Highway engineering is a type of civil engineering that focuses on the planning and construction of roads. Design engineers and highway traffic engineers are two types of engineers who work in this field. Each specialty necessitates in-depth mathematical and scientific analysis and planning.
The most effective paving materials for the type of road and its expected use are determined by a highway engineer in charge of street design. For the road’s base and final layer, which is usually cement or asphalt, the engineer considers both flexible and rigid materials. For single-lane and multi-lane roads, he or she uses formulas to determine the amount of stress the highway can withstand, the materials’ service life, and how quickly ruts or roughness will appear.
Highway engineering involves both vertical and horizontal alignment during the geometric design process. On curves and near underpasses, an engineer determines the best sight distance for braking and passing. He or she takes into account the braking capabilities of traditional braking systems as well as anti-lock brakes, which are available on some vehicles.
Highway engineering also considers the roadway’s aerodynamic features and how they affect safety. The highway’s grade should also be adequate to allow for proper drainage without interfering with acceleration and braking. Other factors that engineers consider when designing new roads include fuel efficiency and driver comfort, as well as environmental impacts.
Some highway engineering projects include traffic studies to determine a street’s capacity and whether traffic flows freely and without bottlenecks. The engineer may consider the impact of a new road on all other highways in the area. He or she researches the number of accidents that have occurred in the area, how the road will be used, and how driver behavior may affect safety.
One aspect of highway engineering that is used in urban areas is intersection design. Engineers advise using traffic control systems to achieve the best traffic flow, particularly during peak hours. They use industry-standard simulations and models to determine whether stop signs, yield signs, or traffic signals are necessary. Engineers determine the timing of lights, cycle length, and signal coordination to improve traffic flow if signals are planned.
In urban areas, highway engineering examines public transportation and mass transit systems, as well as their effects on surface roads. Pedestrian needs are also considered when traffic control devices are planned based on statistical data. Working with officials who are familiar with projected growth, a traffic engineer might use models to predict future traffic needs.