Early road construction methods – identify the incorrect historical statement Considering classical methods (Tresaguet, Telford, Macadam), which of the following statements is incorrect with respect to camber and layering practices?

Introduction / Context:
Understanding historic road-building methods helps explain today’s pavement fundamentals: drainage by camber, subgrade preparation, and layer gradation. Tresaguet (France), Telford (UK), and Macadam (UK) each refined technique and drainage philosophy.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Statements concern the presence of camber and the arrangement of stone layers.
• We compare the practices attributed to Tresaguet, Telford, and Macadam.

Concept / Approach:
Historical accounts describe Tresaguet’s provision of a cambered surface to shed water into side ditches, Telford’s thick stone foundation with stepped central thickness, and Macadam’s emphasis on well-graded broken stones and positive camber to drain water rapidly from the formation.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Historic references and standard highway engineering texts consistently attribute surface camber to the early European methods, highlighting its role in durability by minimizing water ingress.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B, C, and D align with documented practices, so they are not incorrect. All statements are correct cannot be true because Option A is false.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing Telford’s level subgrade with absence of camber at surface; mixing subgrade treatment and surface camber concepts.

Final Answer:
Tresaguet did not provide the top camber for the drainage of surface water