Introduction to Physical Design of

Transportation Facilities

GROUP B- TRANSIT STRATEGISTS

MARTIN DAMON
ARIANE BOHOL
JAMES NICOLE CAPILI
LEMUEL CANTO
 The physical design of transportation
facilities is a crucial aspect of urban and
rural planning. It encompasses the
development of roads, highways, bridges,
tunnels, airports, railways, and other
infrastructure that facilitates the efficient
and safe movement of people and goods. This
design process requires a comprehensive
understanding of various factors, including
traffic flow, environmental considerations,
and user needs.
Fundamentals of Transportation
Infrastructure Economic Growth

Efficient transportation
infrastructure is essential for
economic growth. It reduces
transportation costs, allows
businesses to operate more
effectively, and facilitates the
movement of goods and
services.
Fundamentals of Transportation
Infrastructure Social Well-being

Well-designed transportation
systems improve the quality of
life for residents. They provide
access to jobs, education,
healthcare, and recreational
opportunities, fostering social
inclusion and reducing
inequalities.
Fundamentals of Transportation
Infrastructure Environmental Sustainability
Transportation infrastructure
can be designed to minimize
environmental impact. By
promoting public
transportation, cycling, and
walking, we can reduce
carbon emissions and traffic
congestion.
Fundamentals of Transportation
Infrastructure Safety and Security
Safety is paramount in
transportation design.
Well-designed roads,
intersections, and traffic
control systems reduce
accidents and ensure the
safe movement of people
and vehicles.
 Factors Influencing
Transportation Facility Design
Traffic Volume and Speed
The volume and speed of traffic
are major factors determining the
design of roads and highways.
High traffic volumes necessitate
wider lanes, more lanes, and
interchanges to manage
congestion.
 Factors Influencing
Transportation Facility Design
Terrain and Topography
The terrain and topography of
the area influence the design of
roads and railways, requiring
adjustments for hills, valleys, and
curves. Tunnels, bridges, and
other structures may be
necessary to overcome
 Factors Influencing
Transportation Facility Design
Land Use and Development
The surrounding land use and
development patterns affect the
design of transportation facilities.
Urban areas require denser
networks with pedestrian and transit
infrastructure, while rural areas may
focus on efficient road connections.
 Factors Influencing
Transportation Facility Design
Environmental Considerations
Environmental factors play a
critical role in transportation
design, including air quality,
noise pollution, and habitat
protection. Sustainable design
principles are increasingly
integrated to minimize negative
impacts.
 Transportation Facility Design
Process
This stage involves detailed
This involves regular
inspections, repairs, and
engineering drawings,
upgrades to address wear
specifications, and
1 environmental impact
3
and tear, adapt to
changing needs, and
Planning and Needs assessments.
Construction maintain a high level of
Assessment
service.
Design Development Operation and
This includes excavation,
This involves data Maintenance

collection, analysis, and 2 paving, bridge

construction, and 4
stakeholder engagement to
installation of signage and
determine the scope and
lighting, requiring
purpose of the project.
meticulous coordination
 Design Standards
Roads and Highways
Bridges and Tunnels

Design standards for roads and

These structures require specialized design
highways are governed by agencies
considerations, including structural
like AASHTO (American Association of
integrity, load capacity, and safety. The
State Highway and Transportation
American Society of Civil Engineers
Officials). They specify geometric
(ASCE) provides design standards for
design elements like lane width,
these facilities.
shoulder width, curvature, and vertical
alignment.
 Design Standards

Railways Airports

Railway design standards are determined Airport design is guided by the

by organizations like the American Railway International Civil Aviation

Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Organization (ICAO) and the Federal

Association (AREMA). They address track Aviation Administration (FAA). They

gauge, track geometry, signaling systems, establish standards for runway length,

and safety features. taxiway layout, terminal design, and air

traffic control systems.
Relationships between Vehicular and Facility
Characteristics

Vehicular Characteristic Facility Characteristic

Vehicle Length Lane Width

Vehicle Width Shoulder Width

Vehicle Speed Design Speed, Curvature, Vertical Alignment

Vehicle Acceleration/Deceleration Stopping Sight Distance, Passing Sight Distance

Vehicle Turning Radius Intersection Design, Curb Radius

Vehicle Weight Pavement Design, Bridge Design

Road-User Characteristics

Road-User Characteristics Effects on Transportation System

Age and Experience

Physical Abilities
Gender Differences
Emotional State • Increased Accident Rates
Behavioral Traits • Traffic Flow and Congestion
Knowledge and Awareness • Infrastructure Design Needs
Substance Use
• Insurance and Economic Costs
Cultural and Socioeconomic
Factorse
Design Speed and Sight Distance
Design Speed

The maximum safe speed that a vehicle can travel on a road or highway
under ideal conditions. It's determined by geometric design elements
like curvature and vertical alignment. Design speed influences the
selection of appropriate sight distances.

Sight Distance

The distance that a driver needs to see ahead in order

to safely operate a vehicle. This includes stopping
sight distance and passing sight distance.
 Design Speed
Road Type Design Speed (km/h) Other Information

National Road (Limited Access) 80-100 These roads are designed for high-speed traffic with limited access points.

Provincial Road (Limited Access) 60-80 These roads connect major towns and cities within a province.

City Road (Limited Access) 40-60 These roads are designed for higher traffic volume within urban areas.

National Road (Unlimited Access) 60-80 These roads are designed for moderate traffic volume with frequent access points.

Provincial Road (Unlimited Access) 40-60 These roads connect smaller towns and villages within a province.

These roads are designed for high traffic volume within urban areas with frequent access
City Road (Unlimited Access) 20-40
points.
 Sight Distance
Stopping Sight Distance (SSD)
SSD is the minimum distance required to stop a vehicle safely after the
driver perceives a hazard. It is calculated based on the vehicle's speed,
perception-reaction time, and braking distance.

SSD = Perception-Reaction Distance + Braking Distance

Perception-Reaction Time -The time it takes a driver to perceive a hazard and react by braking.
Perception-Reaction Distance = (Vehicle Speed * Perception-Reaction Time) / 3.6

Braking Distance-The distance a vehicle travels while braking to a complete stop.

Braking Distance = (Vehicle Speed^2) / (2 * Friction Coefficient * Gravity)
Table 3. Coefficients of friction and stopping sight distances
 Problem 1.
Determine the minimum
stopping sight distance on
a *2.5% grade at a design
speed of 90 km/h.
 Problem 2.
Determine the
minimum stopping
sight distance on a
+1.5% grade at a design
speed of 100 km/h.
 Problem 3.
Determine the
minimum stopping
sight distance on a
*4.0% grade at a
design speed of 70
km/h.
Design Documents for Transportation
Projects
Design Plans and Specifications
Design plans and specifications provide detailed drawings, engineering calculations, and
material specifications outlining the construction of the project. These documents ensure
consistency and adherence to design standards.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

An EIA evaluates the potential environmental impacts of the project and proposes mitigation
measures to minimize negative effects. This document ensures environmental compliance
and sustainable design principles.
Design Documents for Transportation
Projects
Bid Documents
Bid documents are prepared for contractors who wish to bid on the project. They include
detailed information about the scope of work, specifications, and project timeline, allowing
contractors to submit competitive bids.

Construction Drawings

Construction drawings provide detailed plans, elevations, and sections for each part of the
project, guiding construction crews on the construction process and ensuring accuracy.
 1 Peter 5:7

“Cast all your anxieties on him, because

He cares for you.“
Play
Time