Study the Causes and Effects of Frequent Failures of Roads Pavement in Iraq

Abstract Road deterioration continues to be one of the community’s main challenges and problems. Despite many previous research efforts related to identifying the causes and types of distresses spread on roads, there is still a lack of research investigating administrative problems and the effects of frequent failures. This paper tackles this knowledge gap in the context of highway maintenance operations in Iraq. For this purpose, the authors used an integrated research method that deals with (1) the selection and analysis of previous local and international studies and (2) conducting a comprehensive questionnaire in the departments concerned with the maintenance process. The authors were consulted on all research steps by experts in the field. Through the analysis of previous studies and the results of the questionnaire, the results show that the deterioration in the roads is the result of several factors, the most important of which is the absence of preventive maintenance and the resort to emergency interventions in most municipalities, as well as the late maintenance time, the insufficient funds allocated for maintenance, and the inaccurate identification of the causes of distresses, which caused the failure of many operations maintenance. This deterioration also, directly and indirectly, affects safety, the economy, and the environment. Ultimately, the research shows the most important causes and effects of distortions frequently appearing on Iraqi roads. It is considered a reference for many departments and researchers to find solutions and avoid falling into the same problems.