Design and Evaluation of Various Components of Highway Projects

Abstract

The design, evaluation, and maintenance of highways are critical aspects of transportation infrastructure management to ensure safe and efficient mobility. This thesis presents an integrated approach that leverages state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies for comprehensive highway design and evaluation. The four main components of this research include highway design using Civil 3D, structural evaluation employing the Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD), functional evaluation using the Network Survey Vehicle (NSV), and Pavement Design. The objective of this study focuses on highway design using Civil 3D, an advanced computer-aided design (CAD) software, to create precise 3D models of the proposed highway alignments, cross-sections, and geometric configurations. The structural evaluation is conducted using the Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) to assess pavement stiffness, load bearing capacity, and deflection characteristics. Subsequently, the functional evaluation of the highway network is performed using the Network Survey Vehicle (NSV). Equipped with advanced sensors and data collection systems, the NSV captures valuable information on ride quality, surface roughness, and road user comfort. Lastly, the research focuses on pavement design, taking into account the data obtained from both the structural and functional evaluations. By integrating this data with pavement material properties, environmental factors, and traffic loads, the pavement design process is optimized to ensure the longevity, durability, and sustainability of the highway. Ultimately, this research contributes to the advancement of modern highway engineering practices by offering a comprehensive and efficient approach to design, evaluation, and maintenance. By combining cutting-edge technologies, data-driven analysis, and advanced modelling, the proposed integrated framework enables engineers and transportation authorities to make informed decisions that result in safer, more sustainable, and high performing highways for the benefit of society.