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MODULE 1
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The following gives an overview of the learnings need to be achieved for this module. 1. Define the basic concepts in transportation engineering.2. Discuss the history of highway engineering.3. Describe the different roles of transportation in the society.4. Identify the factors affecting transportation.
The following gives an overview of the learnings need to be achieved for this module. 1. Define the basic concepts in transportation engineering.2. Discuss the history of highway engineering.3. Describe the different roles of transportation in the society.4. Identify the factors affecting transportation.
EVIDENCE OF LEARNING
INTRODUCTION TO TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING
Upon making the video above, I have learned that transportation engineering is a branch of civil engineering that deals with the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of transportation infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, tunnels, railways, airports, and ports. Its aim is to create safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation systems that meet the needs of people and businesses. That is why, our transportation engineers use their knowledge of physics, mathematics, and engineering principles to analyze and design transportation systems that are efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly.
Transportation systems are complex networks of infrastructure, vehicles, technologies, and people that move goods, services, and people from one place to another. Complex because first, it is multi-modal. Transportation systems include various modes of transportation such as roads, rail, water, air, and pipelines. To ensure efficient and effective transportation, these modes need to be coordinated and integrated with each other. Second is, it is multi-sector. Transportation systems are interconnected with other sectors such as the government, private industry, and the public. The decisions made in one sector can have an impact on the transportation system and vice versa. It is also a multi-problem. Transportation systems face a wide range of problems such as congestion, safety, security, environmental impacts, and social equity. Addressing these problems requires a multi-faceted approach involving policies, technologies, and behavioral changes. Fourthly, it is multi-objective. Transportation systems have multiple objectives such as mobility, accessibility, safety, economic efficiency, and environmental sustainability. These objectives may sometimes conflict with each other, and trade-offs may be necessary to achieve a balance between them. Last but not the least, our transportation system is multi-disciplinary. Transportation systems require the involvement of multiple disciplines such as engineering, economics, social sciences, urban planning, and environmental sciences. Collaboration and coordination among these disciplines are necessary to develop and implement effective transportation policies and solutions.
The transportation system is a complex and diverse subject area that involves the movement of people and goods from one place to another. The context in which transportation systems are studied can vary depending on the specific area of focus such as planning range or the duration of the study; passenger transport which includes public transit and private modes of transportation; freight transport which refers to the movement of goods from one place to another; and the study of international transport which can involve issues such as trade policy, security, and cultural differences. Overall, the study of transportation systems is interdisciplinary and involves a range of fields, including engineering, economics, geography, and urban planning. By understanding the diverse contexts in which transportation systems are studied, we can better design and manage transportation infrastructure to meet the needs of society.
Transportation is a vital component of any society, as it provides the means for people, goods, and services to move from one place to another. Understanding the strong interrelationship and interaction between transportation and the rest of society, especially in a rapidly changing world, is crucial for transportation planners. To develop the right perspective, transportation planners need to consider four critical dimensions of change in the transportation system. Change in demand: The demand for transportation is constantly changing due to factors such as population growth, urbanization, demographic shifts, economic development, and lifestyle changes. Transportation planners need to anticipate and respond to these changes by providing the right type and level of transportation services that meet the diverse needs of the public. Changes in technology: Technology is rapidly transforming the transportation industry, with the emergence of new modes of transportation, such as autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, and drones. Change in operational policy: Operational policies, such as pricing, regulation, and management, can significantly influence the performance of the transportation system. Change in values of the public: Transportation planners need to engage with the public and stakeholders to understand their evolving values and preferences and incorporate them into transportation planning and decision-making. Overall, by considering these four critical dimensions of change in the transportation system, transportation planners can develop a more comprehensive and integrated approach to transportation planning that aligns with the needs and values of society.
Transportation engineering has four major disciplines. Transportation Planning: This involves the study of the movement of people and goods and the development of strategies and policies to manage and improve transportation systems. Transportation planners analyze data on travel patterns, traffic volumes, and population growth to develop long-term plans that guide the development of transportation infrastructure. Geometric Design: This involves the design of the physical features of transportation infrastructure, such as roads, highways, and bridges. Geometric design takes into account factors such as safety, capacity, and efficiency, and involves the selection of appropriate horizontal and vertical alignments, cross-sectional dimensions, and sight distances. Pavement Design: This involves the design of the road surface, including the selection of materials and thicknesses to ensure durability, safety, and comfort for users. Pavement design takes into account factors such as traffic loads, climate, and environmental conditions. Traffic Engineering: This involves the study of the flow of traffic and the design of strategies and technologies to manage and improve traffic operations. Traffic engineers analyze data on traffic volumes, speeds, and congestion to develop solutions such as traffic signal timing, lane configurations, and intelligent transportation systems.
In addition to the four major parts of transportation engineering, there are five other important disciplines that play a critical role in designing and managing transportation infrastructure. Public Transportation: Public transportation is the provision of transportation services that are available to the public, such as buses, trains, and subways. Public transportation engineers are responsible for designing, building, and operating public transportation systems that are safe, efficient, and accessible. Financial and Economic Analysis: Transportation infrastructure requires significant investment, and financial and economic analysis is essential to ensure that investments are made wisely and efficiently. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Transportation infrastructure can have significant environmental impacts, including air and water pollution, noise pollution, and habitat destruction and EIA evaluates the potential environmental impacts of these transportation projects and develop mitigation measures to reduce or eliminate negative impacts. Accident Analysis and Reduction: Transportation safety is a critical concern. Accident analysts study the causes and consequences of transportation accidents and develop strategies and measures to reduce the number and severity of accidents. Intelligent Transport System (ITS): Intelligent transport systems (ITS) refer to the application of advanced technologies and communication systems to improve transportation safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
Overall, these five disciplines are essential to transportation engineering, and they work together with the four major parts of transportation engineering to provide a comprehensive and integrated approach to designing and managing transportation infrastructure that meets the needs of society.
INTRODUCTION TO HIGHWAY ENGINEERING
While transportation engineering is a broader field that encompasses all modes of transportation, including highways, railways, airports, ports, and public transportation systems, highway engineering is a branch of civil engineering that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of roads, highways, and other transportation infrastructure. Highway engineers work on a wide range of projects, including the planning and design of new highways, the rehabilitation and reconstruction of existing roads, the development of intelligent transportation systems, the management of traffic operations, and the evaluation of the environmental impact of transportation projects.
Ancient roads evolved from footpaths to accommodate animal transportation and the invention of the wheel. As a result, harder road surfaces were needed to support the heavier loads. These roads were strategically built on the sunny, drier side of the path for strength. Traces of such roads date back to ancient civilizations as old as 3500 BC, with the earliest recorded road found in the Assyrian empire constructed around 1900 BC. Furthermore, the Roman road system was a remarkable achievement in large-scale road construction. The roads were constructed with a focus on good drainage, material quality, and workmanship, resulting in their durability and longevity. The use of a raised formation called the agger, and the use of concrete, were major innovations in road-making at the time. These roads were built straight regardless of gradient and used heavy foundation stones, which contributed to their sturdiness. Today, some Roman roads still exist as a testament to their lasting impact on transportation infrastructure. Meanwhile, During Napoleon's regime, Tresaguet developed a cheaper and more effective method of constructing French roads using quarried stone and broken stones. The road was placed in a trench to maintain a level surface with the surrounding countryside, but this caused drainage problems, which were addressed through impervious surfaces, cambering, and side ditches. Tresaguet emphasized the importance of continuous organized maintenance for keeping roads usable at all times, dividing roads between villages into sections manageable for nearby maintenance workers. Additionally, the British government emphasized the importance of road construction, and John Macadam introduced a scientific method of road construction using well-compacted broken angular stone layers that were more economical and provided better running surfaces than expensive pavement. Macadam discovered that interlocking stone pieces provided strength and stiffness, but the inter-particle friction abraded the interlocking faces, which was overcome by adding good quality interstitial finer material to produce a well-graded mix that was less permeable and easier to compact. Finally, Modern roads largely follow Macadam's construction method and utilize advanced and cost-effective technologies such as bituminous and cement concrete. The development of new equipment has allowed for faster construction of roads using locally available materials. The demand for faster transportation has led to the emergence of other modes of transportation, such as railways and air travel, and the increase in private transportation has led to congestion and the need for traffic control measures. The development of better roads and efficient control has led to increased investments in the road sector and the emergence of transportation planning and demand management.
Highway planning in India has a long and complex history. The following are some of the key committees and congresses that have played a role in shaping India's highway planning. Jayakar Committee (1927): The Jayakar Committee was appointed by the British government to review the development of roads and highways in India. The committee recommended the creation of a national highway network and the establishment of a national highway authority. Nagpur Road Congress (1943): The Nagpur Road Congress was organized by the Indian Roads Congress and brought together experts and policymakers to discuss highway development in India. The congress focused on issues such as road design, construction, and maintenance. Bombay Road Plan (1962): The Bombay Road Plan was a comprehensive plan for the development of highways in the state of Maharashtra. The plan included the construction of a number of new highways and the upgrading of existing roads. Lucknow Road Plan (1984): The Lucknow Road Plan was a national plan for the development of highways in India. The plan focused on improving connectivity between major cities, upgrading existing highways, and promoting the use of new technologies in highway construction. These committees and congresses have helped to shape India's highway planning by providing expert advice and recommendations to the government. The recommendations of these committees and congresses have been instrumental in the development of India's national highway network and have helped to improve connectivity and mobility across the country.
ROLE OF TRANSPORTATION IN SOCIETY
ECONOMIC ROLE
Transportation plays a crucial role in the economy by enabling the movement of goods, people, and services from one place to another. It facilitates trade, commerce, and tourism, and helps to connect markets, businesses, and individuals across geographical distances. Transportation infrastructure, such as roads, railways, ports, and airports, allows businesses to access raw materials and distribute their products to customers, which helps to drive economic growth and development. Efficient transportation systems can also reduce transaction costs, improve productivity, and create new employment opportunities.
Transportation plays a crucial role in the economy by enabling the movement of goods, people, and services from one place to another. It facilitates trade, commerce, and tourism, and helps to connect markets, businesses, and individuals across geographical distances. Transportation infrastructure, such as roads, railways, ports, and airports, allows businesses to access raw materials and distribute their products to customers, which helps to drive economic growth and development. Efficient transportation systems can also reduce transaction costs, improve productivity, and create new employment opportunities.
SOCIAL ROLE
Transportation also plays an important social role in connecting people and communities. Aside from influencing the formation of urban societies back then, it allows people to access education, healthcare, and other essential services, as well as visit friends and family, attend cultural events, and participate in recreational activities. Transportation infrastructure can also help to reduce social inequalities by improving access to opportunities for disadvantaged populations. For example, public transit systems can provide affordable and accessible transportation options for low-income individuals, seniors, and people with disabilities, improving their quality of life and reducing social isolation.
Transportation also plays an important social role in connecting people and communities. Aside from influencing the formation of urban societies back then, it allows people to access education, healthcare, and other essential services, as well as visit friends and family, attend cultural events, and participate in recreational activities. Transportation infrastructure can also help to reduce social inequalities by improving access to opportunities for disadvantaged populations. For example, public transit systems can provide affordable and accessible transportation options for low-income individuals, seniors, and people with disabilities, improving their quality of life and reducing social isolation.
POLITICAL ROLE
Transportation also plays a significant political role, as it is often a key policy area for governments at all levels. Governments are responsible for planning, developing, and regulating transportation systems, as well as investing in transportation infrastructure and services. Transportation policies can have a significant impact on economic development, environmental sustainability, and social equity, making it an important area of political decision-making. Furthermore, transportation can be used by the government to send information, deliver relief goods, and even for security purposes. It is highly needed for rapid movement of troops in case of emergency.
Transportation also plays a significant political role, as it is often a key policy area for governments at all levels. Governments are responsible for planning, developing, and regulating transportation systems, as well as investing in transportation infrastructure and services. Transportation policies can have a significant impact on economic development, environmental sustainability, and social equity, making it an important area of political decision-making. Furthermore, transportation can be used by the government to send information, deliver relief goods, and even for security purposes. It is highly needed for rapid movement of troops in case of emergency.
ENVIRONMENTAL ROLE
Transportation plays almost a negative environmental role as it is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. The burning of fossil fuels, particularly gasoline and diesel, releases carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other harmful pollutants into the air, leading to climate change, smog, and respiratory diseases. Transportation also contributes to habitat destruction and fragmentation, particularly through the construction of new roads and highways, which can disrupt wildlife migration patterns and increase the risk of collisions between vehicles and animals. However, transportation also plays a positive environmental role by providing opportunities for the use of alternative fuels and modes of transportation, such as electric vehicles, bikes, and public transit, which can help to reduce emissions and improve air quality. Additionally, transportation infrastructure can be designed to minimize environmental impacts, such as by reducing the amount of impervious surfaces, preserving green spaces, and using sustainable building materials.
Transportation plays almost a negative environmental role as it is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. The burning of fossil fuels, particularly gasoline and diesel, releases carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other harmful pollutants into the air, leading to climate change, smog, and respiratory diseases. Transportation also contributes to habitat destruction and fragmentation, particularly through the construction of new roads and highways, which can disrupt wildlife migration patterns and increase the risk of collisions between vehicles and animals. However, transportation also plays a positive environmental role by providing opportunities for the use of alternative fuels and modes of transportation, such as electric vehicles, bikes, and public transit, which can help to reduce emissions and improve air quality. Additionally, transportation infrastructure can be designed to minimize environmental impacts, such as by reducing the amount of impervious surfaces, preserving green spaces, and using sustainable building materials.
In summary, transportation really plays significant roles in our society. It enables the movement of goods and services from one place to another (economic). It connects people and communities (social). It is tool and a way for the government to deliver their services to their constituents (political). Lastly, despite causing accidents and pollution, transportation is now being used to introduce environmental sustainability through the production of electric vehicles.
FACTORS AFFECTING TRANSPORTATION
HUMAN FACTORS
Human factors affecting transportation are crucial to consider for transportation engineers when designing and planning transportation systems. Road users such as drivers, passengers, and pedestrians, form the most complex element of the traffic system. The human performances vary from individual to individual, and the variability of human characteristics like reaction time, vision and hearing, physical and psychological factors, among others, need to be considered. The 85th percentile value is taken as a standard for quantifiable characteristics. Reaction time is a critical characteristic that involves perception, intellection, emotion, and volition. Visual acuity and walking speed are important for designing transportation systems that are safe and efficient for all road users. Other human characteristics such as hearing, fatigue, and attitude of drivers should also be considered in transportation planning and design.
Human factors affecting transportation are crucial to consider for transportation engineers when designing and planning transportation systems. Road users such as drivers, passengers, and pedestrians, form the most complex element of the traffic system. The human performances vary from individual to individual, and the variability of human characteristics like reaction time, vision and hearing, physical and psychological factors, among others, need to be considered. The 85th percentile value is taken as a standard for quantifiable characteristics. Reaction time is a critical characteristic that involves perception, intellection, emotion, and volition. Visual acuity and walking speed are important for designing transportation systems that are safe and efficient for all road users. Other human characteristics such as hearing, fatigue, and attitude of drivers should also be considered in transportation planning and design.
VECHICLE FACTORS
The vehicle factors that affect transportation include design vehicles, vehicle dimensions, weight and axle configuration, turning radius and turning path, visibility, acceleration characteristics, and braking performance. Design vehicles include various types and sizes of vehicles, and the road should be designed to cater to their needs. Vehicle dimensions such as width, height, length, rear overhang, and ground clearance can affect the road and traffic design. Weight, axle configuration, and power to weight ratio affect the ease with which a vehicle can move and are considered in the design of pavements. Turning radius and turning path are dependent on the design and class of the vehicle. Visibility is influenced by vehicular dimensions and affects the driver's ability to see pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles. The acceleration capacity of the vehicle is dependent on its mass, resistance to motion, and available power. Braking performance and deceleration characteristics are important for highway safety and are influenced by the type of road, tire, and braking system.
The vehicle factors that affect transportation include design vehicles, vehicle dimensions, weight and axle configuration, turning radius and turning path, visibility, acceleration characteristics, and braking performance. Design vehicles include various types and sizes of vehicles, and the road should be designed to cater to their needs. Vehicle dimensions such as width, height, length, rear overhang, and ground clearance can affect the road and traffic design. Weight, axle configuration, and power to weight ratio affect the ease with which a vehicle can move and are considered in the design of pavements. Turning radius and turning path are dependent on the design and class of the vehicle. Visibility is influenced by vehicular dimensions and affects the driver's ability to see pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles. The acceleration capacity of the vehicle is dependent on its mass, resistance to motion, and available power. Braking performance and deceleration characteristics are important for highway safety and are influenced by the type of road, tire, and braking system.
ROAD FACTORS
The road factors have a significant impact on transportation. For example, the type of pavement used on a road affects factors such as road roughness, tire wear, and tractive resistance, which in turn affect the safety and cost of operating vehicles on that road. Lighting also plays an important role in efficient roadway lighting and can improve visibility for drivers at night. Road roughness is another important factor, as it can affect the driving experience and potentially cause accidents. Pavement colors and night visibility also affect how visible the road is to drivers, especially during night-time driving. Finally, geometric aspects such as pavement slope, gradient, right of way, and curves also have important implications for transportation, affecting vehicle performance, fuel consumption, and the likelihood of accidents. Overall, understanding these road factors and designing roads to optimize them can improve the safety and efficiency of transportation systems.
The road factors have a significant impact on transportation. For example, the type of pavement used on a road affects factors such as road roughness, tire wear, and tractive resistance, which in turn affect the safety and cost of operating vehicles on that road. Lighting also plays an important role in efficient roadway lighting and can improve visibility for drivers at night. Road roughness is another important factor, as it can affect the driving experience and potentially cause accidents. Pavement colors and night visibility also affect how visible the road is to drivers, especially during night-time driving. Finally, geometric aspects such as pavement slope, gradient, right of way, and curves also have important implications for transportation, affecting vehicle performance, fuel consumption, and the likelihood of accidents. Overall, understanding these road factors and designing roads to optimize them can improve the safety and efficiency of transportation systems.
REFLECTION
In this module, I have learned a lot of things about transportation engineering, highway engineering, roles of transportation in society, and factors affecting transportation. Though the process of learning was like self-study, I still enjoyed the subject because of the fun games we need to conquer each meeting. It was a great way of testing our knowledge regarding the specific topic we studied. For instance, transportation engineering is a broader field that encompasses various modes of transportation such as roadways, railways, airways, and waterways. It deals with the planning, design, construction, and operation of transportation systems to facilitate the safe, efficient, and sustainable movement of people and goods. Highway engineering, on the other hand, is a sub-discipline of transportation engineering that focuses specifically on the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of highways and roadways. It deals with the geometric design of highways, pavement design, traffic flow analysis, intersection design, and safety features. Furthermore, transportation indeed plays vital roles in our society especially its economic role, social role, and political role. Transportation enables the movement of goods from one place to another. It helps us connect and strengthen our relationship with our family, friends, and colleagues by bringing us closer with each other in a short span of time. It helps the government fulfill its duties to its constituents specifically in delivering their services in times of emergency. Furthermore, there are factors affecting transportation that need to be considered in the design of highways such as the human factors, vehicle factors, and road factors. The human factors basically revolve on the human performances that varies from individual to individual. In other words, every road user's reaction time, visual acuity, physical strength, and psychological factors, among others need to be considered in designing our transportation systems so that all types of road users will have a safe and efficient journey. Vehicle factors, on the other hand, pertain to the vehicle's performances such as vehicle dimensions, visibility, acceleration characteristics, and braking performance, among others. These things affect transportation for they are required to be considered in road and traffic designs. Lastly, road factors such as pavement roughness, night visibility, pavement colors, and geometric aspects of the road. Road surface affects safety and cost of maintenance, lighting aids in driving at night, roughness impacts driving comfort, pavement colors improve visibility, night visibility affects safety, and geometric aspects such as pavement slope, gradient, right of way, and curves affect speed, fuel consumption, and safety.
In this module, I have learned a lot of things about transportation engineering, highway engineering, roles of transportation in society, and factors affecting transportation. Though the process of learning was like self-study, I still enjoyed the subject because of the fun games we need to conquer each meeting. It was a great way of testing our knowledge regarding the specific topic we studied. For instance, transportation engineering is a broader field that encompasses various modes of transportation such as roadways, railways, airways, and waterways. It deals with the planning, design, construction, and operation of transportation systems to facilitate the safe, efficient, and sustainable movement of people and goods. Highway engineering, on the other hand, is a sub-discipline of transportation engineering that focuses specifically on the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of highways and roadways. It deals with the geometric design of highways, pavement design, traffic flow analysis, intersection design, and safety features. Furthermore, transportation indeed plays vital roles in our society especially its economic role, social role, and political role. Transportation enables the movement of goods from one place to another. It helps us connect and strengthen our relationship with our family, friends, and colleagues by bringing us closer with each other in a short span of time. It helps the government fulfill its duties to its constituents specifically in delivering their services in times of emergency. Furthermore, there are factors affecting transportation that need to be considered in the design of highways such as the human factors, vehicle factors, and road factors. The human factors basically revolve on the human performances that varies from individual to individual. In other words, every road user's reaction time, visual acuity, physical strength, and psychological factors, among others need to be considered in designing our transportation systems so that all types of road users will have a safe and efficient journey. Vehicle factors, on the other hand, pertain to the vehicle's performances such as vehicle dimensions, visibility, acceleration characteristics, and braking performance, among others. These things affect transportation for they are required to be considered in road and traffic designs. Lastly, road factors such as pavement roughness, night visibility, pavement colors, and geometric aspects of the road. Road surface affects safety and cost of maintenance, lighting aids in driving at night, roughness impacts driving comfort, pavement colors improve visibility, night visibility affects safety, and geometric aspects such as pavement slope, gradient, right of way, and curves affect speed, fuel consumption, and safety.
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