Author: Keri-Ann

Pavement Engineering Design and Rehabilitation Strategy, Project Supervision, and Capacity Building

Posted on by Keri-Ann

Pavement Engineering Design and Rehabilitation Strategy, Project Supervision, and Capacity Building

The Addia Ababa City Roads Authority, Ethiopia

Project Objective:​

With a population exceeding 12 million and experiencing rapid urbanization, the City of Addis Ababa prioritized the improvement of its road infrastructure with a vision to rehabilitate and upgrade the roads network in the City’s older quarters. To do this, the Addis Ababa City Roads Authority (AACRA) was selected as the Project Implementing Unit. The project’s main objective was to upgrade existing dirt and gravel roads with durable cobblestone pavement. To support the full implementation of this solution, a comprehensive program was developed with the support of the World Bank and GTZ.

The Challenge

When AACRA began designing the project, a major challenge quickly became apparent. Addis Ababa is built on a huge volcanic mountain and the predominant natural soil, black cotton soil, is notoriously difficult for road construction. The soil has a very low load-bearing capacity (less than 1% CBR), high susceptibility to moisture, and tends to expand when wet and shrink when dry. These characteristics make it one of the least suitable soils for building durable roads.  

AACRA’s catalog design manual called for replacement of between 60-100 cm of black cotton soil before placing new road construction materials. Applying this method across large sections of the city would place an unsustainable burden on Addis Ababa. It would involve thousands of trucks transporting millions of tons of black cotton soil to disposal sites out of the city while simultaneously hauling in large volumes of suitable construction materials. The environmental effects of that would be detrimental to the population, causing significant pollution and and carbon emissions along with additional damage to roads caused by the heavy loads.   
 
A more comprehensive and sustainable approach was required to address the project’s challenges and create a more robust pavement structure capable of withstanding the pressures of a changing climate. Additionally, the solution needed to support the continued involvement of community SMEs that were created as part of the project. 

Our Role

The project called for creative, climate resilient sustainable pavement designs with practical techniques that would rehabilitate and upgrade existing urban roads while also addressing the challenges associated with black cotton soil. Through the implementation of these designs, the project also aimed to build the capacity of the local workforce including engineers, contractors and workers by introducing advanced engineering concepts and providing relevant training on implementation techniques.

The core of AnyWay’s contribution was through an approach known as “road pavement rehabilitation and upgrading through in-situ stabilization.” This approach, combined AnyWay’s proprietary soil stabilization technology, which was particularly effective in overcoming the challenges that the black cotton soil presented. We established a practical and sustainable alternative to the conventional method of soil excavation and replacement, significantly reducing the need for transporting materials in and out of the city. 

AnyWay provided the pavement design and construction supervision. We worked with AACRA’s teams across the city. During this phase, we provided training on advanced solutions that allowed AACRA to build these roads faster, without the need to haul waste materials and import new materials to each of these projects.   

The Results

A total of 27 kilometers of cobblestone–paved roads were constructed in a fraction of the time it would have otherwise taken (a few months instead of a few years). By avoiding the need for mass transport of construction materials in and out of the city, the project significantly reduced traffic disruption, environmental impacts, and overall project costs were reduced by up to 26%.  

We supported the capacity building of local stakeholders. Many of AACRA’s staff received training in advanced engineerig designs, technologies, and techniques. A focus was placed on enhancing climate resiliency, minimizing the environmental and social footprint of project, and creating sustainable long-term solutions to local communities.  

The project served as a turning point for AACRA and later for other road authorities in Ethiopia, in how they approached road design and construction. It helped shift the focus toward integrating climate resiliency into road pavement designs.  

Added value from AnyWay Solutions 

Through its innovative and holistic approach to the challenges faced by the project, AnyWay was able to increase the social, economic, and environmental impact of the project. 

Social Impact – The designs created meaningful opportunities for community-based SMEs to participate in the construction phase. Accelerated project implementation helped minimize disruptions typically caused by infrastructure work in a dense urban setting like Addis Ababa, thereby reducing inconvenience to residents and businesses. In the longer term, the improved road network has significantly enhanced access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and markets. Access to these important services has improved and remained reliable in various climate conditions, including the extreme climate events that have occured in recent years.  

Economical Impact – It is well documented that better roads have a positive significant impact on economic development in areas surrounding them. This was clearly seen in neighborhoods like Gerji, where upgraded access benefited numerous markets, as well as in newly developed residential areas such as Jemo, where the new roads supported the growth of commercial centers and markets. The improved mobility has stimulated business activity, job creation, and property development across these communities. 

Environmental Impact – There is less congestion and pollution by reducing the need for transport trucks in and out of the city and less damage to the environment by reducing the need to quarry pavement materials. In the long term, the transformation of dusty dirt and gravel roads into cobblestone pavements has greatly reduced airborne dust and pollution in the city. Smoother traffic flow has also helped reduce vehicle emissions, further contributing to improved air quality in Addis Ababa. 

Satellite-based Preliminary Design and Route Alignment in Remote, Inaccessible Areas

Posted on by Keri-Ann

Satellite-based Preliminary Design and Route Alignment in Remote, Inaccessible Areas

Papua New Guinea Highlands

Project Objective:​

A key goal under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG9) for Papua New Guinea is to develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure. This includes regional and transborder road networks aimed at supporting economic growth and enhancing accessibility for all citizens. 

Papua New Guinea currently has a transport network called GoPNG whichhas over 30,000km and 746 bridges with 8,740 kms classified as national roads and about 22,000km as sub-national roads. The national road network is the economic backbone of the country and carries about 89 percent of passenger and freight traffic. However, lack of funding and rehabilitation has contributed to the generally poor state of road conditions. The effects of poor road conditions have led to high vehicle operating and travelling costs and increased road accidents. Many bridges have deteriorated, posing other traffic hazards for public and businesses. 

One of the government’s long-term visions has been to construct a Trans Island Highway that connects the National Capital District with the Highlands region.  

Currently, there are still no roads linking critical agricultural and minerally-rich economic zones. Previous reports (1979 and 2007) have identified five appropriate alignments for the link between Port Moresby and Lae, out of which two routes (identified as Route 1 and Route 4) have been short-listed as the most likely alignments each of about 170 Km long. 

The Challenge

The proposed solution is a 180 km ‘missing link’ corridor project that will form the Trans National Highway, ultimately linking the Highlands Highway to the Hiritano Highway and Port Moresby. Each of the potential alignment follows, in some sections, existing unpaved roads, dirt roads that have been created by the local communities of the region though many years of walking and later driving through parts of the area.  
 
The main issue was related to what is identified as the “Missing Link”, parts of the potential route that traversed through virgin terrain, mostly mountainous and inaccessible. The area is covered with thick local vegetation. It was impossible to complete this project by utilizing on ground survey techniques. In addition, The project was ready for execution when the COVID 19 pandemic started, causing difficulties to travel to and in the country.  

The above conditions called for an approach that would be based on earth observation technologies providing the required data to be able to investigate, identify the route, and provide the preliminary design.   

Our Role

The project involved conducting a route alignment investigation through the utilization of earth observation data collection technologies. Investigations were completed onthe topographic and geological weather related and water related elements, to inform the basis for a preliminary design for the future road that will traverse through the terrain.  

The design had to meet the DOWH minimum design standard for rural road Type I. 

AnyWay Solutions was tasked with conducting a remote, satellite-based investigation and preliminary design of the proposed route. The goal was to meet DoWH’s Rural Road Type I design standards and provide the foundation for detailed engineering and construction planning. 

Our work included: 

– Topographical survey 

– Geological Investigations 

– Hydrological Investigations 

– Preliminary Engineering Design  

– Workshops for the DOWH professional staff, and 

– Prepare and compile bid documents for the proposed works including an estimated BOQ. 

The desktop study involved collecting and analyzing existing data on various factors, including national and local population statistics, geology and soil conditions along the project corridor, the region’s seismic history and potential earthquake risks, as well as historical and projected climatic conditions using modeling techniques. 

The Results

A comprehensive report was produced, detailingt the conditions relevant to road development along the selected project corridor routes.  

The report not only a reviewed the historical and current geological and climatic conditions but also provided detailed technical information and recommended engineering designed solutions in the following areas:  

  1. Pavement design including design speed, road width, horizontal and vertical alignments.
  2. Slope stabilization including analysis of slopes along the potential routes through the use of machine learning and AI applied to satellite collected data. Based on this analysis, engineering solutions were recommended such as reinforced earth structures combined with vegetation to enhance slope stability.
  3. Topographic survey  using high-resolution satellite data, with a focus on elevation mapping through advanced stereo-mapping techniques. This process utilized triple stereo satellite imagery with forward, nadir, and backward views at a resolution of up to 0.3 meters per pixel. A comprehensive, ultra-high-resolution bare earth Digital Elevation Model (DEM), was created which includes accurate stereo-mapping of a bare earth terrain elevation model, cleared from culture features like trees and buildings. This orthophoto is projected on the DTM, in order to create a realistic 3D terrain model, which allows identifying objects such as trees and houses that exist on each point of the mapped area. 
  4. Analysis of catchment areas and specific water ways within the corridor of the project and design of drainage elements required to enhance the climate resiliency of the project that are based on extreme weather conditions futured and not historical data.
  5. Estimated BOQ for the project based on the suggested designs of the route for each of the routes that were analyzed.   

Climate resilient designs and solutions to transport infrastructure is a future-focused approach that utilizes advanced technologies and techniques to overcome harsh project conditions in Papua New Guinea’s remote areas.

The preliminary design of this project allowed the government to select the optimal route for the project, one that will enhance the economic and social aspects of the development of the country, connecting the capital city with the countries’ main port of entry and many of the rural communities along the selected route.  

AnyWay contributed to the capacity building of the professional staff at the DOWH by sharing information and conducting seminars on the work that was done and the technologies and techniques that were used to create the designs and solutions proposed. This helps equip local professionals with the knowledge to apply similar solutions in future projects.   

Detailed Engineering Design for Critical Areas – Slope Stability and Road Pavement Design

Posted on by Keri-Ann

Detailed Engineering Design for Critical areas – Slope Stability and Road Pavement Design

Bonifica-Renardet Joint Venture – Sustainable Highlands Highway Investment Program (SHHIP) Construction Supervision Consultants for the Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Project Objective:​

The Highlands Highway is a critical 430 kilometer, two-lane national road that serves as the main transport artery for Papua New Guinea’s highland region. It connects approximately 1,800 kms of regional and feeder roads, providing essential access for communities in rural areas.  

The Sustainable Highlands Highway Investment Program (SHHIP) is a 10-year joint initiative of the Government of Papua New Guinea (GoPNG) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The primary objective of SHHIP is to rehabilitate, restore, upgrade, and maintain the Highlands Highway stretching from the Lae Nadzab Airport junction in Morobe Province to Kagamuga airport junction near Mount Hagen in Western Highlands Province.  

In addition, the SHHIP supports capacity development for the broader transport sector. The program uses the Highlands Highway as a pilot project for sustaina le road maintenance, promoting a holistic approach to sustainable maintenance. It promotes national cooperation and integration and widens access to social and economic opportunities via improved land transport infrastructue across Papua New Guinea.  

The Challenge

Trench-1 of the SHHIP was divided into three separate sections, each involving various construction and rehabilitation works. The focus areas were on rehabilitating the road pavement structures, improving drainage elements, and improving side road slope stability.  

One of the sections, RIC, covers a 56-km stretch through Chimbu Province. This segment included 21 critical sites, which have been prone to landslides causing severe damages to the highway. At times, this caused complete closure of the highway to traffic, leading to severe social and economic consequences to the surrounding communities and road users who rely on the highway for access and transport.

To address these ongoing challenges, it was necessary to first conduct investigations to determine the cause of failure of each of the sites.  Based on these findings, tailored approaches were developed to remedy the problem. A solution was required that would integrate design elements that enhance the climate resiliency of these sections of the highway. 

Our Role

In 2015, prior to the SHHIP agreements and project approval by the ADB, AnyWay conducted a thorough investigation of each of the critical sites. The investigation was conducted by a dedicated team of experts using advanced technologies for surveying, soil sampling and analysis, and physical site investigations and analysis. The team dedicated weeks of work on site, working rigorously to identify the root cause of failure for each of the sites. A comprehensive report was prepared and presented to the DOWH. This report formed the basis for initiating the detailed design phase for the critical sites under the SHHIP.  

In 2019, building on the conclusions of the previous investigation, the detailed design work started. Designs were developed for each of the sites, taking into consideration the unique cause of failure and geological and geotechnical conditions at each location.

The Results

The detailed designs were tailored to account for the unique and specific conditions of each location. Climate resilient sustainable slope stability was achieved with practical yet innovative techniques and solutions to mitigate the reoccurring landslides.  

We conducted thorough investigations of the cause of failure, including comprehensive materials sampling and testing, ran advanced slope stability models and prepared the design of all relevant elements to ensure resiliency and sustainability of each site under sever climatic events.    
 
To achieve this, extensive investigations were carried out to understand the root causes of failure. This included comprehensive material sampling and testing, advanced slope stability modeling, and the design of all necessary structural and drainage components to ensure long-term performance under severe climatic conditions. 

The adopted engineering approach focused on managing subsurface water on the upper slopes. Water was redirected through specially designed underground geotechnical elements into a robust drainage system. This system guided the water to predetermined crossing points beneath the road pavement and safely discharged it on the lower downhill slope. The design also included a reinforced pavement structure, with advanced ground stabilization measures incorporated into the lower slope adjacent to the road, ensuring long-term durability and stability. 

Added value from AnyWay Solutions 

AnyWay’s comprehensive approach to engineering design expanded the range of practical solutions available to the DOWH for addressing similar challenges in other roads and areas of the country.  

Through these designs, AnyWay was able to not only able solve a long-time occurring problem but also introduced climate resilient transport infrastructure.The Highlands Highway is a vital economic and social lifeline for many communities in the region. Through these designs, AnyWay contributed to strengthening that lifeline, ensuring safer and more reliable connectivity for years to come.  

This design approach directly contributes to achieving 9 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), by fostering resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable economic growth, and improving access to essential services in one of the country’s most important regions.  

Road in Papua New Guinea

Post-construction Evaluation of Pavement Lifespan and Determination of Quality of Works 

Posted on by Keri-Ann

Post-construction Evaluation of Pavement Lifespan and Determination of Quality of Works

TAHAL Consulting Engineering Ltd. for the Uganda National Roads Authority

Project Objective:​

An independent technical evaluation was required for the Karuma-Olwiyo road section in Uganda so that the quality of construction and expected lifespan of the pavement could be determined.  

The Karuma–Olwiyo road, approximately 45.5 km in length, is a segment of the larger 237.7 km Karuma–Pakwach road, which forms part of Uganda’s North-West trunk road system. This key transport corridor connects to Gulu, Nebbi, and Arua districts, and extends toward the eastern and southern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, playing a vital role in regional trade and mobility.  

Although reconstruction and rehabilitation of the road were funded by the World Bank, concerns were raised by engineers of Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA). In response, a reputable consulting firm was required to provide an unbiased assessment. 

 Tahal Consulting Engineering Ltd. Was appointed by World Bank to carry out this role, bringing the necessary expertise to evaluate the construction quality and deliver a reliable opinion on the performance and durability of the completed road section.  

The Challenge

As this was a World Bank funded project, there was a need to bring in unbiased consulting firm that would independently review the designs, work reports, and pavement design materials and deploy non–destructive testing. 

An engineering evaluation was performed along Karuma- Olwiyo road. The evaluation included a thorough review of existing engineering designs and reports along with field investigations to verify pavement layer thickness. In addition, a traffic–count study and Light Falling Weight Deflection (LFWD) test was carried out on the ungraded roads. Data analysis of the results was required to evaluate both homogeneity of the works and expected lifespan of the rehabilitated and upgraded pavement structure. 

The collected data was analyzed to assess the homogeneity of the pavement structure and to estimate the remaining service life of the rehabilitated road. This evaluation was critical to ensuring that the construction met the required standards and would provide the intended long-term performance. 

Our Role

AnyWay was retained to conduct the LFWD testing and to analyze the results to provide value engineering insights related both to the quality of works and the longevity of the rehabilitated and upgraded pavement structure.  

AnyWay’s Engineers conducted a desktop review of the engineering information provided on the project. A technician was sent to the project to conduct deflection tests of the 45.5 Km long section and AnyWay’s experts analyzed the results combined with all other information related to the engineering designs, the construction works, the materials used, and real time traffic counts.

The Results

The post Construction Evaluation of Pavement Lifespan and Determination of Quality of Works is a comprehensive engineering opinion report of the 45.5 Km long section of the Karuma-Olwiyo road section. The report includes the characterization of the subgrades soils as well as the pavement materials of the Section. In addition, an evaluation of the lifespan of the pavement was calculated according to AASHTO method to determine a structural number (SN) of the constructed road pavement.  

To determine homogenous sections, an LFWD test was performed along Karuma-Olwiyo by AnyWay. The measurements were taken approximately every 500 m, and elasticity modulus was calculated based on the central deflection from the tests results. Complex calculations of the information gathered through LFWD tests indicated that the variance value ranges to determine the performance of the construction of the pavement structure and the quality of construction works.  

Added value from AnyWay Solutions 

With advanced engineering and analytical capabilities, we brought significant value to this critical infrastructure project by providing independent, data-driven validation of construction quality and long-term performance. As an unbiased consulting firm, we enabled key stakeholders to make informed, evidence-based decisions that protect public investment and support sustainable infrastructure planning. 

Overall, this project reinforced the importance of transparent, high-quality infrastructure oversight, improved risk management, and ensured that the Karuma–Olwiyo road will continue to deliver economic and social value in the years ahead.  

Feasibility Study and Route Alignment Optimization

Posted on by Keri-Ann

Feasibility Study and Route Alignment Optimization

The Department of Works & Highways (DOWH) - Papua New Guinea

Project Objective:​

The government of Papua New Guinea initiated a program to support the development of rural agricultural areas by improving their connectivity to major roads and regional towns. A central focus of the program is to identify feasible road routes in remote areas of the country with challenging terrain, analyzing conditions and estimating costs for future developments.  

This particular study aimed to determine the most efficient route from Kundiawa, the main town in Jiwaka Province, through Gumine and onward to Karamui. To achieve this, a satellite-based and AI-assisted analysis was conducted to evaluate multiple potential alignments. Each route was assessed based on factors such as cut-and-fill requirements, ease of construction, total length, number of bridges and complex culverts, long-term maintainability, and the population residing along the route. 

This data-driven approach enabled a comprehensive comparison of alternatives, guiding the selection of the most viable option for future development. 

The Challenge

The complex terrain and limited accessibility of the area project area presented significant obstacles for the Department of Works and Highways (DOWH). The remoteness of the region made it it extremely difficult to conduct a traditional feasibility study, collect actionable data, analyze site conditions, and identify optimal routes for future road connections to the agricultural areas of Karamui.  

Given that the program intended to support the development of remote rural areas, timely delivering was critical. However, using conventional, ground-based surveying and data collection methods was not feasible. To move forward, a different approach was required that would help overcome the logistical and environmental challenges that would assist the government in relatively short time frame.  

Our Role

A preliminary evaluation of the various routes was required prior to undertaking a more detailed, and costly, pavement design and route alignment optimization study. The feasibility study needed to assess the construction complexity of each route segment to support an informed decision on the most viable option for unlocking the agricultural potential of the region. 

To assess the potential routes, a 3 km corridor was created around the existing and proposed route locations. A custom Digital Terrain Model (DTM) was created for all corridors using high-definition satellite imagery, which was utilized to assess existing infrastructure and regional hydrology.  

Once the DTM was acquired, specialized civil engineering software integrating AI tools constrained according to the client’s design parameters was utilized. The AI tool uses algorithms to search in real-time for the most cost-effective routes. Once an optimal route was identified, the corridor was defined. Further patented algorithms are then used to determine the most cost-effective profile within the design parameters. 

This phase also involved acquiring high-resolution (>1m per pixel) geo-referenced stereo imagery. Images were captured using forward, nadir and backward satellite images of the designated areas ensuring tht each point on the terrain was viewed from multiple perspectives. This stereo acquisition mode enabled the generation of Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) through stereo matching techniques.  

Once the DEM was developed, digital drainage channels were mapped across the terrain and overlaid onto the road corridor. where the channels intersected, the catchment area was calculated. The data was then used to estimate peak discharge for a given return period. Although rainfall and stream data in the area are not available or accurate to the current regional climate, the Papua New Guinea Flood Estimation Guidelines from August 2018 provided methodologies and formulas for peak discharge calculations even with limited data.  

To ensure that infrastructure investment delivers maximum benefit, it was essential to evaluate the potential socioeconomic impact of each route. Artificial Intelligence algorithms were used to identify structures (eg: rooftops) within each corridor and assess the communities directly within the vicinity of the new routes. The algorithm reports accuracy of up to 90%. 

The Results

The most efficient route between Kundiawa to Karamui was optimized with the goal of opening up the region for agricultural development. Multiple route options were analyzed using cut-and-fill analysis, evaluating ease of construction, length, number of bridges and complex culverts, maintainability, and the population along the route. A recommendation was made for a new alignment that uses some of the existing road, but deviates to create shallower slopes and better lines of sight. The recommended alternative routing from Kundiawa to Gumine is 5km shorter and has 36% less horizontal curves within the realigned segment. However, the benefits from the improvements must be weighed against the cost and complexity of establishing a new right of way.  

Additionally, it is recommended to expand the area of investigation for the eastern route alignment South and East toward Naiyo and Wario, as this might also significantly reduce the cost of construction if the eastern route. Beyond the design considerations of the two routes, the western route services 226 structures within communities (e.g. houses), while the eastern route services 4827 structures within communities. As such, the eastern route will service a greater population in the region and provide greater support for regional development.  

A further recommendation was made to conduct a more detailed design assessment, incorporating factors such as slope stability, materials availability, geological considerations, and refined hydrological factors to ensure that the route is one that provides the level of service that the region requires, and without creating a long-term maintenance and rehabilitation legacy.

Added value from AnyWay Solutions 

AnyWay’s use of satellite-based earth observation, combined with AI-driven route analysis, advanced flood modeling, and catchment area assessments, played a key role in evaluating the feasibility and optimizing the alignment of the proposed road. 

Through this optimization process, it became clear that a new alignment that partially follows the existing road but deviates to achieve shallower slopes and improved visibility, would offer significant advantages in terms of safety, constructability, and long-term performance. 

As a result, we were able to recommend alternative routes that better align with the project’s long-term development goals and improve connectivity of communities in the area. 

Enga Highway Impact Assessment: Overcoming the Challenges of Manual Data Collection 

Posted on by Keri-Ann

Enga Highway Impact Assessment: Overcoming the Challenges of Manual Data Collection

Figure 1: Meeting with the survey data collection team in Wabag, with productive discussions in preparation for the field data collection. 
Figure 2: Group photo with Pawssa High School students During interviews and data collection in Enga Province. 
Figure 3: Group photo with bus drivers and support crew during interviews and data collection in Mount Hagen, Western Highlands Province. 

Enga Highway Impact Assessment

The Enga Highway Impact Assessment project is a collaborative initiative between AnyWay Solutions and Rural Senses, designed at evaluating the environmental, social, and economic impact of transportation infrastructure along Papua New Guinea’s Enga Highway corridor. By integrating community-centered impact evaluation with AI-enhanced analysis, the project assesses real-world outcomes aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Learn more here: https://anywaysolutions.com/rural-senses-impact-assessment-building-a-theory-of-change/ 

Understanding Impact Beyond the Numbers 
Investments in infrastructure now can help regions to capitalize and prepare for population growth. Instead of rebuilding roads using difficult-to-procure, expensive materials, rehabilitation is often a good solution to improve road networks with less time and capital investments. Rehabilitation of highly distressed roads using recycling and stabilization can be an effective long-term strategy for pavement performance to withstand rigorous climate impacts. Lifecycle costs are minimized using this method as it is less costly to pay for the maintenance and upkeep of rehabilitated roads.  

While Earth Observation (EO) and satellite analytics provide valuable quantitative data, they cannot fully capture the lived experiences of communities. To understand changes in livelihoods, access to services, and public perception, we rely on in-depth, qualitative, on-the-ground data collection. 

In our latest phase, we engaged with communities along the Enga Highway, interviewing farmers, transport operators, students, and local organizations. Each survey question is tied to specific indicators that allow us to track and measure real-world change. 

As we continue collecting data, our understanding of the highway’s impact becomes clearer and more evidence-based, transitioning from initial insights to verified results. 

Key Challenges and How We Overcame Them 

Conducting large-scale qualitative research in remote areas brings unique logistical and operational hurdles. Here’s how we addressed them: 

1. Translation of Interviews 

Out of the 3,888 scheduled interviews, 790 require transcription and translation from Tok Pisin to English. While an internal team member leads this task, we’ve also engaged local translation experts to ensure cultural and linguistic nuances are preserved—crucial for accurate analysis and integration with EO data. 

2. Limited Access to Government Records 

Key official records such as traffic counts, maintenance logs, and economic data were often unavailable due to weak documentation systems and staff unavailability. To bridge this gap, we triangulated insights from community interviews and local leaders, helping us validate trends and timelines in the absence of formal data. 

3. Staffing and Connectivity Issues in Wabag 

Poor network connectivity and reliance on part-time field assistants in Wabag disrupted coordination and slowed progress. In response, we embedded a full-time AnyWay Solutions team member on-site to improve supervision, communication, and data quality. During this process, we experienced many on-the-ground challenges of largescale qualitative data gathering in a remote setting and have adapted to strengthen rigor and reliability. 

Strengthening Credibility Through Human-Centered Data 

With the continued support of Rural Senses, we’re addressing linguistic, institutional, and logistical barriers to ensure a high-quality, community-informed impact assessment. This work is about listening to local voices and making them a core part of the evaluation. By integrating first-hand narratives with satellite imagery and structured indicators, we’re building a multidimensional understanding of how infrastructure affects people’s lives. Our shared goal remains: Human-Centered AI—using technology to amplify, not replace, the voices of communities. 

Manila’s Monsoon Meltdown: Time for Resilience and Innovation

Posted on by Keri-Ann


Manila's Monsoon Meltdown: Time for Resilience and Innovation

Yesterday, intense Habagat (Southwest Monsoon) rains transformed Manila’s roads into rivers—again, highlighting a growing pattern: Metro Manila is increasingly overwhelmed by more frequent and extreme rainfall. (YouTube).

The Philippines climate metrics—temperature rises, sea-level acceleration, outbreak of heatwaves, and cyclone frequency—not only highlight the escalating challenge but also underline the urgent need for adaptive, data-driven infrastructure solutions for transportation, urban planning, and public safety.

Why it matters:
Every dollar invested in adaptation today can avert multiple losses tomorrow. The Philippines could avoid up to 4% of GDP loss by 2100 with smart adaptation investments. And while national programs like the People’s Survival Fund and Ecotown strategies exist, they need agile, tech-driven partners.

It’s time for data-driven action – to protect communities and keep cities moving, even under pressure.

At AnyWay Solutions, we specialize in climate-resilient transport infrastructure. Our approach blends cutting-edge technology with deep engineering expertise to help cities adapt, recover, and thrive.

  • We use Earth Observation and AI to assess risks and inform smarter planning
  • We integrate digital tools and real-time data into asset management.
  • We support sustainable, low-carbon materials and resilient road designs
    And we work with local and international partners to scale impact where it’s needed most.

Makipagtulungan tayo para sa mas ligtas, matibay, at matalino na imprastruktura para sa susunod na henerasyon.

(Let’s work together for safer, stronger, and smarter infrastructure for the next generation)

Rural Senses Impact Assessment: Measuring real-world impact using Earth Observation technology

Posted on by Keri-Ann

Enga Highway Impact Assessment: Measuring real-world impact using Earth Observation technology

As part of our ongoing commitment to building sustainable, climate-resilient transport infrastructure, AnyWay Solutions has partnered with Rural Senses—an AI-powered platform for community-centered impact evaluation. 

 

This collaboration represents a pivotal step in measuring and enhancing the real-world impact of our projects in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By integrating Rural Senses’ participatory and data-driven methodologies, we are assessing the environmental, social, and economic benefits of our work more effectively.  

We are using the Rural Senses technology to assess the impacts of our work on the communities surrounding the Enga Highway where AnyWay’s climate resilient design and engineering solutions have played a key role in the highway’s rehabilitation and upgrade.

Using Earth Observation to Measure Real-World Impact

In this phase of the study, the evaluation uses mixed methods, leveraging Earth Observation (EO) data to complement the traditional process of in-person surveys used to understand communities’ needs and perceptions.  Through this process we can create a richer, more objective view of long-term development impact on the region, related to the work we have been involved in upgrading the highway. In doing so, we combine local insights from community engagement tools with our geospatial analytics and engineering expertise to track the actual impact on the surrounding areas.

EO as a Tool for Measuring Community / Economic Growth

Using  earth observation , we analyzed changes along the corridor of the Enga Highway, a 67kom long road, through the years 2017 to 2024. This period was chosen to track the years following the completion of the rehabilitation of the Highway in 2017, enabling us to collect data points that could be compared to the prior period. This included quantifiable signals of urban growth, visualized through color-coded land cover maps (see image), revealing significant expansion of built-up areas and agriculture development around towns adjacent to the highway. Through combining the on-the-ground surveys with EO technologies we link quantitative data on geographic changes and expansion with qualitative social and economic data from surveys. This also enables us to identify high-impact zones for future infrastructure investments and interventions.

 

Caption:  Sentinel-2 10m Land Use-Land Cover Time Series produced by Impact Observatory and Esri.  Above, is a clip of the Sentinel-2 10m Land Use-Land Cover Time Series data produced by Impact Observatory and Esri. When the slider bar is moved to the left, you can see the red areas indicating built-up areas of more densely populated areas in back in 2017. With the slider moved to the right, you can see there are areas with developed towns adjacent to the highway, signaling significant urban expansion within the area up to 2024.

Beyond A Map: A Multi-Dimensional View

In parallel with the earth observation technologies, AnyWay field staff have been conducting surveys throughout the community to gather qualitative data on the direct impacts to community-members. Using both anecdotal, in-person interviews and enhancing it with data collected through satellites allows us to achieve a multi-dimensional perspective that includes measurable geographic outcomes. When we overlay EO-derived land use changes with Rural Senses’ qualitative data—on employment, access to services, and community well-being—we start to build a multi-dimensional view of development. We will go more in depth

Forward Looking – The future is here

At AnyWay Solutions, our goal is not just to provide designs and solutions that are focused on climate resiliency for transport infrastructure but also to ensure it contributes to long lasting, inclusive development. With partners like Rural Senses and tools like Earth Observation, we’re changing how impact is measured and being evaluated in developing nations.

Read more about the different phases of the Rural Senses impact assessment of Enga Highway project here:

Rural Senses: Building a Theory of Chang

Meet Dudu Shtengel – A growth-focused advisor

Posted on by Keri-Ann

Meet Dudu Shtengel – A Growth-Focused Advisor

As a Stabilization Consultant at AnyWay Solutions, Dudu plays a pivotal role in helping clients reimagine road infrastructure through innovative stabilization techniques. His work focuses on the rehabilitation and upgrading of roadways, seamlessly integrating cutting-edge products with forward-thinking, climate-resilient design principles. With a firm belief in sustainability and durability, Dudu sees that every project he contributes to is structurally sound, environmentally conscious, and future-ready.

What initially drew Dudu to AnyWay Solutions was more than just the work—it was the people. He was inspired by the dynamic blend of collaboration and innovation that resonated through the team, a culture where ideas are welcome. Though he began his journey at AnyWay gradually, Dudu’s commitment, curiosity, and proactive spirit quickly accelerated his involvement. Today, he is widely recognized as one of the company’s trusted advisors, valued not only for his deep technical knowledge but also for his thoughtful approach and strategic insight.

Dudu brings to the table a wealth of experience, yet remains humble—always ready to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful dialogue. His balanced approach of sharing expertise while embracing new perspectives creates a collaborative atmosphere where innovation thrives. With sharp business acumen and a natural flair for creative problem-solving, Dudu is constantly seeking new ways to drive the company forward and deliver greater value to clients.

One region that holds a special place in Dudu’s heart is Papua New Guinea. “What I enjoy most about my job is working with my team in PNG,” he shares. “I am very proud of the projects that we have amassed in that region.” Over time, Papua New Guinea has become more than just a work destination—it has become a second home. Dudu now divides his time between there and his native Israel, bringing a truly global perspective to his work.

Looking ahead, Dudu remains driven by a clear vision: to help AnyWay Solutions expand its impact, strengthen its market presence, and continue delivering climate-resilient transport infrastructure solutions that leave a lasting, positive footprint on the communities they serve. His journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and understanding what matters.

Kahi Estates – Sustainable Agri-Residential Development

Posted on by Keri-Ann

Kahi Estates – Sustainable Agri-Residential Development

Brgy. Bago Gallera, Libby Road, Talomo District, Davao City, Philippines

Project Objective:​

Damosa Land, Inc. initiated the Kahi Estates project with a clear vision: to build an agri-residential community that embodies sustainable development while integrating the natural character of the land into the architecture and development. Positioned in the southern part of Davao City, Kahi Estates aims to serve as a primary home for families seeking wellness-centered, eco-conscious living. 

The project integrates modern Filipino architecture with agricultural practices, creating a community centered around “Community Farming and Sustainability” and “Community Wellness and Fitness.” Rooted in the Cebuano word “kahilom”, meaning peace and tranquility, Kahi Estates is a pioneering venture in the heart of Davao City that highlights Damosa’s commitment to multi-generational living, environmental harmony, and enhanced quality of life. 

The Challenge

From the outset, the project team encountered significant geotechnical and environmental challenges to overcome. Soil analysis revealed that the site contained highly plastic materials with weak load-bearing capacity (CBR 3), rendering it unsuitable for standard pavement construction. Without proper treatment, this could compromise road durability, increase costs, and delay timelines. 

Unpredictable climate events including heavy rainfall has led to the understanding that forward looking, there is a need to enhance the climate resiliency of the roads of the project. Importing construction materials was both costly and environmentally burdensome, conflicting with Damosa Land’s commitment to sustainability. 

To address these issues, Damosa Land engaged AnyWay Solutions to introduce an innovative, eco-friendly, and cost-effective method for  pavement design that would enhance the climate resiliency of the roads by taking an advanced engineering approach that would allow for the use of the local problematic soils and materials as part of the construction of roads for the project. 

Our Role

AnyWay Solutions played a pivotal role in overcoming the project’s technical challenges and fulfilling its climate resiliency and sustainability goals. Their comprehensive scope of work included: 

  • Reviewing and enhancing the engineering designs for land development. 
  • Provide a pavement design for the roads in the project 
  • Supplying the required stabilization technology and specific equipment for the construction phase.  
  • Providing services of Supervision of the road construction along with on-site dedicated Quality Assurance by one of its senior engineers. The process included also training and capacity building for the Kahi Estate engineers and local supervision team in the process.  

AnyWay’s engineering solution was used to upgrade the engineering properties of the weak in-situ soils, creating robust climate resilient road pavements. This has led to an environmentally and economically advantageous strategy for the project. 

The Results

The roads at Kahi Estates now sit atop a firm, uniform, and robust pavement with enhanced durability. This ensures a more resilient and lower-maintenance infrastructure and contributes significantly to the project’s sustainability objectives. 

Key benefits of the engineering solutions prepared by AnyWay for the project include: 

  • Robust road pavments with enhanced climate resiliency. 
  • Cost savings by eliminating the need for imported materials. 
  • Minimized environmental impact through reduced construction waste and lower carbon emissions. 
  • Reinforcement of Damosa Land’s brand as a leader in sustainable development and community wellness. 

Beyond technical achievements, the project has had a lasting positive impact on the local community, providing a model for future agri-residential developments that balance modern living with climate and environmental stewardship.