ENGINEERING BESTPRACTICES GUIDEPublic Disclosure Authorized © 2026 The World Bank 1818 H Street NW, Washington DC 20433Telephone: 202-473-1000; Internet:www.worldbank.org Some rights reserved This work is a product of The World Bank. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this work donot necessarily reflect the views of the Executive Directors of The World Bank or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the data included in this workand does not assume responsibility for any errors, omissions, or discrepancies in the information, or liabilitywith respect to the use of or failure to use the information, methods, processes, or conclusions set forth. Theboundaries, colors, denominations, links/footnotes and other information shown in this work do not implyany judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsementor acceptance of such boundaries. The citation of works authored by others does not mean the World Bankendorses the views expressed by those authors or the content of their works. Nothing herein shall constitute or be construed or considered to be a limitation upon or waiver of the privilegesand immunities of The World Bank, all of which are specifically reserved. Rights and Permissions The material in this work is subject to copyright. Because The World Bank encourages dissemination of itsknowledge, this work may be reproduced, in whole or in part, for noncommercial purposes as long as fullattribution to this work is given. Attribution—Please cite the work as follows:World Bank. 2025. Design principles for resilient low volume roads:Engineering Best Practices Guide. © World Bank. Any queries on rights and licenses, including subsidiary rights, should be addressed to World Bank Publications,The World Bank, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA; fax: 202-522-2625; e mail:pubrights@worldbank.org. Photo credits: © Gordon Keller (All photos belong to Gordon Keller unless informated otherwise). Furtherpermission required for reuse.Cover design and text layout: Duina Reyes DESIGNPRINCIPLESFOR RESILIENTLOW VOLUMEROADS ENGINEERING BESTPRACTICES GUIDE Author – Gordon Keller, PE, GE (Geotechnical Engineer)gordonrkeller@gmail.comCoordination – Frederico Pedroso, Ph.D. (Civil Engineer)fpedroso@worldbank.orgEditing – Bridget Mc Millen JordanPhoto and Figures Copyright – Gordon Keller (unless informed otherwise) Table of Contents Acknowledgments...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................iiiForeword.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................1Executive Summary.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................2Chapter 1.Introduction.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................5Chapter 2.Environmental Analysis........................................................................................................................................................................................10Chapter 3.Key Planning, Environmental, and Special Issues............................................................................................................17Chapter 4.Low-Volume Roads Engineering: Planning, Location, Survey, Design,Construction, Maintenance, Road Safety, Closure and Appropriate Technologies............................................47Chapter 5.Basic Hydrology for Drainage Crossing Design...................................................................................................................72Chapter 6.Tools for Hydraulic and Road Design................................................................................................................................................79Chapter 7.Surface Drainage, Underdrains, and Drainage Crossing Issues.....................................................................91Chapter 8.Culvert Use, Installation, and Sizing...............................................................................................................................................119Chapter 9.Fords and Low-Water Crossings...........................................................................................................................................