Ouagadougou: The materials utilized in the rehabilitation of the RN4 highway, connecting Ouagadougou to Fada N’Gourma in Burkina Faso, meet the current technical standards. This was stated by Ilda Yamine Sawadogo during her thesis defense at the National School of Public Works (ENSTP) where she aimed to obtain a diploma in design engineering in civil engineering.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Sawadogo, under the guidance of civil engineer and infrastructure expert Lazare Comb©r©, successfully defended her thesis, earning an impressive grade of 17.50 out of 20. Her research was centered on “The influence of controlling the characteristics of materials on the quality of road infrastructure: the case of the RN4.”
Sawadogo’s research addressed the sustainability of road infrastructure, a common issue due to inadequate knowledge of material properties and behaviors. She analyzed the mechanical and physical properties of the materials used on RN4, emphasizing that the laterite used for foundation layers has an average plasticity of 18%, which aids compaction, and a bearing index of 31.3%, ensuring a durable foundation. Additionally, the bitumen demonstrated a penetration of 42, a softening point of 52°C, and a viscosity of 420 mm²/s at 135°C, showing suitability for tropical climates and heavy traffic.
Her study concluded that the materials used, along with methodology adherence and effective coordination, contributed to the successful rehabilitation of the RN4. Professor Abdoulaye Ou©draogo, the jury president, praised Sawadogo for her relevant analysis and scientific mastery, while thesis director Lazare Comb©r© highlighted the quality of materials and compliance with standards in the RN4 project.
Kiswendsida Cl©ment S©dgo, a rapporteur and director of initial training at ENSTP, commended the student’s work for helping the public understand measures ensuring the safety of people and property through quality work.
In parallel, another student, Ibrahim Nadi©, also successfully defended his Master’s thesis under Comb©r©’s supervision. His research focused on land-based communication methods, particularly rail transport. Nadi©’s study supports the vision of developing railways as a means of improving connectivity in Burkina Faso, emphasizing rail transport’s efficiency in space usage, environmental impact, and capacity compared to road transport.
Comb©r© encouraged students to explore railway sector opportunities, aligning with national initiatives like the Faso Rail project. The thesis defenses at ENSTP began on August 18, 2025, and continue to progress.