PRESTON

UNIVERSITY
DISTANCE
LEARNING
ASSIGNMENT
PROJECT
BACHLOR OF TECHNOLOGY
(HONOR) CIVIL
FALL SEMESTER 2011
6TH SEMESTER

Prepared By:

MUHAMMAD SHAHZAD
REG. # 10M2-211003
P. O. BOX: 2652, ABU DHABI, UAE.
MOB. # +971 50 5250566, TEL. # +971 2 4066000
E-mail: mshahzad577@hotmail.com

DISTANCE LEARNING ASSIGNMENT

AGREEMENT NO: WRM-PTC-105-08

CONSULTANCY SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN
WESTERN REGION MUNICIPALITY (WRM)
AND
TANGRAM ARCHITECTS AND DESIGNERS (TAD).
RELATING TO STUDY, ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION,
DESIGN AND SUPERVISION FOR IMPROVEMENT,
UPGRADING, DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF THE
INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES AND PROJECTS
AT
GHAYATHI, SILA, THE ASSIGNED ISLANDS & COASTAL
ROADS.

SUBJECT:
IMPROVEMENT & UPGRADE FOR GHAYATHI MAIN ROAD.

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A- TABLE OF CONTENTS.
B- LIST OF FIGURES.
A- TABLE OF CONTENTS:
CHAPTER 1: Introduction
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4

Project Description
Study Objective
Project Stages
Adopted Methodology

CHAPTER 2: Data Collection

2.1
2.2
2.3

Existing Utilities
Existing Pavement Condition
Major Geometric Elements

CHAPTER 3: Site Visit & Main Findings

3.1
3.2
3.4
3.5

Introduction
Main Findings
Preliminary Recommended Option
Traffic Analysis

CHAPTER 4: Topographic Survey Works

4.1
4.2

Objective
Detailed Topographic Surveying

CHAPTER 5: Scope of Work & Construction Duration

5.1
5.2

Scope of Work
Construction Duration

CHAPTER 6: Arrangement with Relevant Authorities.

CHAPTER 7: Design Standards & Schematic Design
7.1
7.2
7.4
7.5
7.5
7.6

Introduction
Road Classification & Design Speed
Design Standards
Pavement Design
Attached Drawings
Construction Procedures

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CHAPTER 8: Cost Estimations.

B- LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 1: Existing Traffic Volumes
FIGURE 2: Surrounding Road Network
FIGURE 3: Typical Cross Section
FIGURE 4: Projected Traffic Volumes (2030)
FIGURE 5: Posted Speed 60 (KPH)
FIGURE 6: Design Speed According to road Classification
FIGURE 7: Design Control for Sag Vertical Curve
FIGURE 8: Design Control for Crest Vertical Curve
FIGURE 9: General Layout

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CHAPTER 1: Introduction
1.1 Project Description:
Tangram architects and designers (TAD) have been contracted by the Western Region
Municipality (WRM) to provide professional engineering services through the provisions
and requirements outlined in the consultancy services agreement no. WRMPTC10508.
This agreement details the principle engineering services to be provided by TAD primarily
covering the geographical areas of the towns of Ghayathi and Sila. Other areas may be
added as directed by WRM to potentially include assigned islands and the Coastal Roads.
Ghayathi main road is considered a portion on the E15 route that links E11 with
Liwa city it links Ghayathi city with Ruwais from the North Direction and Liwa from the
South Direction, this road started suffering from pavement conditions problems resulting in
reduction of level of service for the road users.
Accordingly Western Region Municipality has decided to improve and upgrade the road so
that the road will be capable to accommodate the anticipated future increase of traffic
volumes at the targeted level of service.
The following document has been referenced in the course of preparing this report:
Road Design Manual - Roads and Bridges released from Abu Dhabi Municipality,
2004, referred afterwards as ADRDM;
1.2 Study Objective:
The main two objectives of the study are to design and supervise
the Improvement of Ghayathi Main Road for a length of 2.8 Km
approximately.
Accordingly, the Consultant task is to achieve these two targets within the
optimum techno economic solution and meanwhile within the minimum disturbance on the
existing traffic flow.
This improvement would entail the following subjects:
Adding two shoulders from both to improve safety to road users.
Conducting consequent geometric modifications for intersections, lay bays, road
signs,
markings and street lighting.
Relocating existing services and service reservation according to the proposed
improvements and widening.
Modifications of sidewalks and landscape areas near Major intersections
Adding 3 roundabouts at stations 0+000, 0+967.505, 2+795.168.
1.3 Project Stages:
The Consultancy Services for the project are divided into the following three stages:
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Preparation of concept design report.

Preparation of preliminary design drawings.
Preparation of final design drawings and tender documents.

1.4 Adopted Methodology:

To achieve the study objectives, the Consultant established his adopted methodology as
explained in the following steps:
Initial discussions with WRM Infrastructure Sector.
Data collection
Data analyses, preparation of General Lay out of Road.
Site visit and visual inspection.
Survey works
Verification of collected data, preparation of Final Lay Out and proposing final layout.
Detailed discussions and coordination with relevant authorities.
Establishing Design Criteria.
Preparation of Schematic Preliminary Design and Design Report.

The following chapters comprise the detailed tasks conducted during each step of the adopted
methodology.

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CHAPTER 2: Data Collection

2.1 Existing Utilities:
The specific nature of the project - improvement of an existing road - would raise the attention
to be focused on the following main issues:
Existing utilities.
Existing pavement layers.
Major geometric elements of existing road between the end of the project and the start, existing
road C.L , cross section elements , horizontal alignment , vertical alignment and road side
furniture.
Based on initial site visits and meetings with the Client, a considerable amount of utilities,
located along the existing Service Corridor were found encountered in the project area and
sometimes within the widening locations.
Details of major geometric elements for existing roads have been subject to thorough
study based on collected data.
Eventually, TAD contacted relevant Authorities to collect required data regarding existing
utilities in the study area
2.2 Existing Pavement Condition:
Regarding pavement layers, it is essential to collect enough information
concerning existing layers thickness and materials to assure proper connection between new
and old pavement, hence TAD decided to perform Asphalt Core test to determine thickness of
pavement layers at different locations on the existing road.
2.3 Major Geometric Elements:
The Road starts at station 0+000 at a Roundabout at Ghayathi, near civil defence and ends
at Station 2+795.168 at an existing signalized intersection which is proposed to be converted to
a Roundabout.
The road Improvement passes through intersections that are proposed to be at grade
Roundabouts at stations 0+967.505 and ends at a roundabout.
2.4 Traffic Volumes:
Traffic counts were conducted at several locations within the study area of
Ghayathi main road. These volumes were analyzed during the peak hour. The hourly peak
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volumes are presented in Figure 1

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Figure 1 - Existing Traffic Volumes.

CHAPTER 3: Site Visit & Main Findings
3.

Introduction:
This chapter comprises different activities conducted during site visit. Main objectives of site
visit are:

Verifying collected data based on the already prepared General Lay Out drawing.
Recording the existing cross section elements, road furniture and characters supported with
photos wherever required.
Establishing a solid view for existing utilities.
Conducting a visual inspection for the existing pavement condition.
3.2 Main Finding:
From Station 0+000 to station 2+795.168 existing asphalt condition is very poor and
needs to be either overlaid (milled and repaved) or totally removed and replaced.
Cross section elements are composed generally of a multilane divided road with two lanes
in each direction and a landscaped median
Few drainage inlets exists only near the major intersections that drain to existing soak ways.
The cross falls of carriage way drains surface water outwards.
3.4 Preliminary Recommended Option:
1. Widening Concept:
Accordingly, based on site visit observation and after discussions with WRM
representatives the Preliminary Recommended Option is to widen the existing road by adding
the shoulders from both sides and maintaining the existing median in the middle.
Adding hard landscape
strip 1.00m wide as a buffer zone between landscape area and
asphalt edge.
Adding 6.00m wide landscape area buffer between sidewalk and travelled way
Adding 3 roundabouts at the major intersections of the main road.
2.
Existing Accesses:
Many access points are located along the main road; minor modifications to the geometry of
these accesses will be done regarding the turning radii and width of circulating roadway.
3.
Surrounding Road Network:
Ghayathi main road in the study area is located in a comprehensive road
network interconnected
Zooming in on Ghayathi main road on the study area, the immediate surrounding road
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network consists of a grid pattern that comprises the following:
Eastern Road ( parallel to the main road)
Western Road (parallel to the main road)
13st Street (from South)
31st Street (from North)

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Figure 2 - Surrounding Road Network

4.

Road Section:

Proposed road section comprise of the following:

2 lanes in each direction

Inside shoulder 2.5m wide
Outside shy distance 0.5m
5.00m landscaped median.
1.00m hard landscape from both directions
6.00m soft landscape
Figure 3 shows typical proposed cross section

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Figure 3 - Typical Cross Section

3.5 Traffic Analysis:
1. Introduction:
The purpose of the traffic analysis is to determine the capacity and configuration of
the road and its adequacy over the 20 years design life. The 2030 Al Gharbiya master plan was
published 2009. Another report commissioned by WRM a Comprehensive Infrastructure
Needs Analysis for the Western Region Municipality was prepared and approved by WRM in
December 2009. It complements the UPC plan and made recommendations to achieve the
Infrastructure goals aligned with master plan.
2. Modest Growth:
The Population growth in and around Ghayathi is projected to be modest; it is based on
expansion of agricultural activities and the need to provide increasing amount of food to the Abu
Dhabi emirate. Thus, Ghayathi will take an increasing role in the production and
transformation of food products. Available farm land is projected to grow from 3,171 hec. To
3,457 hec. In 2030. The overall population is projected to grow from 1400 to 15400 based on 1.64
persons per household and the projected job growth. The projected daily trip generated based on land
use is 27703.
3. Vehicle ownership:
According to Dubai Chamber of Commerce the UAE vehicle ownership is 0.54 per capita.
The comprehensive report suggested an approximate estimated ownership of 7500 vehicles for
Ghayathi.
4. Compound Traffic Growth:
Based on Macroeconomic factors listed above, TAD used a modest growth rate of 1% per year
(1.22 factor over 20 years).
5. Existing Traffic Volumes (2010):
15 minutes counts at different locations and at termini of the main road as it enters and exits
from Ghayathi were observed and recorded and design hourly volumes were extracted as shown
in figure 1
6. Projected Traffic Volumes (2030):
Projected traffic volumes were calculated on the basis of:
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Projected Traffic volumes in 2030 = 1.22 * Current Volume
Figure 4 shows projected traffic volumes in 2030.

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Figure 4 - Projected Traffic Volumes (2030)

7. Conclusion And Recommendations:

As per Highway Capacity Manual Roundabout capacity varies from 900 to 1400 Vehicle per
lane per hour.
TAD propose to retain 2 lane on major road in each direction and 1 or 2 lanes on Minor roads
Capacity is sufficient for analysis period; LOS (D) was selected as a target level of service in the
project design life.
Its recommended that major intersections of the main road will be roundabouts thats for
capacity, safety , reserving right of way and allowing for future expansion if needed.
Based on observed traffic volumes and anticipated volumes in 2030 the proposed 3 R/A in the
main intersections would maintain a level of service expected to be better than (D) in the main
road corridor in the design year (2030).

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CHAPTER 4: Topographic Survey Works

4.1 Objective:
The main objective of the performed topographic surveying works was to
establish a network of surveying reference points in the project site and to carry out a
comprehensive topographic surveying works along the road and to prepare the required
topographic plans.
4.2 Detailed Topographic Surveying:
Detailed topographic surveying along the route of the Road and within a strip of
about 60 m. widths have been performed by surveying all natural and man-made features.
These features includes, but not limited to, end points of the road, islands, fence, rest
areas, lighting posts, electric power lines, irrigation water, drainage and electricity chambers,
sewerage and storm water manholes, corners of buildings, trees and other topographic
features existed above the ground surface.

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CHAPTER 5: Scope of Work & Construction Duration

5.1 Scope of Work:
Earthworks (Cut and/ fill up to formation level)
Laying sub grade
Curbs at Intersections
Laying Sub base
Laying asphalt layers with prime and tack coat.
Installing sign boards
Road marking
Street lighting
Storm water
Future duct
Utilities Relocation
5.2 Construction Duration:
Based on the scope of work the estimated duration for construction would be 6 months.

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CHAPTER 6: Arrangements with Relevant Authorities

TAD had made correspondence with the following authorities for the provision of existing
and future utilities that are located or ought to be located in the construction zone, and
get their Non Objection Certificate regarding the construction of the project:
General Leadership of Military Forces, Optical Fibres Department.
Abu Dhabi Transmission and Despatch Company (TRANSCO).
Department of Transport, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Abu Dhabi Distribution Company, Electrical Construction section
Abu Dhabi Distribution Company, Water Construction Section
Etisalat, Head of Planning Section
Western Region Municipality, Town Planning Department.
Hence TAD is waiting for the response from these authorities.

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CHAPTER 7: Design Standards & Schematic Design

7.1 Introduction:
The initial objective of the project is to improve the existing Ghayathi main road adding two
shoulders to the existing road. In view of the above mentioned, Design Standards of the new
carriage way would comply with the existing road conditions. Regarding Intersections, the
dualization will require adding new 3 roundabouts at Major Intersection points shall be kept
subject to minor modifications to match with WRM recommendation that no major utilities
relocation works are required. Eventually main aspects to be taken into consideration are:
All elements of Horizontal and Vertical Alignments would follow the existing road
Criteria.
Cross fall of new lanes at the southern part of the road from station 0+000 to station
2+795.168, would have one slope directed outwards away from the median with the new
proposed level, as shown in fig
To conduct the required design, a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) has been created by processing
the survey data using the specialized software.
Based on this DTM plan and profile of existing road has been developed so that the new
design should comply with the existing geometric characters.
7.2: Road Classification & Design Speed:

The existing road has been classified as an urban frontage road collector from station
0+000 to station 2+795.168
Based on the a.m., Design Speed shall be taken initially 60 KPH and this initial value shall
be checked against existing horizontal curves and super elevation values to confirm the
Final Design.

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Figure 5 a design speed 60 KPH for urban frontage and stated that posted speed is considered
approximately 85% of design speed i.e. 50 KPH.

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Figure 6 - Design Speed According to road Classification.

7.4 Design Standards:

Road Design Manual - Roads and Bridges, were used to extract Design Standards to be
adopted in the project:

1-Horizontal Alignment:

Minimum Horizontal Curve: N.A

Maximum super elevation rate(%): N.A
Minimum super elevation transition length (m): N.A
Axis of rotation: N.A
Distribution of transition length: 2/3 of the transition length will be placed on
the tangent preceding the circular curve, while 1/3of the transition length will
be placed on the circular curve.N.A
Use of spiral: no spiral curve will be used in the horizontal alignment.

2-Vertical Alignment:

Profile grade line location: The median edge of the pavement

Minimum grade: 0.2%
Maximum Grade: 3%
Minimum length of crest vertical curve : Figure 7
Minimum length of sag vertical curve: Figure 6
Absolute minimum length of vertical curve : 120m

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Figure 7 - Design Control for Sag Vertical Curve

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Figure 8 - Design Control for Crest Vertical Curve

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3- Cross Section Elements:

Median width (m): As per ADRDM minimum width for median in an arterial main road is 5m,
with a 22 cm high curb.
Travelled way width(m) : 7.30m for the new lanes.
Shoulder Width (m): 2.50 Inside shoulder 0.50 Outer Shoulder.
Travelled way cross slope: 1.5%

4- Roundabouts:

Minimum Island Diameter (m) : 40.00

Minimum width of circulating pavement (m): 12.00
Entry width (m): 9.00
Exit width (m): 9.00

5 - Intersections

Major Intersections:
Three new major Intersections are proposed to be constructed located along the study area
at stations, 0+150, and 967.505, and
2+795.168 that are proposed to be roundabouts.

Minor Intersections:

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A number of right in /right outs are located along both sides of the road, following are the
basic consideration for the design of theses minor intersections:
Design Vehicle: Sufficient to cater for Buses and WB Minimum Corner Radii (m): 8.00
Minimum width of right turning roadway (m): 6.00 Deceleration Length: 40m including taper.
Acceleration length: 60m including taper.

7.4 Schematic Design:

Geometric Design
Geometric Design drawings attached to this report comprise the following elements:

C.L:

The existing road C.L. has been defined and drawn along the centre of the existing road.
The proposed road centreline for the proposed road has been defined at the centre of the median.
Road stationing has been conducted also based on station 0+000 near Civil defense and
increase in the South direction and ends at station 2+795.168

Plan & Profiles:

Plan:
Plan Drawings included in the drawings album show the schematic design (plan) applying the
selected option from station 0+000 to station 2+795.
Profile:
Based on survey works, a Digital Terrain Model has been created and Profile of existing
pavement has been developed along existing centre of single carriageway road.
The proposed Profile Grade Line (PGL) will be at the edge of the newly constructed road.
Elevations along the existing road were given at the centerline of the existing road and drawn on
the profile drawings.
Cross sections:
Typical Cross Section:
Fig. 3 show the proposed Typical Cross Sections

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Figure 9 - General Layout
Intersections:
Plan & Profile sheets included in the attached drawings shows the schematic design of
the new Intersections.
U-Turns:
No u-turns are allowed, it only can be done through the roundabouts at stations 0+150,
0+ 967.505 and at station 2+795.168 respectively.
7.5 Pavement Design:
At this stage of the study it is recommended to follow the existing pavement layers to assure
simplicity of construction works especially that the existing pavement has proved its efficiency
at site conditions. However, in the next stage (Detailed Design), the proposed layers shall be
checked based on Sub grade strength (C.B.R.) and Accumulative Standard Axle Loads during the
project Design Life.
Asphalt core test has been made to determine existing pavement layers, during site visit it
was noticed that the traffic volumes are very low, based on that TAD has proposed a section that
comprise of the following layers:
Sub grade layer 30cm compacted in 2 layers CBR >30, compacted to 95% MDD
Sub base layer 20cm with CBR>60, compacted to 98% MDD.
10cm Asphaltic Concrete (A.C), Base coarse
5cm Asphaltic concrete (A.C), Wearing coarse
7.5 Attached Drawings:
The drawings attached to the Concept Design Report can be summarized as a
layout out of the main road with the proposed modifications.
7.6

Construction Procedures:
The construction procedures would comprise the following steps:
Centerline setting out for the new road,
Fence Removal,
Removal of plantation such palm trees,
Utilities relocation (Etisalat lines, Lighting poles and low voltage cables).
Lowering and adjusting the manholes
Lengthening of existing sleeves and ducts at road crossing of utilities.
Construction of new road.
Excavation/ ducting and cable pulling to street lighting
Installation of street lighting poles
Installation of new road signs,
Reinstatement of old signage as relevant,

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Reinstatement of fencing to suit new road alignment and profile,

Road markings for the new roads and intersections

CHAPTER 8: Cost Estimations:

This project will be in line with WRM 2010 capital projects approved cost.

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