ADDRESSİNG GEOTECHNİCAL CHALLENGES FACING ROADS AND BRİDGES İN SOMALILAND

Abstract

The enhancement of transportation infrastructure is indeed the basic prerequisite for any nation aiming to achieve sustainable socio-economic growth, progressive poverty eradication, and improve the quality of life. This development facilitates trade, connects communities, and underpins economic opportunities.
However, developing new roads and bridges in a country with limited expertise in geological and
Geotechnical engineering poses significant challenges, especially under the conditions of recent seasonal changes influenced by global warming. Unusual and sudden precipitation events have led to accelerated drainage flows, causing flooding in streams and exacerbating infrastructure development. These uncertain hydrological conditions add complexity to the planning, design, and construction of roads and bridges. However, these obstacles can be mitigated by incorporating innovative approaches and utilizing modern technology at every stage of infrastructure development. This study investigates the essential geotechnical aspects required for planning and executing road and bridge projects involving environmental conditions, with a particular focus on the Hargeisa-Berbera corridor. Furthermore, highlighting the importance of comprehensive site analysis, understanding soil characterization, assessing the impact of high water levels, evaluating the effectiveness of drainage systems, and selecting appropriate materials and design methods that meet current standards and future requirements. A case study of rehabilitation along this critical transport route is presented, demonstrating how targeted geotechnical strategies can enhance infrastructure resilience and safety. By applying these measures, countries can develop safer and more resilient infrastructure to withstand the challenges of climate change and ensure long-term sustainability.