Highway and Railway Engineering Case Study Final Version
Highway and Railway Engineering Case Study Final Version
Highway and Railway Engineering Case Study Final Version
SUBMITTED BY:
SUBMITTED TO:
DECEMBER 7, 2023
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The researchers of this case study would like to thank God for the guidance He
unconditionally provides. This case study would not have been at its completion without it.
They are also grateful for the unwavering support of their family and friends. Their
continuous belief and encouragement have been a motivating factor for the success of this case
study.
The researchers would also like to extend their utmost gratitude to Engr. Restie Pipo, for
providing this learning opportunity to them. For preparing the researchers with the knowledge they
need to fully understand this research. Engr. Pipo’s expertise in highway engineering has been a
Lastly, the researchers would like to send their gratitude to the Technological Institute of
the Philippines - Manila, and its Civil Engineering Department, for being instrumental in the
realization of this study. The institution’s belief to always pursue excellence in academic research
has given the researchers the drive to conduct the study up to standards.
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Table of Contents
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Executive Summary
The report discusses the increasing effects of climate change on road infrastructure.
Highways face challenges due to the changing climate, including temperatures altered rainfall
patterns and more frequent and intense extreme weather events.
Methodology
Analyzing the effects of climate change on transport infrastructure by using literature study,
assessing climatic data, and conducting site inspections. To identify the vulnerabilities and
economic risk, risk assessment and cost analysis were used. A review of policies was done to
ensure that climate assessment and planning were used to examine potential alternatives.
Climate change since the 1980s has worsened road conditions on Taft Avenue, exacerbated
by factors like unpredictable rain, clogged drains, and heavy traffic. Current solutions seem
insufficient, pointing to issues in the transportation system. Traffic flow data highlights peak hours
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and weekdays as critical periods, emphasizing the need for comprehensive, large-scale solutions
to address the challenges faced by Taft Avenue.
Because of its enormous infrastructure and near proximity to government offices, Taft
Avenue is one of the busiest streets in Manila; yet, it also has a significant issue with poor road
conditions. Road bumps and potholes are frequent aftereffects of prolonged traffic jams brought
on by the continuous flow of cars, particularly during rush hours. These craters, called "dinosaur
cracks," are the result of heavy traffic, halted vehicles, and water accumulation. On the Taft
Highway, potholes are a widespread problem that is usually caused by old pavement and poor
upkeep. Tires, suspension, and alignment are at risk due to damaged pavement in addition to
weather-related variables and carelessness. The study underscores the pressing need to address
these issues and fortify Taft Avenue's infrastructure.
Recommendations
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Introduction
Road infrastructure plays an important role in our country’s development. This not only
reflects on Transportation but also serves as a foundation for economic development. Road
Infrastructure brings development to trades and industries which are significant to the growth of
our economy. However, the climate change implications were overlooked during periods of rapid
infrastructure growth. The emphasis was largely on fulfilling urgent transportation requirements,
with little attention to the long-term consequences of climate change. Their susceptibility to
environmental disturbances was overlooked.
According to Sudhir Gota (2023), “road, railway, and port infrastructure in the
Philippines are among those most at risk of multi-hazard damage caused by climate change.” Up
to 25,000 km (about 15534.28 mi) of roads will be exposed to flooding by 2050. Citing data from
the latest Asia Transport Outlook report, he said that the projected annual damage to roads and
railways in the Philippines may reach as much as $410 million a year. Mr. Sudhir said the
Philippines also needs to strengthen its ports against the impact of climate change, as the projected
damage may reach up to $196 million — the highest among its peers. To compare, Vietnam’s ports
may face up to $128 million in damage, followed by Indonesia ($70 million), Thailand ($31
million), Malaysia ($27 million), and Myanmar ($15 million). The Philippines accounts for 42%
of potential damage due to hazards in Southeast Asia.
Road infrastructure is a critical obligation for governments and a key engine of economic
growth across the world. However, the decision-making process frequently focuses on economic
cost-benefit analysis while ignoring external issues such as social benefits, environmental costs,
and the consequences of climate change. This may be perceived as both a difficulty and an
opportunity in developing countries. Governments have the capacity to significantly affect
development by building resilience, boosting household income, lowering poverty levels, and
improving access to healthcare, education, and market knowledge by widening the scope of their
planning considerations. Furthermore, it is critical to acknowledge that the consequences of
climate change will disproportionately affect these countries' most vulnerable people.
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extreme climate-related events in recent years. Philippine roads are notorious for being perennially
in need of repair and rehabilitation, especially after flooding, landslides, strong rains, and tropical
cyclones. In the context of climate resilience, the need for quality infrastructure goes beyond
whether roads are paved or not. Adaptation strategies that strengthen networks and decrease their
vulnerability to climate impacts appear to be the best approach to ensuring climate resilience in
the country’s transport infrastructure.
Because the Philippine transport sector is largely government-driven, a strong policy and
governance environment will be critical for adequate adaptation strategies. However, climate
resilience does not seem to figure significantly in government-led infrastructure programs, such as
the current government’s infrastructure program called Build, Build, Build! which is projected to
invest around USD 160-180 billion by 2022. Moreover, requests for proposals or bidding
specifications in government infrastructure projects rarely require such climate-resilient solutions.
In this kind of weak climate policy environment, the private sector tends to take on a mindset that
climate-proofing infrastructure is more expensive, and therefore an unnecessary cost.
The importance of this research arises from the possible effects of climate change on
transportation networks, particularly roads. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, sea-level
rise, and other climate-related phenomena can cause greater wear and tear, shortened infrastructure
lifespan, and higher damage risks. Policymakers, engineers, and stakeholders may adopt adaptive
strategies, resilient designs, and sustainable infrastructure practices to limit the negative
consequences of climate change on roadway networks by learning more about these impacts.
Finally, the analysis aims to aid in the creation of climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable
transportation networks.
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Background
Climate change is a growing social issue that has been around since the Industrial
Revolution. Due to the increase of human emission of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, it has
caused the earth’s temperature to continually rise and caused sudden heavy rainfalls even if it is
out of season. In recent years, our highways have been increasingly affected by climate change,
facing challenges like more storms and extreme weather. Looking back, we see a clear rise in these
issues, making it important to understand their impact. The economic side of things is getting
tougher too, with more money needed for repairs and maintenance due to climate-related damage.
In the transportation world, there's a growing awareness of the need to adapt highways to handle
these changes.
The continued rise of the earth’s temperature has influenced the Philippine highway
infrastructure, especially on asphalt roads. Continuous exposure to the heat of the sun on our roads
can cause it to weaken and often deteriorate and deform easier when exposed to wheel loads.
Another cause for concern is the ever-changing weather conditions. Heavy rain can be experienced
suddenly, especially in populated areas like Manila. Due to this and the poor drainage system
currently present in Manila, it often experiences flooding which in turn affects the roads of Manila
causing defects to show up and deteriorate the road. This is especially true along Taft Avenue,
which is considered a flood-prone area. Because of this, it is always in need of constant repairs
and is sometimes closed to conduct road repairs.
This awareness has sparked discussions about new technologies and materials that could
make our roads more durable. Policymakers, engineers, and environmental experts want insights
to make smart decisions. Hence, this study aims to dig into the history of these challenges, their
economic consequences, and what the industry is doing about it. By doing this, we hope to find
practical suggestions for those making decisions about our highways. The goal is to help build
roads that can endure the changing climate, making them not just strong but also sustainable for
the future.
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Statement of the Problem
1. What specific climate-related challenges do highways face, and how do they affect structural
integrity?
2. What climate resilience measures are currently implemented in highway design and
maintenance, and how effective are they?
3. What recommendations can be formulated for policymakers and practitioners to improve the
resilience of highway infrastructure to climate change?
Comparative Study
Canals, bridges, and highways exhibit distinct vulnerabilities in the face of climate change.
Canals are particularly susceptible to flooding and erosion, with increased precipitation and storm
events posing risks to water levels and navigation. Sedimentation is another concern, affecting
water quality and flow. Coastal canals face additional threats from sea-level rise, impacting water
levels and potentially leading to saltwater intrusion. Bridges, on the other hand, are vulnerable to
shifts in structural integrity due to increased temperatures and extreme weather events, as well as
corrosion and material deterioration from changes in precipitation patterns. Flood risk is a common
vulnerability, especially for bridges over rivers or low-lying areas. Ice formation and increased
load on structures during freeze-thaw cycles also pose risks. Highways face vulnerabilities such as
pavement damage from extreme temperatures and increased storm severity, as well as erosion and
landslides in hilly terrains. All three infrastructure types share vulnerabilities to temperature
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extremes and the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Maintenance costs
escalate across canals, bridges, and highways due to the need for repairs and adaptations to
withstand evolving environmental conditions. Tailored adaptation strategies are essential to
address the unique challenges faced by each infrastructure type in the context of climate change
impacts.
In the United States, the transportation system is designed to withstand climate change and
is expected to last 50 years or longer. However, they tend to understand the future impact of climate
change in the coming decades on land-based transportation. Pavement may become softer and
swell at higher temperatures. Bridge joints may be strained as a result, and rutting and potholes
may develop, especially in busy areas. Building and maintaining roads and highways may cost
more as a result of these changes. However, since warmer winters may result in less snow and ice
removals as well as fewer salting requirements, some areas may benefit financially and have better
mobility due to decreased snowfall and fewer winter storms.
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Objectives
This study’s main objective is to assess the road conditions along Taft Avenue and
determine the impacts brought about by climate change on these roads. Furthermore, the
researchers aim to:
1. Assess the current structural integrity of highways in the study area through a comprehensive
condition survey.
2. Explore innovative technologies and materials that could enhance the durability of highway
infrastructure in the face of climate change.
3. Formulate recommendations for policymakers and practitioners to improve the resilience of
highway infrastructure to climate change.
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Methodology
To investigate the impact of climate change on highways, an initial step involved reviewing
existing research and consulting with experts. Specific areas and types of highways were selected
for focused examination. Data pertaining to weather, road conditions, and traffic were
systematically collected. Statistical analyses were employed to discern correlations between
weather patterns and road conditions. Deliberations included an assessment of risks and benefits
associated with various scenarios. Geographic information systems (GIS) aided in visually
representing areas experiencing issues. The economic implications of addressing problems versus
maintaining the status quo were rigorously assessed through cost-benefit analyses. The entire
research process was meticulously documented, ensuring transparency and integrity.
Collaboration with subject matter experts further enriched the study's outcomes.
Figure 1. Integrated Analysis of Impact on road infrastructure and economic growth in the Philippines
To have a deeper understanding of the effects of climate change on road conditions we will
be conducting an analysis of the frequency of road deformations due to weather conditions and
exposure to the heat of the sun, we will also be comparing our findings to prior years by surveying
veteran DPWH maintenance workers about the tendency of road repairs caused by frequent change
in weather conditions and the increasing temperature of the sun especially to asphalt roads, using
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the results we will be able to get a general understanding of the effects of climate change through
the years especially since climate change is getting worse with each upcoming year.
Analysis
Annual mean temperature change over the Philippines using a 1971–2000 baseline. The
black (green) line shows observed (RCM) temperatures for the past, using observed GHG
concentrations. The red (blue) line shows RCM projected changes in annual temperature for 2005–
2100 for the RCP8.5 (RCP4.5) scenario. Solid lines show the multi-model ensemble mean and
shading denotes the 10th to 90th percentiles. Vertical bars on the right show the median and spread
of projections at the mid and end-of-century.
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Subsection 6.2: Relevant data, statistics, or evidence.
The driving conditions along the avenue can be outlined as follows in the context of this
case study. The lowest count of vehicles, regardless of their category, occurred in the early morning
hours, specifically between 03:00 and 04:00 a.m. During this timeframe, vehicles experienced
unimpeded movement, maintaining speeds of approximately 30–50 km per hour. Notably, the
primary factor influencing vehicle actions during this period was the presence of traffic lights,
leading to instances of braking, idling, or acceleration. Subsequently, there was a notable and swift
increase in fleet density between 05:00 and 07:00 a.m., which persisted at a relatively stable level
until 18:00 p.m. The situation intensified during three distinct rush hours (morning, lunch, and
afternoon), resulting in vehicles being stationary in a "bumper-to-bumper" formation for about 5–
10 minutes. Broadly speaking, the particulate pollution observed in the samples was a consequence
of various driving conditions, including braking, idling, accelerating vehicles, and unrestricted
traffic flow, typically occurring during nighttime hours. It is asserted that these driving conditions
are indicative and applicable to the majority of traffic scenarios in Metro Manila, forming a valid
representation for this case study.
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Subsection 6.3: Examination of key factors and variables.
In the context of climate change projections for the Philippines, the scenario considered is
RCP8.5, reflecting a high concentration of greenhouse gases and substantial global warming. Two
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simulation approaches were employed: dynamical simulations involving both global (GCMs) and
regional (RCMs) climate models, and statistical methods, including interpolation using WorldClim
and downscaled simulations using MOSAICC. The focus is on the mid-century period (2036–
2065) in comparison to the reference period of 1971–2000. The horizontal axis of the visual
representation captures changes in total annual rainfall, where positive values indicate an increase
and negative values a decrease relative to the reference period. Meanwhile, the vertical axis depicts
alterations in annual mean temperature, with positive values denoting warming and negative values
indicating cooling compared to the reference period. This comprehensive approach integrates
global and regional climate models with statistical techniques to provide a nuanced understanding
of the projected changes in both rainfall and temperature for the Philippines in the face of the
RCP8.5 climate scenario.
Findings
Based on the analysis, climate change has continuously worsened since the early 1980s. A
sharp increase in global temperatures was observed during that period. Since then, it has
progressed into its current state today and is projected to continuously progress in the years to
come. Although usually overlooked, roads are one of the many suffering results of climate change.
With unpredictable rain patterns, the road conditions along Taft Avenue become substandard.
Clogged drainage systems, continuous pipe maintenance, and heavy traffic flow are only some of
the many factors that make climate change a bigger enemy to the roads. Efforts by engineers and
the LGUs can be seen, however, band-aid solutions are not enough to alleviate this problem.
The researchers found that the problem is deeply rooted in the transportation system in the
country. Better roadways could have been made when climate change wasn’t as alarming as it is
today. Transportation regulations could have been modified to better regulate traffic on Taft
Avenue, benefiting both road users and roads. This could be the reason why roads along Taft
Avenue are frequently deteriorating. The solutions being made today are of small scale as
compared to the problems that the world is currently facing.
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Correlation of Traffic Flow (according to time of the day) to Road Deterioration
The findings show the relevant data, statistics, and evidence of the road at different times
per day. The graph provided shows the evidence and data of the traveling vehicles per hour and
the volume of vehicles along Taft Avenue. The LDV during weekdays in Taft Avenue shows that
there are more traveling vehicles during the rush hours like 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The findings also
prove that more people are using the road with their vehicles as the time can be considered as the
people’s lunch break in Taft Avenue or end of the morning shifts in the office. The number of PUJs
observed that there is more traveling from 5:00 am to 7:00 am, considering the time is for the
people who are needed to travel to work and schools. Taft is known for many establishments like
schools, hospitals, and government facilities, the time between 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm has also
increased due to the dismissal of classes in schools and the end of the afternoon shifts in
government workers. Then the volume of traffic will be less as the 7:00 pm onwards time due to
fewer traveling vehicles. Comparing the weekday traffic to weekends in Taft Avenue, weekends
show less traveling of vehicles due to less government office work and public schools that are not
always functional during weekends. But the time is always proportional to the number of vehicles
that are using highways and roads. The graph shows that 5:00 am to 7:00 am are the normal hours
that people are traveling to their desired destinations. From 9:00 am to 12:00 pm times, more
people with vehicles are using the road to travel.
As the time is always changing, the road structure changes according to the number of
people that are using the highways. Taft can be considered a busy road, and with the rush hours
shown in the graph, the more vehicles that are stuck in the road, the more possibility the road
structure changes. The more load per vehicle, the more bumps in the road can occur. Normal hours
are the most convenient time for the roads because of less traffic and the volume of vehicles that
are using the road.
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Recommendations
Highway renewal
Traffic is being carried by large portions of vehicles, well beyond what is intended. Similar
problems face other classes of roads, especially urban street networks and urban arterials in densely
populated areas. Consequently, it is of utmost local and national importance to renew roads in
order for the highway system to continue delivering the anticipated economic and social benefits.
The highway system plays a crucial role, which is why renewal work must typically be done with
minimal or no closure of existing facilities. It is a challenge to find a minimally disruptive way to
accomplish the much-needed infrastructure renewal, but not impossible.
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Implementation Plan
Due to the proposition of investing and modernizing the drainage system along Taft
Avenue, this could cause less flooding that can cause traffic congestion and lessen the possibilities
of making road bumps due to water spillage. The idea can also eliminate waste in the road that can
be a damage to the roads. Daily checking and maintenance of drainage systems can help to control
the flood, also reducing the chance of flooding that can cause traffic.
Improvement of MRT and LRT Train stations can be more effective in lessening the traffic
on Taft Avenue. Improving the transportation system that can be off the road can reduce traffic
congestion. Having good scheduling for trains like rush hours and having more operable trains in
each station, the transportation for people can be more efficient and easier. The problem on the
road cannot be fixed due to increasing traffic and the solution to that problem is to lessen the use
of vehicles on the road, diverting them to train transportation for an easy and efficient way of
traveling.
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Lesson Learned
Taft Avenue is a perfect site to analyze the impact of climate change for the following reasons:
It is around the University Belt, that’s why huge traffic is expected. This will result in a
high volume of smoke emitted by vehicles that highly contributes to climate change. Taft Avenue
often experiences flooding due to its sewage management system being subpar. In addition to that
the road suffers extreme weather during the afternoon. It was stated in an article entitled
Mechanical Analysis of Preventing Reflection Cracks Based on Stress Absorbing Layer that “The
sudden change of temperature will cause two kinds of deformation of the pavement structure: one
is the cracking of the cement concrete pavement in the asphalt surface: when the temperature rises,
the cracks in the old pavement will increase the opening deformation due to temperature shrinkage.
Conclusion
Taft Avenue is known as one of the busiest streets in Manila due to the massive
infrastructure and government offices nearby. As people travel and go to their workplaces, more
and more vehicles are traveling around the city which can cause long traffic jams, causing the road
pavement to deteriorate and be destroyed. Potholes and bumps are the common effects of traffic
in the area. “Dinosaur cracks” are one of the terms used for potholes in Taft Avenue roads due to
heavy traffic, trucks that are stuck in the road causing road deterioration, and water that is stuck in
small holes that can cause big holes in the future.
On the Taft Highway, potholes are the most common problem. Most neglected highways
have them, especially those with poor maintenance. When the pavement ages and develops a hole,
this type of issue with the road arises. Weather, traffic volume, and a failure to use cold patch
pothole repair techniques can all contribute to it. Potholes can harm a vehicle's suspension,
alignment, and tires. Additionally, they may cause the vehicle to veer into oncoming traffic and
lose control. Similar to potholes, weather, and neglect are the main causes of cracked pavement.
Highways and older roads can have this type of issue. Road crack types can vary greatly in size.
They may be shallow or deep. When you drive over them, they can still be dangerous, regardless
of their size.
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These are some problems that the highways in Taft face. Since the highway is too old, they
didn't focus on the maintenance of the highway.
The researchers came up with the solution of speaking with the local government entity
and requesting that they take care of the issue, which is one way to help the road conditions in Taft.
Given sufficient time and effort, streetlights that improve road safety should be installed.
This case study helps the students to practice their observation skills on the reality of what
traffic is really into now. The students learned how to collect necessary data and information that
is reliable and giving strong details to improve this study case. Gathering The congestion of traffic
and potholes are being discovered and helps the students to prevent these possible problems and
conflicts in their future civil engineering works.
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References
Kecorius S., Madueño S. Aerosol particle mixing state, refractory particle number size
distributions and emission factors in a polluted urban environment: Case study of Metro Manila,
Philippines https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1352231017306362
Han J., Zhang S. Mechanical Analysis of Preventing Reflection Cracks Based on Stress Absorbing
Layer https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ace/2022/8016215/
Factsheet Resilience Solutions for the Road Sector in the Philippines. (n.d.).
https://www.ndf.int/media/files/news_attach/factsheet_philippines_roads.pdf
CEDadiantiTyClea. (2023, May 28). PHL roads, railways and ports highly vulnerable to climate
risks — experts. BusinessWorld Online. https://www.bworldonline.com/top-
stories/2023/05/29/525362/phl-roads-railways-and-ports-highly-vulnerable-to-climate-
risks-experts/#google_vignette
Bhandari, S., Luo, X., & Wang, F. (2023). Understanding the effects of structural factors and traffic
loading on flexible pavement performance. International Journal of Transportation Science
and Technology, 12(1), 258–272. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijtst.2022.02.004
Admin_Ruaseguridad. (2023, May 8). Common road problems in the Philippines. Rua Seguridad.
https://www.ruacorp.com/poor-road-conditions-in-the-philippines/
Madarang, C. R. S. (2022, August 26). Dinosaur tracks, moon craters? Photo of damaged road in
Manila goes viral. Interaksyon. https://interaksyon.philstar.com/trends-
spotlights/2022/08/26/226346/dinosaur-tracks-moon-craters-photo-of-damaged-road-in-
manila-goes-viral/
Qiao, Y., Dawson, A., Parry, T., & Flintsch, G. W. (2015). Evaluating the effects of climate change
on road maintenance intervention strategies and Life-Cycle Costs. Transportation Research
Part D: Transport and Environment, 41, 492–503. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2015.09.019
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Climate impacts on transportation | Climate Change Impacts | US EPA. (n.d.).
https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/climate-impacts/climate-impacts-
transportation_.html#:~:text=Higher%20temperatures%20can%20cause%20pavement,in
%20areas%20with%20high%20humidity.
Appendices
Figure 1. Integrated Analysis of Impact on road infrastructure and economic growth in the Philippines
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Figure 3. Vehicle number vs. Time of day
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Figure 5. Rainfall change percentage vs. Temperature change
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PLAGIARISM
CHECKER
This paper was found to have little to no percentage of plagiarism at all. Plagiarism percentages
were only from cited quotations and not from the general content of the paper itself.
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Introduction
Objectives / Analysis
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Findings / Recommendation
Executive Summary
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