Chapter 10: Roughness

Ever since roads carrying wheeled traffic were first constructed travellers have expressed concern about the relative degree of discomfort when traversing sections that have become rough due to lack of repair of damage resulting from wear or weather.

Even in Roman times there was concern about roughness of the pavmentium experienced by those travelling in chariots (Figure 10.1). In the 1800s – when pavements were constructed of stone setts (in towns) and crushed rock and/or gravel out of town (or at least, the better ones were) – the rudimentary suspension system of the relatively high-speed stagecoach meant that travel could be a painful experience. It should be remembered that early chariots and the later coaches had timber wheels fitted with iron tyres, which were about 50 mm (2 inches) wide when in contact with the road surface.