MJET

The Effect of Construction Materials Quality on the Performance of Road Infrastructure in Uganda: A Case Study of Selected Road Projects

Tumwine George, Mamanero Benjamin


Abstract

This study examined the effect of the quality of construction materials and workmanship on the performance of road infrastructure in Uganda, using selected road projects as a case study. A quantitative design was adopted, and a coded dataset of 110 road sections was analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, multiple linear regression of the Pavement Condition Index five years after construction and binary logistic regression of premature failure, supported by diagnostic tests. The study results indicated that pavement condition averaged 58.3 points after five years, and that higher subgrade strength, greater compaction, quality-assurance compliance and adequate drainage improved condition, while weaker aggregates, binder content deviations and heavier traffic reduced it (the model explained 53.3% of the variance). Aggregate abrasion value was the strongest predictor (beta = -0.42, p < 0.001). In the logistic model, stronger subgrade, better compaction and lower abrasion values reduced the odds of premature failure. The diagnostic tests were satisfactory. The study concluded that material quality and construction control were central to road performance, and it recommended stricter material testing, enforced quality assurance, improved drainage and public reporting of test results.

Keywords

road infrastructure; construction materials; pavement performance; quality assurance; aggregates; compaction; Uganda
Metropolitan Journal of Engineering and Technology

Cite This Article

Tumwine George & Mamanero Benjamin (2026). The Effect of Construction Materials Quality on the Performance of Road Infrastructure in Uganda: A Case Study of Selected Road Projects. Metropolitan Journal of Engineering and Technology, 5(10). https://journals.miu.ac.ug/pages/article.php?article_id=1932

More in This Issue

View full issue →
1
Assessment of Causes of Cost Overruns in Construction Projects in Uganda: A Case Study of Public Building Projects
Lugya Dacuan1 , Jjuko Edrine2
cost overruns; public building projects; variation orders; project delay; construction; Uganda
2
Assessment of Construction Project Delays in Uganda: A Case Study of Selected Road Construction Projects
Pinto Masaba1 , Kalema Abdullah2
construction delays; road projects; right of way; payment delays; variation orders; contractor experience; Uganda
3
Assessment of Occupational Health and Safety Practices on Construction Sites in Uganda: A Case Study of Selected Building Projects
Lugya Dacuan1 , Nagemi Peter2
occupational health and safety; construction sites; building projects; safety training; inspections; accidents; Uganda
4
Assessment of Power Supply Reliability in Uganda: A Case Study of Selected Industrial Areas
Mangeni Amosi1 , Jjuko Edrine2
power supply reliability; electricity outages; industrial areas; distribution network; feeders; maintenance; Uganda
5
The Effect of Climate Change on the Performance of Road Infrastructure in Uganda: A Case Study of Flood-Prone Roads
Zacharia Mukiibi1 , Eletu Joshua2
climate change; flooding; road infrastructure; drainage; culverts; resilience; Uganda