The primary objective of the Highway Engineering Laboratory is to provide civil engineering students with practical experience in evaluating the properties of materials used in highway construction and understanding the principles of pavement design and evaluation. This includes conducting standardized tests on aggregates, bitumen, and bituminous mixes, as well as understanding the methods for assessing pavement condition and quality control, thereby preparing students for the challenges of designing, constructing, and maintaining safe and efficient road networks.

Outcomes:

Students will be able to:

• Conduct standard tests on aggregates (e.g., aggregate crushing value, impact value, abrasion value, specific gravity, water absorption, flakiness index, elongation index) to assess their suitability for various pavement layers.

• Perform characterization tests on bitumen (e.g., penetration, ductility, softening point, viscosity, flash and fire point) to determine its grade and performance characteristics.

• Design and evaluate bituminous mixes using methods like the Marshall Mix Design method, determining optimum binder content, stability, flow, and volumetric properties.

• Understand and apply quality control testsfor pavement materials and construction, ensuring compliance with specifications.

• Operate and calibrate various highway engineering laboratory equipment, including aggregate testing apparatus, bitumen testing instruments, Marshall stability apparatus, and compaction equipment.

• Accurately collect, record, and analyze experimental data, including plotting curves and interpreting results according to relevant Indian Standards (IS codes) and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) specifications.

• Prepare comprehensive technical reports detailing experimental procedures, data analysis, results, and conclusions, demonstrating effective communication of highway engineering findings.

• Relate the measured material properties to their impact on pavement performance, durability, and service life.

• Understand the significance of material selection and mix design in achieving sustainable and cost-effective highway infrastructure.

• Adhere to safety protocols and ethical considerations within a highway engineering laboratory environment.