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An Introduction to Geotechnical Considerations in Highway Pavement Design

Yasunari Kawabata

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Published in An Introduction To Geotechnical Considerations In Highway Pavement For Professional Engineers (Street And Highway Engineering)

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Geotechnical Investigation
Soil Properties
Pavement Design
Construction Considerations

Highway pavements are critical infrastructure that support the movement of people and goods. The design and construction of safe and durable pavements require a thorough understanding of the geotechnical considerations involved.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the geotechnical aspects of highway pavement design. It covers a wide range of topics, including:

An Introduction to Geotechnical Considerations in Highway Pavement for Professional Engineers (Street and Highway Engineering)

by J. Paul Guyer

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Geotechnical investigation
Soil properties
Pavement design
Construction considerations

This book is an essential resource for engineers, contractors, and other professionals involved in the design and construction of highway pavements.

Geotechnical Investigation

The geotechnical investigation is the first step in the design of a highway pavement. The purpose of the investigation is to determine the soil conditions at the site of the proposed pavement.

The geotechnical investigation typically includes the following steps:

Literature review: A review of existing geological and soil data for the site.
Site reconnaissance: A visit to the site to observe the surface conditions and identify potential geotechnical hazards.
Soil sampling: The collection of soil samples from the site for laboratory testing.
Laboratory testing: The testing of soil samples to determine their engineering properties.
Geotechnical report: The preparation of a report that summarizes the findings of the investigation and provides recommendations for the design of the pavement.

The geotechnical investigation is an important step in the design of a highway pavement. It provides the engineer with the information necessary to make informed decisions about the design and construction of the pavement.

Soil Properties

The soil properties play a critical role in the design of a highway pavement. The following are some of the most important soil properties:

Grain size distribution: The size and shape of the soil particles.
Plasticity: The ability of the soil to deform without cracking.
Compressibility: The ability of the soil to compress under load.
Shear strength: The resistance of the soil to shear deformation.
Drainage characteristics: The ability of the soil to drain water.

The soil properties are determined by a number of factors, including the soil type, the geological history of the site, and the climate.

The engineer must consider the soil properties when designing a highway pavement. The pavement must be designed to withstand the loads that will be imposed on it, and it must be constructed in a way that minimizes the risk of settlement and other geotechnical problems.

Pavement Design

The pavement design is based on the geotechnical investigation and the soil properties. The design process typically involves the following steps:

Determination of traffic loads: The engineer must determine the magnitude and frequency of the traffic loads that the pavement will be subjected to.
Selection of pavement materials: The engineer must select the materials that will be used to construct the pavement. The materials must be compatible with the soil conditions and the traffic loads.
Determination of pavement thickness: The engineer must determine the thickness of the pavement. The thickness must be sufficient to withstand the traffic loads and to prevent the pavement from failing.
Design of drainage system: The engineer must design a drainage system to remove water from the pavement. The drainage system must be effective in preventing water from seeping into the pavement and causing damage.

The pavement design is an important step in the construction of a highway pavement. The design must be based on sound geotechnical principles and must take into account the traffic loads and the soil conditions at the site.