The International Seminar is taking place in Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire) on 14-16 April 2025 and is organized jointly with:

• The Côte d'Ivoire National Road Committee (CNCI-Route); 
• The Ministry of Public Works and Road Maintenance, through its central departments and subordinate departments (Directorate-General for Road Infrastructure (DGIR), Directorate-General for Road Innovation and Quality (DGIRQ), Road Management Agency (AGEROUTE), Road Maintenance Fund (FER)); 
• PIARC with the Technical Committee 4.3 Earthworks; 
• AGEPAR (Association of African Road Managers and Partners). 

The objective of the seminar:

Analyse the impact of increasing rainfall duration and intensity, and of drought periods on earthworks. Drainage problems during rainy periods, with the associated challenges of their maintenance, but also desiccation and cracks appearing during dry periods, will be addressed. The objective is to analyse, among other things, design and maintenance methods, and to propose possible adaptation and/or mitigation solutions to limit the risk of damage (slope collapse, landslides, cracks, road cuts, ruined structures, etc.). These solutions should strengthen the resilience of earthworks and extend their lifespan.

Are you an expert in the domain of sustainability of road infrastructure, soil classification, geometric design, construction, adaptation to climate change, sustainable management and financing of road maintenance and stabilization of unpaved roadbeds? 

Submit your proposals for papers in the form of an abstract of no more than one page by 31 October 2024 to the following e-mail addresses: 

• Dr Paulin KOUASSI, kouassipm@yahoo.fr 
• Dr Arnaud ZAGBAI TAPE, arnaudzagbai@yahoo.fr 
• Jean François CORTE, jf.Corte@wanadoo.fr 
• Dr Lamis MAKKI, lamis.makki@univ-eiffel.fr

The final paper is expected for 31 January 2025.