In traffic engineering, the K-factor is a critical parameter used in roadway design and traffic analysis. It represents the proportion of Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) that occurs during the design hour, and it allows engineers to size and evaluate roadways for their most critical operating conditions. Trying to calculate a traffic signal warrant? Try […]
What is an ESAL? ESAL Formula Where: Typical Load Equivalency Factors (LEFs) (based on AASHTO & typical LEFs) Vehicle Type Axles Typical Load (kips per axle) Approx. ESAL per Pass Passenger Car (sedan) 2 2–3 0.0004 Pickup / SUV 2 3–4 0.001 Delivery Van (2-axle, light) 2 4–5 0.005 Single-Unit Truck (2-axle, 6-tire) 2 6–9
Transportation planning and engineering is one of the most dynamic and impactful career paths available today. It sits at the intersection of technology, infrastructure, sustainability, and public policy. If you’ve ever searched “Should I study transportation engineering?” or “Is traffic engineering a good career?”, this guide will help you understand why the answer is a
If you already work with trip generation, you know the headline challenge in many Traffic Impact Studies (TIS/TIA): not all site trips are “new” to the network. Some are simply siphoned from vehicles already passing by. Getting this right can change turn lane warrants, signal timing, and mitigation costs. This guide is a practitioner’s deep-dive
