Which of the following statements is/are correct as regards to the main features of Roman roads? i. The soft soil was excavated and removed till hard stratum was reached ii. High thickness of road construction was followed at some places, even though the magnitude of wheel loads of animal drawn vehicle was very low. iii. The roads were constructed as per the gradient iv. The total thickness of the construction was as high as 2 to 2.5 meters
- AOnly (i)
- BOnly (i) and (ii)Correct
- COnly (iii) and (iv)
- D(i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)
Solution
Concept
Main structural features of Roman roads
Formula
NONE
Step-by-step solution
1. Roman road construction involved deep excavation down to a firm natural foundation or hard stratum. 2. Very high construction thickness was used despite low wheel loads, while roads were built straight rather than following natural ground gradients. 3. Therefore, statements i and ii are correct. Answer: B
Explanation
Roman road construction involved excavating soft surface soil down to a firm bedrock foundation before placing heavy layers of stones. Although the wheel loads of animal-drawn vehicles were relatively light, Roman roads were built with excessive total thickness using massive masonry. Because Roman roads ignored gradients and maintained thinner profiles than 2.5 meters, only statements i and ii are correct, making option B the right answer.
Why the other options are wrong
A) Statement (ii) is also correct regarding the high thickness of road construction. C) Statements (iii) and (iv) are incorrect because Roman roads did not follow gradients and were not up to 2.5 meters thick. D) Statements (iii) and (iv) are false, making all four statements combined incorrect.
Shortcut
Roman roads: Excavated to hard stratum with thick layers, but built straight ignoring natural gradients.
Common mistake
Selecting option D by assuming all statements are true, failing to realize Roman roads were built straight rather than following gradients.
Correct answer: B) Only (i) and (ii)