The World’s Oldest Pavements and in the Town Žilina Into the Context Within Municipal Engineering

Abstract

In this article, the authors explore examples of preserved cultural heritage related to traffic structures, focusing on the world's oldest bridges in Europe and Slovakia, as well as the oldest preserved roadways. They delve into the detailed history of Marians Square in Žilina, particularly its surface treatment, drawing from credible historical sources. The article also presents comparisons of elasticity modules and deformations of the roadway, based on measurements taken in 1966 and the last reconstruction from 1995 to 1997, which cost SK 64.5 million (equivalent to EUR 6.9 million in 2024). Through an evaluation of mechanical characteristics and environmental criteria, the authors conclude that the reconstructed road, even in 2024, effectively protects against frost damage, minimizes particulate matter and noise pollution (excluded motor traffic), and adheres to principles of contextual design for pavements.

Keywords

• municipal engineering
• the oldest bridges
• the oldest pavements
• marian square in žilina
• static plate load test