Transportation Engineering Course

Lesson 1 • Transportation Systems Overview

Defines transportation modes, networks, and their interdependencies. Establishes vocabulary used throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Transportation Planning Principles

Introduces the four-step travel demand model and land-use relationships. Links planning decisions to engineering design requirements.

Lesson 3 • Regulatory and Policy Framework

Surveys functional roles of transportation agencies and safety standards. Prepares students to navigate approval processes in practice.

Lesson 4 • Sustainability in Transportation

Examines environmental, social, and economic dimensions of transport decisions. Frames sustainability as a design constraint throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Shock Wave Analysis

Explains how disturbances propagate through traffic streams using wave theory. Connects shock wave speed to queue growth and dissipation.

Lesson 2 • Field Data Collection Methods

Covers manual counts, video detection, and probe vehicle techniques. Accurate data collection underpins reliable traffic analysis.

Lesson 3 • Traffic Stream Models

Compares macroscopic, mesoscopic, and microscopic modelling approaches. Students select appropriate models based on analysis scale and data availability.

Lesson 4 • Fundamental Traffic Flow Variables

Defines volume, speed, and density and their measurement methods. These variables form the basis for all subsequent traffic analysis.

Lesson 1 • Horizontal Alignment Design

Covers circular curves, superelevation, and sight distance on curves. Students calculate curve geometry to satisfy stopping and passing requirements.

Lesson 2 • Vertical Alignment Design

Addresses grades, crest and sag vertical curves, and sight distance. Proper vertical design ensures safety and driver comfort on grades.

Lesson 3 • Cross-Section Elements

Defines lane widths, shoulders, medians, and clear zones. Cross-section choices directly affect capacity, safety, and construction cost.

Lesson 4 • Earthwork and Grading

Introduces cut-and-fill volumes, mass haul, and grading optimisation. Earthwork efficiency reduces project cost and environmental disturbance.

Lesson 1 • Intersection Level of Service

Quantifies delay and queue length using Highway Capacity Manual procedures. LOS analysis guides design decisions and identifies deficiencies.

Lesson 2 • Intersection Geometry Fundamentals

Covers conflict points, channelisation, and turning radii for at-grade intersections. Geometry directly determines the number and severity of vehicle conflicts.

Lesson 3 • Roundabout Design

Applies geometric and operational criteria for single-lane and multilane roundabouts. Roundabouts reduce severe crashes while maintaining throughput.

Lesson 4 • Traffic Signal Design

Develops phase plans, cycle lengths, and green-time splits using Webster's method. Signal timing balances delay across competing movements.

Lesson 1 • Pavement Materials

Characterises asphalt binders, aggregates, Portland cement concrete, and base materials. Material properties directly control pavement performance and durability.

Lesson 2 • Traffic Loading and Equivalency

Converts mixed traffic to equivalent single-axle loads for design purposes. Accurate load estimation prevents premature pavement failure.

Lesson 3 • Pavement Types and Structures

Distinguishes flexible, rigid, and composite pavement systems and their load transfer mechanisms. Structural understanding guides material and thickness selection.

Lesson 4 • Mechanistic-Empirical Design

Applies stress-strain analysis and transfer functions to predict pavement distress. This method links material properties to field performance more accurately than empirical charts.

Lesson 1 • Station and Terminal Design

Covers platform geometry, passenger flow, and accessibility requirements for transit facilities. Well-designed stations reduce dwell time and improve safety.

Lesson 2 • Transit Modes and Technologies

Compares bus, light rail, heavy rail, and bus rapid transit on capacity and cost. Mode selection depends on corridor demand and urban context.

Lesson 3 • Transit Performance Evaluation

Measures reliability, ridership, and cost-effectiveness using standard transit metrics. Performance data drives service adjustments and capital investment decisions.

Lesson 4 • Transit Capacity and Scheduling

Calculates person-trip capacity, headways, and cycle times for transit lines. Scheduling balances service quality against fleet and labour costs.

Lesson 1 • Crash Data Analysis

Applies statistical methods to identify high-crash locations and contributing factors. Rigorous analysis separates random variation from systemic safety problems.

Lesson 2 • Road Safety Audits and Reviews

Describes the formal process of independent safety examination of road projects. Audits catch design deficiencies before construction reduces correction costs.

Lesson 3 • Human Factors in Transportation

Examines perception-reaction time, visual demands, and driver workload as crash contributors. Design must accommodate human limitations to reduce error.

Lesson 4 • Work Zone Safety

Addresses temporary traffic control, worker protection, and motorist guidance in work zones. Work zone crashes are preventable through proper planning and device placement.

Lesson 1 • Performance Measurement and Monitoring

Establishes key performance indicators and data pipelines for continuous system monitoring. Measurement closes the feedback loop between operations and planning.

Lesson 2 • Intelligent Transportation Systems

Surveys ITS architecture, sensors, communication, and control subsystems. ITS technologies extend infrastructure capacity without physical expansion.

Lesson 3 • Demand Management Strategies

Examines congestion pricing, parking management, and travel demand reduction programmes. Demand management shifts travel behaviour to improve system efficiency.

Lesson 4 • Traffic Signal Coordination

Develops arterial progression, offset optimisation, and adaptive signal control. Coordinated signals reduce stops and fuel consumption on corridors.