Soil Mechanics – Road Pavement Design

The aim of the course Soil Mechanics – Road Pavement Design is to provide students with the necessary theoretical and applied knowledge regarding the basic principles of soil mechanics and the importance of soil as an engineering material in road construction works. Students are expected to understand the composition, classification and mechanical behavior of soils, as well as the stresses that develop within the soil mass and between soil particles, so that they are able to evaluate subsoil behavior in forest road engineering projects.

Students will acquire knowledge concerning the concept, role, function and basic layers of pavements, as well as pavement materials, their characteristics and the criteria for their selection. They will be introduced to the basic principles of pavement design, the subgrade layer, subsoil improvement, subgrade preparation, and the methods of compaction of soils and pavement materials, as well as to the relevant control procedures.

They will become familiar with the basic road construction machinery, their categories and uses, so as to be able to select the appropriate equipment according to the type and requirements of the project. They will also understand the importance of surface and subsurface road drainage, as well as the role of ditches, drains and culverts in the protection and functionality of the road project.

In addition, the course aims to introduce students to the basic principles of slope stabilization, both through engineering and bioengineering methods, as well as to the use of retaining walls, with emphasis on safety, functionality and the environmental adaptation of road works to the natural environment.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

·         know the basic concepts of soil mechanics and understand soil as an engineering material in road construction works

·         identify soil composition and classify soils on the basis of their basic characteristics and mechanical behavior

·         understand the basic operating principles of pavements and the role of their individual layers

·         select appropriate pavement materials on the basis of technical and functional criteria

·         apply the basic principles of pavement design and subgrade layer preparation

·         assess the importance of compaction, subsoil improvement and quality control during the construction of road works

·         know the basic types of road construction machinery and select the appropriate equipment for earthworks and construction operations

·         understand the importance of surface and subsurface drainage and propose basic solutions for removing water from the road project

·         distinguish the main forms of slope instability and propose suitable engineering and bioengineering stabilization methods

·         combine technical, functional and environmental parameters in order to propose road engineering solutions fully harmonized with the natural environment.