Pavement Design

Aim: The purpose of this unit is to enable learners to develop an understanding of pavement maintenance, design and drainage. Learners will be able to design pavement thicknesses, specify materials, design drainage pipe runs and devise methods to rectify pavement defects.

Learning outcome

1. be able to calculate traffic loading

1.1 determine pavement design life to design standards

1.2 calculate design traffic accounting for traffic growth

1.3 calculate standard axle loading from standard design factors.

2. understand how to design pavement foundations

2.1 explain the role of pavement foundations

2.2 describe subgrade characteristics

2.3 compare design methods

2.4 compare foundation materials.

3. understand how to design pavement thicknesses

3.1 explain the functions of flexible pavement layers

3.2 describe the benefits of porous wearing courses.

4. be able to design pavement thicknesses

4.1 design foundation thicknesses in accordance with relevant national guidance or standards

4.2 select pavement types

4.3 calculate rigid pavement thicknesses in accordance with relevant national guidance/standards

4.4 select flexible paving materials

4.5 calculate flexible pavement layer thicknesses in accordance with relevant national guidance/standard.

5. be able to design highway drainage

5.1 select appropriate drainage systems

5.2 select return period

5.3 calculate design storms

5.4 design drainage pipes.

6. understand how to maintain pavements

6.1 explain the purpose of road condition surveys

6.2 explain the causes of pavement failure

6.3 propose pavement improvements.