Topic outline

  • Introduction to Geotechnical Issues in Pavement Design

    Credits: 7 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    This course provides an introduction to geotechnical issues in pavement design, construction, and performance, including 1) the identification of the geotechnical parameters of interest; 2) the influence of climate, moisture, and drainage; 3) the impact of unsuitable subgrades; 4) the determination of the geotechnical inputs needed for designing different types of pavements; and 5) the evaluation and selection of appropriate remediation measures for unsuitable pavement subgrades. A brief history of the AASHTO highway pavement design techniques is included to illustrate how geotechnical design considerations have grown in importance and prominence over time, and the mechanistic-empirical design approach developed under the NCHRP 1-37A Pavement Guide is discussed.

    Topics:

    This course teaches the following specific knowledge and skills:
    • A historical perspective on pavement design
    • Components of a pavement system
    • Flexible, rigid, and composite pavements
    • Unpaved and naturally surfaced roads
    • Pavement performance with ties to geotechnical issues
    • Issues related to new construction, rehabilitation, and reconstruction
    • Design considerations related to natural subgrade, cut, and fill, environmental effects, drainage, and soil improvement
    • Sensitivity of pavement design to geotechnical parameters
    • Empirical, mechanistic, and mechanistic-empirical design
    • AASHTO pavement design guides
    • NCHRP 1-37A Pavement Guide

    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

    Reference Materials (Part 1)

     Reference Materials (Part 2)

    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: civil, geotechnical, highway, and transportation engineers concerned with pavement design.
    Publication Source: US DOT (Federal Highway Administration)


    Mark Rossow PhD, PE (retired)

    • Topic 1