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Stresses, strains and deflections in flexible and rigid pavements; pavement materials characterization; mechanistic and mechanistic-empirical design methods; pavement performance and evaluation.
This course covers important aspects of pavement design and rehabilitations. The first part of the course is mainly concerned with main factors affecting pavement performance; different types of distresses; pavement evaluations, rehabilitation strategies and material characterisations. Pavement materials characterisation is covered, including the nonlinear behaviour of unbound coarse- and fine-grained materials, as well as asphalt concrete performance in terms of fatigue, permanent deformation, and thermal cracking. Mix design, with emphasis on Superpave binder characterisation and hot mix asphalt design, is provided as supplementary reading for students who have not previously completed the undergraduate Pavement Engineering course (ENCN415).The second part of the course provides detailed coverage of Mechanistic–Empirical (M–E) design for both flexible and rigid pavements, including the Austroads M–E pavement design framework. Deflection analysis using FWD and deflectograph data, deflection bowl parameters, and backcalculation procedures are comprehensively addressed. Practical application using CIRCLY and backcalculation software is also included.The course will comprise teaching material covering the following topics: 1. Introduction to flexible/rigid pavement design philosophy and distress prevention/prediction2. Material characterisations for fine grained, coarse grained unbound base/subbase materials, asphalt binders and asphalt concrete mixes-introduction to Superpave. 3. Pavement traffic loading4. Flexible pavement stress/strain analysis (JULEA and CIRCLY7)5. Flexible pavement design models to prevent/predict fatigue cracking and plastic deformation (Austroads and AASHTO MEPD). 6. Rigid pavement stress/strain analysis (EverFE)7. Rigid pavement design models to prevent/predict longitudinal fatigue cracking (Austroads and AASHTO MEPD). 8. Introduction to the LTPP and the Infopave database. 9. Evaluating pavement condition; Roughness (IRI using PROVAL) and Structural capacity (Back-calculation BakFAA) 10. Flexible pavement overlay design.
At the end of the course, students should:Analyse flexible and rigid pavement structures under multiple axle loads using CIRCLY7 and the non-proprietary JULEA (flexible pavements) and EverFE (rigid pavements).Calculate design traffic for both flexible and rigid pavements.Carry out Mechanistic–Empirical pavement design for new flexible and rigid pavements.Undertake overlay design of existing flexible and rigid pavements.Conduct deflection analysis for existing flexible and rigid pavementsDemonstrate research and presentation skills through project work.
Subject to approval of the Programme Director.
Students must attend one activity from each section.
Mofreh Saleh
A.T. Papagiannakis
Indicative Course Assessment: (subject to confirmation) Research Paper (27/04/2026) 10% Two Assignments (due a week before final exam) 20% Lab report (20/04/2026) 10% Mid term test 15% Final Exam (27/04/2026) 45% Challenge Exercise (Optional) 5%Students will select a research topic from a list of suggested topics (based on the course material) or another related subject, subject to prior discussion with the course coordinator. They will conduct a literature review, deliver a class presentation (maximum 10 minutes) during the teaching sessions, and submit a research paper. The project report must be prepared in a conference- or journal-paper format.The final examination will be online, open book, and open notes, and will assess students’ understanding and application of the course material. The use of generative AI tools or other online assistance will be prohibited. Students must have access to a Windows-based laptop or desktop computer equipped with a microphone and camera in order to complete the online exam and quizzes.While a minimum 50% overall grade of the total course mark is the usual benchmark for passing, to guarantee a pass in the course you must also achieve at least 40% in both coursework and examination total marks.
This course is available to full-time and part-time students enrolled in the University of Canterbury postgraduate transport programmes (e.g., ME, MCivilEng, PGCertEng, or Certificate of Proficiency)Other undergraduate or postgraduate students at the University of Canterbury (e.g., engineering, geology) may also apply and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Such students should contact the course coordinator in advance.The course is also suitable for industry professionals involved in pavement design who have limited theoretical background. It may be taken as a stand-alone Certificate of Proficiency (COP) or as part of a larger qualification such as the ME or MCivilEng.Previous training in basic pavement engineering, design, or rehabilitation is desirable (e.g., the undergraduate course ENCN415). Background reading references can be provided if requiredThis course is worth 15 points, corresponding to a nominal workload of approximately 150 hours, including lectures, laboratory work, assignments, background reading, and independent study.Participants will receive detailed lecture slides for each topic at the start of the course. Although there is no prescribed textbook, recommended references available through the Engineering Library will be identified where appropriate. Students are also expected to use the Library’s research tools (note: distance services are available for students outside Christchurch).Links to relevant websites and electronic resources (including Austroads pavement guidelines) will be provided via the University’s online teaching system, Learn. Students are expected to use Learn for ongoing communication and discussion.
Domestic fee $1,344.00
International Postgraduate fees
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Civil and Environmental Engineering .