Rapid Assessment for Resilient Recovery and ... - GFDRR

loss of strength, and possibly breakdown of
the asphaltic pavement, also due to inundation.
The field inspections carried out during
the assessment indicated much damage of
this nature, and also indicated that concrete
pavements performed much better under
such conditions. In particular for the DOH
national and provincial roads, the design
process should consider alternative pavement
structures – asphalt and concrete
specifically – and apply in the analysis a
whole of life cycle comparison, rather than a
simple capital cost approach. The analysis
would take into account, in addition to capital
cost, routine and periodic maintenance
costs, deterioration over time, the impact
of flooding on the structure, and others as appropriate. It is likely, based on experience
elsewhere, that concrete pavements will be more cost effective when the analysis is done
in this manner, particularly when there is a high likelihood of flood-induced damage. While
it is not possible with the information available to suggest which sections of the network
could benefit from adopting concrete pavements, the notional additional capital cost of
constructing 100 km of equivalent two-lane highway with a concrete rather than an asphalt
pavement would be about THB 1 billion. 91
Recommendations for Resilient Recovery and Reconstruction
The suggestions presented above, under the heading of preparation, will if adopted result
in resilient recovery and reconstruction, and in a network that is better able to resist events
of this nature over the medium to long term. The recovery and reconstruction activities can
be considered over the following three time frames. Table 36 sets out estimated reconstruction
costs for these periods.
Strategy for Short-term Recovery (up to 6 months)
• Continue rapid restoration of roads, the railway, and the Don Muang airport to basic
trafficable condition as they emerge from inundation;
• Prepare designs and documentation for a rapid commencement of reconstruction
when budget becomes available; and
• Commence the studies, in consultation with other agencies involved in reconstruction
activities, which will take the suggestions set out above for improving damage
resilience from concepts to implementable activities.
Strategy for Medium-term Recovery and Reconstruction
• Procure contracts and commence reconstruction activities, based on a sensible
prioritization of works to ensure the most critical works are done first, within a likely
constrained budget situation; and
91 Based on the estimated costs of concrete and asphalt pavements as THB 15-20 million and THB 8-10 million respectively,
as advised by DOH.
THAI FLOOD 2011 RAPID ASSESSMENT FOR RESILIENT RECOVERY AND RECONSTRUCTION PLANNING
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