ID:
511797
Duration (hours):
60
CFU:
6
SSD:
STRADE, FERROVIE E AEROPORTI
Year:
2025
Overview
Date/time interval
Secondo Semestre (02/03/2026 - 12/06/2026)
Syllabus
Course Objectives
At the end of the course, the student will acquire an in-depth knowledge of methodologies for the design and functional and performance management of road infrastructures. They will be able to analyze road traffic using quantitative indicators and estimate the theoretical, possible, and corrected capacity of infrastructures based on the HCM methodology. The student will be able to design and evaluate various types of intersections (at-grade, roundabouts, and grade-separated), and to design the road pavement structure, selecting among flexible, rigid, or modular pavements according to load conditions, environment, and required durability. Operational skills will be developed for pavement performance assessment, quality control, and maintenance strategies, including winter maintenance techniques. The course also provides decision-support tools within an integrated perspective of sustainability, safety, and road network continuity.
Course Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of Civil Engineering is required, with specific reference to the geometric design of road infrastructures, traffic flow theory, and materials for pavement construction. Preliminary notions of road geotechnics and road hydraulics are also recommended.
Teaching Methods
The course includes lectures, numerical exercises, and case study analysis. The lectures provide theoretical foundations, design methodologies, and reference standards. The exercises are aimed at applying the acquired knowledge to real-world problems, with a focus on pavement design, capacity evaluation, and intersection management. Case studies will be used to encourage critical discussion and develop decision-making skills in the design and management of road infrastructures.
Assessment Methods
The final examination consists of two parts: a written test, focused on technical and design-related problems, and an oral exam, dedicated to the critical discussion of the topics covered during the course. The written test includes numerical exercises (e.g. capacity analysis, pavement design, intersection assessment) and applied theoretical questions. Admission to the oral exam is subject to passing the written test.
Texts
Santagata F. A. et al., Strade. Teoria e tecnica delle costruzioni stradali, vol. I e II, Pearson (2016) Transportation Research Board (TRB), Highway Capacity Manual (HCM), latest edition Additional materials (technical standards, scientific articles, handouts) will be provided during the course or via the online platform.
Contents
The course is divided into ten thematic modules, each addressing a specific aspect of road infrastructure design and management: Road traffic analysis Main traffic indicators, flow classification, surveys and graphical representations, hourly, weekly and seasonal variations, demand determination and traffic forecasting. Road capacity and levels of service Definitions of theoretical, possible and corrected capacity; introduction to the HCM (Highway Capacity Manual) methodology; application to urban, rural and motorway sections. At-grade intersections Types and geometries, right-of-way and control criteria, functional and performance analysis, capacity and level of service estimation. Roundabouts Classification (mini, compact, multi-lane), geometric and functional design principles, models for capacity and safety, practical examples. Grade-separated interchanges Types of interchanges, components, design criteria, performance evaluation. Pavement structure design Principles of mechanical and performance-based design, design loads, multilayer approach, national and international standards, performance verification. Flexible pavements Layered composition, materials, design criteria, mechanical behaviour, degradation and failure modes. Rigid and modular pavements Concrete pavements (reinforced/unreinforced), joints and reinforcement, performance criteria and applications. Pavement maintenance Types of maintenance (routine, major, emergency), distress classification, PCI (Pavement Condition Index), planning of preventive maintenance. Pavement testing and winter maintenance Bearing capacity and deflection tests, functional performance assessments (friction, roughness, texture), winter maintenance techniques (de-icing, snow removal), service level management under critical conditions.
Course Language
Italian
Degrees
Degrees (3)
CIVIL ENGINEERING
Master’s Degree
2 years
CIVIL ENGINEERING
Master’s Degree
2 years
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
Master’s Degree
2 years
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