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Description

The Geometric Design Training Video Series was originally developed in the late 1990’s, through a multi-state pooled fund process with MnDOT serving as the lead agency. Since the contents presented in the original training series was due for an update, MnDOT coordinated a new multi-state partnership agreement to recreate and modernize the training series to  reflect current design standards, best practices, and technology in 2022. The updated training series is made up of 29 courses, consisting of video segments, interactive illustrations, examples, and exercises. This training series is intended to serve as a resource on the fundamentals of roadway design for design technicians and entry level engineers within the participating states, and also for other agencies that have need of training resources.

  • Basic Series (BS)
    • Understanding Three Basic Views: Plan, Profile and Cross Section
    • Reading and Understanding Contours
    • Understanding Typical Sections
    • Understanding Cross Sections
    • Sight Distance
    • Computing Tapers
    • Design Speed and Target Speed

 

  • Quantities Series (QS)
    • Introduction to Earthwork
    • Quantities I: Introduction
    • Quantities II: Computing and Tabulating
    • Quantities III: Computing Earthwork
    • Quantities IV: Drainage and Pavement

 

  • Horizontal Alignment Series (HAS)
    • Horizontal Alignment I: Stations and Stationing
    • Horizontal Alignment II: Bearings and Curves
    • Horizontal Alignment III: Design Components
    • Horizontal Alignment IV: Balancing Design Constraints
    • Horizontal Alignment V: Design and Placement
    • Superelevation I: Introduction
    • Superelevation II: Applications

 

  • Vertical Alignment Series (VS)
    • Vertical Alignment I: Design Process
    • Vertical Alignment II: Balancing Design Constraints
    • Vertical Alignment III: Profiles and Control Features
    • Vertical Alignment IV: Sight Distance

 

  • Intersection Series (IS)
    • Turning Movements
    • Speed-Change Lanes
    • At-Grade Intersections
    • Grade-Separated Interchanges

 

  • Clear Zone Series (CS)
    • Clear Zone I: Roadside Design
    • Clear Zone II: Barriers

Please visit the webpage for more information.

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Enroll Now - Select a section to enroll in
Section Title
BS: Understanding Three Basic Views
Section Schedule
Date and Time TBA
Course Fee(s)
Minnesota Local Agency Fee $0.00
Other Participant Fee $50.00
Section Details

Understanding Three Basic Views: Plan, Profile and Cross Section

The purpose of this lesson is to provide an overview of the three basic views found in roadway plans.

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Three Basic Views Used in Roadway Plans
  • Stationing: A Common Reference System
Section Title
BS: Reading and Understanding Contours
Section Schedule
Date and Time TBA
Course Fee(s)
Minnesota Local Agency Fee $0.00
Other Participant Fee $50.00
Section Details

Reading and Understanding Contours

The purpose of this lesson is to provide an overview of contours and how they are used to plot various views within the construction plan.

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Definition of Contours
  • Contour Intervals
  • Contour Patterns and Shapes
  • Profiles Plotted from Contours
  • Cross Sections Plotted from Contours
  • Interpolation of Elevations between Contours
  • Contour Map Uses
  • Creation of Contour Mapping
Section Title
BS: Understanding Typical Sections
Section Schedule
Date and Time TBA
Course Fee(s)
Minnesota Local Agency Fee $0.00
Other Participant Fee $50.00
Section Details

Understanding Typical Sections

The purpose of this lesson is to review the types of information found on typical sections.

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Placement and Purpose of Typicals 
  • Surface Structures
  • Subsurface Structures
  • Surfacing Materials
  • Stationing
  • Variables
  • Other Considerations,
  • Number of Typicals
  • Curbed and Uncurbed Sections
Section Title
BS: Understanding Cross Sections
Section Schedule
Date and Time TBA
Course Fee(s)
Minnesota Local Agency Fee $0.00
Other Participant Fee $50.00
Section Details

Understanding Cross Sections
The purpose of this lesson is to provide an overview of design elements found in cross sections and how match lines are used.

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Cross Section Definition and Details
  • Information from Cross Sections
  • Match Lines
Section Title
BS: Sight Distance
Section Schedule
Date and Time TBA
Course Fee(s)
Minnesota Local Agency Fee $0.00
Other Participant Fee $50.00
Section Details

Sight Distance

The purpose of this lesson is to provide an introduction to basic sight distance types.

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Sight Distance
  • Stopping Sight Distance
  • Decision Sight Distance
  • Passing Sight Distance and Intersections
  • Sight Distance Guidance
Section Title
BS: Computing Tapers
Section Schedule
Date and Time TBA
Course Fee(s)
Minnesota Local Agency Fee $0.00
Other Participant Fee $50.00
Section Details

Computing Tapers

The purpose of this lesson is to provide an overview of tapers and how they are used.

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Introduction to Tapers
  • Linear Taper Uses
  • Interchanges and Intersections
Section Title
BS: Design Speed and Target Speed
Section Schedule
Date and Time TBA
Course Fee(s)
Minnesota Local Agency Fee $0.00
Other Participant Fee $50.00
Section Details

Design Speed and Target Speed

The purpose of this lesson is to provide an overview of design speed and how the selection of design speed affects roadway capacity.

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Design Speed
  • Capacity and Flow
  • Levels of Service
  • Capacity Analysis
Section Title
QS: Introduction to Earthwork
Section Schedule
Date and Time TBA
Course Fee(s)
Minnesota Local Agency Fee $0.00
Other Participant Fee $50.00
Section Details

Introduction to Earthwork

The purpose of this lesson is to provide an overview of earthwork and how it is presented in roadway plans.

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Earthwork Quantities
  • Earthwork Volumes
  • Earthwork Summary
  • Balancing Earthwork
Section Title
QS: Quantities I: Introduction
Section Schedule
Date and Time TBA
Course Fee(s)
Minnesota Local Agency Fee $0.00
Other Participant Fee $50.00
Section Details

Quantities I: Introduction

The purpose of this lesson is to provide an overview of quantities and how they are represented in Special Provisions.

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Statement of Estimated Quantities
  • Complete In Place
  • Standard Specifications for Construction Divisions
  • Incidental Work
  • Non-Standard Pay Item
  • Engineer’s Estimate
  • Plan Quantities
  • Variation in Estimated Quantities
Section Title
QS: Quantities II: Computing and Tabulating
Section Schedule
Date and Time TBA
Course Fee(s)
Minnesota Local Agency Fee $0.00
Other Participant Fee $50.00
Section Details

Quantities II: Computing and Tabulating

The purpose of this lesson is to provide an overview of various quantities and how they are computed and tabulated.

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Quantity Units of Measurements
  • Utilities and Removals
  • Quantities for New Construction Items
  • Organization of Quantities
Section Title
QS: Quantities III: Computing Earthwork
Section Schedule
Date and Time TBA
Course Fee(s)
Minnesota Local Agency Fee $0.00
Other Participant Fee $50.00
Section Details

Quantities III: Computing Earthwork

The purpose of this lesson is to provide an overview of earthwork quantities and how cross sections are used to calculate earthwork.

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Using Cross Sections to Calculate Earthwork
  • Types of Earthwork Quantities
  • Soils Recommendation and Other Information
Section Title
QS: Quantities IV: Drainage and Pavement
Section Schedule
Date and Time TBA
Course Fee(s)
Minnesota Local Agency Fee $0.00
Other Participant Fee $50.00
Section Details

Quantities IV: Drainage and Pavement

The purpose of this lesson is to provide an overview of various quantities found in drainage and pavement construction and how they are represented in roadway plans.

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Drainage and Pavement Construction Items
  • Drainage Construction Items
  • Drainage Structures
  • Concrete Pavement Quantities
  • Pavement Reinforcement
  • Joints and Joint Types
Section Title
HAS: Horizontal Alignment I: Stations and Stationing
Section Schedule
Date and Time TBA
Course Fee(s)
Minnesota Local Agency Fee $0.00
Other Participant Fee $50.00
Section Details

Horizontal Alignment I: Stations and Stationing

The purpose of this lesson is to provide an overview of stationing and station equations and how they are used in roadway design.

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Stations and Stationing Defined
  • Assigning Station Values
  • Station Equations Defined
  • Stationing Process
  • Two Types of Station Equations
  • Equation Placement Process
  • Control Alignment
  • Correcting Equations
  • Offset Equations
Section Title
HAS: Horizontal Alignment II: Bearings and Curves
Section Schedule
Date and Time TBA
Course Fee(s)
Minnesota Local Agency Fee $0.00
Other Participant Fee $50.00
Section Details

Horizontal Alignment II: Bearings and Curves

The purpose of this lesson is to provide an overview of design elements and how they are represented in the horizontal alignment.

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Preliminary Horizontal Alignment
  • Azimuth and Bearings
  • Circular Curves
  • Computing Coordinates
Section Title
HAS: Horizontal Alignment III: Design Components
Section Schedule
Date and Time TBA
Course Fee(s)
Minnesota Local Agency Fee $0.00
Other Participant Fee $50.00
Section Details

Horizontal Alignment III: Design Components

The purpose of this lesson is to provide an overview of the design controls and considerations associated with horizontal alignment.

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Design Considerations
  • Elements of Horizontal Alignment
  • Design Controls
  • Coordination with Vertical Alignment
Section Title
HAS: Horizontal Alignment IV: Balancing Design Constraints
Section Schedule
Date and Time TBA
Course Fee(s)
Minnesota Local Agency Fee $0.00
Other Participant Fee $50.00
Section Details

Horizontal Alignment IV: Balancing Design Constraints

The purpose of this lesson is to provide an overview of how constraints and sight distance impact horizontal alignment design.

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Impact Assessment on Physical Control Features
  • Laying out Horizontal Alignment
  • Selecting Curve Radius and Length
  • Selecting Sight Distance Criteria
  • Stopping Sight Distance
  • Decision Sight Distance
  • Passing Sight Distance
  • Lateral Clearance
Section Title
HAS: Horizontal Alignment V: Design and Placement
Section Schedule
Date and Time TBA
Course Fee(s)
Minnesota Local Agency Fee $0.00
Other Participant Fee $50.00
Section Details

Horizontal Alignment IV: Balancing Design Constraints

The purpose of this lesson is to provide an overview of the design and placement of horizontal alignment.

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Flexible or Practical Design Approach
  • Independent Alignments
  • Sight Distance for Approaching Intersections
  • Sight Distance intersection Maneuvers
  • Sight Distance at Railroad Crossings
Section Title
HAS: Superelevation I: Introduction
Section Schedule
Date and Time TBA
Course Fee(s)
Minnesota Local Agency Fee $0.00
Other Participant Fee $50.00
Section Details

Superelevation I: Introduction

The purpose of this lesson is to provide an introduction to superelevation.

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Superelevation Defined
  • Changing Direction of the Roadway
  • Factors affecting use of Superelevation
  • Side Friction Factor “f’
  • Application of “e” and “f” in Geometric Design
  • Superelevation Development
  • Transitioning to Superelevation
  • Designing the Superelevation Transition
Section Title
HAS: Superelevation II: Applications
Section Schedule
Date and Time TBA
Course Fee(s)
Minnesota Local Agency Fee $0.00
Other Participant Fee $50.00
Section Details

Superelevation II: Applications

The purpose of this lesson is to provide an overview of the application of superelevation and how it is depicted in the construction plans.

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Superelevation Placement
  • Low-Speed Superelevation
  • Multilane Roadways
  • Rotation of Lanes and Shoulders
  • Superelevation in Construction Plans
Section Title
VAS: Vertical Alignment I: Design Process
Section Schedule
Date and Time TBA
Course Fee(s)
Minnesota Local Agency Fee $0.00
Other Participant Fee $50.00
Section Details

Vertical Alignment I: Design Process

The purpose of this lesson is to provide an overview of the design process and features that affect design decisions.

Topics covered in this course include:

  • The Existing Groundline
  • Physical Control Features
  • Grade
  • Vertical Curves
  • Sight Distance
  • Plotting Vertical Curves
  • Alignment Checks
Section Title
VAS: Vertical Alignment II: Balancing
Section Schedule
Date and Time TBA
Course Fee(s)
Minnesota Local Agency Fee $0.00
Other Participant Fee $50.00
Section Details

Vertical Alignment II: Balancing

The purpose of this lesson is to provide an overview of how constraints are balanced during the vertical alignment design process.

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Introduction to Balancing Design Constraints
  • Altering Existing Terrain
  • Drainage and Erosion Considerations
  • High and Low Points of Curves
  • Right of Way Considerations
  • Noise Abatement Considerations
  • Coordinating Horizontal and Vertical Alignment
  • Earthwork Considerations
Section Title
VAS: Vertical Alignment III: Profiles and Control Features
Section Schedule
Date and Time TBA
Course Fee(s)
Minnesota Local Agency Fee $0.00
Other Participant Fee $50.00
Section Details

Vertical Alignment III: Profiles and Control Features

The purpose of this lesson is to provide an overview of how physical controls are accommodated during the vertical alignment design process.

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Control Features
  • Profiles
  • Bridges
  • Additional Physical Controls
  • Climbing Lanes
Section Title
VAS: Vertical Alignment IV: Sight Distance
Section Schedule
Date and Time TBA
Course Fee(s)
Minnesota Local Agency Fee $0.00
Other Participant Fee $50.00
Section Details

Vertical Alignment IV: Sight Distance

The purpose of this lesson is to provide an overview of how sight distance impacts the vertical alignment design process.

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Definition and Purpose
  • Stopping Sight Distance
  • Minimum Vertical Curve Length and “K”
  • Using Tables and Graphs
  • Comfort Sag Values
  • Decision Sight Distance
  • Passing Sight Distance
  • Sight Distance Application
Section Title
IS: Turning Movements
Section Schedule
Date and Time TBA
Course Fee(s)
Minnesota Local Agency Fee $0.00
Other Participant Fee $50.00
Section Details

Turning Movements

The purpose of this lesson is to provide an overview of turn lane design.

Topics covered in this course include

  • Turning Maneuvers
  • Right Turns
  • Channelized Turns
  • Right Turn Elements
  • Left Turns
  • Left-Turn Lane Application
Section Title
IS: Speed-Change Lanes
Section Schedule
Date and Time TBA
Course Fee(s)
Minnesota Local Agency Fee $0.00
Other Participant Fee $50.00
Section Details

Speed-Change Lanes

The purpose of this lesson is to provide an overview of speed-change lane design.

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Introduction to Speed-Change Lanes
  • Acceleration Lanes
  • Speed-Change Lane Design
  • Placing Acceleration and Deceleration Lanes
Section Title
IS: At-Grade Intersections
Section Schedule
Date and Time TBA
Course Fee(s)
Minnesota Local Agency Fee $0.00
Other Participant Fee $50.00
Section Details

At-Grade Intersections

The purpose of this lesson is to provide an overview of the at-grade intersection design process.

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Preliminary Intersection Layout
  • Intersection Elements
  • Channelized Turns
  • Turn Lane Design
  • Intersection Factors
Section Title
IS: Grade-Separated Interchanges
Section Schedule
Date and Time TBA
Course Fee(s)
Minnesota Local Agency Fee $0.00
Other Participant Fee $50.00
Section Details

Grade-Separated Interchanges

The purpose of this lesson is to provide an overview of interchange types and design considerations.

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Interchange Location and Spacing
  • Vertical Clearance
  • Interchange Types
  • Interchange Design Considerations
Section Title
CZS: Clear Zone I: Roadside Design
Section Schedule
Date and Time TBA
Course Fee(s)
Minnesota Local Agency Fee $0.00
Other Participant Fee $50.00
Section Details

Clear Zone I: Roadside Design

The purpose of this lesson is to provide an overview of clear zone elements that impact roadside design.

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Introduction to Clear Zone
  • Hazard Treatment Overview
  • Fill Slopes
  • Cut Slopes and Ditches
  • Arterials and Urban Facilities
Section Title
CZS: Clear Zone II: Barriers
Section Schedule
Date and Time TBA
Course Fee(s)
Minnesota Local Agency Fee $0.00
Other Participant Fee $50.00
Section Details

Clear Zone II: Barriers

The purpose of this lesson is to provide an overview of different barriers and how they are used in the clear zone.

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Treating Obstacles
  • Barrier Uses
  • Barrier Design
  • End Treatment
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