Course Description:

The aim of this course is to provide participants, involved in the labour-based construction and upgrading of low volume roads, with an introduction to and basic understanding of mathematical concepts and calculations; survey concepts and calculations; materials and materials related concepts and typical road terms and components encountered in the construction of these roads.

Course Outlines:

• Overview of fundamentals in road construction
• Basic mathematical concepts and calculations

1. Introduction
2. Units measurement
3. Typical shapes – areas and volumes
4. Proportional calculations
5. Ratios
6. Percentages (%)
7. Scale
8. Understanding and using of graphs

• Survey concepts

1. Horizontal alignment
2. Vertical alignment
3. Longitudinal section
4. Cross-section
5. Centre line
6. Slope/gradient/grade
7. Simple survey tools

• Material concepts

1. Gravel
2. Bitumen
3. Bituminous emulsion
4. Cutback bitumen
5. Cutback bitumen
6. Concrete
7. Cement mortar
8. Masonry work

• Weather considerations

1. Hot, dry weather paving
2. Cold weather paving
3. Rain

• Typical road terms and components

1. Road terminology
2. Road cross-section: sealed (surfaced) road
3. Road drainage

• Troubleshooting

1. Common problems
2. Hot and cold weather
3. Sawing problems
4. Sealing problems