Introduction to Infrastructure: An Introduction to Civil and Environmental Engineering

Chapter Four

Transportation Infrastructure

Chapter Outline

• Introduction
• Roads (ASCE 2009 Grade: D-)
• Mass Transit (ASCE 2009 Grade: D)
• Non-Motorized Transportation
• Aviation (ASCE 2009 Grade: D)
• Waterways (ASCE 2009 Grade: D-)
• Ports
• Locks
• Tunnels
• Rail (ASCE 2009 Grade: C-)
• Outro

Learning Objectives

After reading this chapter, you should be able to:

1. List the main sectors and subsectors of the transportation infrastructure.
2. Explain the function of each transportation sector.
3. Identify transportation infrastructure components.
4. Explain the function of transportation components.
5. List some of the most important design parameters for transportation components.
6. Describe some of the fundamental relationships between transportation and other infrastructure sectors, subsectors, and components.

Introduction

Transportation systems and components allow the movement of people and goods. Nearly 12billion tons of goods are transported domestically while an additional 2billion tons are traded to and from the United States annually. Designing, building, and maintaining transportation systems have a significant effect on the economic activity of the United States. Clearly, a strong economy is reliant on efficient and effective transportation systems.

Relationship Between Transportation Spending and Economic Stability

An Ohio Department of Transportation sign reflects the importance of transportation ...