Page 16 - Highway Engineering Handbook Building and Rehabilitating the Infrastructure

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PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION

The Highway Engineering Handbook has been developed by knowledgeable engineers to serve as a
comprehensive reference source for those involved in highway design. This handbook is broad in scope,
presenting information on topics ranging from environmental issues to value engineering, from the design of
culverts, lighting, and noise walls to the design of safety systems, retaining walls, and bridges. In addition,
such fundamental subjects as location and pavement design are fully discussed.
This volume should be useful to a wide range of personnel involved in highway design and construction,
including consulting engineers; engineers employed by departments of transportation in federal, state, and
local governments; those involved with turnpike authorities; and engineering educators. Both experienced
practitioners and serious students will find the information presented here useful and easy to apply. It should
enable the engineer to create a design that fulfills the requirements of the highway user: a safe, smooth,
durable, aesthetically pleasing, environmentally sensitive, and economical highway system.
Contributors to this handbook are experienced highway engineers, consultants, or educators. They are
leading authorities in their subject areas. The guiding principle of this book is to present practical information
that has direct application to situations encountered in the field. Efforts were made to coordinate the
information with that of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).
Metric units are used where feasible to ease the transition to that system.
The material in this book follows a logical sequence. It begins with a discussion of environmental issues, a
fundamental consideration in modern highway design. This is followed by a chapter on location, design, and
traffic that includes extensive examples of typical standard treatments. A subject critical to building and
maintaining durable systems, pavement design and rehabilitation, is then presented. Following this, aspects of
bridge engineering are discussed to aid in the selection of bridge type and material for a durable design. The
essentials of culvert design are then offered, as well as information on the various culvert types available.
Next, a discussion of roadway safety addresses the latest options for providing for errant vehicles that leave
the traveled way. A wealth of information follows on signing and lighting highways, subjects that also are
closely related to highway safety. A comprehensive chapter next addresses the selection and design of
retaining walls and considers both generic and proprietary systems. Walls to reduce traffic noise and screen
unsightly areas are then considered. Finally, a chapter on value engineering and life cycle cost presents
fundamental insights into these areas, as well as application examples, to encourage cost-effective design.
The contributors and editors are indebted to their colleagues and a variety of sources for the information
presented. Credit is given in references throughout the text to the extent feasible.
The reader is cautioned that independent professional judgment must be exercised when information given
in this handbook is applied. Anyone making use of this information assumes all liability arising from such use.
Roger L. Brockenbrough, P.E.
Kenneth J. Boedecker, Jr., P.E.