Introduction:

Geometric design plays a crucial role in the construction and operation of roads, ensuring they are safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly. This 5-day training course focuses on the principles, methods, and best practices used in the geometric design of roadways. Participants will gain knowledge of the design parameters such as alignment, cross-section, vertical and horizontal curves, and intersections, while also exploring modern technologies and standards in road design. By the end of the course, attendees will be equipped with the tools and skills necessary for creating roads that meet both functional requirements and safety standards.

Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will:

1. Understand the fundamental principles of geometric road design.
2. Learn about road design parameters, including alignment, cross-section, and curves.
3. Gain proficiency in designing horizontal and vertical alignment for roadways.
4. Understand the design of intersections and interchanges for optimal traffic flow and safety.
5. Learn how to apply local and international standards and regulations in geometric design.
6. Explore modern technologies, including software tools, used in road design.
7. Be able to conduct preliminary road design and evaluation for different types of roads and environments.

Who Should Attend:

This course is ideal for professionals involved in the planning, design, construction, and management of roads, including:

• Roadway Designers and Engineers
• Civil Engineers and Transport Planners
• Highway and Transportation Professionals
• Project Managers in Road Construction
• Urban Planners and Consultants
• Students and Aspiring Engineers in Road and Highway Design

Course Outline:

Day 1: Introduction to Geometric Road Design

• Session 1: Overview of Road Design and Its Importance
  • The Role of Geometric Design in Roadway Planning and Safety
  • Key Components of Road Design: Alignment, Profile, Cross-Section, and Structures
  • Factors Influencing Road Design: Traffic Volume, Terrain, Climate, and Land Use
• Session 2: Design Standards and Guidelines
  • Local and International Road Design Standards (AASHTO, FHWA, ISO, etc.)
  • Design Speed, Design Life, and Functional Classification of Roads
  • Road Design Criteria and Best Practices
• Session 3: Introduction to Roadway Geometry
  • Types of Roads: Arterial, Collector, Local, and Access Roads
  • Cross-Sectional Elements: Lane Width, Shoulder Width, Median, and Sidewalks
  • Roadway Capacity and Its Impact on Design Decisions
• Activity: Group Discussion – Identifying Road Design Challenges in Different Environments

Day 2: Horizontal Alignment and Curves

• Session 1: Horizontal Alignment Basics
  • The Importance of Horizontal Alignment in Road Design
  • Types of Curves: Simple, Compound, and Reverse Curves
  • Factors Affecting Horizontal Alignment: Terrain, Land Use, and Environmental Constraints
• Session 2: Curve Design and Safety
  • Designing Safe and Comfortable Curves: Radius, Superelevation, and Transition Curves
  • Minimum Radius and Super Elevation Standards
  • Designing for Driver Comfort and Safety: Side Friction and Clearances
• Session 3: Designing for Intersections and Turning Movements
  • Road Intersections: Types and Design Considerations
  • Turning Radius and Movement Capacity
  • Intersection Geometry: Roundabouts vs. Signalized Intersections
• Activity: Hands-on Exercise – Designing Horizontal Curves for Different Road Types

Day 3: Vertical Alignment and Grades

• Session 1: Vertical Alignment Design Principles
  • The Importance of Vertical Alignment in Road Safety and Comfort
  • Types of Vertical Curves: Crest Curves and Sag Curves
  • Factors Influencing Vertical Design: Topography, Drainage, and Sight Distance
• Session 2: Designing Vertical Curves
  • Key Parameters: Grade, Length of Curve, and Comfort of Transition
  • Vertical Curve Design Calculations and Standards
  • Balancing Safety, Aesthetics, and Cost in Vertical Alignment
• Session 3: Road Grades and Drainage Considerations
  • Design of Road Grades for Various Road Types
  • Drainage Considerations: Crossfall, Longitudinal Slope, and Water Flow
  • Mitigating Flooding Risks and Ensuring Effective Drainage
• Activity: Workshop – Designing Vertical Curves and Road Grades for a Project Scenario

Day 4: Road Cross-Section Design and Intersections

• Session 1: Cross-Section Design Basics
  • Elements of Road Cross-Section: Lanes, Shoulders, Medians, and Sidewalks
  • Safety and Functional Considerations for Road Cross-Sections
  • Design of Bridges and Culverts within Road Cross-Sections
• Session 2: Design of Pavement Structure and Materials
  • Pavement Types: Flexible vs. Rigid Pavement
  • Structural Layers: Subgrade, Subbase, Base Course, and Surface Course
  • Materials Selection: Asphalt, Concrete, and Composite Materials
• Session 3: Intersections and Interchange Design
  • Key Principles in Intersection Design: Geometric Layout and Traffic Flow
  • Roundabouts: Design Features, Benefits, and Considerations
  • Interchange Design: Types, Geometry, and Traffic Capacity
• Activity: Case Study – Designing an Intersection and Cross-Section for a Busy Urban Road

Day 5: Advanced Road Design Techniques and Software Tools

• Session 1: Advanced Roadway Design Methods
  • Environmental and Aesthetic Considerations in Road Design
  • Design for Sustainable Roadways: Green Roads, Noise Barriers, and Wildlife Corridors
  • Multi-modal Transport Design: Integrating Cycling Lanes, Pedestrian Walkways, and Bus Routes
• Session 2: Introduction to Road Design Software
  • Overview of Roadway Design Software: AutoCAD Civil 3D, MicroStation, and others
  • Using Software for Alignment Design, Profile Creation, and Cross-Section Modeling
  • Benefits and Limitations of Road Design Software in Real-World Projects
• Session 3: Future Trends in Road Design
  • Smart Roads and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS)
  • The Role of Automation and Autonomous Vehicles in Road Design
  • The Impact of Climate Change on Road Design and Construction
• Activity: Final Group Project – Applying Course Concepts to Design a Roadway Using Software Tools

Course Delivery:

• Interactive Lectures: In-depth theoretical sessions with examples of road design principles and standards.
• Hands-on Exercises: Practical problem-solving and design activities to reinforce key concepts.
• Case Studies: Real-world examples of road design challenges and solutions from urban, rural, and highway settings.
• Software Demonstration: Introduction to road design software to model road profiles, alignments, and cross-sections.
• Group Projects: Collaborative design exercises to apply learning to real-world scenarios.