GEOMETRIC DESIGN FOR RURAL ROADS USING MXROAD U SOFTWARE

Abstract

Design is principally concerned with converting to physical dimensions the constraints introduced by planning concepts. It is important to realize that the function of the road reserve is broader than merely the accommodation of moving traffic which may be either vehicular or pedestrian. Although geometric design tends to focus on movement, the other functions must be accommodated. The goals of transportation are the economic, safe and convenient movement of people and goods with a minimum of side-effects. These goals are unchanged. It must be understood that, in arriving at an acceptable road design, these goals apply equally to all modes of travel. In this respect, it will invariably be necessary to seek compromises between the various modes. The one goal seen as being non-negotiable is safety. For example, the safety of pedestrians cannot be compromised in pursuit of convenience of vehicular travel. Corridors, in association with their intended functions, will ultimately define the horizontal alignment of the roads located in them. A need for high traffic speeds will suggest high values of horizontal radius, whereas reductions in radius could be applied to force speeds down to match activities involving a mix of vehicular and non-vehicular traffic. Reduction of the lengths of tangents between curves or intersections could serve the same purpose. The dominant function of the corridor defines the vertical alignment in terms of maximum and minimum acceptable gradients, vertical curvature and length of grade etc. The basic objectives in geometric design are to optimize efficiency and enhancing safety while minimizing cost and environmental damage. For this purpose MXROAE) software is used in this dissertation work, which provide new efficiencies to the complex and necessary task of geometric design of the road. This is a computer based software which provides all important geometric parts of the road including L-section, cross section, horizontal profile and vertical profile. This software is an effective tool in designing geometry of the road. It save time and money, which is not possible in doing these things manually.