Topic outline

  • Earthwork Testing and Subgrade Specification

    Credits: 3 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    Typical highway construction involves the use of existing native materials to form the roadbed prior to the placement of the manufactured materials that compose the pavement structure. These native materials, if properly handled and compacted, can be used successfully to construct the roadbed. Soils are the most abundant material used in highway construction. Due to this importance, knowledge of soil properties, condition, and proper construction practice is of utmost importance.

    This course covers the core testing and verification procedures for earthwork materials on highway projects. It examines how to classify soils, verify compaction through field density testing, and ensure imported materials meet specification. The course draws from the Federal Lands Highway Field Materials Manual by the FHWA U. S. Department of Transport (2021) and is part of a series on highway materials acceptance and testing.

    Topics:

    Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
    • Classify soil materials using AASHTO M 145 and field test methods.
    • Design and execute moisture-density testing for embankment compaction control.
    • Specify and verify imported subgrade, select borrow, and backfill materials.
    • Interpret field density test results and assess compliance.
    • Document material certifications for earthwork projects.

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: This course is intended for highway and civil engineers, construction managers, and project engineers responsible for subgrade construction, embankment inspection, and materials acceptance on highway projects.
    Publication Source: Cadistics Courseware

    Donald Parnell, PE and Jeelan Moghraby, PhD., MBA

    • Topic 1