A documentation was prepared for full analysis of the I-81 Southbound Condition. The project group focused on studying a section on I-81 from Route Relative MP 119.4(station 121+00) to Route Relative MP 128.0 (station 579+00). The group studied different parts such as soil analysis, traffic analysis, pavement design, and cost analysis. The group computed the resilient modulus for the existing soil. Upon soil classification, it was found that the soil type was mostly low plasticity clay. Some sites also contained low plasticity silt (ML) and trace amounts of sand and gravel. The group was not satisfied with the existing soil and recommended some solutions to enhance the soil. The group also computed the number of ESALs that the pavement can carry under some considerations. Since the project location was classified under major highways (Interstate-highway), the section had high demand since the number of ESALs was very large. Based on the current soil and traffic analysis outputs, the project group designed a new pavement section to accommodate the demand for next 30 years. Accordingly, cost parameters had been included in the analysis that can be adjusted given the length of the project.

1. What did I learn creating this work?

Since this was the first project work that I undertook at Virginia Tech, it taught me how to go about doing a project. I learned the nuances and techniques involved in carrying out a project work. I learned what is required for a project.

2. How can the skills I used creating this work be used in other areas of my life?

Since this was a team project, I learned how to work with people and how to accommodate different ideas and opinions. I also learned how to stick to deadlines and developed time efficiency. In addition, I also learned how to present a project in front of an audience. Also, since I worked extensively with Microsoft Office and Pavement Design software like WESLEA, I got better at using the software.

3. What areas of my life (curricular and co-curricular) are connected in this work?

This project counted towards my grade for the course. It was a team project and I learned how to work with teams better.

4. What lessons have I learned? What would I have done differently? Why?

Since this was my first project at Virginia Tech, I learned how the process of developing a project is carried out here at Tech. I got to meet new people and the exchange of knowledge was immense.

5. How did this project help me become a better professional/student?

Given how this is the area of engineering that I want to work on, it gave me a better insight into the field of Transportation Engineering. I believe only having such hands-on experience and practical training helps a student be ready for the corporate world.