Transportation is crucial for economic growth and community connectivity, with various modes including road, rail, air, water, and non-motorized transport. Highway and traffic engineering focus on roadway design, construction, and traffic movement, while proper highway development enhances mobility and safety. Key design criteria for highways and railways include factors like design speed, lane width, and track gauge, with geometric design addressing cross sections, alignments, and earthworks.
Transportation is crucial for economic growth and community connectivity, with various modes including road, rail, air, water, and non-motorized transport. Highway and traffic engineering focus on roadway design, construction, and traffic movement, while proper highway development enhances mobility and safety. Key design criteria for highways and railways include factors like design speed, lane width, and track gauge, with geometric design addressing cross sections, alignments, and earthworks.
1. IMPORTANCE OF TRANSPORTATION, DIFFERENT MODES OF TRANSPORTATION,
CHARACTERISTICS OF ROAD TRANSPORT, SCOPE OF HIGHWAY AND TRAFFIC ENGINEERING I. Importance of Transportation Transportation is vital for economic growth, enabling the movement of goods and people. It supports trade, facilitates access to markets, and enhances the quality of life by connecting communities. II. Different Modes of Transportation Road Transport- Buses, cars, trucks, motorcycles, and bicycles. Rail Transport- Trains, subways, and light rail systems. Air Transport- Commercial airlines, cargo flights. Water Transport- Cargo ships, ferries, and fishing vessels. Non-Motorized Transport- Walking and cycling. III. Characteristics of Road Transport Flexibility- Ability to travel to various destinations. Cost-Effective- Suitable for short distances. Accessibility- Can serve remote areas. Traffic Congestion: Highly influenced by traffic conditions. IV. Scope of Highway and Traffic Engineering Highway Engineering- Focuses on the design, construction, and maintenance of roadways. Traffic Engineering- Concerned with the movement of vehicles and pedestrians, including traffic flow analysis and control systems. 2. HIGHWAY DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING I. Importance Proper highway development enhances mobility, supports economic activities, and improves safety. It addresses transportation needs of growing populations and industries. II. Classification of Roads Primary Roads- Major routes for long-distance travel and freight. Secondary Roads- Connect rural areas to primary roads. Local Roads- Provide access to residential areas. III. Road Patterns Grid Pattern- Efficient for urban areas. Radial Pattern- Connects outlying areas to a central point. Circular Pattern- Facilitates traffic flow around urban centers. IV. Planning Surveys Involve gathering data on traffic volumes, travel patterns, and land use to inform road development. Highway Alignment and Surveys - refers to the horizontal and vertical placement of roads. Surveys help assess topography, soil conditions, and existing infrastructure to determine optimal alignments. 3. DESIGN CRITERIA FOR HIGHWAYS AND RAILWAYS I. Highway Design Criteria Design Speed: Influences geometric features. Lane Width- Standard widths ensure vehicle safety. Shoulder Width- Provides safety for emergencies and breakdowns. Sight Distance- Adequate visibility is crucial for safety. II. Railway Design Criteria Track Gauge- Standard measurements for rail width. Gradient- Must accommodate the weight of trains. Curve Radius- Determines train speed and comfort. Station Spacing- Balances accessibility and operational efficiency. 4. GEOMETRIC DESIGN FOR HIGHWAYS AND RAILWAYS I. Cross Sections - it includes lanes, shoulders, sidewalks, and drainage. Design considers vehicle types, expected traffic volume, and safety. II. Horizontal Alignments - the curves should be designed based on speed and turning radius. The super elevation (banking of curves) enhances safety and comfort. III. Vertical Alignments - grades and elevations need to accommodate vehicle performance. Design includes vertical curves for smooth transitions. IV. Super-Elevation - applied to curves to counteract centrifugal force. It affects speed and comfort; typically 2-8% depending on design speed. V. Earthworks - it involves grading and the management of cut and fill operations.