their countries. An end-of-workshop assessment test was set for each delegate and the outcome discussed at the end of the workshop. Country representatives were also provided with an opportunity to present a verbal feedback on the workshop and all delegates were required to provide written feedback, via an evaluation questionnaire, pertaining to all aspects of the workshop. The main outcomes of the workshop may be summarised as follows: Workshop assessment The outcome of the workshop assessment indicated a wide spread of results with the lowest mark of 40% and the highest of 95% with an overall average of 73.2%. The breakdown of marks for each country was as follows:

Country Average Minimum Maximum

Afghanistan 62 40 78

Bangladesh 79 70 90

Myanmar 59 50 67

Nepal 87 74 95

Pakistan 79 72 83

Workshop evaluation The evaluation carried out by the delegates covered the main components of the workshop including: (1) Training, (2) Field trip and materials testing demonstrations, (3) Organisation and (4) venue. The outcome of their evaluation is as follows:

a) More than 85% of the respondents either fully agreed or agreed that the training was well presented and that they obtained a good understanding of the DCP-DN method of design.

b) Almost all respondents either fully agreed or agreed that the field trip and laboratory testing were well organized and that they obtained a good understanding of the DCP laboratory testing procedures.

c) More than 95% of all respondents either fully agreed or agreed that the organisation of the course and various logistical arrangements (travel, etc.) were satisfactory.

d) More than 95% of all respondents either fully agreed or agreed that the venue for the course, including accommodation and classroom facilities, were satisfactory.

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e) In overall terms, more than 90% of all the delegates either fully agreed or agreed that

all aspects of the course were at least satisfactory in terms of the four main items evaluated, i.e. training, field trip and materials testing, organisation and venue.

Workshop feedback The key messages emanating from the verbal workshop feedback presented by the country representatives may be summarised as follows:

• Due to the introduction of many new concepts, the course should be of longer duration with more time devoted to field work.

• Personal (one-to-one) interaction is required for a proper understanding of many of these concepts.

• Important to train young engineers in the DCP-DN design procedures, with wider dissemination to the engineering community in general.

• Need to change existing manuals and procedures to accommodate the use of the DCP-DN method of pavement design.

• The DCP method of design should be included in university engineering degree curricula.

Certificates of Attendance Certificates of Attendance – Basic Level in the DCP design method for low volume sealed roads were presented to all delegates.

Advanced training A number of delegates expressed a wish to undertake an advanced course in the DCP-DN method of pavement design. To this end, a list of 14 delegates, based on the following selection criteria, are recommended to undertake a Training-of Trainers course.

• Member of an academic institution, or

• Senior practicing engineer in a roads agency, or

• Wish to become an advanced trainer, and

• Successful completion of basic course (relatively high assessment mark) Such a course would equip them to take full responsibility for subsequently providing training in their respective countries.

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1 Introduction 1.1 Background The Research for Community Access Partnership (ReCAP) has supported the enhancement of a method of pavement design for low volume sealed roads (LVSRs) through evidence-based research on the use of the Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) as an alternative to the more traditional methods based on the use of the California Bearing Ratio (CBR). This method is gaining acceptance as an alternative to the conventional approaches because of the various d advantages that it appears to offer in the upgrading of unpaved roads to a paved standard. In order to facilitate the uptake of the DCP method of pavement design, it is essential that appropriate training is undertaken to provide practitioners with a sound theoretical and technical background to the various concepts underlying the application of this relatively new approach to the provision of LVSRs. This requirement has prompted the holding of a DCP workshop in Nepal.

1.2 Aims and Objectives of Project The overall aim of the project is to provide training for up to 30 personnel from relevant government institutions, agencies and training institutions in the Asian Community Research Partnership (AsCAP) countries on the use of the DCP Pavement Design Method. The intention is to expose delegates to, and raise awareness of, the latest developments in LVR technology (environmentally optimized design – EOD) in which the DCP-N method is a central part. Such training is aimed at facilitating wider, competent application of the methodology for cost-effective provision of LVSRs in these countries. The key objective of the project is capacity building which is one of the key goals of ReCAP. To this end, the project aims to train thirty (30) candidates, from whom a smaller group will be selected to undergo further training to an advanced level. Such training will enable them to undertake similar DCP-DN training in their respective countries on an ongoing basis. Moreover, the expected participation of national training/tertiary institutions in the training is expected to further enhance sustainability of the capacity building initiative.

1.3 Scope of Project The project was carried out in two stages as follows: Stage 1: A planning visit to Kathmandu by the Team Leader to discuss and plan in conjunction with the Department of Local Infrastructure Development and Agricultural Roads (DoLIDAR) all the necessary arrangements for undertaking the training in an efficient and effective manner. Stage 2: Basic training to be provided for 30 candidates from five AsCAP countries, including representatives from relevant government institutions and agencies, training institutions and the private sector (consultants). There may be follow-up, advanced training to be provided to a smaller group of selected practitioners to enable them to undertake similar DCP training in their respective countries.

1.4 Purpose of Report This report concerns Stage 2 of the project. Accordingly, the purpose of this Training Report is to:

(1) Provide an account of the outcome of the training workshop including the achievements, challenges and recommendations for the next stage of training, as well as identification of possible candidates for a future trainers’ course in the use of the DCP-DN method of pavement design.

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(2) Provide the outcome of the delegates evaluation of the workshop based on an approved training evaluation form.

This Training Report is structured as follows: An Executive Summary that summarises the outcome of the workshop.

Section 1 (this section): Provides a brief introduction to the project including its objectives

and scope.

Section 2: Summarises the pre-workshop planning activities

Section 3: Provides details of the workshop including the programme, attendance and

workshop presentations.

Section 4: Gives details of the field trip and laboratory testing demonstration

Section 5: Presents the various outcomes of the workshop including the workshop evaluation

and feedback from delegates.

Section 6: Provides an overall summary of the project and the proposed way forward.

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2 Pre-Workshop Planning Activities 2.1 General A visit was made to Nepal by the Consultant from the 19th to 23rd March, 2018 with the objective of discussing and planning, in conjunction with DoLIDAR, all the necessary arrangements for undertaking the DCP workshop in an efficient and effective manner. The key outcomes of this visit are summarised below:

2.1.1 Identification of a Logistics/Workshop organiser A logistics/workshop organiser was identified and subsequently assumed responsibility for dealing with all matters relating to delegate visas, accommodation, air flights, etc. The organiser’s duties also included meeting the delegates on arrival in Kathmandu and attending to all matters pertaining to the holding of the workshop including the preparation of name tags, daily registration of delegates, site visit arrangements, etc.

2.1.2 Selection of workshop venue Following the viewing of a number of options, and based on various criteria, including proximity to Kathmandu airport, ease of access, adequacy of conference facilities, costs, etc., the Summit Hotel in Lalitpur, Kathmandu, was selected for holding the workshop. This hotel is well appointed for such events and is located approximately 45 minutes’ drive from the airport.

2.1.3 Site for demonstration of DCP measurements With the assistance of the Nepal AsCAP national coordinator, an on-going road construction project in Nagarkot, Kathmandu, some 27 km from the Summit hotel, was chosen for a site visit to demonstrate DCP field measurements. A nearby hotel was also identified for providing lunch for the delegates on the field visit.

2.1.4 Sourcing of DCP equipment and laboratory testing facilities Following discussions with the head of the DoLIDAR materials testing laboratory, recourse had to be made to the private sector to provide the DCPs and materials preparation for demonstrating laboratory DCP-DN testing.

2.1.5 Sourcing of travel agent With the assistance of the appointed logistics/workshop organiser, arrangements were made with a travel agent to issue air tickets to all visiting delegates. This required, as a pre-requisite, passport details from all visiting delegates. There were also delays in obtaining passport details from some delegates due to expiry dates being too close to the date of their travel to the workshop.

2.1.6 Workshop Information note One week prior to their travel, all delegates were provided with a Workshop Information Note (Annex A) providing all information pertaining to their participation in the workshop including:

• The aims and objectives of the workshop

• Date, Venue and Programme

• Arrival Logistics

• Accommodation, Meals and Per Diems

• Download of AfCAP DCP Software

• Country Delegate Brief on Low Volume Roads

• Useful telephone numbers

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2.2 Delegate Travel Logistics

Visiting delegates from three of the four AsCAP countries (Bangladesh, Myanmar and Pakistan) required a Letter of Invitation from the host organization (DoLIDAR) to obtain a visa on arrival in Kathmandu. Delegates from Afghanistan were required to obtain a visa before arrival in Kathmandu. This was because there was no Nepalese embassy in Afghanistan. As a result, the delegates had to spend a few days in Delhi obtaining their visas. In the event, all but one delegate (from Afghanistan – missed flight) arrived, as planned, for the workshop.

2.3 Downloading of AfCAP LVR DCP Software

All delegates were advised, well in advance of their travel, of the need to download the AfCAP LVR DCP software for use during the workshop for which the necessary instructions were provided. However, most delegates reported that they had provided the required information on-line on the ReCAP website and registered to receive the software but, up to the end of the workshop, had not received any feedback from the registration site. This necessitated providing them with a copy of the software that they were able to use during the workshop.

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3 Workshop Details

3.1 Objectives

The main objective of the workshop was essentially to expose delegates to the latest developments in the environmentally optimized design of low volume sealed roads in which the DCP-DN method is a central aspect. The workshop ran over five and a half days from Monday 28th May to Saturday 2nd June, 2018.

3.2 Programme

The programme for the workshop is presented in Annex B. It was structured in such a manner as to provide a combination of classroom PowerPoint presentations and related discussions, guided use of the AfCAP LVR DCP design software, site visits and laboratory demonstrations. An end-of-workshop assessment test was also set for each delegate and the outcome discussed at the end of the workshop. An opportunity was also provided for each country representative to present a brief on LVRs in their respective countries at the start of the workshop as well as to provide general feedback on the course at the end of the workshop.

3.3 Attendance

The workshop was attended by 30 delegates from the 5 AsCAP countries as presented in Table 1. The full list of delegates is presented in Annex C.

Table 1 – Number of workshop delegates by country

Name of Country Number of Delegates

Afghanistan 5

Bangladesh 7

Myanmar 6

Nepal 7

Pakistan 5

Total 30

Figure 1 – AsCAP delegates to ReCAP DCP training workshop,

Kathmandu, Nepal, 28th May – 2nd June 2018

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3.3.1 Workshop opening The workshop was opened by the acting Director General of DoLIDAR, Mr. Ram Krishna Shrestha. A copy of his opening remarks is presented in Annex D and may be summarized as follows:

• Welcome to delegates from all the participating AsCAP countries who are attending the workshop with a common objective – to learn about the latest developments in low volume roads technology in the context of the environmentally optimise design of rural roads in which the key focus will be on the use of the Dynamic Cone Penetrometer method of pavement design.

• Acknowledgement of support provided by ReCAP as part of a research programme funded by UK Aid with the aim of promoting safe and sustainable transport for rural communities.

• Nepal, like all countries in Asia, views rural roads as a key component of rural development. However, the rugged terrain in large parts of the country poses formidable natural obstacles to road construction.

• Now increasingly apparent that the approach to the provision of low volume rural roads is quite different to that for main roads and requires the adoption of more appropriate standards, materials specifications and design methods.

• Need to explore and apply low cost solutions to upgrade our unpaved roads to a paved road standard in the most cost-effective manner. This is one area that the workshop should focus on in terms of suggesting proven methods of low volume road design and construction

• Urged all delegates to participate actively in the workshop discussions and to share their experiences from their countries in terms of good practice examples from which we can all learn and benefit.

Figure 2 – Opening remarks by Acting Director General, DoLIDAR, Ram Krishna Shrestha

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3.3.2 Opening Statement by ReCAP The Lead Trainer apologized for the absence of the ReCAP representative, Eng. Nkululeko Leta who, due to unforeseen circumstances, was not able to attend the workshop. Nonetheless, he mentioned that:

• The Asia Community Access Partnership (AsCAP) is a six-year research programme for the rural transport sectors of Asia, funded by UKAid.

• The programme includes research on design standards and maintenance of low traffic rural roads and on transport services in rural areas.

• The programme also aims to stimulate the effective uptake of research outputs in policy and practice.

• The programme builds on the experiences gained in the South East Asia Community Access Programme (SEACAP) and the Africa Community Access Partnership (AFCAP) Phase 1 that ran from 2008 to 2014.

• UKAid support for the holding of the workshop was an example of ReCAP’s goal of disseminating research findings on the environmentally optimized design of LVRs.

3.3.3 Delegate introductions Each country delegate introduced himself/herself including their organization and designations as indicated in the master list of delegates in Annex B:

• Delegates represented academic institutions, government bodies (roads agencies) and the private sector, including a material testing laboratory.

• Female delegates from Bangladesh, Myanmar and Nepal (8 No.) comprised just over 26% of the total number of delegates.

Figure 3 – Female delegates attending DCP training workshop

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3.3.4 Country briefs By prior arrangement, a representative from each country made a brief PowerPoint presentation on basic information pertaining to low volume roads in their country in terms of such aspects as:

• The size of the total rural road network.

• The size of the low volume rural road network.

• The percentage of paved and unpaved low volume rural roads.

• The design method used for upgrading gravel roads to a paved standard.

• The major challenges/concerns faced in providing low volume rural roads.

• The outline details of a typical low volume road design. The various country presentations are presented in Annex E. Although the road environments differ widely between the various AsCAP countries, there is some commonality amongst them as summarized below:

• More than 95% of the rural road network in all AsCAP countries is unpaved.

• Pavement design for LVRs is based on traditional, CBR-based methods including ORN31, Indian Roads Congress and national standards (similar to ORN31).

• Materials requirements are all traditionally specified in terms of strength (Base = soaked CBR of 80%; Subbase = soaked CBR 30%; Subgrade = soaked CBR of 15%), plasticity and grading requirements, etc.).

• Asphalt concrete surfacing is generally used, except in Nepal where surface treatments (Otta Seal) are sometimes used.

• Overloading is rife in all countries.

• Maintenance is seldom carried out in all countries.

• Only Myanmar has DCPs (some 292 No.) with many having non-standard 30-degree (instead of 60 degree) cones.

Figure 4 - Nepal country presentation by Krishna Bahadur Katwal, DoLIDAR

3.3.5 Course overview An overview of the course was presented by the Lead Trainer based on the workshop programme presented in Annex B. The programme included four sessions of an hour each with half an hour for discussion.

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The workshop was run by two AfCAP senior trainers. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, a recently certified AfCAP Assistant Trainer was unable to participate in the running of the course.

3.4 Workshop Presentations

The PowerPoint presentations covered all aspects of the environmentally optimized design of roads with a focus on the DCP-DN method of pavement design. As indicated in the workshop programme, each day was divided into four sessions of 90 minutes each, with 30 minutes allocated to discussion. A breakdown of the topics covered each day is presented below. Day 1: Classroom

• Low volume roads in perspective

• Pavement design – general

Day 2 Classroom

• Materials

• Practical considerations

• Construction issues

• Pavement design – DCP-DN

Day 3 Site visit

• Demonstration of field DCP measurements

Day 4 Classroom

• Use of AfCAP LVR DCP software

• Sample inputs to software

Day 5 Classroom

• DCP lab testing demonstration

• DCP worked design example

Day 6 Classroom (half day)

• Delegate assessment review

• Delegate workshop feedback

• Award of Certificates of Attendance

The PowerPoint presentations made at the workshop are presented in Annex F.

Figure 5 – Workshop session in progress

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4 Field Trip and Laboratory Testing

4.1 Objective

The main objective of the field trip was to demonstrate to delegates the use of the DCP to determine the in-situ shear strength of a soil. To this end, a site visit was made to an on-going DoLIDAR project where a gravel road was being constructed. Other secondary objectives of the visit included exposing delegates to the types of problems faced in constructing roads in Nepal, including instability problems and landslides, severe road erosion, etc.

Figure 6 – Delegates at start of field trip to Nagarkot

4.2 Road Section for DCP Measurements

The demonstration of field DCP measurements was undertaken on a section of the Telkot-Bhattedada-Nagarkot Road which is being upgraded from an earth to a gravel road in accordance with DoLIDAR’s specification for subbase material.

Figure 7 – Section of Telkot-Bhattedada- Nagarkot Road chosen for demonstration of DCP measurements

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4.3 Demonstration of DCP Measurements

Delegates were exposed to the make-up of the DCP device including its various components, how to check that it was suitable for use, how to assemble it correctly and how to use it for undertaking DCP measurements in the field and recording them properly.

Figure 8 – Demonstration of use of DCP for undertaking field measurements Following the demonstration of DCP testing on site, a section of the on-going gravel road construction was inspected and useful discussions held on ways and means of better utilising the materials being used as the gravel wearing course, such as various methods of achieving prior removal of oversize material. These discussions led to the addition of a special presentation at the end of the workshop on the design and construction of gravel roads, which was appreciated by the delegates.

Figure 9 – Example of scope for improving gravel wearing course by prior removal of oversize material

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Figure 10 – Delegates group photo following lunch at hotel in Nagarkot

On the way back from the site visit, stops were made at a number of points of interest on the road, as illustrated in the photos below. Figure 11 – Example of severe roadside erosion Figure 12–Use of concrete strip road in steep terrain

4.4 Demonstration of Laboratory DCP Measurements

Material samples had been obtained from the Telkot-Bhattedada- Nagarkot Road prior to the site visit and were made up at various densities and moisture contents in both a soaked and unsoaked condition to illustrate the effect of moisture and density on material strength (DN value). The outcome of these measurements complemented classroom discussions on the importance of achieving certain mandatory drainage requirements in practice, as well as the value of “compaction to refusal” (refusal density in the field with the heaviest compaction plant available and without breakdown of the material).

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Figure 13 – Demonstration of laboratory DCP-DN measurement The results of the laboratory determination of the shear strength of a material (its DN value) are illustrated below.

Figure 14 – Results of laboratory DCP-DN testing Notes: The slight weakening of the material at 98% density is probably due to over compaction (degradation of the aggregate). However, no density tests were done on the material after compaction to confirm this.

0

5

10

15

20

25

92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99

DN

val

ue

(mm

/blo

w)

Compaction density (%)

Soaked Unsoaked

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5 Workshop Outcomes

5.1 General

Following the completion of all the classroom presentations and field demonstrations, delegates were all provided with an end-of-course assessment “test” that was aimed essentially at assessing their grasp of the many new concepts associated with the environmentally optimised design of LVRs. In addition, an opportunity was provided for the representative of each country delegation to provide feedback on the workshop. Similar feedback via a course evaluation questionnaire was also obtained from the delegates. The outcome of these concluding aspects of the workshop are presented below.

5.2 Delegates Assessment Test

The assessment test was based on a wide-ranging set of 10 questions covering various aspects of LVR design as discussed in detail during the workshop. This questionnaire is presented in Annex G. The outcome of the evaluation of the course assessment is provided in Annex G. It indicated a wide spread of results with the lowest mark of 40%, the highest of 95% and an overall average of 73.2%. The statistics for the different country delegations are tabulated below:

Table 2 – Outcome of course assessment



Bangladesh 79 70 90

Myanmar 59 50 67

Nepal 87 74 95

Pakistan 79 72 83

Not surprisingly, for a course which is essentially of a very technical nature, the results tend to reflect the designations of the delegates in that those involved in road design, as distinct from those who hold managerial positions, generally scored higher marks. Nonetheless, the average mark indicates that most delegates obtained a good grasp of the approach to the environmentally optimised design of LVRs. It is also interesting to note that the order of the marks is directly related to the perceived (by the trainers) comprehension and communication of the delegations in English.

5.3 End of Workshop Evaluation By way of a questionnaire (Annex H), delegates were required to respond, on a scale of 1 – 5 (1 = Totally agree. 2 = Agree. 3 = Partially Agree. 4 = Partially disagree. 5 = totally disagree) to a range of questions covering various aspects of the workshop as follows:

• Workshop presentations

• Field trip and materials testing demonstrations

• Organization

• Venue

• Miscellaneous

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Four final questions regarding the application of the DCP design method in delegates’ home countries and the interest of the delegates in continuing to become trainers were included in the Miscellaneous category. The detailed response to the workshop evaluation questionnaire is presented in Annex H and may be summarized as below. The last category of questions regarding the individual desires to continue with advanced training was excluded from the statistical analyses as this was considered to be not directly related to the course evaluation per se, but more to do with the delegates’ views on the way forward, including a wish to continue with advanced training.

Table 3 – Outcome of workshop assessment by delegates

Evaluation Item

Ranking by Country

1 (Totally Agree) 2 (Partially Agree) 3 (Agree)

AFG BAN MYN NEP PAK AVE AFG BAN MYN NEP PAK AVE AFG BAN MYN NEP PAK AVE

Training 57.5 89.3 2.1 67.9 52.5 53.8 37.5 10.7 43.8 26.8 40.0 31.8 5.0 0 54.2 5.4 7.5 14.4

Field Trip & Mat. Testing

100 81.0 50.0 81.0 73.3 77.0 0 19.0 44.4 19.0 26.7 21.8 0 0 5.6 0 0 1.1

Organisation 100 42.9 66.7 64.3 73.3 69.4 0 42.9 27.8 35.7 26.7 26.6 0 14.3 5.6 0 0 4.0

Venue 100 14.3 83.3 42.9 40.0 56.1 0 85.7 16.7 42.9 60.0 41.0 0 0 0 14.3 0 2.9

As would be apparent from Table 2, the evaluation responses vary quite widely, especially for Myanmar, in terms of the training component of the workshop. However, in general, the following conclusions may be drawn:

a) More than 85% of the respondents either fully agreed or agreed that the training was well presented and that they obtained a good understanding of the DCP-DN method of pavement design.




e) In overall terms, more than 90% of all the delegates either fully agreed or agreed that all aspects of the course were at least satisfactory in terms of the four main items evaluated, i.e. training, field trip and materials testing, organisation and venue.

5.4 Workshop Feedback

The feedback from a representative of each delegation is summarized below: Afghanistan delegation:

• There was a lot to learn in five and a half days and some of the content was not that easy to grasp so quickly. A course such as this one probably requires a little more time.

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• There should be some more site practice – the site demonstration was useful but should include more tests and different types of material.

• It is important that the invitation to any country for follow-up courses (more advanced) should indicate that those previously on the course should be invited and not all new delegates.

• More information on the traffic counting and categorization should be included in advanced courses, particularly the means of converting ADT to standard axles.

• There is a concern that the laboratory DCP determination excluded issues such as CBR swell (Note: this concern was allayed in that the CBR test procedure is followed completely other than penetration process which uses the DCP instead of the CBR plunger).

• A standard method for the DCP laboratory test should be developed. (Note: It was pointed out that an ASTM standard exists for the DCP test and this can be directly applied to the laboratory test in the CBR mould).

• The delegation thanked ReCAP and the trainers for the course.

Bangladesh delegation:

• In the south of Bangladesh, the soils are fine and soft and roads need to be surfaced for all-weather passability. The course was thus very useful.

• Even the basic course should be of longer duration as many of the principles and concepts are new to the delegates and require additional explanation and exercises.


Myanmar delegation:

• The course was useful.

• There is a big investment in CBR equipment in Myanmar that cannot be replaced by DCP testing. (Note: It was pointed out that the CBR is still required for the design of conventional, higher traffic, pavements and should not be replaced with the DCP).

• There are no adequate laboratory facilities for material testing required for the proper design of rural roads.

• The 292 DCP apparatus in Myanmar consist of a mixture of 30 and 60cones obtained from China. Many of these already have bent rods and are unserviceable.

Nepalese delegation:

• The concepts presented at the course now need practical implementation by the delegates.

• More practice with the software is also necessary. It would be useful to have a user manual (in addition to the Help screens) that can be used to practice the use of the software.

• It will be important to train young engineers in the procedures, with wider dissemination to the engineering community in general.

• There will be a need to change existing manuals and procedures. This normally requires the acceptance of new developments by credible authorities and publication of papers in international journals. Only then will they be accepted by politicians.

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Pakistan delegation:

• The delegates were grateful for a successful workshop.

• In future, the first day should be dedicated to existing/older concepts, their background and developments over time.

• This should be followed by the DCP design concept illustrating the benefits and advantages.

• The DCP concept is new in Pakistan and should be included in university engineering degree curricula.

• Good contacts have been established among the trainers and delegates and they should continue to interact with each other as required

• The field DCP testing should include additional tests, sufficient to be used in a full design example.

The Trainers thanked the delegates for their valuable feedback which would be taken into account in planning future, similar workshops. They stressed, however, that the workshop was meant to expose delegates to the basics of environmentally optimised design of LVRs coupled with an introduction to the use of the AfCAP LVR DCP software for designing LVRs and limited, practical demonstrations to illustrate the field aspects of materials testing based on the use of the DCP. Thus, more practice in obtaining a full set of field measurements for design purposes, as well as more comprehensive use of the software would normally be covered in an advanced course.

5.5 Award of Certificates

As the final item on the workshop programme, a Certificate of Attendance (Annex I) was awarded to all the delegates who participated in the Basic Level training course.

Figure 15 – Award of Certificates at end of workshop 5.6 Advanced Training 5.6.1 General A number of delegates expressed a wish to undertake an advanced course in DCP-DN design of pavement design. Such a course would build on the fundamentals of the basic course but with a much more in-depth, hands-on approach which should best be linked to an actual demonstration project, in which the trainees would be intimately involved in its detailed design, construction and subsequent monitoring. Such an approach would equip trainees to take responsibility for subsequently providing training in their respective countries in order to institutionalize and embed the DCP method as a viable alternative to the more traditional CBR-based methods of design for LVRs.

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5.6.2 Potential trainees for advanced course A list of potential trainees for undertaking the advanced course has been drawn up based on the following criteria:


• Senior practicing engineer in a roads agency, or

• Wish to become an advanced trainer, and

• Successful completion of basic course (relatively high assessment mark) Based on the above criteria it is proposed that about 2 or 3 delegates per country be selected for advanced training and for “Training of Trainers” as presented below:

Table 4 – Proposed list of candidates for Training of Trainers course

Country Name Designation

Afghanistan Abdul Bari Rahimi Arsallah Majedi

Director of Technical Vocation Institute Chief Engineer, Quality Control

Bangladesh Md.Abdul Basir Md. Tarikuzzaman Md. Rezaul Islam

Senior Asst. Engr., Road Constr. & Supervision Executive Engineer, Quality Control Asst. Engr., Road Constr. & Supervision

Myanmar1 Daw Wutt Hmone Win (Ms) Thae Zarchi Win (Ms)

Sub-Asst. Engr., DRRD. Staff Officer (Civil), DRRD

Nepal Anil Marsani Krishna Bahadur Katwal, Rupak Acharya Shradha Poudyal(Ms)

Lecturer, Prog. Coord. MSc Transportation Senior Divisional Engineer, DoLIDAR Engineer, DoLIDAR Engineer, DoLIDAR

Pakistan2 Muhammad Burhan Sharif Somia Mubarak (Ms) Saadat Rashid

Assoc. Professor, Civil Eng. Dept., UET, Lahore Asst. Design Engr (Irrigation) Asst. Director, Design

Notes: 1 - Language of instruction (English) may be a problem 2 –. None of the Pakistan delegates indicated such training as a high priority

In order to build on the momentum generated from the holding of the Basic Level training course, it is recommended that, if an advanced course is to be held, this should be within a maximum period thereafter of about 4 months.

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6 Summary

6.1 Overall Summary

As part of its capacity building initiative in the AsCAP region, ReCAP supported the holding of a 6-day Basic Level training workshop that was held in Kathmandu, Nepal from 28th May to 2nd June, 2018. The workshop was attended by 30 delegates from the five AsCAP countries of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan. The main objective of the workshop was essentially to expose delegates to the latest developments in the environmentally optimized design of low volume sealed roads in which the DCP-DN method is a central aspect. The workshop programme was structured in such a manner as to provide a combination of classroom PowerPoint presentations and related discussions, guided use of the AfCAP LVR DCP design software, site visits and laboratory demonstrations. At the start of the workshop, each country representative presented a PowerPoint overview of the status of LVRs in their respective countries. An end-of-workshop course assessment test was set for each delegate and the outcome discussed at the end of the workshop. Country representatives were also provided with an opportunity to present a verbal feedback on the course and all delegates were required to provide written feedback on the course via an evaluation questionnaire pertaining to all aspects of the workshop. The main outcomes of the workshop may be summarised as follows: Delegates assessment The outcome of the course assessment indicated a wide spread of results with the lowest mark of 40%, the highest of 95% and an overall average of 74%. The breakdown of marks for each country was as follows:



Bangladesh 79 70 90

Myanmar 59 50 67

Nepal 87 74 95

Pakistan 79 72 83

Workshop evaluation The evaluation carried out by the delegates covered the main components of the workshop including: (1) Training, (2) Field trip and materials testing demonstrations, (3) Organisation and (4) venue. The outcome of their evaluation was as follows:

a) More than 85% of the respondents either fully agreed or agreed that the training was well presented and that they obtained a good understanding of the DCP-DN method of design, with Myanmar being the marked exception. This is probably because of difficulty in English comprehension which was reflected in a number of ways, including participation in discussion on various topics and understanding of the course assessment questions.


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e) In overall terms, more than 90% of all the delegates either fully agreed or agreed that all aspects of the course were at least satisfactory in terms of the four main items evaluated, i.e. training, field trip and materials testing, organisation and venue.

Workshop feedback The key messages emanating from the workshop feedback presented by the country representatives may be summarised as follows:

• Due to the introduction of many new concepts, the course should be of longer duration with more time devoted to field work.


• Important to train young engineers in the procedures, with wider dissemination to the engineering community in general.

• Need to change existing manuals and procedures to accommodate the use of the DCP-DN method of pavement design.

• The DCP method of design should be included in university engineering degree curricula.

Advanced training A number of delegates expressed a wish to undertake an advanced course in DCP-DN design of pavement design. To this end, a list of 14 delegates are recommended to undertake a Training-of Trainers course based on the following selection criteria:


• Senior practicing engineer in a roads agency

• Wish to become an advanced trainer

• Successful completion of basic course (relatively high assessment mark) Such a course would equip them to take full responsibility for subsequently providing training in their respective countries.

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