Constructing Roadways in Warren County


Age: 8th grade and above

Objectives:

  • To examine the evolution of road construction in Warren County.
  • To understand the decision-making process in road construction and the importance of roads.

Preparation:

The teacher should invite a guest speaker, such as the city public works director or state highway engineer, to discuss the construction of roads, materials used and the process for determining where roads will be built.

Instructions:

  • Students should imagine they are a public works director and are faced with constructing a new road. The student must determine the length and width of road and amount of asphalt needed to pave the road. Using the following information and formula, students should determine the required tons of asphalt.

    One mile = 5,280 feet
    Thickness of the road pavement equals 1-1/4 inches
    One square yard of asphalt weighs 137 1/2 pounds
    Ton = 2,000 pounds

    Formula: Length x width x 137-1/2 = total pounds
                 9

    Total pounds = tons
      2000
  • Students should prepare a report on their findings.

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December 3, 1999
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