Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Road Geometric Design

• Overview of road types and functional classifications

• Design control and criteria (design speed, vehicle types, traffic volume)

• Design standards (AASHTO, local codes, and manuals)

• Road user behavior and safety considerations

Module 2: Horizontal Alignment Design

• Geometric parameters: curve radii, transition curves, superelevation

• Horizontal curve design using manual methods and software tools

• Sight distance and alignment visibility

• Road widening on curves

• Practical exercise: Design of a simple horizontal alignment

Module 3: Vertical Alignment and Profile Design

• Gradients, vertical curves, and critical lengths

• Crest and sag curve design

• Design constraints in hilly and flat terrain

• Safety and comfort considerations

• Practical: Prepare longitudinal profile and vertical curves

Module 4: Cross-Section Elements and Road Geometry

• Lanes, shoulders, medians, sidewalks, and roadside features

• Clear zones and recovery areas

• Superelevation transitions and cross-slope design

• Urban vs rural cross-section differences

• Practical exercise: Road cross-section development

Module 5: Introduction to Road Drainage Design

• Importance of drainage in road design

• Types of drainage: surface vs subsurface

• Impacts of poor drainage on pavement performance

• Review of drainage design standards and codes

Module 6: Hydrologic Analysis for Road Drainage

• Rainfall-runoff relationships

• Design storm and return period concepts

• Rational method and runoff coefficient determination

• Catchment delineation and runoff estimation

• Practical: Calculate design discharge for a road section

Module 7: Hydraulic Design of Surface Drainage Systems

• Side drains, ditches, culverts, and gutters

• Open vs closed drainage systems

• Manning’s equation and channel flow design

• Inlet and outlet design considerations

• Practical exercise: Drainage channel design

Module 8: Subsurface Drainage and Road Embankment Protection

• Causes and effects of water infiltration into pavement

• Sub-drains, filter layers, and drainage blankets

• Drainage for cut slopes and embankments

• Erosion control and slope stabilization

• Practical: Design of sub-surface drain layout

Module 9: Integration of Geometric and Drainage Design

• Coordination of alignment and drainage features

• Drainage structures along horizontal and vertical alignments

• Culvert placement and road profile implications

• Common design errors and how to avoid them

• Case studies: Integrated road and drainage project reviews

Module 10: Capstone Project and Review

• Group Project: Design a short road section with complete geometric and drainage layout

• Presentation and critique of designs

• Review of key lessons and professional best practices

• Final Q&A and participant feedback

• Award of Certificates of Completion