Basic Road Construction Principles

Basic Road Construction Principles

Road Layers, Storm Water Drainage, and Road Maintenance

Claim 3 CPD Points

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Platform:
Online
In-class
Revised and Updated: 23 October 2026
Date Venue Duration
17 - 21 December 2026 Sandton, Gauteng 3 Days
24 - 26 February 2027 Sandton, Gauteng 3 Days
23 - 25 June 2027 Sandton, Gauteng 3 Days
04 - 06 August 2027 Sandton, Gauteng 3 Days
15 - 17 September 2027 Sandton, Gauteng 3 Days

Course Introduction

This Basic Road Construction Principles training provides foundational knowledge for professional road construction work and serves as a gateway to further study. It teaches delegates how to think critically about the selection of materials and construction methods for a variety of road facilities. Additionally, the course imparts specialised technical and practical skills pertinent to present and future professional practice.

 

The overview of road layers, storm water drainage, and road maintenance will provide delegates with both the practical and theoretical knowledge of the practices, procedures, and equipment necessary for road construction.

Course Objectives

By attending this Basic Road Construction Principles training, delegates will be able to understand:

  • The South African transport network and its role-players
  • Basic terms and words used in road construction
  • Various types of layers and their functions
  • The binding agents most commonly used in the construction industry
  • The premix asphalt surfacing process
  • Road construction steps and methods for gravel and asphalt roads
  • The role of road maintenance in the broad context of provision, classification, and cost-effective applications
  • The importance of adequate drainage and its effects on road maintenance
  • Fundamental safe working practices, and identification and use of protective clothing and equipment
  • Applications and preparations for painting road symbols using a spray gun

Who should attend?

This Basic Road Construction Principles training is suitable to a wide range of professionals but will greatly benefit:

  • Persons who wish to broaden their knowledge and understanding of aspects of road construction and maintenance
  • Municipal workers from various sections who need to understand road construction and maintenance
  • Civil Consulting Engineers/Technicians
  • Contractors
  • Construction Inspectors and Supervisors
  • Road Maintenance Supervisors
  • Relevant government employees and departments
Technical Courses

Training Methodology

Our diverse instructional approaches ensure effective learning:

– Lectures & Presentations: Engage with expert-driven, stimulating content.
– Course Material: Access well-crafted supporting resources.
– Group Work: Collaborate on discussions and case studies for practical insights.
– Workshops & Role-Play: Participate in immersive, scenario-based activities.
– Practical Application: Focus on applying theoretical knowledge in real situations.
– Post-Training Support: Receive extensive support after training for skill implementation.

Training Outline

Module 1 — Introduction to Road Construction
  • Role-players in road construction in South Africa
  • Types of road according to usage
  • Definition of road pavement structure
  • Stable sub-layers and subgrade
  • Adequate water drainage
  • Bridge construction
  • The road reserve
  • Road drainage concepts
  • Road worker job description and function
Module 2 — The Road Construction Process & Methods
  • Road construction process overview
  • Road construction methods, including: asphalt road construction, concrete road construction, water-bound macadam road construction, murram road construction, earth road construction, and gravel road construction
Module 3 — Gravel Roads Construction Overview
  • Preparation of gravel roads
  • Clearing the pathway for the road
  • Preparation of the roadbed (subgrade)
  • Construction procedure for subgrade preparation
  • Tipping and treatment of gravel stockpiles along the road
  • Addition of compaction water
  • Placing of steel side forms (shutters)
  • Placing of the layer
  • Compaction of the layer
  • Paving only when ready
Module 4 — Asphalt Roads Construction Overview
  • What is asphalt?
  • Asphalt properties and uses
  • General guidelines for asphalt construction
  • General equipment for asphalt road construction
  • Preparation of surface and paving asphalt mixtures
  • Paver tractor and screed units
  • Placement of reinforcement
  • Road construction techniques
  • Construction staking
  • Clearing and grubbing of the road construction area
  • Compaction
Module 5 — Road Maintenance
  • The objectives of road maintenance
  • Road maintenance activities: routine, recurrent, periodic, and urgent
  • Road surface maintenance
  • Emergency storm response
  • Methods to repair gravel roads
  • Types of asphalt road surface distress
  • Steps for surface patch repairs for potholes
  • Detour roads
  • Access roads
  • Maintenance of traffic
Module 6 — Painting Road Symbols
  • Types of road symbols
  • Material, paint, and colour requirements
  • What is road marking paint?
  • Instructions for applying road markings
  • Pavement marking removal methods
  • Safety guidelines when painting roads
Module 7 — Safety Practices for Workers
  • Road construction and maintenance hazards
  • Safety policies and procedures for road workers
  • Use of road signs in road construction and maintenance
  • Flagging guidelines

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FAQs – Basic Road Construction Principles

Build foundational road construction skills covering road construction processes, pavement structures, materials, drainage, site safety, equipment, and quality control.

What is covered in the Basic Road Construction Principles Training?
The course covers road construction fundamentals, road layers, drainage, gravel and asphalt road construction, road maintenance, road markings, safety practices, and the equipment and methods used in road construction.
Who should attend the Basic Road Construction Principles Training?
The training is suitable for professionals who want to broaden their road construction knowledge, municipal workers, civil consulting engineers and technicians, contractors, construction inspectors and supervisors, road maintenance supervisors, and relevant government employees.
Does the course cover different road construction methods?
Yes. Participants are introduced to asphalt, concrete, water-bound macadam, murram, earth, and gravel road construction methods, including key preparation and construction procedures.
Does the training cover gravel and asphalt road construction?
Yes. The programme covers gravel road preparation, subgrade preparation, gravel placement and compaction, as well as asphalt properties, paving equipment, surface preparation, asphalt mixture placement, construction staking, and compaction.
Does the Basic Road Construction course cover road maintenance and drainage?
Yes. Participants learn about road drainage, routine and periodic maintenance, road surface maintenance, storm response, gravel road repairs, asphalt surface distress, pothole repairs, detour roads, access roads, and maintenance of traffic.
Does the course include road marking and worker safety?
Yes. The training covers road symbols, road-marking materials and paints, application and removal methods, construction hazards, safety procedures, road signs, protective equipment, and flagging guidelines.

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