Pokhara University
Faculty of Science and Technology
Program: Civil Engineering
Course Code: TPR 310 (3 Credits)
Course Title: Transportation Engineering-I (3-1-1)
Nature of the Course: Theory/Practical
Year, Semester: III/I
Level: Bachelor
1. Course Description
Full Marks: 100
Pass Marks: 45
Time per Period: 1 hour
Total Periods: 45
The purpose of this course is to equip civil engineering students with the knowledge in transportation engineering. It consists of the foundational description of transportation system components, planning processes, and engineering aspects. The selection of highway alignment, design of geometric elements, drainage system, and suitability of highway materials are major parts of this course. This course is focused on the knowledge and skill enhancement by applying theoretical knowledge with the use of standards design and specifications of the road agencies. Furthermore, the course covers the issues of the emerging technologies in the transport sectors.
2. General Objectives
- To identify the issues of transportation sector planning and engineering.
- To develop competence in highway alignment selection, geometric design, and drainage systems.
- To enhance the knowledge of the suitability of materials used for road construction.
- To visualize the emerging issues in the transportation sector.
3. Contents in Detail
Specific Objectives
Unit 1: Introduction to Transportation System and Engineering
Teaching Hours: 10 hrs.
- 1.1 Transportation System
- 1.1.1 Definition, scope, modes, and role
- 1.1.2 Components, characteristics, and classification
- 1.1.3 Transportation planning process
- 1.1.4 Comparison of different modes
- 1.2 Transportation Engineering
- 1.2.1 Hierarchy of movement
- 1.2.2 Mobility and accessibility
- 1.2.3 Airport engineering
- 1.2.4 Railway engineering
- 1.2.5 Water transportation
- 1.2.6 Ropeway engineering
- 1.2.7 Non-motorized transport systems
Unit 2: Highway Development and Road Alignment
Teaching Hours: 5 hrs.
- 2.1 History of road development
- 2.2 Highway engineering and scope
- 2.3 Classification of roads in Nepal
- 2.4 Road survey and selection of alignment
- 2.4.1 Requirements
- 2.4.2 Controlling factors
- 2.4.3 Engineering survey
- 2.4.4 Special considerations for design and construction of hill roads
Unit 3: Geometric Design of Highway
Teaching Hours: 8 hrs.
- 3.1 Factors controlling geometric design of highway
- 3.2 Cross-sectional elements
- 3.2.1 Typical cross section highways (urban and hill roads)
- 3.2.2 Camber
- 3.2.3 Superelevation
- 3.2.4 Extra-widening
- 3.3 Horizontal alignment
- 3.3.1 Tangents
- 3.3.2 Curves including transition curves
- 3.3.3 Hair pin bends
- 3.4 Sight distance
- 3.4.1 Definition and types
- 3.4.2 Setback requirement considering sight distance
- 3.5 Vertical Alignment
- 3.5.1 Gradients
- 3.5.2 Grade compensation
- 3.5.3 Vertical curves
- 3.6 Combination of horizontal and vertical alignment
- 3.7 Safety by road design
Unit 4: Highway Drainage Systems
Teaching Hours: 7 hrs.
- 4.1 Introduction and importance
- 4.2 Requirements analysis
- 4.3 Causes of moisture variation in subgrade soil
- 4.4 Design principles of highway drainage
- 4.4.1 Surface drainage
- 4.4.2 Subsurface drainage
- 4.4.3 Cross drainage
- 4.5 Erosion control and energy dissipation measures
- 4.6 Types of drainage structures for hill, urban, and plain areas
Unit 5: Highway Materials and Specifications
Teaching Hours: 10 hrs.
- 5.1 Subgrade soil classifications
- 5.1.1 Properties of subgrade soil
- 5.1.2 Sub-grade soil strength and tests
- 5.2 Road aggregates
- 5.2.1 Properties of road aggregates
- 5.2.2 Tests on road aggregates
- 5.2.3 Gradation analysis
- 5.3 Bituminous Binders
- 5.3.1 Manufacturing methods and types
- 5.3.2 Tests on bitumen binders
- 5.4 Bituminous Mixes
- 5.4.1 Definitions and types
- 5.4.2 Bituminous concrete mix design (Marshall mix design)
- 5.4.3 Tests on bituminous mixes
- 5.5 Specifications and standard guidelines
4. Laboratory/Practical Classes
Practical classes are conducted to provide students with hands-on experience in laboratory tests and field observations. Laboratory classes aim to enhance practical knowledge of road construction materials and testing methods.
5. List of Tutorials
| S.N. | Tutorials |
|---|---|
| 1 | Alignment selection in the topographic map and geometric design of plan, profile, and cross section. (six number of students will work in a group to prepare a report and presentation) |
| 2 | Review of material test report of the road agencies and prepare report. |
| 3 | Bituminous mix design previous tutorial |
6. Practical and Laboratory Works
| S.N. | Practical |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sub-grade soil testing: Standard CBR test (moisture content and density parameters) |
| 2 | Tests on the road aggregates as mentioned on the Standard Specification. LA abrasion test, Crushing test, Impact test, Elongation and Flakiness Index tests |
| 3 | Tests on bituminous binders (as mentioned in the specifications) |
| 4 | Tests on bituminous mixes (Bituminous concretes) Marshall mix design, core cutting for bitumen extraction and aggregate gradation |
| 5 | Field observation to the project site and report preparation (group of five students). |
7. Evaluation System
| External Evaluation | Marks | Internal Evaluation | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester-End Examination | 50 | Class attendance and participation | 5 |
| Total External | 50 | Field visit and field report | 5 |
| Tutorials/assignments and presentations | 10 | ||
| Internal Term Exam | 50 | ||
| Total Internal | 25 | ||
| Full Marks | 100 |
8. Students’ Responsibilities
Each student must secure at least 45% marks in the internal evaluation with 80% attendance in the class to appear in the Semester End Examination. Failing to obtain such score will be given NOT QUALIFIED (NQ) and the student will not be eligible to appear in the End-Term examinations. Students are advised to attend all the classes and complete all the assignments within the specified period. If a student does not attend the class(es), it is his/her sole responsibility to cover the topic(s) taught during the period. If a student fails to attend a formal exam, quiz, test, etc. there won’t be any provision for a re-exam.
9. Prescribed Books and References
- Dr. S.K. Sharma (2019). Principles, Practice and Design of Highway Engineering. S. Chand and Company Limited, New Delhi
- Dr. S.K. Khanna and Dr. C.E.G. Justo (2021). Highway Engineering. Nem Chand & Bros Roorkee (U.P.)
- C.A. Flaherty (2002). Highway Engineering. Edward Arnold Publishers Ltd.
- Recent DoR publications on design and Standard Specification for roads and allied works
- Shrestha, D. K. and Marsani, A. (2020), Transportation Engineering II, 4th Ed, Heritage Publisher and Distributors, Kathmandu
- Khanna, S. K., Justo, C. and Veeraragavan A (2013). Highway Materials and Pavement Testing, Nem Chand & Bros Roorkee (U.P.), India.