CE431 PRELIM

Transportation Engineering

• Transportation engineering involves efficient and safe mobility within human society, categorized into various classifications and methods for better understanding and implementation.

1. Introduction to Transportation Engineering

• Importance of Mobility

  • Mobility is essential for civilizations; roads were prioritized for trade and communication.

  • Modern transportation facilities signify progress in society.

• Definition of Transportation Engineering

  • Application of scientific methods (observation, analysis, deduction) in planning, designing, managing, and operating transportation systems.

2. Types of Transportation Facilities

• Modes of Transportation:

  • Varieties range from human-powered (bicycles) to jet-powered vehicles (airplanes).

  • Facilities for stationary vehicles versus those for high-speed travel (over 150 kph).

  • Use by untrained versus trained operators.

3. Required Knowledge in Transportation Engineering

• Disciplines Needed:

  • Psychology, Economics, Ecology and Environment, Sociology, Management.

  • Technical Skills: Optimization, Graph Theory, Probability Theory, Statistics, Computer Simulation, Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering.

4. Classifications of Transportation Studies

• Modal Classification:

  • Classifications based on transportation modes: walking, driving, flying, etc.

• Elemental Classification:

  • Breakdown of travel into essential elements (driver, vehicle, path).

• Functional Classification:

  • Classification based on engineering functions (public transport, facility management).

5. Modal Classification

• Modes Defined:

  • Any means of transportation using specific surfaces: road, rail, water, or air.

• Classes include:

  • Roadways, Railways, Waterways, Airway classifications.

6. Roadways

• Mode Characteristics:

  • Vehicles traversing roads include automobiles, trucks, buses, bicycles, motorcycles.

• Types of Roadways:

  • Expressways, Arterials, State Highways, Collectors, Local Roads.

• Key Aspects:

  • Safe and efficient operation, layout and structural design (pavement).

7. Railways

• Mode Characteristics:

  • Use of rail tracks, typically featuring trains with locomotives (coal, diesel, electric).

  • Types: Long-distance trains and urban commuter trains.

• Key Aspects:

  • Safety and efficiency in rail traffic, structure below rail tracks, station planning.

8. Waterways

• Mode Characteristics:

  • Vehicles travel through waterways, including rivers, lakes, and oceans.

  • Operations span from ferries to large ocean liners.

• Key Aspects:

  • Port operations: boarding, loading, refueling, customs/immigration, maintenance activities.

9. Airways

• Mode Characteristics:

  • Vehicles traverse air routes, including a variety of aircraft (helicopters, jets).

  • Fastest mode of transportation, utilized for both passenger and cargo transport.

• Key Aspects:

  • Airport operations: boarding, cargo handling, maintenance, air traffic control, design of runways and taxiways.

Summary

• Transportation engineering encompasses multiple modalities and requires knowledge across various disciplines. Ensuring efficiency, safety, and planning in transport systems is crucial for societal progress and functionality.