Eureka! Institutional Repository

The road network is an integral part of daily commuting and on the same time it is a costly infrastructure which also has a negative effect on the environment. Soon after its completion, it starts to deteriorate or during maintenance, due to the heavy loads, environmental conditions or possible structural failures. For these reasons, choosing the correct construction and maintenance method is imperative. Once we comprehend the structure and the components of the road network, reports are made regarding the wear and its causes. In addition, we describe the maintenance methods and also the use of innovative materials and methods of construction and maintaining road networks. There are not any suitable maintenance procedures which can be executed in similar problems, as every case differs due to individual conditions and needs. The suitable choice for both the type of road surface and maintenance method varies. Moreover, the ongoing research which is conducted for the development of new materials and techniques, aims to improve the resistance of deterioration, reduction of environmental consequences and maximization of the performance. This has led to the rapid development and use of recyclable materials which are incorporated in asphalt mixture, which may come from preexisting destroyed road networks or from various waste materials such as used vehicle tyres, glass, pulverized fuel ash and other materials. Finally, the importance of road safety during the construction and maintenance procedures is worth mentioning, as are the safety precautions which must be followed based on the national legislation