UNIVERSITY OF MINDANAO
College of Engineering Education
Civil Engineering Program
BCE 312 : HIGHWAY AND RAILROAD ENGINEERING
Group: 1
Submitted by:
Emmanuel Kent T. Jamonin
Abdul Basir S. Pinduru-an
Ian Clark Leysa
Deserie Maravilla
Princess Dave Ross S. Allawan
Franco Isaac O. Cornelio
Norberto Tajonera
Danna Marie B. Mayormita
Cleofe Margarette Bonsubre
Charlie Tato
Aaron Alcarde
Importance of Transportation
Introduction
Transportation is one of the most important foundations of economic and social development. It
plays a vital role in the growth of nations by facilitating the movement of goods, services, and
people, making both local and international trade possible. Through its influence, transportation not
only drives economic progress but also enhances connectivity, accessibility, and overall quality of
life.
Transportation and Economic Growth
1. Transportation fuel economic growth: Efficient transportation enables the smooth
movements of goods and services, which is essential for local and international trade. By
reducing costs and time, it strengthens economies and supports industrial expansion.
2. Provides access to essential resources: Transportation connects people to basic needs
such as food, healthcare, and education. Without it communities especially those within
remote areas would struggle to access services vital for their well being.
3. Boost agricultural development: The agricultural sector relies on transportation for the
distribution of farm products and avoids .
4. Facilities trade and Industry: Transportation makes it possible for industries to access raw
materials and deliver finished goods to markets efficiently.
Social Cost and Benefits of Transportation
1. Social Integration: Transportation promotes cultural exchange and greater interaction
among people from different regions as such it deals a major impact on reducing
sectionalism within and outside our country.
2. Urban growth and development : Transportation encourages the growth of urban areas and
suburbs helping ease congestion in city centers.
3. Environmental Impacts: Transportation not only use vast amounts of land, energy and
material but also contributes to air and water pollution,
4. Safety Concerns : Accidents due to transportation results in thousand of deaths and injuries
per year which yield heavy burdens to both the families and communities
5. Support in emergencies and security: Transportation is vital for disaster response, law and
order, and national defense as it enables rapid movement of aid and security when needed.
Conclusion
Transportation is a vital element of national progress as it drives economic growth, supports trade
and industry, and provides access to essential services. While it brings numerous social benefits
such as cultural exchange, urban development, and improved emergency response, it also carries
costs in terms of environmental impact, land use, and safety risks. Therefore, effective planning
and sustainable practices are necessary to maximize the benefits of transportation while
minimizing its negative effects.
DIFFERENT MODES OF TRANSPORT
The Role and Future of Public Transportation
Public transportation plays a vital role in both large and small metropolitan areas by offering
high-capacity and energy-efficient movement, especially in densely populated corridors. It provides
crucial services to those without personal vehicles, including students, senior citizens, and
economically disadvantaged individuals.
Historically, public transportation was primarily a private sector endeavor. However, several factors
led to a decline in transit ridership, including increased auto ownership, suburbanization, the
relocation of industries away from city centers, and changing lifestyles after World War II.
Consequently, public transportation has largely transitioned to the public sector since the early
1960s, with funding increasingly sourced from federal, state, and local governments rather than
fare revenues.
While highways and personal vehicles are expected to dominate personal transportation in the
coming decades, various potential changes could shift the balance between public and private
transportation. These factors can either positively or negatively influence transit usage.
Factors Negatively Impacting Transit
• Suburban Growth: Continued expansion of suburbs leads to more dispersed living
patterns, making it difficult for public transit to efficiently serve residents.
• Decentralization of Industry and Employment: The movement of businesses and jobs
away from central cities reduces the demand for traditional transit routes.
• Increased Suburb-to-Suburb Commuting: As more people live and work in the suburbs,
the need for suburb-to-suburb transportation increases, which is often better served by personal
vehicles.
• Population Shifts: Migration to the South and West, coupled with population loss in older
"frost-belt" cities, can reduce transit demand in certain regions.
• Growth in Private Vehicle Ownership: Increased ownership of diverse vehicle types, such
as SUVs and pickup trucks, provides more transportation options and reduces reliance on public
transit.
• High Costs: The high costs associated with constructing fixed-rail transit lines and
maintaining labor-intensive operations pose significant financial challenges.
Factors Positively Impacting Transit
• Emphasis on Air Quality: Federal government initiatives focused on improving air quality
may encourage the use of public transit as a more environmentally friendly alternative to personal
vehicles.
• Rising Gasoline Prices: Higher fuel costs make public transit a more attractive and
cost-effective option for commuters.
• Energy Resource Depletion: Concerns about the depletion of energy resources could
drive increased reliance on public transportation.
• Trends Toward Higher-Density Living: As more people choose to live in urban areas with
higher population densities, public transit becomes more viable and efficient.
• Legislation Promoting Livable Cities and Smart Growth: Policies aimed at creating
more sustainable and transit-oriented communities can increase transit ridership.
• Location of Mega-Centers in Suburbs: The development of large-scale commercial and
employment centers in suburban areas can create new opportunities for public transit.
• Need for Airport Access: Public transportation is essential for providing access to airports
and facilitating circulation within airport facilities.
• Aging Population: An increasing number of seniors who are unable or choose not to drive
will likely rely on public transit for their transportation needs.
Conclusion
The future of public transportation is subject to various competing forces. While personal vehicles
are expected to remain dominant, factors such as environmental concerns, rising fuel costs, and
demographic shifts could lead to a resurgence in public transit usage. Strategic planning and
investment in public transportation infrastructure will be crucial to ensure its viability and
effectiveness in meeting the evolving transportation needs of metropolitan areas.
THE 4 MAJOR MODES OF TRANSPORTATION
• ROAD WAYS: Road transportation is the most common and oldest mode in logistics. It
has evolved from walking and carts to modern vehicles like cars and trucks. With improved roads
and vehicles, it is versatile, works best for short distances and small loads, and is the only mode
that offers door-to-door delivery.
• WATER WAYS: Water transportation, especially maritime shipping, is the backbone of
global trade, carrying nearly 90% of international cargo. It is the most economical and efficient
method for transporting large volumes of goods across long distances due to its high capacity and
low cost. Its main limitation is slow speed compared to other modes like air transport, but despite
this, it remains the dominant method for bulk shipments worldwide.
• AIR WAYS: Air transportation is the fastest and most efficient mode of logistics, playing
a growing role in both domestic and international trade. Advances in aviation technology and
global route networks have strengthened its importance. It is best suited for time-sensitive and
high-value shipments due to its speed and reliability, though it is more expensive compared to
other modes
• RAIL WAYS: Rail transport, or train transport, uses vehicles running on steel tracks and
wheels, making it cost-effective and efficient for carrying passengers and goods over both short
and long distances. It has low friction, allowing heavier loads, and is usually powered by electric or
diesel locomotives. With complex signaling systems for multiple routes, railways are also one of
the fastest modes of land transportation.
• PIPELINE: Pipeline shipping, though not a traditional transport mode, is vital in the fossil
fuel industry. It moves unrefined fuels like oil and gas from their source to refineries or other
transport systems. Costs depend on pipeline construction, size, and the fluid’s viscosity.
CONCLUSION
Wrap up with coordination of modes:
In conclusion, each transportation mode has its own strengths and weaknesses. Air provides
speed, water supports bulk movement with low energy, railways handle long-distance efficiency,
and roads offer maximum flexibility. Effective coordination and healthy competition among these
modes are necessary to achieve a well-balanced and efficient transport system.
Characteristics of Road Transport - It is an accepted fact that of all the modes the
transportation, road transport is the nearest to the people. The passenger and the goods have to
be first transported by road before reaching a railway station or a port or an airport. The road
network alone could serve the remotest villages. of the vast country like ours.
The Characteristics of Road Transport are briefly listed here
1. Roads are used various types of road vehicles, like passenger cars, buses, trucks two
and three wheeled automobiles, pedal cycles and animal drawn vehicles. But railway tracks
are used only
2. Road transport requires a relatively small investment for the government. Motor vehicles
are much cheaper than carriers like rail locomotives and wagons, water and air carriers. and
air carriers. Construction and maintenance of roads is also cheaper than that of railway
track, docks, harbours and airports.
3. Road transport completely offer an freedom to road users to transfer the vehicles from
one lane to another and to from one road to another according to the need and
convenience. This flexibility of changes in location, direction, speed and timings of travel is
not available to other modes of transport.
4. In particular for short distance travel, road transport saves time. Trains stop at junctions
and main stations for comparatively longer time
5. Speed of movement is directly related with severity of accident. The road Safety
decreases with increase dispersion in speed. Road Transport is subjected to high degree of
accidents due to flexibility of movements offered to the user. Derailment of railway
locomotives and air planes and air crashes are not uncommon. They are in fact more
disastrous.
6. Road transport is the only means of transport offer itself to the whole community.
Importance of Roads:
1. Roads play a very important role in the transportation of goods and passengers for short and
medium distances.
2. It is comparatively easy and cheap to construct and maintain roads.
3. Road transport system establishes easy contact between farms, fields, factories and markets
and provides door to door service.
4. Roads can negotiate high gradients and sharp turns which railways cannot do. As such, roads
can be constructed in hilly areas also.
5. Roads act as great feeders to railways. Without good and sufficient roads, railways cannot
collect sufficient produce to make their operation possible.
6. Road transport is more flexible than the railway transport. Buses and trucks may be stopped
anywhere and at any time on the road for loading and unloading passengers and goods whereas
trains stop only at particular stations.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Road Transport
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
Less Capital Outlay: Road transport required Seasonal Nature:Motor transport is not as reliable
much less capital Investment as compared to as rail transport. During rainy or flood season,
other modes of transport such as railways and roads become unfit and unsafe for use.
air transport. The cost of constructing,
operating and maintaining roads is cheaper
than that of the railways. Roads are generally
constructed by the government and local
authorities and only a small revenue is charged
for the use of roads.
2. Door to Door Service: The outstanding
advantage of road transport is that it provides . Accidents and Breakdowns:
door to door or warehouse to warehouse
service. This reduces cartage, loading and There are more chances of accidents and
unloading expenses. breakdowns in case of motor transport. Thus,
motor transport is not as safe as rail transport.
Service in Rural Areas: Road transport is most
suited for carrying goods and people to and Unsuitable for Long Distance and Bulky
from rural areas which are not served by rail, Traffic:
water or air transport. Exchange of goods,
between large towns and small villages is This mode of transport is unsuitable and costly
made possible only through road transport. for transporting cheap and bulky goods over
long distances.
Flexible Service: Road transport has a great
advantage over other modes of transport for its Slow Speed:
flexible service, its routes and timings can be
adjusted and changed to individual The speed of motor transport is comparatively
requirements without much inconvenience. slow and limited.
Lack of Organisation:
The road transport is comparatively less
organised. More often, it is irregular and
undependable. The rates charged for
transportation are also unstable and unequal
CONCLUSION - In conclusion, road transport plays a vital role in the movement of people and
goods because of its unique characteristics such as flexibility, accessibility, and convenience. It is
important in supporting economic growth, connecting communities, and providing opportunities for
trade and social interaction. The advantages of road transport include door-to-door service, quick
delivery for short distances, and suitability for both small and large loads. However, it also has
disadvantages such as traffic congestion, higher risks of accidents, and its contribution to pollution.
Despite these drawbacks, road transport remains one of the most widely used and essential
modes of transportation because of its practicality and ability to reach even the most remote areas.
HIGHWAY DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING
Necessity of Highway planning
- To plan a road network for efficient and safe traffic operation, but at minimum cost. Here the
costs of construction, maintenance and renewal of pavement layers and the vehicle
operation costs are to be given due consideration.
Steps to develop highway planning
1. Select a Project: Highway projects are selected based on multiple criteria such as;
● Public Concerns
● traffic volume and future growth,
● Bridge and Pavement Conditions
● Crash data.
2. Investigate Alternatives: After selection, project alternatives are studied in detail.
● Alternatives are analyzed and assessed in terms of cost and impact on people, businesses,
and the environment.
● Farmlands, wetlands, and endangered species, and historic sites are also considered.
● Recommendations are presented at public meetings.
3. Obtain Final Approvals:
● Environment and agricultural approvals are required.
● An environmental impact statement (EIS) is required.
● Public hearings are held.
● Federal or state approval is granted.
4. Develop Project Design
● Route location and land acquisition plans are finalized.
● Engineering documents are prepared.
● Efforts to support businesses during construction.
5. Prepare for Construction
● The Department of Transportation reviews design, specifications, and cost estimates.
● Land is purchased for the project.
● Utility relocations are coordinated.
● Contractors are selected through bidding.
6. Construct the Project
● A pre-construction meeting is held with contractors, utilities, and officials.
● Construction progress is monitored and communicated to the public.
● Citizens are informed through meetings, websites, and media.
● A ribbon-cutting ceremony is held when the project is complete.
● Roads are inspected every 2 years.
Conclusion:
Highway planning ensures safe, efficient, and cost-effective road networks by carefully balancing
technical, economic, environmental, and social factors. Through systematic steps from project
selection to construction, it supports mobility, safety, and sustainable development.
PLANNING SURVEYS
Planning Survey (a.k.a Fact Finding Surveys)
- Conducted to collect factual data for highway development
- To determine road length requirements and prepare a master plan for phased development
Components of Planning Survey
a. Economic Studies – assess services of road systems in relation to population and
products of the area
I. Population and Distribution (by village or town)
II. Trend of Population Growth
III. Agricultural and Industrial Products (classified)
IV. Future Trends in Industrial and Agricultural Development
V. Existing Facilities (communication, recreation, education)
VI. Per Capital Income
b. Financial Studies - evaluate income sources and fund mobilization for the project
I. Sources of Income and Tax Revenue (road transport)
II. Living Standard
III. Local Resources (tolls, registration, fines)
IV. Future Financial Trends
c. Traffic or Road Use Studies - understand traffic volume and flow patterns before planning
improvements
I. Traffic Volume (annual average daily traffic, peak, hourly)
II. Origin and Destination Studies
III. Traffic Flow Patterns
IV. Mass Transportation Facilities
V. Accident Cost Analysis and Causes
VI. Future Trends and Growth (volume and goods traffic)
VII. Growth of Passenger Trips and Mode Choice Trends
d. Engineering Studies - investigate topography, soil, and maintenance to create a scientific
development plan
I. Topographic Surveys
II. Soil Surveys
III. Location and Classification of Existing Roads
IV. Estimated Future Developments
V. Road Life Studies
VI. Origin-Destination Traffic Studies
VII. Drainage, Construction, and Road Maintenance Issues
Preparation of Plans
PLAN I: General Area Map (topography, roads, rivers, town)
PLAN II: Population Distribution
PLAN III: Productivity Locations
PLAN IV: Road Network with Traffic Flow, Desire Lines, and Proposals
Interpretation of Planning Surveys - data must be scientifically interpreted to finalize road
development programs
1. Identify optimal road networks
2. Prioritize construction projects (phased by 5-year/annual plans)
3. Assess road use and congestion areas
4. Design based on traffic type and intensity
5. Compare development and economic activity
6. Analyze trends in population and productivity for future planning
Conclusion
Planning surveys are important in building better roads because they gather useful information
about people, traffic, money, and land conditions. By studying these surveys, planners can decide
the best road networks, set priorities for construction, and make sure road projects match future
needs in population, travel, and local growth.
Drawings, Reports, and Highway Project Works
Highway engineering requires systematic planning, precise surveys, and detailed documentation
to ensure the safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of road construction. Beyond field
investigations, the preparation of drawings, estimates, and project reports plays a critical role in
translating designs into practical and buildable projects. In addition, the implementation of a new
highway project follows well-defined steps, from route selection to construction control, which
guide engineers in delivering durable infrastructure. This report discusses the essential drawings
and reports, the contents of a project report, and the steps in a new project work.
A. Drawings and Reports
A highway project requires a complete set of drawings that illustrate design, alignment, and
construction details. These include:
1. Key Map – Shows existing and proposed roads, connectivity, and significant locations (size:
~22–20 cm; scale depends on road length).
2. Index Map – Represents the general topography of the area with symbolic details (~32 × 20
cm).
3. Preliminary Survey Plans – Illustrate alternate alignments and data collected, drawn to
scales of 10 cm ≈ 1 km to 25 cm ≈ 1 km.
4. Detailed Plans and Longitudinal Sections – Show alignment, contours, and drainage with
scales of 1/2400 in plains and 1/1200 in hilly regions. Longitudinal sections highlight profiles
and drainage crossings.
5. Detailed Cross-Sections – Drawn every 100 m or at abrupt changes, with natural scales of
1 cm ≈ 2.0–2.5 m, showing cut-and-fill details.
6. Land Acquisition Plans – Display buildings, wells, gradients, and other land-use details
(scale: 1 cm ≈ 40 m or less).
7. Drawings of Cross-Drainage and Retaining Structures – Prepared on large scales (up to
8 cm ≈ 1 m) for structural clarity; stream cross-sections at 1 cm ≈ 10 m.
8. Drawings of Road Intersections – Show pavement, shoulders, and island details.
9. Land Plans for Quarries – Prepared for sites where construction materials will be sourced,
with scales similar to acquisition plans.
Estimates are also part of the documentation and consist of general abstracts of costs and
detailed estimates for each stage, particularly if the project is executed in phases.
B. Project Report
The project report forms the backbone of project documentation, consolidating all necessary
technical and financial information. Its contents include:
1. General Details of the Project and Its Importance – Outlines the project’s scope,
objectives, and significance for improving transport and regional development.
2. Features of the Road – Explains route selection, alignment, expected traffic, and
topographical considerations.
3. Road Design and Specifications – Details pavement types, thickness, and geometric
standards to ensure safety and durability.
4. Drainage Facilities and Cross-Drainage Structures – Describes culverts, bridges, and
stormwater systems for effective water management.
5. Materials, Labour, and Equipment – Identifies sources, quantities, and specifications of
resources needed.
6. Rates – Provides estimated costs, including unit rates for labor and materials, and
summarizes total budget.
7. Construction Programming – Presents a planned schedule and sequence of construction
works.
8. Miscellaneous Items – Includes diversion roads, traffic control measures, roadside
amenities, and rest houses.
This report ensures that engineers, contractors, and stakeholders have a clear reference for
execution.
C. Highway Project: General Overview
Highway projects may involve new construction, re-alignment, or upgrading of existing roads.
Since development often occurs along completed highways, changing alignments afterward is
difficult and costly. A poorly aligned road can increase accidents, transportation costs, and driver
fatigue. Therefore, careful planning and proper investigation are essential for both present and
future needs.
The new highway project stages are:
1. Selection of route and alignment with geometric design details.
2. Collection of materials, soil testing, and pavement design.
3. Construction in stages with quality control measures.
Route selection is guided by geology, topography, and future upgrade requirements. Materials
and design focus on soil strength, embankment stability, pavement mix design, and the use of
both conventional and low-cost materials. Construction includes two phases: earthwork
(excavation, embankments, and drainage) and pavement construction (subgrade, sub-base, base,
and surface courses).
D. Steps in a New Project Work
The implementation of a highway project follows these ten systematic steps:
1. Map Study – Uses topographic maps to identify possible routes, terrain conditions, and
obstacles like rivers or valleys.
2. Reconnaissance Survey – A quick field survey to observe general terrain, soils, and
potential material sources.
3. Preliminary Survey – Collects detailed data on alternate alignments, prepares plans,
compares alternatives, and selects the best route.
4. Location of Final Alignment – Transfers the chosen alignment onto the ground by setting
out centerline pegs, curves, elevations, and superelevation.
5. Detailed Survey – Provides precise data for longitudinal and cross-sections, earthwork
computations, and verification of geometric designs.
6. Materials Survey – Identifies and tests construction materials such as soils and aggregates
to ensure suitability.
7. Design – Develops design details for embankments, slopes, pavements, and bridges
according to standards.
8. Earthwork – Involves excavation for cuts, drainage, and embankment construction with
compaction and stability checks.
9. Pavement Construction – Builds pavement layers starting from subgrade preparation to
the final surface.
10.Construction Controls – Implements quality control tests and verifies features like camber,
superelevation, and curve widening.
Conclusion
To conclude everything, this topic emphasizes the importance of drawings, reports, and project
steps in highway construction. Drawings provide clarity on design and land use, while project
reports consolidate technical and financial details for decision-making. Highway projects require
careful planning of route selection, material testing, construction stages, and quality control to
ensure long-term efficiency and safety. By following a structured process from documentation to
construction, engineers can deliver reliable and sustainable roads that support economic growth
and safe mobility.