Posted: September 29th, 2016

Describe the nature of the pavement defects, report possible causes of the problem and how the section could be repaired. Include notes on how traffic could be managed during repairs

Task: Students will work in teams of three to locate and identify local examples of the following aspects of road engineering and should prepare a 1-2 page report on each aspect, i.e. the total report will consist of 6- 8 pages including good quality original relevant photos and details of the location of each aspect of the project and the date/s the location was visited and by whom. The report must not exceed 8 pages or 5Mb. SAFETY NOTE: MUCH CARE needs to be taken around roads. Photos or measurements should not be taken from on a roadway. If taking photos or measurements or making observations from close to the edge of a carriageway, bright fluorescent clothing should be worn. Safety vests can be borrowed if required. Note in your report all the PPE and other safety aspects you used to complete this assignment. 1. Road construction equipment: Students should locate and photograph two different items of working road construction equipment such as a grader, scraper, bulldozer, roller or asphalt spreader etc. The project road should be named and descriptions of the role of both the items of equipment and their work output should be determined. Could a different type of equipment perform the same job more efficiently? Discuss with a site engineer and record their name and comments. 2. Pavement Defects: Students should find a section of road pavement which is failing or showing distress. Describe the nature of the pavement defects, report possible causes of the problem and how the section could be repaired. Include notes on how traffic could be managed during repairs. Use sketches or photos to illustrate your description. Discuss your proposals with the road manager. 3. Sight distance on roads: Students should find sections of our road network where sight distance seems to be inadequate due to horizontal or vertical alignment or other obstruction. Name the location and describe the issues with approximate measurements. What is the speed limit and what is the corresponding stopping sight distance? Outline a practical method of improving safety at the location. 4. Car Park Layout: Students should find an off street, sealed public carpark which is too tight, or unsafe or inefficient in its layout. Name the location and sketch or photograph the problems with the carpark and propose your improvements. Support deficiencies and improvements with measurements and dimensions and reference to standards.