FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

PAHANG LABORATORY MANUAL

COURSE HIGHWAY ENGINEERING

COURSE CODE ECG354

LEVEL OF OPENNESS 0

CATEGORY TRADITIONAL
DEGREE OF OPEN-ENDED (%) 0

PERIOD OF ACTIVITY 1 WEEK

TITLE LAB 1: SPOT SPEED STUDY

1.1 Introduction
The traditional methods of conducting laboratory activities (assigned as Level 0)
will not be able to provide the avenue for students to enhance independent
learning activities and inculcate creativity and innovation. The traditional method
is fully prescriptive where the three elements namely problem, ways & means
and answers are provided/fully given to the students. However, it is still
necessary to be implemented as part of the whole laboratory course activity
especially to first and second year students.
In this partially open laboratory activity the students are required to carry out
tests to determine a spot speed of traffic at one point or spot on a traffic way. It
consists of a series or a sample of observation of the individual speed of
vehicles at a straight road.

Speed is a primary factor in all modes transportation and it is a basic measure of

traffic performance. Various types of speed will be measure from this study.

1.2 Objectives
PREAMBLE
To determine the speed distribution of the traffic at a selected location.

1.3 Learning Outcomes

At the end of the laboratory activities, students would be able to:
1. Identify and use the correct method to carry out Spot Speed Study.
2. Analyse the collected data correctly and present it in a proper technical format
3. Work in a group to undertake the task and produce the technical report.

1.4 Theoretical Background

In this laboratory activity, the device (radar speed meter) operates on a Doppler
principle that the speed of a moving target is proportional to the change in
frequency between the radio beam transmitted to the target and the reflected
radio beam. The equipment measures this difference and converts it to a direct
reading in km per hour. The accuracy of speed determination is 2 miles per hour
up to 100 miles per hour.

©FKA PAHANG, UiTM SEPTEMBER 2019

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
PAHANG LABORATORY MANUAL

Formula:
∑fv
1. Arithmetic mean speed, 𝑣 =
n
n
− fL
2
2. Median = L + [ ]C
𝑓𝑚

∑(fv2 ) ∑(𝑓𝑣)2
3. Standard deviation = √ −
(𝑛−1) n(𝑛−1)

2 Problem Statement
Students will be given apparatus for this laboratory and test will be conducted at
specific location (predetermined location). Students are required to collect the spot
PROBLEM speed data (at least 80 speeds) at the location. The time of the study must be
STATEMENT during off peak hour for a maximum performance of speed. All the data need to
be tabulated in table from of a statistic method.

Note: Student may do spot speed study for all types of vehicle or specifically for
each type of vehicle.
3.1 Apparatus
i. Radar speed meter
ii. clip board and field data survey form
3.2 Procedures
i. Select a location; represent location for basic data survey.
ii. Set up the radar meter near the edge of the carriageway at a height of
about one meter above ground level.
iii. The radar meter should be set up to keep the angle between the direction
of vehicle travel and a straight line from the transmitter receiver at a
minimum.
iv. Radar unit should be located as near as possible to the line of vehicle
travel so that they can be aimed effectively.
v. The speed of vehicle that appears on the radar meter is taken as the data.
vi. All the data need to be tabulated in table.
WAYS &
3.3 Data Acquisition
MEANS
All data collected and observed during the test must be tabulate in proper format
for easy verification and presentation of the technical report.

RESULT OF SPOT SPEED SURVEY

Location/Road:______________ Day :__________________

Time :_______________ Date :__________________

Weather :_______________ No lanes : _________________

Direction : __________________

©FKA PAHANG, UiTM SEPTEMBER 2019

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
PAHANG LABORATORY MANUAL

Vehicle Speed Vehicle Speed Vehicle Speed Vehicle Speed

No. (km/hr) No. (km/hr) No. (km/hr) No. (km/hr)

Speed Midclass, Frequency, fv Percentage Cumulative fv2

Class v f of Percentage
(km/hr) observations of
in Class frequency

©FKA PAHANG, UiTM SEPTEMBER 2019

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
PAHANG LABORATORY MANUAL

∑= ∑= ∑ = 100 ∑=

Speed data then make into Graphical representation of:

1. Frequency Histogram
2. Frequency Distribution Curve
3. Cumulative Frequency Curve
i) 15 percentile speed
ii) 50 percentile speed
iii) 85 percentile speed
iv) 95 percentile speed

Interpretation of Data Analysis

Statically analysis:

1. Arithmetic mean speed

2. Median speed
3. Modal speed
4. Standard deviation
5. Pace speed
6. Design speed
7. Speed limit

4 Results, Analysis and Conclusion

The group is required to submit the technical report of the laboratory results
RESULTS highlighting the apparatus used, the procedures undertaken for the test, data
acquisition process, analysis carried out and the relevancy of the set-out output to
address the given problem. The format of the technical report is left to the
creativity discretion of the group.
The report must be submitted 7 days after the laboratory date.

©FKA PAHANG, UiTM SEPTEMBER 2019