Module manager: Dr Ana Heitor
Email: a.heitor@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as an Elective
Producing a conceptual design for a transport infrastructure project takes into account route alignment and its impact society and the environment. The topography and geology will inform the alignment and structures that form the project. A risk-based approach to identify the hazards to the structures and the environment together with the impact on society will be used to produce the conceptual design.
This module provides a holistic and systematic approach to the design of transport infrastructure focusing on the alignment and resulting structures, with a clear practical application.
Upon completion of the module students will have:
1. Apply a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of engineering principles and methodology necessary to underpin the design of complex transport infrastructure systems, and an understanding and know-how of the scientific principles of related disciplines, to enable appreciation of the wider engineering context, and to support the development of critical awareness of relevant historical, current and future developments and technologies in the wider context of engineering. (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M1)
2. An understanding of concepts from a range of areas, including some outside engineering, and the ability to evaluate them critically and to apply them effectively in transport infrastructure projects.
3. An ability to select and apply quantitative and computational methods, using alternative approaches and discussing their limitations, in order to solve complex transport infrastructure problems and to implement appropriate action. (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M3)
4. An ability to apply, an integrated or systems approach to solving complex problems related to transport infrastructure. (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M6)
5. An ability to extract and evaluate pertinent available data and to apply engineering and project management principles in the solution of complex transport infrastructure problems. (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M15)
6. An ability to understand and evaluate business, customer and user needs, including considerations such as the wider engineering context, public perception and aesthetics. (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M5)
7. An ability to investigate and define a complex transport infrastructure problem, identifying any constraints including environmental, sustainability and societal limitations; ethical, diversity and inclusion, health, safety, security and risk issues; codes of practice and standards. (AHEP 4 Learning Outcomes M5 and M7)
8. Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of transport infrastructure projects and propose strategies to minimise adverse impacts (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M7)
9. An ability to work with information that may be incomplete or uncertain, quantify the effect of this on the design solution and an ability to work with technical uncertainty.
10. An ability to apply advanced problem-solving skills, technical knowledge and understanding, to establish rigorous and creative solutions that are fit for purpose for all aspects of a transport infrastructure problem
11. An ability to plan and manage the design process and apply engineering management principles, to evaluate outcomes in the context of transport infrastructure projects. (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M15)
12. Apply knowledge and understanding of risk issues, including health & safety, environmental, societal, diversity and inclusion and commercial risk, risk assessment and risk management techniques to design transport infrastructure alignments (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M5 and M7).
15. An understanding of different roles within an engineering team and the ability to exercise initiative and personal responsibility, which may be as a team member or leader and evaluate own and team performance (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M16)
16. An ability to communicate effectively complex engineering matters in the context of transport infrastructure projects with technical and non-technical audiences and evaluate the effectiveness of methods used. (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M17)
17. An ability to adopt an inclusive approach to the design of transport infrastructure assets and recognise the responsibilities, benefits and importance of supporting equality, diversity and inclusion within the context of the transport infrastructure project and within their engineering team (AHEP Learning Outcome M11)
18. Discuss the role of quality management systems in the context of delivery of transport infrastructure projects and role of continuous improvement (AHEP Learning Outcome M14)
19. Use workshop skills to
solve and investigate complex transport infrastructure problems. (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M12)
This module contributes to the AHEP4 learning outcomes M1, M2, M3, M5, M6, M7, M11, M12, M14, M15, M16, M17
Strategic planning of transport corridors taking account the societal, political, diversity and inclusion, environmental and sustainability issues.
Route optioneering taking into account the topography, geology, hydrology, hydrogeology, geotechnical models and the geometric criteria governed by operational limits.
Overview of transport infrastructure structures including bridges, tunnels, embankments, cuttings and pavements. A risk based approach will be used to identify appropriate solutions.
Risk assessment including an environmental risk assessment and a hazard risk assessment.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Group Learning | 2 | 0.5 | 1 |
| Lecture | 8 | 2 | 16 |
| Tutorial | 6 | 1 | 12 |
| Private study hours | 121 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 29 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
The main focus for private study and independent learning is the group project which focuses on the design of a transport infrastructure project.
Student’s feedback will be obtained through a questionnaire at the end of the module.
Student feedback will be obtained through informal group meetings arranged to discuss their progress and the tutorial sessions.
Formative group feedback will also be given for Stage 1 – Design proposal assessment item and peer assessment.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Report | Stage 2 - Individual Reflective Review | 5 |
| Group Project | Stage 2 - Concept Design Report | 55 |
| Oral Presentation | A pitch presentation of the scheme | 15 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 75 | |
The resit will be a project report covering an existing transport infrastructure project. The candidate will undertake a forensic analysis of the project to determine whether it was a sustainable and resilient solution.
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Open Book exam | 3.0 Hrs Mins | 25 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 25 | |
The exam will be a design review and will take place in a computer cluster.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 01/05/2025
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