Desirable Characteristics of a Pavement:

In order to fulfill the above function, the pavement has to have the following desirable properties :

(a) It should be structurally sound to withstand the heavy loads imposed on it. (b)    It should have sufficient thickness and composition such that the vehicle loads are distributed to a safe value on the embankment on which it rests.

(c) It should have a strong and wear-resistant surface.

(d) It should be dust-proof.

(e) It should have a smooth surface such that vehicles can travel at good speed comfortably and the wear and tear of vehicles is minimum.

(f) It should have a texture which is sufficiently rough to prevent skidding of vehicles.

(g) It should not generate high levels of sound.

(h) It should be sufficiently impervious to water such that the water does not reach the soil sub-grade.

(i)  It should have a long life, and the cost of maintaining it should be low.

(j) It should be economical to construct.