Road Engineering and Management
-
DepartmentFaculty of Environmental Engineering
-
Program code6211EX039
-
Field of studyEngineering
-
QualificationMaster of Engineering Sciences
-
Duration2
About
ROADS AMD RAILWAYS
| Degree | Master of Engineering Sciences |
| Length | 2 years (4 semesters) |
| Study language | Lithuanian |
| Start | 1st of September |
| Entry Qualification | To this programme applicants are accepted from the fields of: Civil Engineering, Transport Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Measurement Engineering. |
Hybrid learning approach is applied in this study programme. Hybrid learning is an educational model where some students attend class in-person, while others join the class virtually from home.
The recent types of transport are inconceivable without a well-developed and maintained road and rail network. A rapid increase in the level of motorization and advancements in vehicles cause appropriate adaptations of road and rail infrastructure. Innovative solutions, new methods and sustainable materials are everyday life components created by road and railway engineers.
The Master's degree programme in Roads and Railways assists in learning to design road and railway pavement structures, monitor and forecast changes in the condition of transport infrastructure network, apply criteria and standards for continuous and periodic maintenance, create a numerical model of a building, apply and interpret normative technical documents and master the operation principles of intelligent transport systems and traffic safety.
The studies provide relevant information prepared and updated on the basis of the latest research and discovery data, the use of software and information models (e.g. BIM, MATLAB, ViaStructura, LAKIS, etc.).
The study programme launched at the University is aimed at training a creative and critical Master's degree student of Roads and Railways. The programme is focused on developing the abilities to understand and apply advanced methods and technologies for solving problems in the field of road and railway engineering.
Learning outcomes
The Master's degree programme in Roads and Railways is designed:
- to understand processes and phenomena;
- to make critical decisions related to the development and renewal of road and rail infrastructure;
- to compile and apply a numerical road and railway model constructed as the basis of design, construction and operation of the structure;
- to apply analytical methods, assess the obtained results, determine the reliability of the findings and knowledgeably address the issues of design, construction, maintenance and renewal of roads, railways and traffic safety management;
- to identify and critically evaluate theoretical and practical innovations in road and railway engineering and apply them in scientific and practical activities.
Career opportunities may include:
- work as an engineer or a manager for road design, construction, maintenance companies or organizations;
- teaching at a university or college;
- work as an engineer or civil servant in a municipality, the Lithuanian Road Administration and the Ministry of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Lithuania;
- work as a research expert in institutes and centres (for example, at the Road Research Institute of the Faculty of Environmental Engineering at VGTU, at the Transport Competence Agency, etc.);
- becoming certified specialists in road or railway companies following one year of work experience;
- building a business;
- studying a Doctoral degree programme in engineering.
Study subjects
1 Semester
-
APKLM22105 9 credits
Theory Pavement Construction (with course work)
Module aim
To deepen the students’ knowledge of selecting and designing methods of road pavement and railway structures, specific features of different pavement and railway structures and their performance, requirements for them. To develop their engineering thinking, capability to put theoretical knowledge into practice, capability to independently assess road pavement and railway structures and make decisions.
Module description
This study module is aimed at gaining and improving knowledge of road and railway pavement construction. The module covers the design of flexible and rigid pavement structures for roads, ballast and ballastless structures for railways. During the studies, the empirical methods of various countries for the selection of pavement structures are introduced, which are based on experience and long-term observation data from roads. The mechanistic-empirical method of pavement design is examined in detail, which evaluates the mechanical properties of the materials of the pavement structural layers, the local climate and hydrothermal conditions. The application of this method allows to optimize pavement structure, to evaluate the impact of innovative materials on the long-term performance of the pavement structure. Students are also introduced to the modern pavement structure design software.
-
APKLM22112 9 credits
Traffic Safety Management on Roads
Module aim
Gain theoretical and practical knowledge about road safety policy, road safety system, traffic organization, organization principles, pedestrian and cyclist traffic, traffic calming measures, their evaluation and prediction of road accidents.
Module description
European Union and national policies on road safety, road safety strategies and programs. Constituent parts of the system “Road user-Vehicle-Road” and their importance to road safety. Analysis of road accident statistics, determination of relative accident rates. Economic losses due to road accidents. Principles of traffic organization in urban and rural areas. Organization of pedestrian and cyclist traffic. Traffic calming measures, their application and efficiency assessment methodologies. Accident prediction models
-
APKLM22145 6 credits
Legal Regulation of Planning and Construction
Module aim
To acquire knowledge of structure, principles of the development and implementation of legal and technical
normative documents in European Union and Republic of Lithuania; to acquire the ability to analyze and apply them in the processes of territorial planning and design, construction and maintenance of roads, streets, railways and transport structures.Module description
The course analyses: objects, subjects and sources of construction and territory planning law. Legal regulations of
constuction planning, construction process, building control, construction explotation and territory planning are analysed as well as course of contestation solution and legal responsibility for delicts of construction and territory planning. -
APKLM22101 3 credits
Scientific Research in Engineering
Module aim
To provide the student with knowledge and abilities to plan, organize and carry out scientific research, evaluate and independently make effective decisions based on systematic, critical and constructive thinking, process and publish results based on scientific argumentation.
Module description
The study subject includes methodological bases of scientific and engineering research. Provides basic scientific research knowledge covering different ways to collect, proceed, analyse, and present information and data. Within the framework of the course students plan, perform and present future, existing or already performed scientific research by preparing a part of the scientific research report or scientific paper and presentation in the topic of road, urban engineering.and management.
-
APKLM20114 3 credits
Research Work 1
Module aim
To acquire knowledge, abilities and research skills in analyzing a problematic task of road engineering and management (by conducting an analysis of the scientific literature, drawing up a research plan, selecting research methods, describing the research methodology and performing and presenting research results).
Module description
The discussion of the research work topic and its concretization with a supervisor. Introduction to the research work objective (topic). Review of scientific literature, its analysis and evaluation. Formulation of the problem of the scientific work, actuality of the work, the aim and objectives, novelty and practical meaning. Formation of the primary conclusions of the review literature section, further directions of scientific research. Research planning.
2 Semester
-
APKLM22206 9 credits
Road Infrastructure Assessment and Management (with course work)
Module aim
Develop road engineers’ comprehensive understanding of issues related to road asset management and pavement operation; analytical and critical thinking in assessing the condition of road infrastructure, making timely decisions in terms of safety, sustainability, social and economic aspects and rationally planning the distribution of funds and project implementation.
Module description
The study subject module is intended for acquiring and deepening knowledge about road infrastructure operation, asset management and investment planning. Theoretical and practical principles of road infrastructure management and operation are taught; periodic, continuous, reactive, preventive and predictive maintenance activities are reviewed; pavement condition management methods and investment planning principles are analyzed. The pavement condition assessment methods, indicators and their functioning models are analyzed. Necessary knowledge is provided about the evaluation methods and economic estimates of investment projects in the road sector, investment types and classification. We will review aspects of sustainability, impact on society and safety during road operation, we will get acquainted with the principles of sustainable road network management.
In the course of the study semester, students will independently complete course work, the purpose of which is to combine and deepen the knowledge gained in theory and practical lectures by preparing an investment project for the renovation of a specific road (street) section. During practical sessions, students will learn to predict the process of road infrastructure degradation, determine the need for investments and learn to create a budget by assessing the impact of time and degradation on cash flows. Solve engineering problems by applying the knowledge gained during the theoretical lectures in the evaluation of the pavement condition, determining the load-bearing capacity of the asphalt and concrete pavement structure, predicting the change in the indicators of the pavement condition, determining the dependence of the investment need and the change in the pavement condition.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to make decisions based on engineering and financial calculations for the effective maintenance and development of road surfaces, assessing their impact on the environment -
APKLM20208 6 credits
Intelligent Transport Systems
Module aim
To provide knowledge and skills to identify, evaluate, analyze and apply in practice the main intelligent transport systems used in the world and Lithuania their individual parts and elements.
Module description
The study provides knowledge about modern intelligent transport systems, their development goals, components and applications. Acquired knowledge includes advanced traffic monitoring and management systems, electronic toll systems, travel planning and information systems, advanced integrated public transport systems, multifunctional traffic accident control systems, and road weather information systems. Possibilities of autonomous, group car driving, emergency service management systems, use of intelligent transport systems in the infrastructure of smart cities, their impact on reducing environmental pollution, increasing mobility, and further perspectives of system development are analyzed. During the practical classes, specific examples of the application of elements of intelligent transport systems on Lithuanian state roads are analyzed.
-
FMSAM20201 6 credits
Research Data Processing and Numerical Analysis
Module aim
The aim of this course is to provide knowledge that includes data processing and data analysis methods for scientific research, and to develop skills and appropriate data analysis methods for solving real engineering problems.
Module description
The study subject is intended to acquaint the student with the basic principles of research data processing and analysis, which are applied in solving engineering problems. Topics covered during the semester are: data pre-processing, application of statistical and multi-criteria methods for solving engineering problems. The material of the study subject is consolidated by performing real data, solving engineering tasks, statistical and multi-criteria analysis. Matlab software is used for calculations.
-
APKLM20212 3 credits
Research Work 2
Module aim
To develop the student’s ability to deepen into the problems of the chosen direction, to form the structure of problem solving, research, to choose the research methods of technical systems, the data and tools necessary for analysis, planning and modelling.
Module description
Formulation of problems in the direction, highlighting of the research goals, identification of the tasks and measures needed to solve them. Final development of experimental research methodology. Acquisition of basic skills with special computer programs or measuring equipment.
-
APKLM22210 6 credits
Innovations in Road Construction
Module aim
To provide knowledge to students about innovative sustainable technologies used in road construction, maintenance and rehabilitation.
Module description
Innovative sustainability-based technologies for road design, construction and maintenance. The place of technology and the specialist in the road construction process.
-
APKLM20047 6 credits
Roads and Streets Network Planning
Module aim
To prepare Civil engineering master’s degree experts, whom can to understand, analyse road and street capacity, and service level and discover road traffic safety problems. Planning streets and road networks, to make conceptual and accurate engineering solutions regarding safety and quality of service.
Module description
The module of the study subject intends to acquire and deepen students’ knowledge about road and street network planning. Theoretical and practical principles and methods of road and street network planning are taught, and evaluation criteria and quality indicators for road and street traffic conductivity and traffic safety are analyzed. The lectures are organized in two stages, the first part focuses on the network of residential and urban streets. In this part, students will learn city street layout schemes, their classification, types of intersections and selection methods, engineering networks, and the principles of landscaping streets and public spaces. They will become familiar with the principles of safe traffic organization at pedestrian crossings and the planning of bicycle paths. The second part focus on the planning of highways and other roads network, national and international road transport corridors. In this part of the lectures, students will learn the aspects of traffic safety management related to road network planning, road categories, and their geometrical parameters, master the importance of traffic distribution, as well as planning other infrastructure necessary for road network maintenance and safer use. During the practical lectures, students will do two homework assignments. Upon successfully finish of this course, students will be able to make conceptual and accurate road and street network planning solutions by assessing their impact on traffic safety and communication quality.
3 Semester
-
APKLM22302 9 credits
Road Safety Audit (with Course Work)
Module aim
Gain theoretical and practical knowledge of road safety audit, it’s procedure, performance method and main principles.
Module description
The aim of this course is to introduce students to the main legislation in the field of traffic safety and the procedures for conducting road safety audits. Students become familiar with the most commonly identified road infrastructure safety deficiencies, their impact on traffic safety, and recommendations for correcting these deficiencies. Additionally, during practical work, students acquire the skill of conducting road safety audits at various stages of road infrastructure project implementation.
-
APKLM23303 9 credits
Modelling of Transport Flows (with course workt)
Module aim
Mastering of micromodelling at the level of intersection with the help of state-of-the-art modelling tools. To be able evaluate interaction of motorized and active transportation, analyse impact of decisions on the environment.
Module description
Transport is one of the main subsystems of the country. Transport meets the daily needs of residents and ensures the economic viability of the country but causes negative consequences: pollution, congestion, depletion of natural resources, traffic accidents, social problems, etc. The module discusses the problems caused by increased transport traffic in the European Union and Lithuania. Micromodeling of traffic flows on highways and national roads, city streets, is a tool for managing/mitigating these problems. The use of modelling results in sustainable development and reconstruction projects of road and/or street networks.
-
APKLM20311 3 credits
Research Work 3
Module aim
To develop the student’s ability collect, systematize and analyze research data, summarize the results, provide conclusions.
Module description
Independent development and completion of analytical and experimental research activities in the field of road engineering and management, using modern research methods; processing of research data, evaluation of obtained results and formulation of conclusions; preparation of a scientific report and its theses on the obtained results.
-
APKLM23204 6 credits
Sustainable Mobility
Module aim
To introduce students with the concept of habitants’ mobility management, its measures, criterias and evaluation of mobility management objects, to provide with practical skills for analytical job and particular decisions making.
Module description
Sustainable mobility is an increasingly relevant topic recently. Residents should be encouraged to choose less polluting means of transport for their trips. For this, when planning the transport system in cities and towns, first of all, a long-term vision should be raised and the main problems of transport systems should be identified. When preparing sustainable mobility plans for transportation systems, it is also appropriate to identify target groups and communicate with them. After these parts, measures for the promotion of modes of transport must be selected and lived.
-
APKLM22303 6 credits
Building Information Model (BIM) of Transport Communication Infrastructure
Module aim
To provide general knowledge about BIM application principles, methods, stages, processes, technologies, standards and the application of BIM methodology in transportation infrastructure projects.
Module description
Building Information Modeling (BIM) – the strategic direction embraced by the entire modern world in the field of civil infrastructure. BIM technology offers numerous advantages, allowing for improved project quality, reduced errors, and the discovery of optimal solutions for designers, contractors, clients, and other BIM project participants. BIM functions as a system that ensures the integrity of all created information and provides a collaborative space for all stakeholders involved in construction projects.
This module combines BIM principles with creativity, enabling students to become leaders in this rapidly growing field. The best practices from foreign countries are applied, along with the latest technologies, normative documents, and other tools to understand and apply BIM principles in practice. -
APKLM22314 3 credits
The Quality Management in Road Construction
Module aim
To provide knowledge about the principles of quality management applied during the design, construction and maintenance of roads and other traffic areas, its importance to society, the user and the building.
Module description
The study gives knowledge about quality management in the construction and maintenance of roads and other traffic areas. The knowledge about quality management systems and their importance is provided. The knowledge about construction quality control processes, construction control planning, aspects of selection of test methods and applied research data analysis methods is given. In addition, generally accepted principles of quality control and its assurance are presented.
-
APKLM22316 3 credits
Techniques of Road Marking
Module aim
To provide knowledge about the marking of roads, materials and technologies used for it, to enable students to analyze, compare, evaluate and independently make decisions on the type and the choice of technologies of marking.
Module description
During the course, the main focus is on the importance of road markings, related issues, innovative solutions and their implementation. Students become more familiar with normative technical documents regulating road markings in Lithuania and the countries of the European Union. During the course, the main characteristics of road markings, their parameters, used materials, different types of markings, and their application in various conditions are analyzed and compared. In addition, the factors affecting the wear and of road markings are studied, and students look for reasonable solutions for the maintenance and renewal of road markings.
4 Semester
-
APKLM17403 30 credits
Master Thesis
Module aim
To learn to independently systematize the results obtained by experimental research and to convey the obtained solutions to civil engineering problems by applying scientific methods.
Module description
This is an individual work, during which the experimental research carried out so far in the direction of the study program is completed, the results obtained are analyzed and summarized, a report of the performed research is prepared, the thesis defense is prepared and it is defended in the degree awarding committee. The student reads a public report on the topic of the performed research. The introductory part of the thesis clearly formulates the problem under consideration, the chosen research object, the chosen methodology, modeling and/or measurement tools and the obtained statistical or technological research data, their reliability analysis are presented. The obtained results are presented, research conclusions and proposals are clearly and reasonably formulated. The work is formalized according to the requirements approved by the university.
Statistics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Enrolled students | 18 |
| Enrolled to FT | 17 |
| Min FT grade | 8.02 |