Structural Performance of EN6 in Mozambique: Challenges Facing Climate Change and Heavy Traffic

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.3175825011015

• Palavras-chave: EN6; Pavement; Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD); LLI, MLI, (BLI) layer index; Climate Change; Road Resilience.

• Keywords: EN6; Pavement; Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD); LLI, MLI, (BLI) layer index; Climate Change; Road Resilience.

• Abstract:

  This study evaluates the structural performance of National Road No. 6 (EN6) in Mozambique under the combined effects of climate change and heavy vehicle traffic. Using measurements with the Heavy Impact Deflectometer (FWD), the study characterizes the bearing capacity of the pavement layers (subgrade, subbase, and base) using the LLI, MLI, and BLI indices. The results reveal marked structural heterogeneity, with progressive degradation in the Beira–Machipanda direction, associated with water saturation, drainage deficiencies, and aging of granular materials. It is observed that the base layer maintains satisfactory stiffness in some segments, while the subbase and subgrade show partial collapse and loss of support, especially in the Mafambisse–Inchope and Vanduzi–Machipanda sections. The study demonstrates the relevance of FWD as a structural diagnostic tool and proposes selective rehabilitation and improved drainage measures, aiming at the resilience and sustainability of road infrastructure.