Module manager: Dr Yue Huang
Email: y.huang1@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Admission to UG programmes in the School of Civil Engineering
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module will introduce the principles and design considerations for highway intersection and pavement. Building on knowledge of highway geometry design, students will learn to evaluate the level of service on a highway link, and develop skills in design for highway infrastructure including the main types of intersections and pavement structures. The concept of life cycle maintenance will also be explained in the module.
The objectives of this module are:
-To provide key knowledge in design considerations of highway interchange.
-To undertake highway intersection design tasks including evaluation of the Level of Service (LoS).
-To establish a sound understanding of road pavement and materials.
-To consider appropriate design options for highway pavement according to the traffic and environment.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject (contributing to the AHEP4 learning outcomes indicated between brackets):
1. Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics and engineering principles to describe, characterise and analyse the performance of different junction types and pavement materials (M1 and M2);
2. Apply mathematical and analytical methods to the evaluation of junction capacity and to developing solutions to enhance their performance, with an appreciation of their limitations (M2 and M3);
3. Design solutions for road pavement applying models and tools, and considering social, environmental and economic matters following applicable industry standards and health & safety requirements (M5 and M7);
4. Select and apply appropriate materials and junction types underpinned by a critical evaluation of literature, and recognise limitations of technologies (M4 and M13).
ACADEMIC SKILLS
-Critical Analysis & Problem Solving: Analyse highway capacity and pavement performance using engineering principles and models.
Numerical Analysis: Apply mathematical and analytical methods to junction capacity evaluation and pavement design.
-Research & Evidence Gathering: Critically review literature and standards for highway design and maintenance strategies.
DIGITAL SKILLS
-Digital Proficiency: Use design and modelling software for junction layout and pavement structure analysis.
-Data Handling: Interpret traffic flow data and material performance data for design decisions.
WORK-READY SKILLS
-Communication: Produce technical reports and design documentation for highway projects.
-Time Management & Organisation: Plan and complete design exercises within deadlines.
-Teamwork/Collaboration: Engage in collaborative problem-solving during seminars and group design tasks.
ENTERPRISE SKILLS
-Innovation & Solution Design: Develop highway design solutions that balance performance, safety, and sustainability.
-Decision-Making: Evaluate trade-offs between cost, durability, and environmental impact in pavement and junction design.
SUSTAINABILITY SKILLS
-Systems Thinking: Incorporate life-cycle maintenance and sustainability principles into highway design.
-Risk Evaluation: Assess safety and operational risks in junction and pavement design
1. Highway capacity assessment
2. Junction design (at-grade and grade separated)
3. Pavement materials
4. Traffic assessment
5. Pavement design (analytical and empirical)
Methods of assessment
The assessment details for this module will be provided at the start of the academic year
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 8 | 2 | 16 |
| Seminar | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Private study hours | 82 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 18 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
Within the 2-hour lecture slots, students will do in-class exercise, ask questions to the tutor, and receive feedback on their work. This will be followed by discussion and general feedback on the exercise, which will consolidate the key learning points of the lecture topic.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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