INSTRUCTOR: David K. Hein, P.Eng. 

Purpose and Background

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) issues an annual report on the state of the transportation infrastructure in the United States. Since 1998, the grades have been near failing, averaging only Ds, due to delayed maintenance and underinvestment across most categories. One of the most effective ways of improving the condition of our transportation infrastructure is to make it last longer.

This webinar examines the basic design principals of flexible (asphalt surfaced) and rigid (concrete surfaced) pavements to give participants a good understand of what matters to ensure the maximum pavement life possible. Constructing a pavement is not as precise as factory manufacturing, where the input materials and processes are strictly controlled to result in the desired final product. While processes and procedures are in place for both quality control and quality assurance, changes and variations in the materials, weather conditions, contractor operations, etc. can have a significant impact on the life of the pavement. Case studies of cause and effect are presented in a sequence of construction commencing at the subgrade and working towards the pavement surface to illustrate the impact of poor quality construction and inspection on pavement performance.

This webinar is part of a 3-part series of webinar on Roadway Construction, Inspection and Maintenance Techniques to Minimize Life-Cycle Costs. The complete series of webinars includes:

• Part 1: Roadway Construction Inspection Techniques: Easy Methods to Improve Pavement Performance
• Part 2: Roadway Construction Quality Control and Inspection Techniques for Concrete Surfaced Pavements
• Part 3: Roadway Construction Quality Control and Inspection Techniques for Asphalt Surfaced Pavements

This first webinar in the series Roadway Construction Inspection Techniques - Easy Methods to Improve Pavement Performance provides an overview of the basic design principles for high quality pavement construction, maintenance and rehabilitation.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the basic design principles and critical aspects of transportation pavement infrastructure
• Be able to describe key elements to ensure the cost-effective life-cycle of pavements
• Identify important issues and inspection and testing tasks to maximize pavement life
• Document and understand the impact of poor design and construction activities that will negatively impact pavement performance

Webinar Benefits

• Know the critical design and construction processes
• Focus on the critical items to maximize pavement life
• Identify the consequences of deviations from construction specifications
• Understand the value of design and constructability reviews
• Document the value of high quality construction inspection
• Understand key testing requirements
• Become more observant to identify issues that may impact pavement life

Webinar Outline

• Desirable features of a pavement
• Basics to ensure pavement life
• Key design elements
• Subgrade preparation
• Key construction features
• Flexible (asphalt concrete) pavements
• Rigid (concrete) pavements
• Achieving smoothness and friction
• Common maintenance practices

Intended Audience

• Engineers and technicians involved in roadway design, construction and maintenance
• State DOT and municipal agency personnel involved in the delivery of transportation infrastructure
• Trainers and educators involved in qualifying or certifying construction inspectors
• Contractors interested in advancing roadway construction technology