AN ANALYTICAL AND AUTOGRAPHIC METHOD FOR HIGHWAY GEOMETRIC DESIGN BY AKIJE, ISAAC B.Sc. Hons (Lagos), M.Sc. (Lagos) 890402041 A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (Pb.D.), IN CIVIL ENGINEERING OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS, LAGOS, NIGERIA AUGUST 2007SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS CERTIFICATION This is to certify that the Thesis: AN ANALYTICAL AND AUTOGRAPHIC METHOD FOR HIGHWAY GEOMETRIC DESIGN Submitted to the School of Postgraduate Studies University of Lagos For the award of the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (Ph.D.) is a record of original research carried out By AKIJE, ISAAC in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering Ake [sane \anlizt. 7-8-2007 AUTHOR'S NAME. ‘SIGNATORE DATE RoE A.S, ADEDIMILA [$=9-AsPovids q--01 1" SUPERVISOR'S NAME SIGNATURE DATE pace par aKem MTV, = o.t e 2°” SUPERVISOR'S NAME SIGNA’ DATE PROF. OM SADIQ BrLig aajoefov?. TT INTERNAL EXAMINER |ATURE DATE De 0. Aryesimejy a 2A. 01/08 faz 2” INTERNAL EXAMINE) SIGNATURE DATE Crk, O- ADELIS| Paras’ 07/08 [208% EXTERNAL EXAMINER SIGNATURE DAE Prot F.0-A onc : o7fes[oy SPGS REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE DATEACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I thank GOD first for the privilege bestowed upon me throughout the writing and rewriting involved during the acquisition of reliable information to present this thesis and project work. I wish to express my sincere gratitude to my major supervisor Professor Adedimila, A. S. for his appreciable support and general guidance throughout the research work. I give thanks to Professor Akeju, T. A. 1, also my supervisor, for his encouragement and constructive criticism during the course of writing this thesis 1 also give thanks to Professor Salau, M. A. the Head of Department for his concer for me regarding the research work at the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, University of Lagos. Tam grateful to Professor Falade, F. A., Professor Sadiq, O. M., Dr. Oyekan, G. L., Dr. Oyegoke, S. O., Dr. Longe, E. O., Dr. Aiyesimoju, K. O., Dr. Ikponmwosa, E. E, and Dr. Meshida, O. E., all in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, for their respective contributions. I am thankful to Engr. Lawal O. O. of BAL Engineering LTD, Engr. Adebajo, ‘A. 0. of Ovearup, and Engr. Adebayo, O. of Ladiom Associate for their professional contributions. 1 appreciate the friendship and cooperation from my family during the course of writing this thesis. AKIJJE, IsaacABSTRACT The geometric design of highways requires a large number of iterations and repetitive tasks of analysis and drafting in order to prepare plan, profile and cost estimate. The conventional manual design technique is time consuming, requires use of draftspersons, and oftentimes the individual engineer does not have the ability to achieve the required high standard of precision and graphic presentation in a timely and cost-effective manner. On the other hand, integrated programs used in advanced countries had been found to be generally expensive in developing and underdeveloped countries. Consequently, the study presented in this thesis is intended to produce a well- defined, global, robust and generalized analytical and autographic method of solving highway geometric design problems. The proposed method in this study is a digital interactive modelling and simulation technique of making computations, preparing drawings and cost estimation for the geometric design of highways while utilizing Excel Spreadsheet for analysis and plotting, and AutoCAD for graphics. This was achieved by linking objects strategically developed both in Spreadsheet and AutoCAD through the Object Link Embedment (OLE) capabilities of the programs to produce plan, profile and cost estimate. In the process, modules were developed, and templates and standard data discs created for the developed modules for further routine work. The new method was compared with two other methods, namely, conventional manual method and digital interactive specific purpose application integrated software (AutoCIVIL) in the geometric design of a 5km Okeonigbin-Ljara-Isin road. The newly developed method in this study successfully completed alignments combination of the road at optimal level. A comparison of asset costs showed that the newly developed method is cheaper than the other procedures.‘The conclusions drawn from the study include the development of a new analytical and autographic method, which incorporated hardware and application software to achieve the high-speed and high-level accuracy required in the geometric design of highways, ‘The new added knowledge offered by this study for highway geometric design methodology is in the following areas: Development of logical model objective functions for the optimisation of highway geometric design. 4 Development of an algorithm to elicit steps of using Excel Spreadsheet and AutoCAD strategically for achieving the analysis and drafting required for the preparation of plan, profile and project cost. + Development of a flow chart that is efficient for the optimisation of cost, time, environmental impact assessment (EIA) and acceptable quality of design work under the constraint of budget. The exact contributions offered by this study to highway geometric design include, (a) the enhancement of the competence and productivity of a highway engineer in an electronics office due to the use of GPS, Total station, GIS and Internet for e- design and (b) the enrichment of the professional course contents needed for national development. It is recommended that Nigerian engineers must take full globalisation advantage by utilising readily available 17 facilities as clicited in this research to enhance highway geometric design. Also, the potential for further work on this study is, high, particularly modifications of highway geometric design in an open source environment through the Internet.‘TABLE OF CONTENTS, Title Page Certification ‘Acknowledgement Abstract Table of Contents List of Tables List of Figures CHAPTER ONE: — INTRODUCTION Ll The Background of the Study 12 Statement of the Problem 13. ‘Aims and Objectives of the Study 14 ‘The Scope of Work in this Study Ls Study Limitations 1.6 Significance of the Study 17 Definition of Terms 18 Presentation of the Thesis CHAPTER TWO: — REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 24 Introduction 22 Engineering Design 23 Engineering Design Process 23.1 Design Categories 2.3.2 Optimisation of Design vi PAGE xviii24 25 2.6 27 28 2.9 2.10 211 ‘Analytical Process Autographic Process Analytical and Autographic Processes Using Specific Purpose Integrated Application Software Historical Evolution of the Engineering Design Process Artificial Intelligence Information Technology 2.9.1 Information 2.9.2 Technology 2.9.3 Scope of Information Technology/Informaties 2.94 Applications of Information Technology 2.9.5 Remote Sensing 2.9.6 Digital Terrain Modelling 2.9.7 Satellite Images 29.8 Coordinate Geometry 2.9.9 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Environmental Effects of the Potential Impact of Nature, Engineering Structures, Machines and Other Developments Modem Problem Solving in Engineering Design Process 2111 Problem Identification 2.11.2 Definition of Problem 241.3 Model Building and Simulation 2.114 Solution to Model Problems 2.11.5 Interpretation of Solutions 2.11.6 ‘Systems Analysis of Models vil 20 21 22 27 27 28 29 30 32 37 38 43 4B 45 45 46 46 47 47 48 48“4 QALT Design Solution 2118 Construction/Fabrication/Implementation 211.9 Operation, Maintenance, and Management 2.12 Previous Design Process Arrangements with the Application of Information Technology Facilities 2.13 Fuzzy Logic 214 Summary of the Study Review CHAPTER THREE: BACKGROUND TO HIGHWAY GEOMETRIC DESIGN 3.1 Introduction 32 Highway Geometric Design Optimisation 33 Solution Methods of the Highway Geometric Design Optimisation 34 Highway Geometric Design Controls and Criteria, 3.4.1 Traffic Volume 3.42 Roadway Capacity 3.43 Levels of Service 3.44 Design Speed 3.4.5 Design Designation 3.4.6 Design Vehicles 3.47 ‘The Pedestrian 3.48 Bicycle Facilities 3.4.9 Safety 3.4.10 Environment 3411 Economic Analysis vill 49 50 50 50 52 57 57 57 58 59 60 67 70 TB B 7 aE 81 8135 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10 3.1 3.12 3.13 3.14 Elements of Highway Geometric Design Geometric Plan Elements 3.6.1 Horizontal Alignment 3.62 Circular Curves 3.63 Superelevation 3.64 Design of Horizontal Alignment Geometric Profile Elements 3.7.1 Vertical Alignment 3.72 Vertical Curves 3.73 Grades and Grade Control Sight Distance 3.8.1 Criteria for Measuring Sight Distance for Use in Design 3.8.2 Design Controls for Sight Distance Cross Section Elements Drainage Intersection Parking Facilities and Terminals Design Standards Plan, Profile and Cost Estimate Preparation in Highway Geometric Design 3.141 Horizontal Alignment Design 3.14.2 Vertical Alignment Design 3.143 Combination of Horizontal and Vertical Alignment 3.14.4 Preliminary Plan and Profile Output 82 83 83 33 85 95 107 i Ms 125 126 129 129 131 131 133 134 1363.14.5 Grade Inspection of Preliminary Plans 3.14.6 Preparation of Final Plan and Profile 3.14.7 Completed Final Plans CHAPTER FOUR: HIGHWAY GEOMETRIC DESIGN RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 Highways Geometric Design Procedure Final Location Survey and Data Collection 42.1 Manual Ground Surveying Method 4.22 Electronics Ground Surveying Method Conventional Manual Method for Analysis and Drafting for Highway Geometric Design 43.1 Computations by Calculator 43.2 Hand Drawing Production Digital Interactive Technique by Utilising Specific Purpose Integrated Software for Solving Analytical and Drafting Problems Digital Interactive Technique by Utilising General Purpose Application Software for Solving Analytical and Drafting Problems Modelling and Simulation Method Definition and Procedures Highway Geometric Design Optimisation Function Modelling 47. Mathematical Optimisation Formulation for Route Improvement x 141 141 148 152 153 153 153 158 163 163 166 169 173 175 177 177for Horizontal Curve 473 Cubic Spline Interpolating Formulation for Vertical Curve 474 Objective Function Optimisation Formulation 48 Algorithm 49 Highway Geometric Design Budget and Cost Relationship Optimisation 4.10 Interactive Analysis Process by Modelling and Simulation Method 4 Interactive Autographic Process by Modelling and Simulation Method 412 Standard Plan and Profile Sheet by Modelling and Simulation 4.13 Creation of Macro 4.14 Creation of Template CHAPTER FIVE: GEOMETRIC DESIGN OF OKEONIGBIN-JARA- ISIN TWO-LANE RURAL HIGHWAY BY MODELLING AND SIMULATION METHOD 54 Introduction 52 Preliminary Design of Okeonigbin-Ijara-Isin Road 472 Cubic Spline Approximation Formulation 5.21 Data Collection During Final Location Survey xi 179 180 181 183 185 187 194 195 197 197 198 198 198 2005.3 54 5.2.2 Coordination of Horizontal and Vertical Alignments by Means of Modelling and Simulation 5.23 Analysis and Autographic Methods by Means of Modelling and Simulation for Plan Preparation 5.24 ‘Analysis and Autographic Methods by Means of Modelling and Simulation for Profile Preparation Final Design of Okconigbin-Ijara-Isin Road 5.3.1 Plan and Profile Preparation into Standard Sheets 5.3.2 Modelling Module for Earthwork ‘Computations 533 Mass Hall Diagram by Modelling Module Approach 5.34 Modelling of the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation for Okeonigbin- Ijara-Isin Road : 53.5 Simulated Result of the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation for Okeonigbin- Tjara-Isin Road ‘Summary of the Findings on the Design of Okeonigbin- Ijara-Isin Road xii 201 203 208 215 215 217 217 217 221 22CHAPTER SIX: SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 6.1 ‘Summary 62 Conclusions 62.1 New Added Knowledge 6.22 ‘The Exact Contributions 63 Recommendations REFERENCES APPENDICES APPENDIX A: Map of the Study Area in Kwara State with Map of Nigeria as Inset APPENDIX B: Horizontal Curve Simulation Results for Okeonigbin-Ijara-Isin Road Using Microsoft Excel APPENDIX C: Longitudinal Section Simulation Results for Okeonigbin-Ijara-Isin Road Using Microsoft Excel APPENDIX D: _Planand Profile Sheet for Okeonighin-Ijara- Isin Road APPENDIX E: Earthwork Simulation for Okeonigbin-Ijara- Isin Road APPENDIX F: Mass Haul Diagram for Okeonigbin-Ijara-Isin Road APPENDIX G: Macro Created for Horizontal Curve APPENDIX H: Modelling Module Macro Created for Vertical Curve Modelling Module xiii 227 227 229 230 231 232 233 239 239 240 243 250 257 264 an 275Table 1 Table 2 Table 3 Table 4 Table 5 Table 6 Table 7 Table 8 Table 9 Table 10 Table 11A. Table 11B Table 12 Table 13 Table 14 LIST OF TABLES High-Level Languages Minimum Design Speeds (Rural Conditions) Traffic Elements and Their Relation - Rural and Urban Highways Factors for Converting Trucks, Buses, and Recreational Vehicles to Equivalent Passenger Cars (Multilane Highways) Passenger Car Equivalents Maximum Permissible Average Daily Traffic Service Flow Rate in Outside Lane of Freeway in Vicinity of Ramp Terminals Level-Of Service Characteristics by Highway Type Guide for Selection of Design Levels of Service Minimum Design Speeds for Various Functional Classifications Design Vehicle Dimensions Minimum Turning Radii of Design Vehicles Accident Rates on Four-Lane Undivided and Four-Lane Divided Highways Before and After Opening Sections of Interstate System in the Same Traffic Corridor Minimum Radius for Design of All Rural Highways and High-Speed Urban Streets Using Limiting Values of ¢ and f Values for Design Elements Related To Design Speed and Horizontal Curvature xiv PAGE 34 53 63 65 66 67 oT 68 70 1 74 78 19 87 89Table 15 Table 16 Table 17 Table 18 Table 19 Table 20 Table 21 Table 22 Table 23 Table 24 Table 25 Table 26 Table 27 Table 28 Table 29 Table 30 Table 31 Table 32 Table 33 Table 34 Relationship of Design Speed to Maximum Relative Profile Gradients Length Required For Superelevation Runoff:Two-Lane Highways Maximum Grades Stopping Sight Distance (Wet Pavements) ‘Stopping Sight Distances on Various Grades Minimum Passing Sight Distance For Design Of Two-Lane Highways Decision Sight Distance Height of Eye and Height of Object above Roadway Surface Comparison among Some Nations Design Control for Crest Vertical Curves Design Control for Sag Vertical Curves Design Controls for Crest Vertical Curves Based on Passing Sight Distance Minimum Width of Travelled Way and Graded Shoulder Normal Cross Slopes Slope Selection Data (Divided Multilane Highway) Slope Selection Data (Undivided Multilane Highway Slope Selection Data (Two Lane Highways) Slope Selection Data (Freeway Ramps) Current Department of Transport Highway Design Standards A Tabulation of Earthwork Quantities Hypothetical Engineer's Estimate ~v 94 100 103 106 106. 108 113 13 114 11s: 116 122 123 130 145 148Table 35 Table 36 Table 37 Table 38 Table 39 Table 40, Table 41 Table 42 Table 43 Table 44 Table 45 Table 46, Table 47 List of Tools for Conventional Ground Surveying Methods Challenges Confronting Conventional Manual Tools and Products and Possible Solutions Using IT Facilities Pocket Calculator Functions for Highway Design Challenges Confronting Conventional Manual Tools for Drafting and Possible Solutions Using IT Facilities Modelling Module For The Horizontal Curve Data (Module 1) Modelling Module for the Computation of a Gradient (Module 2) Modelling Module for the Computation of a Crest Vertical Curve (Module 3) Modelling Module for the Computation of a Sag Vertical Curve (Module 4) Modelling Module for the Computation of Cut and Fill Ordinates (Module 5) Modelling Module for the Computation of Mass Volume Ordinates (Module 6) Modelling of the Equation for Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME) (Module 7) Design Standard Guidelines for Okeonigbin-{jara-tsin Road Modelling Modules for Horizontal Curve and Curve Data Summary 154 155 165 168 188 189 190 191 192 193 193 204Table 48 Table 49 Table 50 Table 51 Table 52 Table 53 Table 54 Table 55 Table 56, Table 57 Table 58 Summary of Horizontal Alignment Data Evaluated for Okeonigbin-Ijara-Isin Road by this Study Summary of Horizontal Alignment Data for Okeonigbin Ijara-Isin Road Obtained By the Consultant Sag Vertical Curve Modelling Module Crest Vertical Curve Modelling Module Summary of Vertical Curves Data for Okeonigbin-Ijara-Isin Road Alignment Summary of Vertical Curves Data for Okeonigbin-Ijara-Isin Road Alignment Highway Longitudinal Section Modelling Modelling of Earthworks Computation for Okeonigbin-Ijara-Isin Road Modelling Module of the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME) for Okeonigbin-Ijara-Isin Road Simulated Result Module of the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation for Okeonigbin-Ijara-Isin Road ‘Asset Cost Comparison for Manual And Digital Interactive ‘Techniques for Highway Geometric Design of Study Project (5km Road) xvi 205 206 209 210 212 212 213 218 221 222 226Figure | Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 11 Figure 12 Figure 13, Figure 14 Figure 15 LIST OF FIGURES Hierarchy of movement A Typical Hardware System Monitor Screen Example of Menu-Driven Software Program Showing a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) and Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN) Created in Intergraph MicroStation Three Landsat Satellite Images Used Remote Sensing to Show Mount Saint Helens, Washington Fuzzy Logic Classifications of Design Speeds (Rural Conditions) for Level Terrain Relation Between Peak-Hour and Average Daily Traffic Volumes on Rural Arterials Relationship of average running speed and volume conditions Minimum Turning Path for WB-15 of the Design Vehicle Properties of a Typical Circular Curve Design Superelevation Rates Diagrammatic Profiles Showing Methods of Attaining Superelevation for a Curve to the Right ‘Types of Vertical Curves Properties of.a Typical Vertical Curve Critical Lengths of Grade for Design Sight Distance Measurement Over a Sag Vertical Curve wwii PAGE 32 40 42 53 61 RR 6 86 97 8 101 109Figure 16 Figure 17 Figure 18 Figure 19 Figure 20 Figure 21 Figure 22a Figure 226 Figure 23 Figure 24 Figure 25 Figure 26 “Figure 27 Figure 28 Figure 29 Figure 30 Figure 31 Figure 32 Figure 33 Figure 34 Range of Upper Values -Relation between Radius and Value of Middle Ordinate necessary to provide Stopping Sight Distance on Horizontal Curves Typical Barriers for Roadways ‘Typical Highway Curbs Sections Designation of Roadside Regions Typical Cross-Section Dimensions for Arterial Streets ‘Types of Intersections at Grade Grade separations without ramps Adaptability of Interchanges on Freeways as Related to Types of Intersecting Facilities Highway Plan (Top: Horizontal Alignment; Bottom: Vertical Alignment) Typical Four-Lane Urban Street Cross-Section Original Ground Line and Template Sections Example mass diagram Steel Tapes ‘Automatic Level with Staff Optical Theodolite The NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS) Satellite The NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS) Satellites Ashtech Z-12 GPS RECEIVER ‘A Base Map View GPS Receiver A Basic GPS Receiver 112 120 120 122 124 127 128 128 137 139 142 146 156 156 157 160 160 160 161Figure 35 Figure 36 Figure 37 Figure 38 Figure 39 Figure 40a Figure 406 Figure 41 Figure 42 Figure 43 Figure 44 Figure 45a Figure 45b Figure 46 Figure 47 Electronic Total Station Single and Triple prism set for Basic Total Station Positioning Unit for Robotic Total Station Flow-Chart for the Stages Involved in Highway Geometric Design by Conventional Manual Method Manual Drafting Section of an Engineering Department Circular Curve Templates Three-Centred Curve Templates Flow-Chart for the Stages Involved in Highway Geometric Design by IT Technique using Specific Purpose Integrated Software Wild Aviolyt BC2 Analytical Compiler with an Aviotab TAIO Automatic Plotting Table Flow-Chart for the Stages Involved in Highway Geometric Design by Information Technology Technique Using General Purpose Application Software Flow Diagram for highway geometric design optimisation Excel-Spreadsheet Screen Example for a Vertical Alignment Data Table and Chart Area Standard Sheet ‘AutoCAD Screen Example for a Plan and profile Graphics Standard Sheet Coordination of Horizontal and Vertical Alignments in AutoCAD Model Environment Simulated Result of the Horizontal Curve No 1 in Excel-Spreadsheet Screen xx 161 161 161 167 168 168 170 172 174 186 196 202 205Figure 49 Figure 50 Figure 51 Figure 52 Figure 53a Figure 53b Figure 54 Figure 55 Figure 56 Figure $7 Trial Profile Design of the 1 1km Length of Okeonigbin- Tjara-Isin Road The Simulated Result of the Sag Vertical Curve at Chainage 0+450 The Simulated Result of the Crest Vertical Curve at Chainage 0+775 Simulated Result for the Highway Longitudinal Section Excel-Spreadsheet Screen for Vertical Alignment Data and Graphies for Ch. 0+-000 — Ch. 0+750 on a Standard Sheet ‘AutoCAD Screen for Plan and Profile Graphics for Ch. 0+000 ~ Ch. 0+750 ona Standard Sheet Simulated Result of Earthworks Computation for Okeonigbin-Ijara-Isin Road Simulated Mass Haul Diagram for Okeonigbin-Ijara-Isin Road (Ch. 0+000 to Ch.0+750) Simulated Plan and Profile Sheet for Okeonigbin-Jjara-Isin Road (Ch. 0 + 000 to Ch. 0+720) By AutoCIVIL ‘Simulated Plan and Profile Sheet for Okeonigbin-Ijara-Isin Road (Ch. 0+000 to Ch. 0+750) Using Excel Spreadsheet and AutoCAD xxi 208 2 211 214 216 216 219 220 224 225CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION At THE BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY Geometric design of highways involves establishment of alignment location, travel lane configuration, and all dimensions related to the highway cross section. In order to establish the visible elements of the highway, a three-dimensional physical location is determined through calculation of a horizontal and vertical alignment of the highway centreline, based on a variety of operational considerations. The process requires a large number of iterations, consistent routine and repetitive tasks of analysis and drafting. The conventional manual method of highway geometric design is drudgery and very time consuming. On the other hand, solving the geometric design of highway problems by a generalised, unique, faster and cheaper method is presently not well defined while applying information technology (IT) technique. There are now many calls for the use of Information Technology (IT) facilities as an alternative method to the conventional manual technique for solving the problems of all engineering designs (Ayeni, 2001; Adewumi et al., 1998; Adedimila, 2004; ‘Adedimila and Akiije, 2007; Ajose, 2005; Akeju, 1989; Best, 2000; Biggs et al., 1995; Faborode, 2005a; FME, 2004; Gumel, 2001; Ibidapo-Obe, 1996; Jega, 2005; Madueke, 2005; Menniti, 1996; Olunloyo, 1997; FMW, 1999). The use of IT facilities for analysis, represents one simplification of design activity in engineering while the development of other machines for drawing and ‘plotting has facilitated the drafting aspect of engineering design activity (Best, 2000).In this study, interest is in the development of a unique and robust real-time innovative method of solving the geometric design of highway problems by adapting to the IT facilities. The new method is expected to meet present and future computing needs using optimal set of readily available general purpose application programs strategically. : ‘The primary objective of design is the optimisation of a structure under the constraints of safety, engineering, technology, reliability, cost, time and operability (AASHTO, 2001; Turnbull, 2000; Sewell, 1998; Dhillon, 1996; Akeju, 1989). The objective in highway geometric design is to create a highway of appropriate type with dimensional values and alignment characteristics such that the resulting design service flow rate is acceptable under average conditions in terms of traffic safety, operation, economic and environmental effects (Turnbull, 2000; AASHTO, 2001). A service flow rate is defined as the maximum volume that can pass over a given section of lane or roadway while operating conditions are maintained at a defined level of service. Level of service is a quantitative measure that describes operational conditions (Wright, 2000). In Nigeria, Adedimila (2000), citing Federal Ministry of Works publications reported that Federal roads in Nigeria comprised more than 53,650 km of asphalt concrete and 7,712 km of surface dressing. These roads must have passed through some stages of rigorous geometric design. Many more of such roads are either in the process of geometric design or earmarked for same. Consequently, the use of IT facilities for solving the geometric design of highway problems becomes inevitable as there is need to look for faster, easier and cost effective means. ‘There are programming aids, proprietary and market driven software that are in form of general purpose or specific purpose programs while attempting the application of IT facilities (Pfleger, 1998). Some of the integrated software that are made available 2