CENG 3302 HIGHWAY ENGINEERING I

Mini Project
on
Highway Geometric Design
& Earthwork Quantity
A road is proposed to connect two points A and H. Between point A and B, the road will be
located in an area whose topographical characteristics are as shown in Figure 1. Note that the
road is desired to pass closer to the village indicated in the contour map. But, the road is not
supposed to pass through forest and restricted areas. Between points C and H, the road is
expected to provide access and mobility functions in a built-up (urban) area. Due to location of
buildings and other facilities, the approximate horizontal alignment of the road must be along
CDFGH as shown in Figure 2.

For the given topographic contour map, select the best route with appropriate gradients and
geometric details that minimize earthwork quantities and satisfy the safety that are required for a
trunk/link road with design traffic flow of AADT between 200 1000 and design speed of 100
kph in rolling topography, i.e. design standard DS3 in Table 1. Carriageway width including
shoulder is 10.0 m. NB: The design speed for the town-section is 50 kph; refer to Table 1 for the
other design criteria. The relevant characteristics of the driver population are as given in Table 2.

Table 1: Geometric Design parameters for design standard DS3 (paved)

Table 2: Characteristics of the driver population using the road

Age group % in driver population PR time (sec) Av. Eye height (m)
18 25 30 2.0 1.15
26 40 30 2.5 1.15
41 65 40 3.0 1.15
Major tasks of the Mini - Project:

1. Geometric Design of the Road

a. Horizontal alignment - in many instances the designer has little control over the location of
the horizontal alignment due to right-of way restrictions, previous commitments with local
community groups, or other factors. Here the horizontal alignment is to be selected from the
topographic map and recommend the best centerline location.
Design elements:
- Circular and transitional curves
- Widening on curves and embankments
- Superelevation runoff

b. Vertical alignment - vertical alignment of a road is generally governed by the terrain nature of
the area and desired level of service. The two major aspects of vertical alignment are vertical
curvature, which is governed by sight distance criteria; and gradient, which is related to vehicle
performance and level of service. The natural ground profile for road A to B will be plotted from
the topographic map along the centerline of the road, and appropriate gradients curves will be
selected based on design control criteria and earthwork economy.
Design elements:
- Vertical curves
- Gradients

c. Cross - sectional elements - a cross-section normally consists of the carriageway, shoulder or

curbs, normal crossfalls (crown), drainage features, and earthwork profiles including side slopes
and back slopes.

2. Earthwork Quantities and Mass Haul Diagram -

Design elements:
- Cross-sectional area computations
- Earthwork (cut and fill) calculations
- Preparation of mass haul diagram

3. Detail Drawings to be included:

a. Plan layout for the whole route
b. Horizontal Curve details
c. Vertical profile for the whole route
d. Vertical curve details
e. Typical cross section details
f. Cross-sectional drawings at a minimum of 100m interval
g. Super elevation development details
h. Curve and fill widening details
i. Clearances necessary based on stopping sight distance requirements
j. Mass haul diagram (for the road linking point A to B)

This Mini project should be submitted before ...