1 Semester

68 Hours

Hawthorn, Sarawak

HES2136 Road Engineering

Nil

Credit Points: 12.5 Credit Points

Related Course/s:

A unit of study in the Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering) and Bachelor of Engineering (Civil)/Bachelor of Commerce

Aims & Objectives:

During the course we aim:

• To introduce the students to the different modes and elements of the transport system, the issues considered in assessing and improving the performance of road transport system including sustainability and transport modal integration
• To introduce the students to traffic engineering and management through the use of traffic control devices and intelligent transport systems and the effectiveness of their application
• To develop understanding of the behaviour of road pavements and the principles of empirical and mechanistic designs of flexible pavements and understand the factors considered in the design of flexible and rigid pavements
• To develop analysis and design skills applicable to signalised and un-signalised intersections at-grade intersections
• To introduce issues related to design, planning and operation of rail transport system
• To introduce the disability discrimination act requirements as related to Civil Engineering Design Works
• To provide a variety of practical laboratory experiences where students can apply their theoretical knowledge to practical situations and demonstrations
• To identify the major themes within the unit area and identify current best practice research and literature
• To develop mathematical knowledge and skills appropriate to the content area

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

• Identify and report the effectiveness of some applications of intelligent transport systems in improving traffic conditions and the environment in Victoria/Australia.
• Utilise system approach in designing and conducting a simple traffic survey, analyse the data and report the results
• Analyse and assess the performance of simple signalised and unsignalised intersections, including roundabouts, through an understanding of priority flows and the use of hand calculations and Sidra software
• Recognise and apply the principles and objectives of safe intersection layout design using the appropriate standards and include all associated traffic control devices, drainage and lighting and produce a complete set of high standards plans
• Develop understanding of the behaviour of road pavements, the factors considered in empirical and mechanistic designs and apply the gained knowledgy in designin different types of flexible pavements using charts and Circly software
• Demonstrated ability to produce high quality reports.
• Independently organise a team and work cooperatively in a team environment to achieve specified objectives within time constraints
• Develop knowledge of latest practices in design, materials and traffic management adopted locally and internationally
• Demonstrated understanding of the impacts of different traffic management applications on traffic operation, social and natural environment and use these criteria for assessing different design alternatives
• Demonstrated understanding of the principles of sustainability in transportation systems and pavement design

Teaching Methods:

Lectures (36 hours), Tutorials (24 hours), Computer laboratories (8 hours), Web-based subject presence (Blackboard)

Assessment:

End of Semester exam (50-70%), Tests/assignments/computer labs (30-50%)

Generic Skills Outcomes:

• Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals
• Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution
• Ability to utilize a systems approach to design and operational performance
• Ability to function effectively as an individual and in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with the capacity to be a leader or manager as well as an effective team member
• Understanding of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of the professional engineer, and the need for sustainable development
• Understanding of the principles of sustainable design and development.
• Understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities and commitment to them

Content:

Traffic Engineering and Management (25%):

• Transport system planning and economics
• Objectives and performance measures of road transport system
• Types of relevant traffic data and collection techniques
• Most common types of traffic control devices and learn to identify appropriate uses
• The role of intelligent transprot systems in traffic control and management

• Objectives and principles of intersection layout design and applying these by sketching intersection proposals, and assessing other such proposals
• Analysing simple signalised and unsignalised intersections and roundabouts through an understanding of priority flows and the use of calculations
• Assessing the performance of a given intersection and select an appropriate intersection type
• Understanding the elements of geometric layouts, including line-marking and signing

• Common terminology related to pavements
• Behaviour of flexible and rigid pavements
• Designing various pavement types, understanding and learning how to determine the various input parameters used in the design
• Using CIRCLY software in the design of flexible pavements
• Assessing pavement alternatives

Pedestrian Transport (Disability Discrimination Act 1992) (5%)

• Understanding the Disability Discrimination Act requirements as related to Civil Engineering Design Works

• Principles of geometric design to rail design
• Parameters influencing the operation of the rail network

Reading Materials:

Subject notes posted on Blackboard

Recommended Reading: