TY - SER AN - 01539723 JO - TechBrief PB - Federal Highway Administration TI - Slip and Creep of Thermal Spray Coatings PY - 2014/09 SP - 8p AB - All steel bridge systems and their components need some level of corrosion protection to assure a serviceable life. One approach is the use of coatings. This document focuses on thermal spray coatings (TSC). In addition to corrosion resistance, coatings must be compatible with use in high-strength bolted connections. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) Bridge Design Specifications require bolted connections be designed as “slip-critical” if the connection is subjected to “…stress reversal, heavy impact loads, severe vibration or located where stress and strain due to joint slippage would be detrimental to the serviceability of the structure…” In the design of a slip-critical connection, the engineer must select a “frictional slip coefficient” between the layers of a connection to calculate the slip resistance. AASHTO refers to this frictional value as a “surface condition factor,” although in this TechBrief, it will be referred to as the “slip coefficient.” The engineer does not specify an exact slip coefficient; rather, the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications provide three different categories (Class A, B, and C) from which the engineer can choose. Class A surfaces have a minimum slip coefficient of 0.33, which can be achieved with unpainted, clean mill scale. Class B surfaces have a minimum slip coefficient of 0.50, which can be achieved with unpainted, blast-cleaned surfaces. In lieu of having bare steel on the slip surface, certified coatings applied over a blast-cleaned surface that demonstrates Class A or B performance may also be used. Class C surfaces also have a minimum slip coefficient of 0.33 but are only applicable for hot-dip galvanized coatings and are outside the scope of this TechBrief. This TechBrief introduces limited data on the slip coefficients developed by both sealed and unsealed TSCs. KW - AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications KW - Anticorrosion coatings KW - Creep KW - Joints (Engineering) KW - Load and resistance factor design KW - Protective coatings KW - Slip resistance KW - Steel bridges UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/infrastructure/structures/bridge/14083/14083.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1324883 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01539721 AU - Larose, Guy L AU - D'Auteuil, Annick AU - National Research Council of Canada AU - Genex Systems, LLC AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Wind Tunnel Investigations of an Inclined Stay Cable with a Helical Fillet PY - 2014/09 SP - 226p AB - Cable-stayed bridges have been recognized as the most efficient and cost effective structural form for medium-to-long-span bridges over the past several decades. With their widespread use, cases of serviceability problems associated with large amplitude vibration of stay cables have been reported. Stay cables are laterally flexible structural members with very low inherent damping and thus are highly susceptible to environmental conditions such as wind and rain/wind combination. Recognition of these problems has led to the incorporation of different types of mitigation measures on many cable-stayed bridges around the world. These measures include surface modifications, cable crossties, and external dampers. Modification of cable surfaces has been widely accepted as a means to mitigate rain/wind vibrations. Recent studies have firmly established the formation of a water rivulet along the upper side of the stay and its interaction with wind flow as the main cause of rain/wind vibrations. Appropriate modifications to exterior cable surfaces effectively disrupts the formation of a water rivulet. The objective of this study is to supplement the existing knowledge base on some of the outstanding issues of stay cable vibrations and to develop technical recommendations that may be incorporated into design guidelines. Specifically, this project focused on the wind-cable interaction, with particular interest in details of the air flow and flow field close to the cable as well as forces on the cable surface. A helical fillet was attached to an existing cable model to evaluate the influence of this common mitigation feature on dynamic behavior. The cable inclination angle was varied during testing to represent field orientations, and the model was rotated on its longitudinal axis to assess the influence of high-density polyethylene roundness. Tests were conducted at various levels of damping, with and without the fillet, and in turbulent as well as smooth flow conditions. KW - Bridge design KW - Cable stayed bridges KW - Damping (Physics) KW - Recommendations KW - Vibration KW - Vibration control KW - Wind KW - Wind tunnels UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/infrastructure/structures/bridge/14070/14070.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1324880 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01539464 AU - Vachal, Kimberly AU - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute AU - North Dakota Department of Transportation AU - Department of Transportation AU - Department of Agriculture TI - Marketing U.S. Grain and Oilseed by Container PY - 2014/09 SP - 83p AB - Shipping grain in containers has been increasingly used as a shipment option by U.S. exporters. Continued evolution and investment in this relatively young industry may open additional opportunities for the grain industry. Grain shipping by container faces challenges in optimizing multimodal operations and investment decisions in a dynamic market environment that is heavily influenced by international shipping decisions. Analysis of rail and port container traffic activity was conducted to gain insight into market activities, trends, and opportunities for marketing grain internationally via container. The ability of the U.S. grain industry to understand and successfully respond to market signals is a key in continued growth for the container transportation marketing alternative. KW - Container traffic KW - Containerization KW - Grain KW - Market assessment KW - Oilseed KW - Port traffic KW - Railroad traffic KW - United States UR - http://www.ugpti.org/pubs/pdf/DP272.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1324629 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01539462 AU - Zatar, Wael AU - Rahall Appalachian Transportation Institute AU - West Virginia Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Assessing the Service Life of Corrosion-Deteriorated Reinforced Concrete Member Highway Bridges in West Virginia PY - 2014/09//Final Report SP - 80p AB - Corrosion of steel-reinforced concrete bridges is a serious problem facing the West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT). This paper provides an overview of techniques for evaluating the condition of reinforced concrete bridge elements; methods for modeling the remaining service life and the service life extension provided by various repair and protection methods; and a review of the various repair and protection methods. Fick’s 2nd Law of Diffusion, combined with Life-365 software, was determined to be the most reasonable method for service life modeling. Bridge element condition evaluation should be performed at routine intervals, depending on the condition and age of the structure being evaluated. Evaluations should use a variety of technologies and techniques, including half-cell potential measurements. This study concludes that the various types of repair, evaluation, and modeling techniques can be incorporated into any existing corrosion management through the development of a manual which outlines reliable, research-based procedures for assessing the condition of corrosion-deteriorated in-service highway bridges. KW - Corrosion KW - Corrosion protection KW - Evaluation and assessment KW - Fick's Second Law of Diffusion KW - Maintenance KW - Reinforced concrete bridges KW - Service life KW - West Virginia UR - http://www.njrati.org/assets/reports/RP234_Corrosion_Assessment_Report_Final.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1324591 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01539460 AU - Walton, C Michael AU - Seedah, Dan AU - Cruz-Ross, Alejandra AU - O'Brien, William J AU - La Fountain, Peter AU - Agarwal, Prateek AU - Sankaran, Bharathwaj AU - University of Texas, Austin AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Freight Data Architecture Business Process, Logical Data Model, and Physical Data Model PY - 2014/09 SP - 24p AB - In November 2011, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) funded a study to integrate data from multiple sources to optimize freight transportation planning efforts in the state. The Center for Transportation (CTR) study team was commissioned to explore the feasibility of entering into a data-sharing partnership with representatives of the private sector (i.e., shippers, receivers, trucking companies, forwarders, etc.), and obtain sample data that can be used in formulating a strategy for integrating multiple data sources. To build relationships with the private sector, the study team contacted 493 companies, received 151 responses, and conducted 33 key-person interviews with executive level managers of trucking companies, shippers, airports, logistics companies, rail carriers, and ports. These interviews were preceded by an online survey of 32 companies to establish private-sector willingness to enter into a data-sharing partnership, and assist the study team in understanding their needs and concerns. This document summarizes the study team’s efforts to establish data-sharing partnerships and relay the lessons learned. In addition, it provides information on a prototype freight data architecture and supporting description and specifications that will facilitate the storage and exchange of data through a data sharing partnership with members of Texas’s freight community. Final recommendations on who should be responsible for populating and developing the integrated freight system are also made, and list of items to be considered in estimating the cost for developing and maintaining the system are presented. KW - Data collection KW - Data sharing KW - Databases KW - Freight transportation KW - Private enterprise KW - Recommendations KW - Stakeholders KW - Texas UR - http://library.ctr.utexas.edu/ctr-publications/0-6697-P1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1324390 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538337 AU - Griffin, Lisa AU - Leite, Fernanda AU - Machemehl, Randy AU - Fleisher, Tim AU - Choe, Sooyoung AU - University of Texas, Austin AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Stretch and Flex Program for TxDOT Office and Field Workers PY - 2014/09//Technical Report SP - 56p AB - Strain/sprain-related incidents account for 40% of the total injuries of Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) employees. Over the past 5 years the most common strain/sprain injury was of the lower back; 50% of these injuries were caused by lifting tasks. The goal of this project is to create a guidebook presenting a set of ergonomic recommendations for common TxDOT workplace tasks and a Stretch and Flex program designed to reduce strain/sprain-related incidents. Research studies have shown that muscle strengthening exercises can reduce workplace strain/sprain-related incidents. However, most of the Stretch and Flex programs currently being implemented involve more stretching than flexing. Thus, current Stretch and Flex programs may not be as beneficial as they could be. Since injury of the low back is the most common work-related injury, strengthening the core musculature is the best preventative strategy. The challenge that current Stretch and Flex programs face in achieving this goal may be that traditional core-strengthening exercises are performed on the ground, which may not work well for employees who work outdoors or are not dressed for being on the ground. Thus, the Stretch and Flex program that will be created will involve exercises done in the standing position to strengthen the core musculature as well as target other muscles and joints susceptible to work-related injuries. The University of Texas at Austin (UT) has developed instructional videos for vertical core strengthening, and has developed and implemented exercise programs for groups of UT employees. The user-friendly guidebook that will be created for TxDOT employees will contain ergonomic recommendations for TxDOT maintenance and office workers as well as a Stretch and Flex program that will be superior to current programs. A guidebook will help TxDOT employees reduce their risk of injury through specific work-related ergonomic strategies and injury-prevention exercises designed to improve strength and flexibility. This program is expected to reduce the incidence of TxDOT strain/sprain-related incidents and substantially reduce associated costs, which have exceeded $3.7 million over the past 5 years. KW - Back KW - Employees KW - Ergonomics KW - Handbooks KW - Health KW - Industrial accidents KW - Physical fitness KW - Recommendations KW - Texas Department of Transportation UR - http://library.ctr.utexas.edu/ctr-publications/0-6805-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1323275 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538317 AU - Griffin, Lisa AU - Leite, Fernanda AU - Machemehl, Randy AU - Fleisher, Tim AU - Choe, Sooyoung AU - University of Texas, Austin AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Stretch and Flex Guidebook PY - 2014/09 SP - 23p AB - Strain/sprain-related incidents account for 40% of the total injuries of Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) employees. Over the past 5 years the most common strain/sprain injury was of the lower back; 50% of these injuries were caused by lifting tasks. Research studies have shown that muscle strengthening exercises can reduce workplace strain/sprain-related incidents. However, most of the Stretch and Flex programs currently being implemented involve more stretching than flexing. Thus, current Stretch and Flex programs may not be as beneficial as they could be. Since injury of the low back is the most common work-related injury, strengthening the core musculature is the best preventative strategy. The goal of this project was to create a guidebook presenting a set of ergonomic recommendations for common TxDOT workplace tasks and a Stretch and Flex program designed to reduce strain/sprain-related incidents for both office and field workers. The challenge that current Stretch and Flex programs face in achieving this goal may be that traditional core-strengthening exercises are performed on the ground, which may not work well for employees who work outdoors or are not dressed for being on the ground. Thus, the Stretch and Flex program created for TxDOT involves exercises done in the standing position to strengthen the core musculature as well as target other muscles and joints susceptible to work-related injuries. The guidebook for TxDOT employees contains ergonomic recommendations for TxDOT field and office workers as well as a Stretch and Flex program. This guidebook is specifically intended for Safety Officers to enhance their understanding of the Stretch and Flex program. It is not intended for the actual workers who will be performing the exercises. The guidebook is a more in-depth supplement to the user-friendly booklets and videos that were developed in conjunction with TxDOT’s Occupational Safety Division Workers’ Compensation section and TxDOT Communications. The Stretch and Flex program aims at helping TxDOT employees reduce their risk of injury through specific work-related ergonomic strategies and injury-prevention exercises designed to improve strength and flexibility. This program is expected to reduce the incidence of TxDOT strain/sprain-related incidents and substantially reduce associated costs, which have exceeded $3.7 million over the past 5 years. KW - Back KW - Employees KW - Ergonomics KW - Handbooks KW - Health KW - Industrial accidents KW - Physical fitness KW - Recommendations KW - Texas Department of Transportation UR - http://library.ctr.utexas.edu/ctr-publications/0-6805-p1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1323277 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538245 AU - Pickrell, Steve AU - Cambridge Systematics, Incorporated AU - Oregon Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Transportation Performance Measures for Outcome Based System Management and Monitoring PY - 2014/09//Final Report SP - 50p AB - The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is mature in its development and use of performance measures, however there was not a standard approach for selecting measures nor evaluating if existing ones were used to inform decision-making. This research report inventories ODOTs high-level performance measures, compares them to Federal, State, and Agency goals, identifies a framework to determine the suitability of performance measures and select new ones, and identifies new recommended measures. The outcomes of the project include a framework for evaluating and selecting measures, and recommended Key Performance Measures for the Agency. KW - Decision making KW - Evaluation KW - Oregon Department of Transportation KW - Performance measurement KW - Recommendations UR - http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/TD/TP_RES/ResearchReports/SPR753_TransPerformanceMeasures_Final.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1324123 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538243 AU - Blomberg, R D AU - Thomas, F D AU - Long, W AU - Sifrit, K J AU - Korbelak, K T AU - Dunlap and Associates, Incorporated AU - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration TI - BAC and Crash Responsibility of Injured Older Drivers: An Analysis of Trauma Center Data PY - 2014/09//Final Report SP - 44p AB - This study examined the distribution of blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) in injured drivers 65 and older and the relationship of older-driver BAC to driving record and crash responsibility. Researchers conducted a retrospective examination of 11 years of data from the Oregon Trauma Registry. The data showed substantial differences in BAC reporting by age for trauma patients in general, and for those treated because of injuries sustained as a driver in a crash. All patients 65 and older, including crash-involved drivers, had a significantly lower rate of BAC testing than did all other age groups. The Trauma Registry data showed that approximately 10% of all BAC tested, crash-involved drivers over 65 had measurable (positive) BACs. Of those who tested positive, BACs in excess of the illegal per se limit were common; 60.3% had BACs at or above .160 g/dL. Results also showed older drivers with positive BACs at the time of their crashes had notably worse driving records than their crash-involved peers with negative BACs (<0.02). A responsibility analysis revealed that in nearly all cases crash responsibility was attributed to older drivers when those drivers had positive BACs. The much higher responsibility level of older drivers with positive BACs highlights the influence that alcohol produces above and beyond the effects of aging alone. Overall, the study results suggest that drivers over 65 are less likely than their younger counterparts to test positive for alcohol after a crash that requires treatment at a trauma center. When older drivers do test positive, however, their BACs are generally high -- well above the illegal per se limit for driving. Moreover, the strong relationship between older drivers’ BAC and their prior driving records and crash responsibility highlight the need to focus more attention on countermeasures for drinking drivers 65 and older. KW - Age groups KW - Aged drivers KW - Blood alcohol levels KW - Crash causes KW - Driver records KW - Drunk driving KW - Hospital emergency rooms KW - Oregon KW - Traffic crashes UR - http://www.nhtsa.gov/staticfiles/nti/pdf/812062-BACandCrashResponsibilityInjuredOlderDrivers.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1323134 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538202 AU - Dubey, Subodh AU - Deng, Jun AU - Hoklas, Megan Marie AU - Castrol, Marisol AU - Loftus-Otway, Lisa AU - Bhat, Chandra AU - University of Texas, Austin AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Developing a Mode Choice Model for Small and Medium MPOs PY - 2014/09//Technical Report SP - 134p AB - This project developed a process and framework for generating the inputs needed for estimating a travel mode choice model that includes the transit mode, and developing a framework for implementing the results of an estimated travel mode choice model to project mode shares in response to demographic changes and improvements in transit service. In generating inputs for estimating a mode choice model, an important component is network skims (travel times and costs) by alternative modes. Most metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) have good geographic information systems (GIS)-based representations of the highway network, which can be used to generate drive-alone and shared-ride skims. However, this is not the case with transit skims due to the lack of a good GIS-based representation of the transit network, especially for bus stops. The project manually geo-coded bus stop information onto the highway network, and used assumptions to generate transit paths and corresponding zone-to-zone transit skims. A guidebook provides a step-by-step procedure for developing skims. The database for estimation was developed using household survey data (2004) on trip characteristics. Two demographic variables were used in the mode choice model: household size and income. The models have been embedded into a software forecasting platform to predict modal share shifts between each pair of traffic analysis zones (TAZs) (and the region as a whole) due to changes in income levels and/or household size over time. The models can also be used to assess the impacts of transit improvements for in-vehicle and out-of-vehicle transit times. Further data collection from transit surveys is recommended to enhance the model’s capacity to estimate the time and cost effects based on preferences. A georeferenced coordinate system for bus stop locations would also improve the transit skim generation process. KW - Bus stops KW - Demographics KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Modal split KW - Mode choice KW - Multimodal transportation KW - Public transit KW - Texas KW - Traffic analysis zones KW - Travel costs KW - Travel demand KW - Travel time UR - http://library.ctr.utexas.edu/ctr-publications/0-6766-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1323273 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538196 AU - Seedah, Dan P K AU - Owens, Travis D AU - Harrison, Robert AU - University of Texas, Austin AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Truck-Rail Intermodal Toolkit: User Manual PY - 2014/09 SP - 35p AB - The truck-rail intermodal toolkit (TRIT) was developed to help planners equally compare truck and rail freight movements for specific corridors and to give insight into some of the variables associated with each mode. The rail component of the model (CT-Rail) is designed to help planners and policy makers understand rail corridor operations and examine the opportunities and challenges for modal shifts from truck to rail. CT-Rail uses a mechanistic approach that adequately captures the effects of cargo weight, running speeds, network capacity, and route characteristics—key factors that are essential in any logistical analysis. The truck component of TRIT, CT-Vcost, developed from an earlier Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) study, allows planners to simulate truck movements over a specified corridor given factors such as truck speed, equipment depreciation, financing, insurance, maintenance costs, fuel cost, driver costs, road use fees (e.g., tolls), and other fixed costs—factors that influence truck operating costs and delivery time. Comparative variables used in both models include roadway and track characteristics (elevations and grades), travel speeds, changes in fuel prices, maintenance costs, labor costs, and tonnage. The truck corridor model also accounts for toll rates and vehicle insurance costs; drayage costs are included only in the rail corridor model. Outputs from both models include fuel consumption and cost, travel time, and payload cost per ton-mile. KW - Computer program documentation KW - Computer programs KW - Costs KW - Freight transportation KW - Fuel consumption KW - Intermodal transportation KW - Modal shift KW - Railroad transportation KW - Transportation corridors KW - Travel time KW - Trucking UR - http://library.ctr.utexas.edu/ctr-publications/0-6692-P2.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1324310 ER - TY - SER AN - 01538157 JO - TRAFFIC TECH PB - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration TI - Alcohol and Older Drivers’ Crashes PY - 2014/09 SP - 2p AB - This study examined blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of people admitted to trauma centers in Oregon over 11 years and focused on: (1) Ascertaining the prevalence of alcohol in crash-involved older drivers; (2) Comparing the driving records and crash culpability of older drivers with and without elevated BACs; and (3) Comparing BAC levels of older drivers who were in traffic crashes to other reference groups: younger crash-involved drivers and older patients admitted for fall-related injuries. The study sample included 83,841 people 18 and older treated by a trauma unit in Oregon and recorded in the Oregon Trauma Registry for the years 2000 through 2010. Patients 65 and older comprised 15,900 (19%) of this total. Overall, the study found that the drivers 65 and older were less likely than their younger counterparts to test positive for alcohol after crashes that required treatment at a trauma center. However, when older drivers tested positive, their BACs were generally high, well above the illegal per se limit for driving. Moreover, the strong relationship between older drivers’ BAC and poor prior driving records and high crash responsibility highlight the need to consider alcohol as a factors in older drivers’ crashes, and to focus more attention on countermeasures for drinking and driving among those 65 and older. KW - Age groups KW - Aged drivers KW - Blood alcohol levels KW - Crash causes KW - Driver records KW - Drunk driving KW - Falls KW - Hospital emergency rooms KW - Oregon KW - Traffic crashes UR - http://www.nhtsa.gov/staticfiles/nti/pdf/812063-AlcoholandOlderDriverCrashes.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1322923 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538142 AU - Seedah, Dan AU - Harrison, Robert AU - Boske, Leigh AU - Kruse, Jim AU - Protopapas, Annie AU - University of Texas, Austin AU - Texas A&M Transportation Institute AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Trade Flows and Texas Gulf Ports: Panama Canal Expansion and South American Markets PY - 2014/09//Technical Report SP - 116p AB - In 2015, a new lock system will allow larger and more productive ships to use the Panama Canal to serve global markets. Widespread interest in the project and the impacts on U.S. Atlantic and Gulf ports resulted in concern that U.S. terminals and state transportation systems might be unprepared for the potential growth in Panama Canal-related trade. This 2-year study examined the impacts and found three irrefutable facts are known at this time. The first is that the new locks will offer global shippers new choices based on routes, cost, and service. That much is certain. The second is that the impact of the new locks on particular ports and trading partners will vary over time and their use by larger (post-Panamax) vessels will be linked to specific trade lanes, commodities, global trends in labor cost and related transportation costs, future free-trade agreements, and advancements in maritime-related technologies, among other factors. Third, the new locks broaden shipper options for Texas exports, particularly bulk commodities, on specific Panama Canal routes. Beyond these three facts, there is no agreement among experts about the likely pace or scale of future port activity due to the Panama Canal expansion. KW - Bulk cargo KW - Commodity flow KW - Exports KW - Freight traffic KW - Panama Canal KW - Ports KW - South America KW - Texas KW - Texas Gulf Coast UR - http://library.ctr.utexas.edu/ctr-publications/0-6690-CTR-2.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1324311 ER - TY - SER AN - 01538131 JO - Civil Engineering Studies, Illinois Center for Transportation Series PB - University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign AU - Long, Jim AU - Anderson, Andrew AU - University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign AU - Illinois Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Improvement of Driven Pile Installation and Design in Illinois: Phase 2 PY - 2014/09 IS - 14-021 SP - 97p AB - A dynamic load test program consisting of 38 sites and 111 piles with restrikes was conducted throughout Illinois to improve the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) design of driven piling. Pile types included steel H-piles and closed-ended pipe (shell) piles. Piles were driven into all soil types including clay, silt, sand, shale, and limestone. Predictive methods for estimating pile capacity were investigated and include the kinematic IDOT method (K-IDOT) (static) method, WSDOT (dynamic formula), Wave equation analysis of piles (WEAP), pile driving analyzer (PDA), and Case Pile Wave Analysis Program (CAPWAP). Pile capacities were taken as the capacity estimated using CAPWAP for beginning of restrike conditions. Piles were monitored during initial driving. Piles were re-driven several days later to assess the amount of setup to assess the effect of time, pile type and soil type. Restrikes were conducted typically between 3 -15 days after initial driving. Modifying WSDOT to include effects of setup explicitly with specific equations (Skov and Denver, 1988) for time dependent setup was not any more precise than the original WSDOT formula with adjustments for pile type. Accordingly recommendations are made for adjusting WSDOT estimates based on whether the pile is an H-pile or a shell pile. Adjustments were made to the simplified stress formula (SSF) to refine predictions of stresses in driven H- and Shell piles driven with diesel hammers. Resistance factors were determined using the First Order Second Moment method for the static method (K-IDOT) and the dynamic formula (WSDOT). Pile types included H-piles and shell piles for both end of driving conditions and for beginning of restrike. Resistance factors were also determined for WEAP and PDA. These resistance factors were determined using the CAPWAP (beginning-of-restrike (BOR)) capacity as the static capacity for the pile, although it is preferable that the resistance factors be based on static load test. Accordingly, adjustments were made to the resistance factors accounting for the average agreement between capacity determined by CAPWAP (BOR) and capacity determined with a static load test. KW - Case Pile Wave Analysis Program (CAPWAP) KW - Dynamic loads KW - Illinois KW - Load and resistance factor design KW - Pile driving KW - Soil types KW - Stresses UR - https://apps.ict.illinois.edu/projects/getfile.asp?id=3164 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1322518 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01537876 AU - Darter, Michael I AU - Titus-Glover, Leslie AU - Von Quintus, Harold AU - Bhattacharya, Biplab B AU - Mallela, Jagannath AU - Applied Research Associates, Incorporated AU - Arizona Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Calibration and Implementation of the AASHTO Mechanistic‐Empirical Pavement Design Guide in Arizona PY - 2014/09//Final Report SP - 216p AB - This report documents efforts of the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to implement the America Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) DARWin‐ME pavement design guide in Arizona. The research team also prepared a practical stand‐alone user’s guide that provides guidance for obtaining inputs, conducting design, and establishing the recommended pavement design. Implementation focused on identifying the desired pavement design application of flexible hot‐mix asphalt (HMA) pavements, composite pavements (thin asphalt rubber friction course over jointed plain concrete pavement [JPCP] and continuously reinforced concrete pavement [CRCP]), JPCP, and HMA overlays of flexible pavement; characterizing materials and subgrades; determining traffic loadings (conducted under Darter et al. 2010); collecting and assembling DARWin‐ME input data from 180 Long Term Pavement Performance and pavement management system sections of flexible, rigid, composite, and rehabilitated pavements; calibrating the DARWin‐ME distress and International Roughness Index (IRI) prediction models to Arizona conditions; and training ADOT staff. Several biased distress and IRI models were corrected through the local calibration of Arizona pavements. Several key inputs were more accurately defined and Arizona defaults provided (e.g., subgrade resilient modulus). The calibration process improved these models through verification, validation, and calibration with Arizona data. Overall, the inputs and calibrated models will provide more accurate, reliable, and cost‐effective pavement designs than designs created with global calibrations. KW - Arizona KW - Bituminous overlays KW - Calibration KW - Composite pavements KW - Flexible pavements KW - International Roughness Index KW - Long-Term Pavement Performance Program KW - Mathematical models KW - Mechanistic-empirical pavement design KW - Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide KW - Modulus of resilience KW - Rigid pavements KW - Validation UR - http://apps.azdot.gov/ADOTLibrary/publications/project_reports/PDF/AZ606.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1323581 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01570382 AU - Kim, Taehyoung AU - Hobeika, Antoine G AU - Jung, Heejin AU - Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg AU - Mid-Atlantic Universities Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Area Coverage Provided by Vehicle to Vehicle Communication in an Urban Network PY - 2014/08/31/Final Report SP - 40p AB - The information obtained from connected vehicle has the potential of providing local and area-wide traffic management solutions by improving safety and mobility. The reliability and the frequency of this transmitted information have to be addressed to ensure that the users can properly utilize this information to solve traffic management issues. The first part of this research investigates the area covered in space and in time by vehicle to vehicle (V2V) communication in an urban network based on different market penetration rates of equipped vehicles and wireless communication coverage in Transportation Analysis and Simulation System (TRANSIMS). The percentage of valid connected vehicles and area coverage level are used to assess the communication duration rate and spatial-temporal dispersion of equipped vehicles. Results show that both average communication duration rate and area coverage level increase as the market penetration rate and wireless communication coverage increase. The communication duration rate is more sensitive to the wireless communication coverage than the market penetration rate. However, the market penetration rate has a greater influence on spatial-temporal dispersion of equipped vehicles and the Selected Links case has higher average area coverage level than the Whole Network case. The average area coverage also varies by time of day and is sensitive to the density of traffic and to the aggregation level. Finally, the spatialtemporal dispersion of equipped vehicles increases as the density of traffic increases. The second part of this research measures the performance of V2V applications and determines the required minimum level of deployment in a large urban network. Distance of information propagation and speed estimation error are used to measure the performance of event-driven and periodic applications. For event-driven applications, wireless communication coverage is the major factor because it has a greater impact on the distance of information propagation. For periodic applications, however, the market penetration rate has a greater impact on the performance than wireless communication coverage. The performance of event-driven improves in the higher traffic density conditions of peak time while the performance of periodic application improves in the lower traffic density conditions of non-peak time. The required minimum level of deployment for each application is determined to obtain reliable traffic management solutions. These study findings will be useful for making decisions about investments in cooperative vehicles in relation to the expected increase in traffic efficiency. KW - Alexandria (Virginia) KW - Data sharing KW - Market penetration KW - Simulation KW - Time duration KW - TRANSIMS (Computer model) KW - Urban areas KW - Vehicle to vehicle communications KW - Wireless communication systems UR - http://www.mautc.psu.edu/docs/VT-2013-02.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55200/55271/VT_2013-02.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1360171 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01577742 TI - R26 - Preservation on High Volume Roadways AB - No summary provided. KW - High volume roads KW - Highway maintenance KW - Preservation UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1370804 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01577468 TI - In-Place Recycle Paving Methods: Energy Use Analysis AB - This project will develop methodology to assess the total or differential energy use involved in functionally comparable recycle-in-place paving techniques, taking into consideration all possible factors including equipment operation, fuel consumption, transportation, materials production and handling, reusability of reclaimed aggregates, expected longevity/durability, and other factors. This information will also be gathered for conventional paving so that any differential between the two approaches can be quantified. Ultimately, this data will be made available as a tool for use by transportation organizations toward the specification of highway rehabilitation projects. Making paving choices with the goal of sustainability is a complicated matter, and involves the consideration of many factors beyond the scope of this project. This effort seeks to isolate and focus on the energy use of a group of similar-outcome paving techniques so as to have another data resource among many to use in the decision-making process. By knowing the total energy use for a given paving technique as well as other environmental impact factors associated with each technique, agencies will be better positioned to make informed, objective decisions as to what method is optimal for a given budget, performance level, and environmental outcome. KW - Decision making KW - Durability KW - Fuel consumption KW - In-place recycling KW - Paving KW - Reclaimed asphalt pavements KW - Service life KW - Sustainable development UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1370730 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01577470 TI - New Approaches to Utility Cut Pavement Repair AB - The scope of this work is to carry out a study to comprehensively research and evaluate effective and durable approaches to the repair/restoration of utility cuts in asphalt and Portland cement concrete pavements. The scope of research will not be limited to the United States; indeed, it is of interest to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to explore what other countries are doing in this subject area. This study will document, assess and determine the efficacy of repair/restoration of pavements in the context of cuts to access buried utilities or other subsurface facilities.  Particular emphasis will be placed on urban conditions where utility cuts occur frequently and the desire is to minimize their impact on both the highway agency infrastructure and the traveling public. KW - Cutting KW - Pavement maintenance KW - Portland cement concrete KW - Repairing KW - U.S. Federal Highway Administration KW - Underground utility lines KW - Urban areas UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1370732 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538288 AU - Gayah, Vikash V AU - Donnell, Eric T AU - Pennsylvania State University, University Park AU - Mid-Atlantic Universities Transportation Center AU - Pennsylvania Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Establishing Crash Modification Factors and Their Use PY - 2014/08/25/Final Report SP - 181p AB - A critical component in the Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ (AASHTO) Highway Safety Manual (HSM) safety management process is the Crash Modification Factor (CMF). It is used to estimate the change in the expected (average) number of crashes at a site when a specific countermeasure is implemented. This project responds to a request from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to help integrate the use of CMFs into the existing safety management process. The objectives of this project were to assemble a list of CMFs that are consistent with the HSM and are appropriate for use in Pennsylvania, and provide guidelines for their use. Two products were created to help achieve these objectives. The first product is a guidebook that describes the proper implementation procedures for CMFs and contains a complete list of CMFs that are appropriate for use in Pennsylvania. This guidebook is the Pennsylvania CMF Guide. The second product is a training presentation for PennDOT entitled "What are CMFs and how do you use them?" This presentation will be used to introduce engineers to CMFs, describe how to implement them, and provide guidance for how to use the Pennsylvania CMF Guide. This presentation is geared toward both internal and external training workshops. This report also provides details on the development of these two products, which are included as appendices. KW - Countermeasures KW - Crash modification factors KW - Highway safety KW - Highway Safety Manual KW - Implementation KW - Pennsylvania KW - Pennsylvania Department of Transportation KW - Traffic crashes KW - Training UR - http://www.mautc.psu.edu/docs/PSU-2014-01.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1321476 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01597414 AU - Scianna, Adam AU - Prusaczyk, Stephen AU - Christenson, Richard E AU - DeWolf, John T AU - University of Connecticut, Storrs AU - Connecticut Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Connecticut Permanent Long-Term Bridge Monitoring Network Volume 5: Wireless Monitoring of the Hung Span in a Large Truss Bridge – I-95 NB over the Thames River in New London (Bridge #3819) PY - 2014/08/21/Final Report SP - 23p AB - This report describes the instrumentation and data acquisition for the center hung segment in the largest truss bridge in Connecticut, located on the interstate system. The monitoring system was developed as a joint effort between researchers at the University of Connecticut and a company manufacturing wireless sensor technology, and it is the first of its kind. The great lengths between sensors, along with the difficulty of running wires over the trusses, led to the decision to use wireless sensors. Access to the underside of the bridge is severely limited, requiring closing of a lane whenever researchers are on the bridge. Since wireless sensors require batteries for power, necessitating replacement of batteries on a regular basis, researchers proposed use of solar panels along with rechargeable batteries for use with the sensors. The initial system was developed and placed on the bridge and used to collect strains and accelerations. Using what was learned from the initial system, changes and upgrades were made to the equipment. This included sensor modifications, replacement of some of the solar panels and revisions to the monitoring techniques. This report shows what was learned from the initial phases for this first-of-its kind monitoring system. KW - Acceleration (Mechanics) KW - Data collection KW - Instrumentation KW - Monitoring KW - New London (Connecticut) KW - Rechargeable batteries KW - Solar panels KW - Strain (Mechanics) KW - Technological innovations KW - Truss bridges KW - Wireless sensors UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/54000/54400/54424/CT-2256-6-13-7.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1402171 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538240 AU - Department of Transportation TI - Enhanced Monitoring Tools Are Needed to Improve NHTSA's Oversight of Highway Safety Grants PY - 2014/08/21 SP - 20p AB - To help reduce fatalities, injuries, and economic losses resulting from motor vehicle crashes, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awards formula and incentive grants to States to conduct a wide range of highway safety programs. The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) authorized about $1.3 billion to fund these grants for fiscal years 2013 and 2014. States can distribute highway safety grant and penalty transfer funds to a wide network of sub-grantees nationwide, including local law enforcement agencies, municipalities, universities, health care organizations, and other local institutions. NHTSA’s regional offices play an important role in monitoring States’ and sub-grantees’ use of grant funds, such as conducting triennial management reviews and ongoing oversight. The objective for this self-initiated audit was to evaluate NHTSA’s oversight of Federal highway safety grants provided to the States. Specifically, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) determined whether NHTSA (1) ensured that grantees met key Federal requirements and (2) effectively tracked grantee deficiencies and corrective actions. To conduct the audit work, OIG focused on one NHTSA regional office, Region 5, which was randomly selected from NHTSA’s 10 regional offices. Region 5 encompasses the States of Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. OIG evaluated a statistical sample of 66 grant expenditures (totaling $5.7 million) drawn from 4,113 grants (totaling $178 million) in Region 5 from fiscal years 2011 and 2012. OIG analyzed grantees’ expenditures of grant funds from fiscal years 2006 through 2012, assessed NHTSA’s guidance for monitoring grants, and evaluated NHTSA’s oversight of findings and corrective actions resulting from management reviews. KW - Expenditures KW - Grant aid KW - Highway safety KW - Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act KW - Oversight KW - Safety programs KW - States KW - U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration KW - United States UR - https://www.oig.dot.gov/sites/default/files/NHTSA%20Highway%20Safety%20Grants.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1322098 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538158 AU - Department of Transportation TI - FHWA Has Not Fully Implemented All MAP-21 Bridge Provisions and Prior OIG Recommendations PY - 2014/08/21 SP - 30p AB - Since 2006, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) has issued 3 reports with 16 recommendations for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to improve oversight of States’ bridge programs. OIG's initial report in 2006 described States’ errors in calculating bridge load ratings and in posting maximum weight limits and recommended that FHWA develop a data-driven, risk-based approach to bridge oversight. Subsequently, OIG reported that FHWA made limited progress in implementing this oversight approach and that it lacked sufficient data to evaluate States’ use of Highway Bridge Program (HBP) funds. OIG also reported that FHWA lacked the criteria and guidance for bridge engineers conducting annual reviews to assess States’ compliance with bridge inspection standards under the National Bridge Inspection Program. Subsequent to these reports, in July 2012, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) changed bridge safety requirements and funding uses and instituted new performance and accountability requirements for bridges on the National Highway System (NHS). OIG conducted this audit at the request of the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, who asked that we assess FHWA’s efforts to improve bridge safety, including addressing OIG's related recommendations and MAP-21 bridge safety provisions. Accordingly, OIG initiated two audits to address the Committee’s request. For this initial audit, the objectives were to assess FHWA’s actions in response to (1) the bridge safety provisions in MAP-21 and (2) OIG's prior bridge report recommendations. KW - Government funding KW - Highway Bridge Program KW - Highway bridges KW - Implementation KW - Inspection KW - Load factor KW - Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act KW - Office of Inspector General KW - Oversight KW - Recommendations KW - Safety management KW - U.S. Federal Highway Administration UR - https://www.oig.dot.gov/sites/default/files/FHWA%20Bridge%20MAP-21%20Report%5E08-21-14.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1322655 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01536617 AU - Negussey, Dawit AU - Birhan, Amsalu AU - Liu, Chen AU - Singh, Stephen AU - Andrews, Luke AU - Syracuse University AU - University Transportation Research Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Investigation of the I88 Carrs Creek Geofoam Failure PY - 2014/08/20/Final Report SP - 58p AB - The Interstate 88 (I88) culvert crossing of Carrs Creek in Sidney, New York collapsed during the record setting Mid-Atlantic States Flood of June 2006. Rapid construction with geofoam as lightweight fill enabled partial reopening of I88 by Labor Day 2006. Shortly after reopening of the roadway, rapid settlements developed. The geofoam fill was removed and I88 was re‐built using lightweight aggregates. An investigation of the rapid construction failure was completed in 2009. This report examines the failure of the re‐construction and the results of the subsequent investigation. Alternative causes for the failure have been identified based on previous observations, lab tests and computer models. Suggestions for improving rapid construction practice with geofoam are provided. KW - Computer models KW - Construction KW - Culverts KW - Failure analysis KW - Laboratory tests KW - New York (State) KW - Polystyrene KW - Reconstruction KW - Settlement (Structures) UR - http://www.utrc2.org/sites/default/files/pubs/Final-Carrs-Creek-Geofam_0.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1321365 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01597415 AU - Scianna, Adam AU - Prusaczyk, Stephen AU - Jiang, Zhaoshuo AU - Christenson, Richard E AU - DeWolf, John T AU - Kim, Jeong-Ho AU - University of Connecticut, Storrs AU - Connecticut Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Connecticut Permanent Long-Term Bridge Monitoring Network Volume 2: Monitoring of Curved Post-Tensioned Concrete Box- Girder Bridge – I-384 WB over I-84 in East Hartford (Bridge #5686) PY - 2014/08/18/Final Report SP - 40p AB - This report describes the instrumentation and data acquisition for a three-span continuous, curved post-tensioned box-girder bridge in Connecticut. The computer-based remote monitoring system was developed to collect information on the deformations, accelerations and temperature distributions to evaluate the long-term behavior and performance of the bridge. The monitoring system was installed in 1999, as the first system in a long-term research project to evaluate a variety of bridges in Connecticut. The data collected over multi-year periods from normal vehicular traffic have been used to learn about long-term performance of this bridge, resulting in a series of papers. The initial study developed an approach using histograms to better define natural frequencies from the extensive field data. The second study explored the influence of temperature distributions on the overall behavior of the bridge, including evaluation of the cause of cracking in both the box girders and the interior column supports. The third study looked at the influence of temperature variations on the baseline data, needed to remove the effect of temperature variations from data generated for long-term structural health monitoring. The final study has used the information previously developed for both this bridge and others to establish a baseline for long-term structural health monitoring and performance evaluation to determine if changes in the structural integrity are developing over time. The final study described in this report identifies and quantifies different data qualification measures needed for the structural health monitoring of this bridge. KW - Box girder bridges KW - Curved bridges KW - Data collection KW - East Hartford (Connecticut) KW - Instrumentation KW - Monitoring KW - Structural health monitoring UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/54000/54400/54419/CT-2256-3-13-4.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1402168 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01597413 AU - Scianna, Adam AU - Prusaczyk, Stephen AU - Jiang, Zhaoshuo AU - Christenson, Richard E AU - DeWolf, John T AU - University of Connecticut, Storrs AU - Connecticut Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Connecticut Permanent Long-Term Bridge Monitoring Network Volume 4: Monitoring of Curved Steel Box-Girder Composite Bridge – I-84 EB Flyover to I-91 NB in Hartford (Bridge #5868) PY - 2014/08/18/Final Report SP - 42p AB - This report describes the instrumentation and data acquisition for a continuous curved steel box-girder composite bridge in Connecticut. The computer-based remote monitoring system was installed in 2001, with accelerometers, tilt meters and temperature sensors. The bridge is part of a network of bridges in a long-term research project to evaluate the performance of a variety of bridges in Connecticut. Data have been collected over a multi-year period using normal vehicular traffic. A series of papers has been generated to explore the behavior of this bridge and to provide information to the Department of Transportation. The first study involved the development, implementation and evaluation of the initial data obtained from the monitoring system. This included a study of the large temperature gradients due to both annual climate changes and the position of the sun during the day. The goal was to explain the cause of torsion cracking in the tall slender concrete interior column supports. The second study used data collected over a multi-year period to develop benchmark parameters to use for structural health monitoring. Methods reviewed included natural frequency based methods, the modal assurance criterion, the signature assurance criterion, sensitivity coefficients of natural frequencies, and tilt meter data. The goal was to use ambient field monitoring data to detect changes in the structural integrity of the bridge. In the next study the improvement in bandwidth of the upgraded system is identified. The final study described in this report identifies and quantifies different data qualification measures needed for the structural health monitoring of this bridge. KW - Box girder bridges KW - Composite bridges KW - Curved box girders KW - Data collection KW - Hartford (Connecticut) KW - Instrumentation KW - Monitoring KW - Overpasses KW - Structural health monitoring UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/54000/54400/54423/CT-2256-5-13-6.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1402170 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01597411 AU - Prusaczyk, Stephen AU - Trivedi, Harinee AU - Christenson, Richard E AU - DeWolf, John T AU - Kim, Jeong-Ho AU - University of Connecticut, Storrs AU - Connecticut Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Connecticut Permanent Long-Term Bridge Monitoring Network Volume 6: Monitoring of a Continuous Plate Girder Bridge with Load Restrictions – Route 15 over the Housatonic River in Stratford (Bridge #761) PY - 2014/08/18/Final Report SP - 12p AB - This report describes the instrumentation and data acquisition system for monitoring of a continuous span steel plate girder bridge with a composite concrete deck located on a limited access highway. The monitoring system was developed and installed on the bridge. The limited traffic loading on the bridge resulted in significant challenges to provide high fidelity measurements of the bridge response. Additionally, lessons learned from the other bridge monitoring installations in Connecticut and around the country and the world were considered here. Issues with low signal-to-noise ratios and aliasing were subsequently identified as needing to be addressed prior to any data collection for vibration-based monitoring of this bridge. Further, the inclusion of temperature sensors is identified to provide a measurement of environmental conditions to correlate measured responses and potential calculated damage measures. KW - Data collection KW - Instrumentation KW - Monitoring KW - Plate girder bridges KW - Size and weight regulations KW - Stratford (Connecticut) KW - Temperature sensors KW - Vibration UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/54000/54400/54446/CT-2256-7-13-8.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1402172 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01577987 TI - H&G1 EM-Adapting Infrastructure Design and Management to the Impacts of Global Climate Change AB - No summary provided. KW - Asset management KW - Climate change KW - Design KW - Environmental impacts KW - Infrastructure UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1371356 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01577745 TI - BT-4: Design & Construction of External Strengthening of Concrete Bridge Components AB - Design and Construction of External Strengthening of Concrete Bridge Components Using Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites. KW - Bridge construction KW - Bridge design KW - Bridge members KW - Concrete bridges KW - Fiber reinforced polymers KW - Strengthening (Maintenance) UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1370807 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01595739 AU - Federal Aviation Administration TI - National Runway Safety Plan 2015-2017 PY - 2014/08/15 SP - 80p AB - Since the publication of the 2012 National Runway Safety Plan, the aerospace industry has grown more technically complex, undergone a multiplicity of organizational changes, and experienced a rapid surge of multiple types of safety data. To address these challenges, the 2015-2017 National Runway Safety Plan outlines the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA’s) strategy to adapt its runway safety efforts through enhanced collection and integrated analysis of data, development of new safety metrics, and leveraged organizational capabilities. The Plan describes the FAA’s strategic activities, programs, and objectives associated with achieving the agency’s runway safety goals and targets, including the evolution of a corporate approach to managing safety on the nation’s runways. The Plan employs a portfolio-based approach to runway safety that incorporates risk-based decision making, one of the FAA Administrator’s Priority Initiatives (Appendix H). The Plan focuses on the development of the interagency strategic processes to transition from event-based safety to risk-based safety using multiple data sources and stakeholder subject matter experts to assess current risk, predict future risk, and establish relevant metrics that measure the reduction in risk. Developing a corporate approach to surface safety that embraces the concept of using multiple sources of data from operators, airlines, and regulators to identify an expanding number of upstream precursors to events is one objective of the National Runway Safety Plan. This is a fundamental shift in aviation safety thinking and will require informed education as well as communication with internal, external, and political constituents. The Plan aligns with the FAA’s Priorities, the Administrator’s Priority Initiatives, and the goals identified in the congressionally mandated 2012 Strategic Runway Safety Plan (Appendix B). The Plan incorporates FAA Fiscal Year 2014 (FY2014) Business Plans by reference, and contains input from several FAA and aerospace industry stakeholders. The Plan is a living document that outlines the FAA’s medium-term runway safety strategic vision for the 2015 – 2017 timeframe. KW - Airport runways KW - Aviation safety KW - Risk analysis KW - Runway incursions KW - Safety management KW - Strategic planning UR - https://www.faa.gov/airports/runway_safety/publications/media/2015_ATO_Safety_National_Runway_Safety_Plan.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1398243 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01577890 TI - SI-12-05.2: Policy Research White Papers (Volpe 11-V-00018) AB - This modification of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Innovative Program Delivery (OIPD) Capacity Building Program Support IAA includes changes to the scope budget and funding. KW - Budgeting KW - Innovation KW - Policy KW - Research UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1371198 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01574116 AU - Brown, Alexander AU - Leary, Bobby AU - Corbin, David AU - Brennan, Sean AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Volvo Group AU - Mid-Atlantic Universities Transportation Center AU - Pennsylvania State University, University Park TI - Map-based Lane Detection and Driver Assist - A Final Project Report to Volvo Commercial Trucking PY - 2014/08/15/Final Report AB - This report outlines key recent contributions to the state of the art in lane detection, lane departure warning, and map-based sensor fusion algorithms. These key studies are used as a basis for a discussion about the limitations of systems that do not take advantage of map information, and outlines ways in which current map-based technologies can be improved. Finally, the methodology proposed for the development of a lane departure warning system that tightly integrates map, inertial, and vision sensors is described, followed by a rough outline of project timeline and scope. KW - Advanced driver information systems KW - Algorithms KW - Data fusion KW - Detection and identification technologies KW - Mapping KW - Methodology KW - Sensors KW - Traffic lanes KW - Trucks UR - http://www.mautc.psu.edu/docs/PSU-2013-08.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1366490 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01597417 AU - Plude, Shelley AU - Prusaczyk, Stephen AU - Scianna, Adam AU - Jiang, Zhaoshuo AU - Christenson, Richard E AU - Kim, Jeong-Ho AU - DeWolf, John T AU - Jamalipour, Alireza AU - University of Connecticut, Storrs AU - Connecticut Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Connecticut Permanent Long-Term Bridge Monitoring Network Volume 3: Monitoring of a Multi-Steel Girder Composite Bridge – I-91 SB over the Mattabesset River in Cromwell (Bridge #3078) PY - 2014/08/14/Final Report SP - 46p AB - This report describes the instrumentation and data acquisition for a multi-girder, composite steel bridge in Connecticut. The computer-based remote monitoring system was developed to collect information on the girder bending strains. The monitoring system was installed in 2004 to collect girder strains. The bridge is part of a network of bridges in a long-term research project to evaluate the performance of a variety of bridges in Connecticut. Data have been collected over a multi-year period using normal vehicular traffic. A series of papers has been generated to explore how the monitoring of this bridge can provide information of use to the Department of Transportation. The initial study involved the development of the data collection approach, used load tests and finite element analyses to describe the behavior, and used the data to make comparisons with the AASHTO Specification Requirements. The next study continued the development of the data from normal truck traffic to determine load and patterns and to propose guidelines for the long-term structural health monitoring of this bridge. The third study demonstrated that the monitoring system can also be used as a Bridge Weigh-In-Motion system. The monitoring system serves as a nonintrusive system to provide information on both the quantity and weights of trucks crossing the bridge. In the next study damage measures were developed for this bridge and compared to the inherent variability of actual bridge measurements to determine the minimum level of damage that can be detected by the system. The final study described in this report identifies and quantifies different data qualification measures needed for the structural health monitoring of this bridge. KW - Composite bridges KW - Cromwell (Connecticut) KW - Data collection KW - Girder bridges KW - Instrumentation KW - Monitoring KW - Steel girders KW - Strain (Mechanics) KW - Structural health monitoring UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/54000/54400/54422/CT-2256-4-13-5.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1402169 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01597410 AU - Scianna, Adam AU - Prusaczyk, Stephen AU - Jiang, Zhaoshuo AU - Christenson, Richard E AU - DeWolf, John T AU - University of Connecticut, Storrs AU - Connecticut Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Connecticut Permanent Long-Term Bridge Monitoring Network Volume 1: Monitoring of Post-Tensioned Segmental Concrete Box-Girder Bridge – I-95 over the Connecticut River in Old Saybrook (Bridge #6200) PY - 2014/08/14/Final Report SP - 37p AB - This report describes the instrumentation and data acquisition for an eleven span segmental, post-tensioned box-girder bridge in Connecticut. Based on a request from the designers, the computer-based remote monitoring system was developed to collect temperature data to provide engineers with information for use in the evaluation of the long-term behavior and performance of the bridge. The system was used over a five year period to determine maximum and minimum temperatures through the box girder cross section and to develop thermal gradients in both the vertical and transverse directions. Comparisons have been made with design specification provisions and with recommendations proposed by previous researchers. In addition, software has been developed to determine the relationship between the daily maximum temperature differences and the air temperatures inside the box girder. This approach is also used to develop the relationship between the maximum stresses due to temperature differences and the air temperature inside the box girder. The monitoring system is currently being upgraded. KW - Atmospheric temperature KW - Box girder bridges KW - Data collection KW - Instrumentation KW - Monitoring KW - Old Saybrook (Connecticut) KW - Segmental concrete bridges KW - Stresses KW - Temperature KW - Temperature gradients UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/54000/54400/54420/CT-2256-2-13-2.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1402167 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01597409 AU - Christenson, Richard E AU - DeWolf, John T AU - Prusaczyk, Stephen AU - University of Connecticut, Storrs AU - Connecticut Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Connecticut Permanent Long-Term Bridge Monitoring Network Volume 7: Lessons Learned for Specifications to Guide Design of Structural Health Monitoring Systems PY - 2014/08/14/Final Report SP - 33p AB - This report proposes a set of specifications for bridge structural health monitoring that has resulted from the experiences gained during the installation and monitoring of six permanent long-term bridge monitoring systems in Connecticut. As expected in bridge health monitoring research, numerous challenges have been identified and resolved during the course of this project, and this knowledge is passed on in the form of proposed data specification for bridge structural health monitoring sensor data. KW - Bridges KW - Connecticut KW - Data collection KW - Data quality KW - Lessons learned KW - Monitoring KW - Specifications KW - Structural health monitoring UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/54000/54400/54447/CT-2256-8-13-9.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1402173 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01560931 AU - Aktan, Haluk AU - Attanayake, Upul AU - Mohammed, Abdul Wahed AU - Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo AU - Michigan Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Michigan Department of Transportation Bridge Slide Showcase PY - 2014/08/14/Final Report SP - 127p AB - In October 2010, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) launched the Every Day Counts (EDC) program to identify and promote innovation in three focus areas: (1) Shortening Project Delivery, (2) Enhancing Safety of the Roadways, and (3) Protecting the Environment. FHWA is partnering with the state departments of transportation to deliver projects with innovative technologies in order to promote their widespread use. The EDC program has been a great stimulus for the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to perform highway construction Better, Faster, Cheaper, Safer, and Smarter; such is the purpose of Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC). MDOT is implementing several ABC initiatives throughout the state. This report provides a summary of the FHWA-sponsored MDOT bridge slide showcase that encompassed two ABC slide-in projects in Michigan: US-131 NB and SB bridges over 3 Mile Road in Morley; and the M-50 bridge over I- 96 in Lowell. The showcase included presentations from FHWA, MDOT, designers, and contractors, along with a question and answers session at a conference hall in Grand Rapids-Michigan. In addition, the showcase included field visits to the slide projects. This report documents the presentations and discussions of participants with the MDOT panel, designers, and contractors at the showcase. KW - Bridge construction KW - Every Day Counts KW - Implementation KW - Michigan KW - Michigan Department of Transportation KW - Technological innovations UR - http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdot/RC1618B_487364_7.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1351098 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01577868 TI - SI 14.2.2 Support for National Performance Management. Research Data Set (Probe Data) AB - This funding supports the use of data that supports Federal Highway Administration, (FHWA), U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), State and Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) programs. It is being used for current programs and to meet Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) deliverables. KW - Data analysis KW - Management KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) KW - Performance measurement KW - State departments of transportation KW - U.S. Department of Transportation KW - U.S. Federal Highway Administration UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1371141 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01577469 TI - Integrating 3D Digital Models Into Asset Management AB - This project will examine the state of the art of three-dimensional (3D) building information modeling/civil integrated management (BIM/CIM) technology, both domestically and abroad and its application to highway asset management. Once this information is synthesized, the effort will focus on developing best-practice recommendations that include a plan for the integration of 3D design into current highway construction standards, educational curriculum, and professional practice in the United States. These recommendations will serve as a foundation for industry, academia, and government to incorporate 3D elements into future highway design and specification practice. KW - Asset management KW - Best practices KW - Highway design KW - Integrated systems KW - Road construction KW - Standards KW - Three dimensional displays KW - United States UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1370731 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01539717 AU - Warn, Gordon AU - Unal, Mehmet AU - Pennsylvania State University, University Park AU - Mid-Atlantic Universities Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Estimating the Residual Axial Load Capacity of Flexure-dominated Reinforced Concrete Bridge Columns PY - 2014/08/11/Final Report SP - 36p AB - Extreme events such as earthquakes have the potential to damage hundreds, if not thousands, of bridges on a transportation network. Following an earthquake, the damaged bridges are inspected by engineers sequentially to decide whether or not to close the bridges to traffic. These inspections are generally slow and resource intensive, potentially leading to traffic disruption on the network for a long period of time. A recent experimental study on reinforced concrete bridge columns demonstrated that the bridge columns designed according to modern design specifications and standards, e.g. California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Seismic Design Criteria (SDC), exhibited approximately 80% of their original axial capacity after being subjected to cyclic lateral loading up to 4% drift. Thus, bridge columns designed following modern design requirements might possess significant residual axial load capacity even with the presence of moderate to extensive damage. A practical and efficient method for estimating the residual capacity of seismically damaged bridges would expedite bridge inspection and decision making regarding closure by allowing transportation agency officials to use the estimates to triage the on-site, visual inspection that would in turn minimize disruption to the transportation network by preventing overly conservative and unnecessary bridge closures. The objective of this study was to develop a practical mechanics-based method for accurately and efficiently estimating the residual axial load capacity of bridge columns given a level of seismic demand, measured by basic sensors instrumented on the bridge. The practical mechanics-based method for estimating the residual capacity of bridge columns was validated using experimental data from the axial testing of damaged column specimens designed according to Caltrans SDC. From the results of the validation study, the practical method was demonstrated to estimate the residual axial load capacity of bridge columns within approximately 3% accuracy when compared to experimental study results. KW - Axial loads KW - Bearing capacity KW - Columns KW - Earthquake resistant design KW - Estimating KW - Flexure KW - Reinforced concrete bridges KW - Residual strength UR - http://www.mautc.psu.edu/docs/PSU-2013-03.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1324876 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01541510 AU - West, Randy AU - Willis, Richard AU - Brown, Ray AU - Blow, Mark AU - Auburn University AU - South Dakota Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Improved Performance of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement Mixes PY - 2014/08/07/Final Report SP - 72p AB - Utilization of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) in asphalt pavements has become an important strategy to help offset rising raw material prices and to improve the sustainability of our transportation infrastructure. The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) began to routinely use RAP in main‐line asphalt surfaces in 2007. However, some of these pavements have not performed satisfactory, often exhibiting premature raveling and cracking. This prompted the SDDOT to commission this study to identify current practices and specifications that could be improved. The research team reviewed the department’s current policies, specification, and procedures as well as the current state of knowledge related to RAP use from recent research and neighboring highway departments. The researchers also reviewed mix design and quality assurance data from a few of the poor performing projects. The research team found that most of SDDOT’s current practices regarding RAP use are appropriate, but made several recommendations to better characterize RAP materials during mix design and to verify those characteristics during mixture production. To improve the performance and durability of the mixes containing RAP, a small change in the target air void content during mix design is recommended that will result in slightly higher asphalt contents. KW - Durability KW - Mix design KW - Quality assurance KW - Reclaimed asphalt pavements KW - Recommendations KW - South Dakota Department of Transportation KW - Specifications KW - State of the practice UR - http://www.sddot.com/business/research/projects/docs/SD2011-08%20Final%20Report.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/54000/54700/54713/SD2011-08_20Final_20Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1326237 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01537875 AU - Laube, Melissa M AU - Rainville, Lydia AU - Lyons, William M AU - Volpe National Transportation Systems Center AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - A Multi-Modal Approach to Economic Development in the Metropolitan Area Transportation Planning Process PY - 2014/08/06/Final Report SP - 49p AB - This white paper provides a review of research and current practices of integrating economic development goals in metropolitan area transportation planning. The information presented is intended to serve as a technical resource for transportation planners, clarifying essential economic development concepts and how peer practitioners can address these concepts in the metropolitan area transportation planning process. The first section summarizes research on essential economic development attributes and analytic methods drawn from a broad range of sources, including empirical and analytical research. This summary provides the context for the second section, which is a review of several best practice examples chosen to demonstrate how metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) are successfully incorporating economic development goals in planning and decision-making. KW - Best practices KW - Case studies KW - City planning KW - Decision making KW - Economic development KW - Metropolitan areas KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Multimodal transportation KW - Transportation planning UR - http://www.planning.dot.gov/documents/EconDevelopmentFinal_8-11-14.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/52000/52600/52663/EconDevelopmentFinal_8-11-14.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1323292 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01613759 AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Focus State Roadway Departure Safety Plans and High Friction Surface Treatments Peer Exchange PY - 2014/08/05 SP - 8p AB - This report summarizes the Focus State Roadway Departure Safety Plans and High Friction Surface Treatments Peer Exchange, held in Birmingham, Alabama, sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Safety’s Roadway Safety Professional Capacity Building Program. On August 5 and 6, 2014, the FHWA Office of Safety and FHWA Resource Center convened representatives from seven States: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Missouri. The purpose of this event was to facilitate the exchange of information between States regarding approaches to roadway departure (RwD) safety, including implementation of RwD Focus State Implementation Plans and High Friction Surface Treatments (HFST). The event consisted of a combination of presentations and facilitated discussions on rumble strips and stripes, curve delineation, HFST, and RwD Safety Implementation Plans. To encourage discussion, facilitators organized a SWOT Scramble, where participants provided their observations on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to the three countermeasures discussed. Discussion themes included: the use of a systemic approach to assess and identify horizontal curve projects; technical challenges associated with HFST applications; and differences in State rumble strip policies. KW - Countermeasures KW - Friction course KW - Highway curves KW - Highway safety KW - Implementation KW - Peer exchange KW - Ran off road crashes KW - Road markings KW - State departments of transportation KW - Transportation policy UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/59000/59800/59831/peer_report_AL_Aug2014.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1425506 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01587295 TI - Study of Safety Management Software for Airports AB - The purpose of this projects is to gain an understanding of the variety of software being used by airports as part of their respective Airport Safety Management Systems (SMS) strategies, with the goal of providing the the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with guidance towards recommending the use of SMS software at airports, including minimum functionality standards. For several years, the FAA has embarked on a program of establishing the use of SMS at airports. SMS may be thought of as a “proactive” strategy towards improving safety at airports through four primary components: (1) Establishing a Safety Policy, (2) Promoting a Safety Culture, (3) Performing Safety Risk, and (4) Management (SRM), and performing Safety Assurance. As part of this program, the FAA and other sources have published several documents for airport operators, including advisory circulars, guidebooks, and resource lists, including certain software products to facilitate the implementation of SMS at airports. In addition, the FAA contracted with 31 U.S. Commercial Service and General Aviation airports of varying sizes to perform “SMS pilot studies”, of which 14 airports continued with the FAA to perform “SMS implementation studies”. As part of these studies, several of these airports implemented the use of SMS software. Some of these airports purchased off‐the‐shelf SMS software originally developed for other industries (such as manufacturing plants), others developed software in‐house, and yet others hired consulting firms to develop, purchase, and/or manage SMS software platforms. These pilot studies were completed in 2012. Since 2012, some of these airports have continued to keep their SMS programs active, either using their original software programs, or refined platforms. Others have added SMS software to their SMS programs, and yet others have dropped their utilization of software, or inactivated much of their SMS programs overall. Since 2012, additional airports have begun to implement SMS programs, also using software in many cases. Preliminary research in developing this statement of work found several commercial products marketed as airport safety management software. In addition to commercial products, some individual airports have created in‐house SMS software or have used fundamental office‐based software (such as generic database and spreadsheet products). As such, there is a gaining wealth of institutional knowledge at individual airports regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the varying SMS software platforms that have been used. Despite these gains, there are many airports in the United States that have yet to embark on an SMS program, and as such have no institutional knowledge or guidance towards selecting an appropriate SMS software tool. This work proposes to address the FAA’s desire to provide such guidance, through a thorough investigation of the use of SMS software products, and a study of what airports need in terms of software tools to operate a successful SMS strategy. KW - Airport operations KW - Aviation safety KW - Aviation Safety Reporting System KW - General aviation KW - Risk assessment KW - Safety management KW - Safety Management Systems KW - Software UR - https://www.pegasas.aero/projects.php?p=20 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1392187 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01581001 AU - Bellman, Miles AU - Gandhi, Pratik AU - Geyer, Michael AU - Mackey, Allen AU - Shah, Vaibhav AU - Volpe National Transportation Systems Center AU - Federal Aviation Administration AU - Department of the Navy AU - Naval Air Systems Command TI - AN/UPX-41(C) Digital Interrogator System Compatibility with the National Airspace System: Top- Level Test Plan PY - 2014/08/04 SP - 102p AB - In 2012, the Navy requested spectrum certification for the shipboard AN/UPX-41(C) Digital Interrogator System, Software Version 5.5 with Mode 5. Current operating conditions for the Navy’s AN/UPX-41(C) are the same as restrictions imposed on the AN/UPX-37 digital Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) interrogator. A proposed AN/UPX-41(C) Stage 4 certification was developed to allow the Navy to operate under less restrictive parameters but required that the Navy and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) validate those proposed restrictions. This document constitutes the top-level plan for an experiment that implements the agreed-upon testing of the impact of the AEGIS and Ships Self Defense System (SSDS) Combat Systems in ships with the AN/UPX-41(C)-based AN/UPX-29(V) Interrogator system on National Airspace System (NAS) Aeronautical Surveillance and Collision Avoidance Systems (ASCAS). KW - Aircraft KW - Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast KW - Certification KW - Crash avoidance systems KW - Electromagnetic spectrum KW - National Airspace System KW - Radar KW - Ships KW - Surveillance UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/56000/56100/56184/DOT-VNTSC-NAVSEA-15-03.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1373195 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01582988 TI - Aurora Program AB - The Aurora Program is a consortium of public road agencies focused on collaborative research, evaluation, and deployment of advanced technologies for detailed road weather monitoring and forecasting. Members seek to implement advanced road weather information systems (RWIS) that fully integrate state-of-the-art roadway and weather forecasting technologies with coordinated, multi-agency weather monitoring infrastructures. Aurora's research projects are designed to improve the efficiency of highway maintenance operations and distribute effective real-time information to travelers. Its initiatives are expected to result in technological advancement and improvement of existing RWIS, significantly reducing the adverse impacts of inclement weather on mobility. Six primary goals are to: (1) improve dissemination of road weather information to transportation providers and end users, ultimately increasing safety by reducing potential weather-related incidents and improving transportation safety, reliability, and mobility in both urban and rural areas; (2) improve the efficiency of maintenance operations; (3) aid in the development of technologies that seamlessly integrate to facilitate the formation of partnerships between maintenance and operations and facilitate the dissemination of road weather information; (4) develop initiatives that assist public agencies in deploying RWIS technologies and methodologies; (5) encourage greater cooperation and information exchange between transportation agencies and the other agencies and groups; and (6) upport development of expanded uses of RWIS technologies. Defined areas of interest on which to focus its research program are: Decision Support Systems, Meso-scale Modeling, tandards and Architecture; Small-scale Modeling and Analysis, Information Dissemination Technologies; Equipment Evaluations, Road Condition Monitoring; Innovative weather-related Data Collection and Dissemination Instrumentation and Methodologies. KW - Data collection KW - Decision support systems KW - Maintenance KW - Mobility KW - Real time information KW - Road weather information systems KW - Weather forecasting UR - http://www.pooledfund.org/Details/Study/532 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1377923 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01577139 TI - Addressing the Challenges and the Return on Investment for Paperless Project Delivery (e-Construction) AB - Under this project, the contractor shall assess what State and local highway agencies are doing to transition to a more paperless project delivery system. The scope covers the time from when a project is advertised to when the final project is accepted and includes the processes used both in the central office and out in field offices and on the jobsite. The focus of this project is to document the return on investment for moving in this direction, and as a result, emphasis should be placed on documenting the costs (in terms of human and capital resources), benefits (tangible and intangible), and challenges encountered by agencies. The project shall also develop recommendations to overcome or address the challenges agencies interested in going more paperless would encounter. The results of the study should be applicable to various types, sizes, and scopes of roadway projects. KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Construction and maintenance KW - Costs KW - Document delivery KW - Project delivery KW - Return on investment UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1370386 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01573306 TI - 2015 Performance Measures Technical Transfer Conference and Asset Management Peer Exchange AB - The focus of this pooled fund project will be in the area of National Highway Performance Program (NHPP). The primary activities of this pooled fund project are technology exchange, information sharing, and the facilitation of partnering relationships among state agencies, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and other appropriate associates. Specifically this pooled fund will: (1) Provide communication and information sharing among member states. Discuss research, development and technology transfer needs in the areas of performance measures and asset management and provide research ideas to Transportation Research Board (TRB) in connection with the 2015 Annual Meeting. (2) Performance Measures Conference (Conference): Provide a technology and knowledge exchange forum to enhance the practical knowledge of conference participants concerning performance measures with a focus on development and refinement of State department of transportation (DOT) performance measures plans. (3) 1 Day State DOT Meeting on Asset Management: Provide a technology and knowledge exchange forum focused on the development and refinement of asset management processes for state DOTs. (4) Enhance the working knowledge of the performance measures and asset management communities. KW - Asset management KW - Information dissemination KW - Peer exchange KW - Performance measurement KW - State departments of transportation KW - Technology transfer UR - http://www.pooledfund.org/Details/Study/547 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1366530 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01548520 AU - Kreis, Doug AU - Wallace, Candice AU - University of Kentucky, Lexington AU - Multimodal Transportation and Infrastructure Consortium AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - 2013 Barge and Rail Symposium: Moving Freight Between Multimodal Systems PY - 2014/08/01/Research Report SP - 10p AB - Currently, there is no annual meeting at which researchers doing work on freight transportation shipped on the inland waterways and railways gather to present their findings to a broad cross section of government, industry, and academic stakeholders. Given the role multimodal freight movements will play in steering US economic growth over the next 20-30 years, this oversight demanded corrective action. This corrective action came in the form of the 2013 Barge and Rail Symposium organized by the Kentucky Transportation Center. This conference promoted discussions between stakeholders researching the US inland waterway system and rail network as well as businesses who rely on these transportation assets. With freight transportation as its focal point, the 2013 Barge and Rail Symposium established a collegial environment in which new bonds were forged between major stakeholders and researchers as they discussed challenges and opportunities associated with moving freight in an economic, efficient, and sustainable manner through multimodal systems. KW - Barges KW - Freight transportation KW - Inland waterways KW - Multimodal transportation KW - Railroads KW - Stakeholders UR - http://www.ktc.uky.edu/files/2014/12/KTC_14_12_MTIC2_14_1F_.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1333210 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01610831 AU - Lai, James AU - Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta AU - Georgia Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Assessing Techniques and Performance of Thin OGFC/PEM Overlay on Micro-Milled Surface PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 182p AB - The practice of placing an open-graded friction course (OGFC) or a porous European mix (PEM) directly on top of a conventional milled surface has rarely been done in Georgia due to concerns that this rehabilitation method could potentially cause delamination of the surface layer due to poor bonding between the OGFC/PEM layer and the conventional milled surface. This report presents the research study for evaluating the quality of two micro-milling operations (one on I-75 and one on I-95) designed to reduce the potential for these issues. Results obtained from the I-75 project indicated that based on four years of satisfactory performance of the PEM overlay the use of a 95-percentile ridge-to-valley texture depth (RVD) parameter as the threshold value for compliance with the correction 3.2 mm RVD acceptance requirement could be too restrictive. Alternatively, Mean RVD was tentatively adopted on the I-95 project for compliance with the correction 3.2 mm RVD acceptance criteria. The research team concluded that the ultimate decision for selecting an appropriate RVD parameter for compliance with the correction 3.2 mm RVD acceptance requirement should be based on the long-term performance of the OGFC/PEM layer placed on the micro-milled surface. KW - Bond strength (Materials) KW - Evaluation and assessment KW - Friction course KW - Georgia KW - Milling KW - Overlays (Pavements) KW - Pavement maintenance KW - Pavement performance KW - Texture UR - http://g92018.eos-intl.net/eLibSQL14_G92018_Documents/07-07.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1422679 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01601692 AU - Laval, Jorge A AU - Yin, Yafeng AU - Lou, Yingyan AU - Cho, Hyun W AU - Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta AU - Georgia Department of Transportation AU - Southeastern Transportation Research, Innovation, Development and Education Center (STRIDE) AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Comparative Analysis of Dynamic Pricing Strategies for Managed Lanes PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 100p AB - The objective of this research was to investigate and compare the performances of different dynamic pricing strategies for managed lanes facilities. On a two-alternative network, analytical expressions for the assignment, revenue and total delay in each alternative were derived as a function of the pricing strategy. It was found that minimum total system delay was achieved with many different pricing strategies. This gave flexibility to operators to allocate congestion to either alternative according to their specific objective while maintaining the same minimum total system delay. Given a specific objective, the optimal pricing strategy was determined by finding a single parameter value in the case of high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes. Performances of pricing strategies were compared by simulation experiments. Tolls with refund options and tradable credit scheme were discussed. KW - Congestion pricing KW - Dynamic pricing KW - High occupancy toll lanes KW - Managed lanes KW - Optimization KW - Simulation KW - Traffic delays UR - http://g92018.eos-intl.net/eLibSQL14_G92018_Documents/12-17.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1409555 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01599873 AU - Lin, Jane AU - Nie, Yu (Marco) AU - Homem-de-Mello, Tito AU - Li, Qianfei AU - Chen, Qin AU - National Center for Freight and Infrastructure Research and Education (CFIRE) AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Freight Routing for Efficient, Sustainable and Reliable Travel PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 63p AB - The goal of this research is to develop and evaluate routing models for efficient transportation that (1) aim to reduce travel time, (2) provide reliable paths against disruptions, and (3) factor in the emissions resulting from a given path. Specifically, the freight vehicle routing problem in this research is investigated in three aspects. The first investigation considers risk-averse freight routing problems, in which traffic conditions are treated with uncertainty (e.g., uncertain travel time or speed) and as such truck drivers are assumed as risk-averse; that is, they always prefer the expectation of a random return to the random return itself. In this research context, a random return is the random travel time itself. The second investigation incorporates microscopic vehicle operating features in an eco-routing problem. And the third investigation attempts to fill the literature gap by investigating the more realistic sustainable vehicle routing strategies by considering the joint effect of commercial vehicle load and speed on energy consumption or pollutant emissions or both. Major findings and policy implications are discussed in detail in the report. KW - Freight traffic KW - Freight transportation KW - Fuel consumption KW - Operating speed KW - Pollutants KW - Routing KW - Sustainable transportation KW - Travel time KW - Uncertainty UR - http://www.wistrans.org/cfire/documents/CFIRE_0412_FinalReport.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1408172 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01599213 AU - Cramer, Patricia C AU - Gifford, Suzanne AU - Crabb, Benjamin AU - McGinty, Christopher AU - Ramsey, Douglas AU - Shilling, Fraser AU - Kintsch, Julia AU - Gunson, Kari AU - Jacobson, Sandra AU - Utah State University, Logan AU - Idaho Transportation Department TI - Methodology for Prioritizing Appropriate Mitigation Actions to Reduce Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions on Idaho Highways PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 280p AB - Vehicle collisions with large wild animals are a safety issue for motorists and an ecological concern for wildlife populations. The objective of this research was to advance the efficacy of Idaho Transportation Department’s (ITD’s) project planning to reduce vehicle collisions with wildlife and to provide wildlife connectivity options across and under roads. A Wildlife-Vehicle Collision (WVC) Prioritization Process was developed through lessons learned from other U.S. States and Ontario Canada’s efforts, and Geographic Information System (GIS) modeling of data and maps already available in Idaho. The GIS maps were based on WVC crash and carcass data, Wildlife Highway Linkages maps, and species’ habitat maps. The resulting maps of WVC priority areas statewide and within ITD districts were the first of a 13 step process developed for the project. Users of this process further identify priority areas in ITD Districts based on other data such as: Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) knowledge of wildlife populations, transportation plans, land ownership, field surveys of existing structures, options such as fencing, bridges, and culvert, and their cost-effectiveness. This WVC Prioritization Process was a step along a series of actions which ITD has undertaken and will continue to take to reduce risks associated with WVC and provide wildlife connectivity along Idaho roads. KW - Crash data KW - Crashes KW - Geographic information systems KW - Idaho KW - Methodology KW - Ontario (Province) KW - Risk management KW - States KW - Strategic planning KW - Wildlife KW - Wildlife crossings UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/59000/59200/59214/RP229Final.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/59000/59200/59234/RP229Final.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1406945 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01581087 AU - Reed, Matthew P AU - Ebert-Hamilton, Sheila M AU - Klinich, K D AU - University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute AU - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration TI - Characterizing Vehicle Rear Compartment Geometry for Child Restraint Applications PY - 2014/08 SP - 31p AB - The space available in the second row of a vehicle is a critical determinant of whether head contact with the interior will occur during a crash. Limited space can also make child-restraint installation difficult, and a child restraint system (CRS) in the second row may limit driver seat position. In the first part of this study, vehicle interior geometry for the driver and left, outboard, second-row seating positions of 25 vehicles were recorded. The measurements were combined with data from 35 vehicles measured in previous University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) studies, yielding a total of 60 vehicles for analysis. For each vehicle, driver seat, steering wheel, and pedal measurements were used to estimate the distribution of driver-selected seat positions that would be expected in the vehicle based on the SAE J4004 seating accommodation model. The resulting seat position distributions were expressed with respect to the second-row seating reference point established using the SAE J826 H-point machine. Quantiles of driver-selected seat position were computed with respect to the second row for an assumed 50/50 male/female U.S. adult driver population. The quantiles were compared to the excursion limits in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 213. In the second part of the study, detailed measurements of 21 convertible and combination child restraints were made using a coordinate digitizer. A simulation procedure was developed to estimate the space these restraints would occupy if installed rear-facing. The resulting child restraint profile locations with respect to the second-row seating reference point were overlaid with the driver seat back quantiles to estimate the frequency with which interference between the CRS and driver seat would be expected. In a separate analysis, the simulated positions of the CRS in forward-facing mode were assessed relative to the measured head restraint location using seat profile data from 11 vehicles with prominent head restraints. The head restraint appeared to influence the CRS position in about half of the simulated CRS/vehicle combinations. KW - Child restraint systems KW - Dimensional analysis KW - Geometry KW - Rear seat occupants KW - Seats KW - Simulation KW - Vehicle compartments KW - Vehicle design UR - http://www.nhtsa.gov/DOT/NHTSA/NVS/Crashworthiness/Child Safety Crashworthiness Research/812057-VehicleRearCompartmentGeometryChildRestraintApplications.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1375496 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01580067 AU - Kruse, C James AU - Ellis, David AU - Protopapas, Annie AU - Norboge, Nicolas AU - Glover, Brianne AU - Texas A&M Transportation Institute AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Texas Gulf Intracoastal Waterway Master Plan: Technical Report PY - 2014/08 SP - 197p AB - Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) may want to expand its role in the maintenance of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway in Texas (GIWW-T) and/or associated assets. This report looks at what is needed to restore and sustain the GIWW-T to its optimum level, and how TxDOT might be able to play a more active role in the realization of this goal. It describes needs, costs, obstacles to TxDOT taking a more active role, shortfall in federal funding, potential funding sources to fill the gap, and performance metrics to enable TxDOT to measure, monitor, and manage the condition and utility of the GIWW-T. This research establishes a baseline for the condition and utilization of the GIWW-T. Although the authorized dimensions of the GIWW-T are 12 ft deep and 125 ft wide, there are many portions of the channel that are not being maintained to those dimensions, primarily because of a lack of funding. This research looks at: (1) What is needed to restore and sustain the GIWW-T to its optimum level; (2) What the major operational concerns, the impacts of a lack of dredging and operational obstacles are; and (3) How TxDOT might be able to play a more active role in achieving the goal of a highly efficient and safe GIWW-T. KW - Costs KW - Financing KW - Gulf Intracoastal Waterway KW - Intracoastal waterways KW - Maintenance management KW - Metrics (Quantitative assessment) KW - Texas KW - Texas Department of Transportation KW - Transportation planning UR - http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/tpp/giww/technical-report-0814.pdf UR - http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6807-1-booklet.pdf UR - http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6807-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1372754 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01579250 AU - Reid, Jonathan AU - Sutherland, Larry AU - Ray, Brian AU - Daleiden, Andy AU - Jenior, Pete AU - Knudsen, Julia AU - Kittelson & Associates AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Median U-Turn Informational Guide PY - 2014/08//Technical Report SP - 148p AB - This document provides information and guidance on Median U-Turn (MUT) intersections, resulting in designs suitable for a variety of typical conditions commonly found in the United States. To the extent possible, the guide provides information on the wide array of potential users as it relates to the intersection form. This guide provides general information, planning techniques, evaluation procedures for assessing safety and operational performance, design guidelines, and principles to be considered for selecting and designing MUT intersections. KW - Evaluation and assessment KW - Highway design KW - Highway operations KW - Highway safety KW - Intersections KW - Medians KW - U turns KW - United States UR - http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/intersection/alter_design/pdf/fhwasa14069_mut_infoguide.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1371516 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01579242 AU - Schroeder, Bastian AU - Cunningham, Chris AU - Ray, Brian AU - Daleiden, Andy AU - Jenior, Pete AU - Knudsen, Julia AU - Kittelson & Associates AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Diverging Diamond Interchange: Informational Guide PY - 2014/08//Technical Report SP - 226p AB - This document provides information and guidance on the Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI). To the extent possible, the guide addresses a variety of conditions found in the United States, to achieve designs suitable for a wide array of potential users. This guide provides general information, planning techniques, evaluation procedures for assessing safety and operational performance, design guidelines, and principles to be considered for selecting and designing Diverging Diamond Interchanges. KW - Diamond interchanges KW - Evaluation and assessment KW - Highway design KW - Highway operations KW - Highway safety KW - United States UR - http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/intersection/alter_design/pdf/fhwasa14067_ddi_infoguide.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1371518 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01579218 AU - Steyn, Hermanus AU - Bugg, Zachary AU - Ray, Brian AU - Daleiden, Andy AU - Jenior, Pete AU - Knudsen, Julia AU - Kittelson & Associates AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Displaced Left Turn Informational Guide PY - 2014/08//Technical Report SP - 152p AB - This document provides information and guidance on the Displaced Left Turn (DLT) intersection. To the extent possible, the guide addresses a variety of conditions found in the United States, to achieve designs suitable for a wide array of potential users. This guide provides general information, planning techniques, evaluation procedures for assessing safety and operational performance, design guidelines, and principles to be considered for selecting and designing DLT intersections. KW - Highway design KW - Highway operations KW - Highway safety KW - Intersections KW - Left turns KW - United States UR - http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/intersection/alter_design/pdf/fhwasa14068_dlt_infoguide.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1371517 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01579204 AU - Hummer, Joe AU - Ray, Brian AU - Daleiden, Andy AU - Jenior, Pete AU - Knudsen, Julia AU - Kittelson & Associates AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Restricted Crossing U-turn Informational Guide PY - 2014/08//Technical Report SP - 186p AB - This document provides information and guidance on Restricted Crossing U-Turn (RCUT) intersections. To the extent possible, the guide addresses a variety of conditions found in the United States, to achieve designs suitable for a wide array of potential users. This guide provides general information, planning techniques, evaluation procedures for assessing safety and operational performance, design guidelines, and principles to be considered for selecting and designing RCUT intersections. KW - Evaluation and assessment KW - Highway design KW - Highway operations KW - Highway safety KW - Intersections KW - U turns KW - United States UR - http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/intersection/alter_design/pdf/fhwasa14070_rcut_infoguide.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1371515 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01576129 AU - Li, Lin AU - McHattie, Robert AU - Zhang, Xiong AU - Zhang, Mingchu AU - Alaska University Transportation Center AU - Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Experimental Study of Various Techniques to Protect Ice-Rich Cut Slopes PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 132p AB - Cut slopes are usually required to achieve roadway design grades in the ice-rich permafrost areas in Alaska. However, excavation and exposure of a cut slope destroy the existing thermal balance and result in degradation of ice-rich permafrost. Environmentally acceptable, legal, and economically viable solutions for ice-rich slope protection are still rare. Three potential thermal-erosion mitigation techniques were investigated. Four test sections (Section A: 1 ft wood chips, Section B: coconut blanket, Section C: coconut blanket + Tecco-mesh, and Section D: 1 ft crushed rock as a control section) were constructed at the Dalton Highway 9 Mile Hill during the period of April 17 through April 27, 2013. Temperature and moisture sensors were installed to monitor four test sections and evaluate the effectiveness of the different mitigation techniques. Also, a weather station was built to record climatic information at the test site by April 30, 2013. The filed monitoring period ended on November 11, 2014. No obvious erosion was observed in Sections A and B due to less ice content when compared with Sections C and D which failed one and a half months after construction. The performance of four techniques was discussed in detail. KW - Alaska KW - Embankments KW - Erosion control KW - Freeze thaw durability KW - Ice KW - Permafrost KW - Photogrammetry KW - Slope failure UR - http://tundra.ine.uaf.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Experimental-Study-to-Protect-Ice-Rich-Slope-Final-Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1367522 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01570387 AU - Haghani, Ali AU - Zhang, Yanu AU - Hamedi, Masoud AU - University of Maryland, College Park AU - Mid-Atlantic Universities Transportation Center AU - Maryland State Highway Administration AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Impact of Data Source on Travel Time Reliability Assessment PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 44p AB - Travel time reliability measures are becoming an increasingly important input to the mobility and congestion management studies. In the case of Maryland State Highway Administration, reliability measures are key elements in the agency’s Annual Mobility Report that is used for both transportation planning and operations. Recent advancements in vehicle tracking technologies have provided both private sectors and transportation agencies with multiple technologies for travel time data collection. This paper investigates the effect of data source selection on travel time reliability assessment. One year data from two independent sources, probe and Bluetooth, on two major freeway corridors in Maryland are used for travel time reliability analysis. Bluetooth sensors are permanently installed on multiple points of these two corridors and probe data are provided by INRIX. A statistical method is applied to compare reliability measures obtained from both sources. Several travel time reliability performance measures are studied. Results show that some reliability measures are more sensitive to the data source than the others. It is also shown that performance measures for high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) and general purpose lanes must be calculated separately. KW - Bluetooth technology KW - Data collection KW - High occupancy vehicle lanes KW - Maryland KW - Performance measurement KW - Probe vehicles KW - Real time information KW - Reliability (Statistics) KW - Technological innovations KW - Travel time UR - http://www.mautc.psu.edu/docs/UMD-2013-01.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55200/55266/UMD-2013-01.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1360048 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01567484 AU - Bonaquist, Ramon AU - Cuciniello, Giacomo AU - Hanz, Andrew AU - Bahia, Hussain AU - Advanced Asphalt Technologies, LLC AU - University of Wisconsin, Madison AU - Wisconsin Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Development of Guidelines and Specifications for Use of WMA Technology in Delivering HMA Products Inclusive of Non-Conventional Mixtures Such as SMA’s, and Mixtures with High RAP and RAS Content PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 234p AB - The objective of this research project was to develop specifications for asphalt concrete that cover all types of mixtures included in Section 460 of the State of Wisconsin Standard Specifications for Highway and Structure Construction, 2011 Edition (Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Specifications). The specifications that were developed are equally applicable to hot mix asphalt (HMA) and warm mix asphalt (WMA). The report describes the development of the specifications and a limited validation of the specifications using data from two field projects. KW - Asphalt concrete KW - Field studies KW - Hot mix asphalt KW - Mix design KW - Reclaimed asphalt pavements KW - Recommendations KW - Shingles KW - Specifications KW - Stone matrix asphalt KW - Validation KW - Warm mix paving mixtures KW - Waste products KW - Wisconsin Department of Transportation UR - http://wisdotresearch.wi.gov/wp-content/uploads/WisDOT-WHRP-project-0092-12-02-final-report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1356959 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01567338 AU - Schoech, Philip E AU - Schoenherr, Terry L AU - Laurits R. Christensen Associates, Incorporated AU - Wisconsin Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Vehicle Registration Compliance in Wisconsin PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 61p AB - The Wisconsin Department of Transportation commissioned Christensen Associates to conduct a three phase project: a study of registration compliance for automobiles and light trucks, an investigation into reasons for noncompliance, and the development of a list of possible changes to the vehicle registration process that might improve compliance. The study was limited to passenger vehicles. The first phase was a field survey of vehicles in eight Wisconsin counties conducted between September 9, 2013 and December 18, 2013 which collected photographic images of license plates and then matched the images with records in the Wisconsin Department of Transportation database to determine the degree of compliance with vehicle registration requirements. To investigate the reasons for vehicle registration noncompliance among automobile and light truck owners in Wisconsin, a mail survey was conducted. The survey asked respondents for suggestions as to how the registration process could be improved, and based on these responses a list of possible changes to improve the vehicle registration process was developed KW - Automobiles KW - Compliance KW - License plates KW - Light trucks KW - Photographs KW - Registration KW - Surveys KW - Wisconsin UR - http://wisdotresearch.wi.gov/wp-content/uploads/WisDOT-Policy-Research-0092-13-14-final-report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1356961 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01566733 AU - Dowds, Jonathan AU - Aultman-Hall, Lisa AU - Sentoff, Karen AU - Sullivan, James AU - University of Vermont, Burlington AU - Vermont Agency of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Passenger Vehicle Idling in Vermont Phase II, Final Report PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 40p AB - While trip-start and trip-end idling, including idling at intermediary stops along a route, cannot be completely eliminated, the duration of these discretionary idling events is largely controlled by the driver and can be considered part of travel or driver behavior. In contrast, in-travel idling events (i.e. non-discretionary) occur when the vehicle is stopped prior to reaching its destination due to conditions such as congestion or a red traffic signal that are outside the driver’s control. The distinction between discretionary and in-travel idling is critical because different interventions may be required to reduce the duration and frequency of each of these types of events. Discretionary idling events, for example, could be reduced with anti-idling ordinances and driver education programs such as eco-driving. Reducing in-travel idling, in contrast, may depend on factors such as retiming signals, reducing congestion or vehicle routing. Both in-travel and discretionary idling can be reduced or eliminated by vehicle technology which automatically shuts-off or starts-up the engine when the vehicle stops. This study is solely focused on discretionary idling that may be addressed through behavior change. In this phase of the project, in-vehicle data collection was undertaken for 10 days each with 86 volunteers in Addison County, Vermont between January and July 2013. The location and duration of each discretionary idling event was extracted from on-board instruments. The duration of discretionary idling was analyzed as a function of area type, weather, individual household and vehicle variables. The final aligned dataset covered 785.8 hours (2,828,890 seconds) of in-state vehicle operating time (VHT). These data included 15,484 separate zero speed events lasting nearly 79 hours (284,233 seconds). A total of 46% of the idling events was determined to meet the discretionary idling criteria. More that 55% of the total discretionary idling time occurred during events that lasted over 1 minute. In total, approximately 1% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from passenger vehicles in this sample were associated with discretionary idling. No relationship between idling duration and residential or retail density was found though more total idling events were recorded in built-up areas such as metropolitan areas than in open spaces and rural areas. More idling takes place on weekdays and during daytime hours. This is not unexpected as these times correspond to more travel and the types of locations where more trip ends occur. Women and drivers of older vehicles are most likely to be longer idlers. This provides limited guidance with which to identify targets for future programs for idling limitations, education and enforcement. However, discretionary idling was present for a significant portion of the sample suggesting that overall general education is critical. No association between daily high or low temperature was found for discretionary idling in this sample of volunteers. This is in contrast to the Phase I of this study where paired analysis was possible because given individuals were sampled twice, once in the summer and once in the winter. Together this suggests that while small differences exist between seasons, larger differences exist between individuals, which likely related to knowledge level or travel patterns/needs. KW - Behavior KW - Data collection KW - Drivers KW - Education KW - Engine idling KW - Greenhouse gases KW - Motor vehicles KW - Time duration KW - Vermont UR - http://transctr.w3.uvm.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Idling-final-report-phase-2-to-VTrans_optimized.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1356474 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01564447 AU - Torres, Jonathan AU - SRA International, Incorporated AU - Federal Aviation Administration TI - Impact of Alternative Fuels Present in Airports on Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Response—Literature Review PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 56p AB - Environmental pollution concerns and the prices of crude oil and kerosene-type jet fuels have driven government and industry leaders to research alternative fuel solutions. Each year, alternate fuels become more common, and they are being introduced into airports, bringing with them the potential for unknown dangers. This literature review was created to assess the integration of alternative fuels in airports and the possible new fire threats they might pose. The alternate fuels discussed here include synthetic paraffinic kerosene (SPK), biodiesel, green diesel, compressed natural gas (CNG), liquid petroleum gas (LPG), and electricity. Alternative fuels are being introduced to airports through two different venues: aircraft and ground service equipment (GSE) vehicles. These venues are made possible through programs such as the Voluntary Low Emissions Program. Each year, airlines, such as United Airlines and Royal Dutch Airlines, are slowly increasing their use of SPK blends in their fleet to reduce their aircraft’s greenhouse gas production. On the ground, airlines are retrofitting current (or buying new) GSE vehicles to run on various alternative fuels. The introduction of these fuels means that aircraft rescue and firefighting personnel might have to address new potential dangers. Past research showed SPK fuel fires are similar to JP-8 fuel fires, though some SPK fuel blends have exhibited higher heat fluxes and faster material burnthrough times. Alcohol-resistant aqueous film-forming foam is the recommended agent for biodiesel fires; however, this extinguishing agent cannot be used in U.S. airports because it does not meet Federal Aviation Administration requirements. LPG and CNG fires pose great dangers because of the chance of storage tank explosion. Fire tactics for electric vehicle fires are still under development and little information is available. In section 8 of this literature review, concerns and possible areas of research are presented. These range from analyzing fire extinguishment tests using SPK fuels to observing the fire behavior of lithium-ion batteries of electric GSE vehicles. KW - Aircraft KW - Airports KW - Alternate fuels KW - Biodiesel fuels KW - Compressed natural gas KW - Electric vehicles KW - Fire extinguishing agents KW - Fire fighting KW - Kerosene KW - Liquid petroleum gas KW - Literature reviews KW - Synthetic paraffinic kerosene UR - http://www.airporttech.tc.faa.gov/DesktopModules/FlexNews/DownloadHandler.ashx?id=9b955311-611f-445b-855d-0ad65ce9a79f&f=TC-14-22.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1354947 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01564438 AU - Hode, John C AU - Doig, William AU - SRA International, Incorporated AU - Federal Aviation Administration TI - Development of a Firefighting Agent Application Test Protocol for Aircraft Fuselage Composites, Phase I—GLARE PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 44p AB - A research effort is underway to develop a standardized test method to determine the amount of firefighting agent needed to extinguish fires involving aircraft built with advanced composite materials. These tests focus on evaluating the behavior of GLAss-REinforced aluminum laminate (GLARE) when exposed to a simulated aviation fuel-fed pool fire. This test is a continuation of previous carbon fiber-reinforced plastic fire tests reported in DOT/FAA/TC-12/6, “Development of a Firefighting Agent Application Test Protocol for Aircraft Fuselage Composites, Phase I—Carbon Fiber.” This series of tests assessed the fire behavior of GLARE samples that are representative of aircraft skin applications. These tests focused on determining (1) if the temperature transfers through the sample, (2) if burnthrough or post-exposure burning occurs, (3) if a smoldering condition exists after fire exposure, (4) the amount of time it takes for the sample to naturally cool below 300°F (149°C) after the fire source is removed, and (5) if there are any physical indicators that would help firefighters determine if the sample has cooled sufficiently to prevent re-ignition. The Federal Aviation Administration NextGen Burner was used as the fire source. It generates temperatures just over 1800°F (990°C), which are similar to that of an aviation fuel-fed pool fire. Twelve tests were conducted using GLARE 3-5/4-0.3, with a total thickness of 2.5 mm (0.098 in.). Nine of these tests used a 12- by 18-inch sample positioned flat, with the face of the sample in front of the fire source. The remaining three tests used the same size sample cut into four equal pieces layered 0.75 inch apart and set with the edges of the long side facing the fire source. The samples were subjected to different fire exposure times. Temperature measurements and infrared images were collected during the tests. The nine flat panel tests measured the temperature on both sides of the sample, and the temperature measured on the back of the sample was less than half of the burner side temperature. Burnthrough did not occur during any of these tests. In each test, the outer layer of aluminum that faced the burner melted away, but the glass layers below remained mostly intact. There was some amount of post-exposure flame in all tests performed. Despite the exposure duration, the post-exposure flame lasted approximately 1 minute. The recorded times for the flat panel test samples to cool below 300°F (149°C) were not consistent. However, for the layered tests, the recorded times were consistent with an average time of 11 minutes 36 seconds. There were no visual indications that the samples had cooled below 300°F (149°C). KW - Aircraft KW - Aluminum alloys KW - Burning rate KW - Composite materials KW - Fire extinguishing agents KW - Fuselages KW - Laminates KW - Test procedures UR - http://www.airporttech.tc.faa.gov/DesktopModules/FlexNews/DownloadHandler.ashx?id=47e8b9f8-c1de-4674-a54c-d19f467164a2&f=DOT_FAA_TC_14_23.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1354946 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01563889 AU - Ghosal, Vivek AU - Southworth, Frank AU - Georgia Institute of Technology AU - Georgia Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Micro-Dynamics of Business Location and Growth and Its Effects on the Transportation Network and Congestion in Georgia and the Southeast Region PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 92p AB - The project explored the linkages between industry dynamics and economic activity, and the macro-congestion aspects of freight transport. The Kia Motors manufacturing plant near West Point, Georgia was selected for case study. The principal study effort went into collecting data elements in sufficient detail to allow for in-depth empirical analysis. This included collecting economic activity and supply chain data associated with the growth in activities both within the plant and among the many parts suppliers that have moved into the area to serve it. Impact variables examined include those related to employment in a wide range of occupations, schooling, educational attainment, and population and migration patterns. A series of economic multipliers are reported, showing some significant differences between counties with component supplier activity and other counties in the region. The project also developed a detailed spatial mapping and explored the derivation of supply chain cost estimates associated with both domestic and international movements of auto industry inputs and outputs, involving individual and multimodal highway, rail, and waterway shipments. KW - Automobile industry KW - Automobile parts industry KW - Business growth KW - Case studies KW - Economic impacts KW - Freight transportation KW - Georgia KW - Highway transportation KW - Industrial location KW - Railroad transportation KW - Suppliers KW - Supply chain management KW - Traffic congestion KW - Water transportation UR - http://g92018.eos-intl.net/eLibSQL14_G92018_Documents/12-24.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1354337 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01563499 AU - Sahin, Hakan AU - Texas A&M Transportation Institute AU - Southwest Region University Transportation Center AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Nondestructive Test Methods for Rapid Assessment of Flexible Base Performance in Transportation Infrastructures PY - 2014/08 SP - 278p AB - Well-built roads with longer service life and lesser life cycle cost are the key to meeting the desired target of satisfying the public without compromising the quality of roads. Roads that are constructed and built with poor quality materials and inadequate design considerations frequently require costly maintenance and rehabilitation often resulting in detours and lane closures, which not just reduce the comfort of the public but also interrupt the efficient flow of transporting goods, and hence the associated businesses. Therefore, it is imperative that alternative quality control and quality assurance methods along with effective test methods and smart transportation planning must be considered and implemented to help communities increase the economic prosperity while retaining and ensuring a high quality of life to the people. The appropriate application of reliability to pavement design is essential to achieve the main objectives of designing quality pavements to serve the traveling public with comfort and safety while being durable in service at a minimum life cycle cost. The quality of the base layer of the pavement, which is located directly beneath the surface, is one of the most critical components in designing a pavement with increased service life and durability. The base layer is primarily composed of aggregates and contributes to the structural stability of the pavement system by providing load transfer and support. A base course with adequate thickness and built with high quality aggregates is essential to meet the necessary performance criteria and in doing so will cut down on reconstruction cycles and cost of maintenance. This research attempts to contribute in this regard by evaluating the significance of using the fundamental material properties to develop models which characterize the base layer in a pavement system. These new models will have significant contributions to soil mechanics and highway design procedures. This research and the developed models depend upon fundamental soil properties. This work capitalizes upon the fundamental properties to make extensive use of these models for quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA), in the pre-design procedure and construction phase. The most significant impact of the work is to replace and improve current methods, increase work efficiency, minimize time spent in the laboratory, find more convenient relationships, reduce costs, and improve sustainability. In addition, the quickly and accurately measured aggregate characteristics of base courses will be used to determine the in-place and as-compacted design properties for QC and QA. KW - Aggregates KW - Base course (Pavements) KW - Flexible pavements KW - Laboratory tests KW - Nondestructive tests KW - Pavement design KW - Pavement performance KW - Quality assurance KW - Quality control UR - http://swutc.tamu.edu/publications/technicalreports/600451-00035-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1352897 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01562607 AU - Eudy, Leslie AU - Caton, Melanie AU - Post, Matthew AU - National Renewable Energy Laboratory AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction Program: Second Assessment Report PY - 2014/08 SP - 239p AB - This report is the second assessment of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration’s Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER) Program. The TIGGER Program provides capital funds to transit agencies for projects that work to reduce the agency’s energy use and/or greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from their operations. The purpose of this report is to provide an overall status update for the program, provide an outlook on specific projects, and begin presenting an analysis of program results. This report briefly outlines the program and its goals, as well as the technologies being implemented. It also provides status updates for each project and analyzes results for projects that have accumulated a sufficient amount of data to do so. KW - Assessments KW - Capital investments KW - Energy consumption KW - Greenhouse gases KW - Implementation KW - Public transit KW - Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER) UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0064.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55547/FTA_Report_No._0064.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1352142 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01562603 AU - Alberts, Brian AU - Awan, Mazhar Ali AU - Gayle, Kimberly A AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Transit and Climate Change Adaptation: Synthesis of FTA-Funded Pilot Projects PY - 2014/08 SP - 27p AB - Public transit agencies play a critical role in providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation to the communities they serve. In the face of increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, several public transit and other transportation agencies have taken the initiative to adapt their systems to make them more resilient to changing climate conditions, and a growing number of public transit agencies that are aware of the climate risks they face have identified their vulnerable assets and are prioritizing improvements to develop a more robust and resilient system. In 2011, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced its Climate Change Adaptation Initiative and committed $1 million in research funding to pilot projects in seven geographically-diverse locations, including nine transit agencies. This report is a synthesis of the final reports of those seven pilot studies. KW - Climate change KW - Pilot studies KW - Public transit KW - Risk assessment KW - Strategic planning KW - Transit operating agencies KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0069.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55552/FTA_Report_No._0069.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1352137 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01560895 AU - Dye Management Group, Incorporated AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Performance-Based Contractor Prequalification as an Alternative to Performance Bonds PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 182p AB - State departments of transportation rely on private industry construction contractors to build, rehabilitate, and replace their infrastructure assets. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is interested in providing guidance that State transportation departments can use to select contractors that can complete projects cost-effectively. One potential method to help select qualified contractors is to use a performance-based contractor prequalification process. FHWA commissioned this study to evaluate the wisdom of expanding the use of this process. This report presents the results of this study, which examined relevant literature, evaluated the benefits and costs of performance bonds and performance-based contractor prequalification, and recommended a model performance-based prequalification approach. In the highway industry, one of the main methods to prequalify a contractor is determine whether or not a performance bond can be secured. The current performance bonding system does not differentiate between a high performing and marginally performing contractor, so long as the two companies have the same level of financial assets. This gives both companies the same opportunity to bid on a project, regardless of performance. In a low-bid environment, it creates a situation where a State transportation department subsidizes marginal performance, which, in turn, reduces the incentive for top performers to continue superior performance. This research project analyzes the benefits and costs of performance bonds and performance-based contractor prequalification and creates a performance-based contractor prequalification model. Through a detailed literature review; surveys of contractors, State transportation departments, and sureties; and State transportation department case studies, the research suggests that the default rate for the industry is less than 1 percent, the minimum contract value that requires a performance bond should be raised to between $1 million and $10 million, and the cost of performance-based prequalification is low compared to the cost of performance-bonds. Last, a three-tiered performance-based contractor prequalification model is presented. KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Bonds KW - Case studies KW - Contract administration KW - Contractors KW - Evaluation KW - Literature reviews KW - Performance measurement KW - Prequalifications KW - State departments of transportation KW - Surveys UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/infrastructure/14034/14034.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1347694 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01560685 AU - Schwartz, Charles W AU - Khan, Junaid S AU - Pfeiffer, Grant H AU - Mustafa, Endri AU - University of Maryland, College Park AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Radio Frequency Identification Applications in Pavements PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 212p AB - Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology is widely used for inventory control, tool and material tracking, and other similar applications where line-of-sight optical bar codes are inconvenient or impractical. Several applications of RFID technology to pavements are evaluated in this report: tracking of placement of truckloads of hot mix asphalt (HMA) within the pavement, tracking of placement of truckloads of Portland cement concrete (PCC) within the pavement, real-time measurement of pavement temperature versus depth and time during intelligent compaction, and early detection of reflection cracking in overlays. RFID tracking of HMA placement was the most successful application and the one with potential for immediate commercial implementation. RFID tracking of PCC placement was unsuccessful, at least with the RFID systems evaluated in this study; the high dielectric constant of the hydrated cement paste severely attenuates the RFID signals. Real-time measurement of pavement temperatures with depth and time during intelligent compaction shows promise but further work is required to develop reader software/hardware and RFID tags with more reliable and faster response rates. Laboratory and limited field evaluation of an RFID-based sensor for early detection of reflection cracks in HMA overlays also shows promise, but additional development work and field trials are required. Guidelines for integration of material property data from construction and pavement performance data during service via RFID-assisted geolocation are also provided. The necessary steps required to integrate RFID-tagged material property and pavement management data are outlined in generic terms. Implementation details will depend on the materials and pavement systems used by each individual agency. KW - Intelligent compaction KW - Materials management KW - Monitoring KW - Pavement management systems KW - Paving KW - Radio frequency identification KW - Reflection cracking UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/infrastructure/pavements/14061/14061.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1350626 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01559871 AU - Greer, Elizabeth AU - Hicks, Drennan AU - Burnier, Carolina AU - Beyerle, Rachel AU - Noblis AU - Department of Transportation TI - Accessible Transportation Technologies Research Initiative (ATTRI): Online Dialogue PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 66p AB - In coordination with Easter Seals Project ACTION (ESPA) and with support from Noblis, Accessible Transportation Technologies Research Initiative (ATTRI) held an online dialogue from May 15-June 6, 2014 to garner input on mobility and transportation technology for travelers with disabilities. Participants were asked to consider both new technology or post ideas about ways to improve existing transportation technology. Through the online dialogue, ATTRI received input on the subject of accessible transportation technology, with a thoughtful discussion of the benefits and challenges of the different technology solutions. Examples of technology discussed by dialogue participants include mobile applications for navigation and wayfinding, use of smart devices to provide traveler assistance for people with cognitive disabilities or who have difficulties communicating with the operator, use of advanced communication technology for improving the safety of pedestrian signal crossings, use of smart devices for multi-modal trip planning, and improving coordination of and scheduling of human services transportation. In this report, the ATTRI team further analyzed the most popular topics discussed in the dialogue that were within the scope of ATTRI’s research program for the next five years. The top five ideas align with the potential ATTRI application areas identified in the draft ATTRI Strategic Plan (July 7, 2014). These potential application areas focus on the emerging themes for ATTRI – personal mobility, wayfinding, connectivity, information sharing and coordination. KW - Accessibility KW - Accessible Transportation Technologies Research Initiative (ATTRI) KW - Connectivity KW - Mobile applications KW - Mobility KW - Personal mobility devices KW - Persons with disabilities KW - Smartphones KW - Technological innovations KW - Wayfinding UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/54000/54400/54472/FHWA-JPO-14-147-v1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1344652 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01556506 AU - Shelman, Aaron AU - Sritharan, Sri AU - Iowa State University, Ames AU - California Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - A Critical Review of Column Confinement Reinforcement Used in Current Seismic Bridge Design Practice PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 116p AB - This study focuses on critically evaluating confinement requirements suggested for plastic hinge regions of bridge columns suggested by California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). In addition to section analyses, a series of pushover and earthquake dynamic analyses were conducted on several bridge columns to formulate appropriate recommendations to improve the confinement requirements. It is shown that the plastic hinge length, ultimate compression strain and ductility demand should be revised to improve the seismic performance of bridge columns. In addition, the impact of unexpectedly high inelastic demands that some earthquake can impose on bridge columns should be adequately addressed. KW - Bridge design KW - California KW - Columns KW - Compression KW - Concrete bridges KW - Ductility KW - Dynamic tests KW - Earthquake resistant design KW - Hinges KW - Reinforcement (Engineering) UR - http://www.dot.ca.gov/research/researchreports/reports/2014/final_report_task_2175.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1344943 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01555807 AU - Gong, Jie AU - Yu, Yi AU - Roda, Andrés M AU - Rutgers University, Piscataway AU - New Jersey Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - 3D Laser Scanning for Quality Control and Assurance in Bridge Deck Construction PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 37p AB - The inspection of installations of rebar and other embedded components in bridge deck construction is a tedious task for field inspectors, requiring considerable field time for measurement and verification against code requirement. The verification of rebar and dowel locations after placement of concrete is another difficult but important task. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is often used to verify the locations of dowels and rebar after the construction of bridge deck is completed. Although GPR is an effective method for this purpose, the discovery of quality problems, if there is any, associated with rebar installations is often too late to secure timely and cost efficient repair. There is a need for proactive quality control and assurance methods that can assist field inspectors to quickly inspect and monitor code compliance of installations of rebar and other embedded components before and during the placement of concrete. In this project, the utility of 3D laser scanning for quality control of bridge deck construction is investigated. The authors demonstrated the common workflow for field scan collection and data analysis for verifying bridge deck construction quality. The authors focused on a set of parameters that need to be monitored during bridge deck construction. The research results suggested that with careful planning and well designed workflow, 3D laser scanning is an effective method for controlling the quality of bridge deck construction, and state departments of transportation (DOTs) should consider incorporating 3D scanning as a proactive quality control method. KW - 3-D laser scanning KW - Bridge construction KW - Bridge decks KW - Inspection KW - Lasers KW - Location KW - Monitoring KW - Quality assurance KW - Quality control KW - Reinforcing bars KW - Workflow UR - https://cait.rutgers.edu/files/CAIT-UTC-026-final.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1342958 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01555766 AU - Desta, Belayneh AU - Whiting, Nancy M AU - Snyder, Mark B AU - Purdue University AU - Indiana Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Hydraulic Fracture Test to Determine Aggregate Freeze-Thaw Durability SN - 9781622603251 PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 84p AB - The freeze-thaw durability of carbonate aggregates can vary greatly from durable to highly susceptible to freeze-thaw distress. Using nondurable aggregate in concrete pavement exposed to freeze-thaw cycles my lead to serious distress and greatly decrease the pavement's service life. The testing needed to identify freeze-thaw durable aggregates can take several months to complete. The main objective of this study was to develop a reliable, quick test method for determining the freeze-thaw resistance of carbonate quarried aggregates in Indiana using the Hydraulic Fracture Test (HFT) equipment. Aggregate samples collected from 18 quarried carbonate sources from across Indiana that represented a range of freeze-thaw performance were subjected to HFT using the existing Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) HFT equipment and the newly developed Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) HFT equipment. Aggregates from the same sources also were use to produce concrete beams that were subjected to the INDOT modified American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) T161-B freeze-thaw test (ITM 210) which evaluates the dilation of concrete beams exposed to freeze-thaw cycles. The experimental data were analyzed statistically and linear regression models were developed to predict the average percent dilation and the durability factor of freeze-thaw test beams using parameters obtained from HFT results. Comparing the modeled and measured test results, the favored model predicts dilations based on the INDOT HFT results. These modeled dilations, when compared to measured dilations gave an adjusted R² value of 0.85, indicating the model has a high degree of certainty. The modified INDOT HFT equipment, refined test procedures and data analysis developed during this study are recommended as screening tools for predicting AASHTO T161/ASTM C666 FT test results in 8‐days. Further testing is recommended to refine and validate the models before they are fully implemented as an acceptance standard. KW - Aggregates KW - Carbonates KW - Concrete KW - Dilation KW - Freeze thaw tests KW - Hydraulic fracturing KW - Indiana KW - Linear regression analysis KW - Test procedures UR - http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3074&context=jtrp UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.5703/1288284315515 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1344313 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01555761 AU - Federal Aviation Administration TI - NextGen Implementation Plan 2014 PY - 2014/08 SP - 77p AB - This document provides “at a glance” information on current Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) status and completed/upcoming milestones. The document is divided into two sections: key programs and implementation portfolios. The six programs profiled in this year’s report are those that are either providing critical NextGen capabilities or providing the infrastructure upon which critical NextGen capabilities will be built. These include: Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B), Data Communications (Data Comm), En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM), Terminal Automation Modernization and Replacement (TAMR), National Airspace System Voice System (NVS), and System Wide Information Management (SWIM). KW - Air traffic control KW - Air transportation KW - Airports KW - Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast KW - Data communications KW - En Route Automation Modernization KW - Implementation KW - Information management KW - Next Generation Air Transportation System KW - Strategic planning KW - United States UR - http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/library/media/NextGen_Implementation_Plan_2014.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1344318 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01554216 AU - Hulsey, J Leroy AU - Connor, Billy AU - Metzger, Andrew AU - Pitts, Donald J AU - Alaska University Transportation Center AU - Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Life Cycle Costs for Alaska Bridges PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 53p AB - A study was implemented to assist the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) with life cycle costs for the Alaska Highway Bridge Inventory. The study consisted of two parts. Part 1 involved working with regional offices of ADOT&PF to assemble bridge costs (initial, construction, maintenance and repair) for a sample of bridge types. Results were limited by available data and format; therefore, it is recommended that ADOT&PF develop an available online simple Bridge Management archiving system. Part 2 focused on identifying how a bridge scheduled for replacement deteriorated over time. Load tests were conducted to help assess the bridge response of an aged structure. Noticeable and measurable differences in strain at the end of the bridge life for the structure studied were found. A service life cycle costing approach has advantages over a traditional life cycle cost approach. For example, a bridge has essentially three lives; structural, functional and service. Structural life can be extended almost indefinitely with the right repairs. The service life approach does not assume a life. Rather it used to estimate a life that provides the lowest life cycle cost. A service life approach allows comparisons of alternatives for an infinite planning horizon. KW - Alaska KW - Costs KW - Deterioration KW - Highway bridges KW - Life cycle costing KW - Load tests KW - Service life KW - Steel bridges KW - Structural health monitoring UR - http://tundra.ine.uaf.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/207083.Hulsey.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1342394 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01551449 AU - Wemple, Elizabeth AU - Colling, Timothy AU - Cambridge Systematics, Incorporated AU - Michigan Technological University, Houghton AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Improving Safety on Rural Local and Tribal Roads – Safety Toolkit PY - 2014/08//Covered Technical Manual SP - 88p AB - Rural roadway safety is an important issue for communities throughout the country and presents a challenge for state, local, and Tribal agencies. The Improving Safety on Rural Local and Tribal Roads – Safety Toolkit was created to help rural local and Tribal roadway safety practitioners address these challenges. The Safety Toolkit provides a step-by-step process to assist local agency and Tribal practitioners in completing traffic safety analyses, identify safety issues, countermeasures to address them, and an implementation process. Each step in the Toolkit contains a set of tools, examples, and links to resources appropriate to the needs of safety practitioners. The report presents a seven-step safety analysis process based on a similar process developed in the Highway Safety Manual. The seven steps are: compile data; conduct network screening; select sites for investigation; diagnose site conditions and identify countermeasures; prioritize countermeasures for implementation; implement countermeasures; and evaluate effectiveness of implemented countermeasures. Accompanying the Safety Toolkit are two User Guides (FHWA-SA-14-073 and FHWA-SA-14-074) which present step-by-step processes of example scenarios. KW - Countermeasures KW - Crash data KW - Highway safety KW - Implementation KW - Rural highways UR - http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/local_rural/training/fhwasa14072/isrltrst.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1341294 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01551406 AU - Lawrence, Michael AU - Nguyen, Paul AU - Skolnick, Jonathan AU - Hunt, Jim AU - Alfelor, Roemer AU - Leidos AU - Jack Faucett Associates, Incorporated AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Road Weather Management Benefit Cost Analysis Compendium PY - 2014/08 SP - 134p AB - The Road Weather Management (RWM) Benefit Cost Analysis (BCA) Compendium provides information about benefit cost analyses conducted around the country for specific RWM technologies or operational strategies. The actual project evaluations involve the use of custom spreadsheets developed by the agency or its contractors, or the application of available software tools to the BCA. The Compendium also includes hypothetical cases designed to demonstrate how BCA can be used for a specific RWM technology or operational strategy. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has developed a sketch planning BCA tool —the Tool for Operations Benefit/Cost (TOPS-BC)—for application to Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) projects, including RWM projects. For the hypothetical cases, TOPS-BC is used to assist in the measurement of benefits and costs and in the calculation of the benefit cost ratio. Each case demonstrates how planners conducted, or could conduct, a BCA on one or more RWM technologies or strategies. There are 17 cases studies presented in the RWM Compendium, and each addresses one or more specific BCA issues or procedures. KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Case studies KW - Highway operations KW - Road weather information systems KW - Software KW - Spreadsheets KW - Weather conditions UR - http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop14033/fhwahop14033.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1340565 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01551369 AU - Mattson, Jeremy AU - Small Urban and Rural Transit Center AU - National Center for Transit Research AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Rural Transit Fact Book 2014 PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 40p AB - The Rural Transit Fact Book provides information on transit service availability and cost to help the transit industry in the United States provide efficient and effective service to meet rural community mobility needs. Financial and operating statistics can be used by agency managers, local decision makers, state directors, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and lawmakers to assist in policy making, planning, managing operations, and evaluating performance. This publication includes rural demographic and travel behavior data as well as financial and operating statistics for agencies receiving section 5311 funding. In addition to national level data, statistics are presented by state, FTA region, tribe, and mode, as well as other agency characteristics. The rural transit data presented in this report were obtained from the Rural National Transit Database (NTD). The 2011 edition of the Rural Transit Fact Book was the first published by the Small Urban and Rural Transit Center (SURTC) and included Rural NTD data for 2007-2009. Since 2011, annual updates have been made to the Fact Book to provide updated data. The 2014 edition includes 2012 data from the Rural NTD as well as additional data from the American Community Survey, American Housing Survey, and National Household Travel Survey. KW - Demographics KW - Financing KW - Operating costs KW - Public transit KW - Ridership KW - Rural areas KW - Rural National Transit Database KW - Rural transit KW - Statistics KW - Travel behavior KW - Trend (Statistics) KW - United States KW - Vehicle fleets UR - http://www.surtc.org/transitfactbook/downloads/2014-rural-transit-fact-book.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1340548 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01551274 AU - Wemple, Elizabeth AU - Colling, Timothy AU - Cambridge Systematics, Incorporated AU - Michigan Technological University, Houghton AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Improving Safety on Rural Local and Tribal Roads – Network Safety Analysis – User Guide #2 PY - 2014/08//Covered Technical Manual SP - 48p AB - Rural roadway safety is an important issue for communities throughout the country and presents a challenge for local and Tribal agencies. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) created a Toolkit and two User Guides to help rural local and Tribal roadway safety practitioners address these challenges. The Toolkit provides a step-by-step process to assist local agency and Tribal practitioners in completing traffic safety analyses. Each Toolkit step contains a set of tools, examples, and links to resources appropriate to the needs of safety practitioners. The User Guides accompanying the Toolkit provide hypothetical yet typical local or Tribal agency safety analysis scenarios and step-by-step solutions to the scenarios using materials from the Toolkit. This report is Improving Safety on Rural Local and Tribal Roads, Network Safety Analysis – User Guide #2. This report presents an example scenario and step-by-step solution for studying safety conditions and identifying potential treatments at unsignalized intersections on a network. This User Guide demonstrates how to conduct network screening, select sites for further investigation, conduct safety diagnosis, select countermeasures, and prioritize and implement improvements. The User Guide provides example applications of all seven steps in the Improving Safety on Rural Local and Tribal Roads – Safety Toolkit (FHWA-SA-14-072): compile data; conduct network screening; select sites for investigation; diagnose site conditions and identify countermeasures; prioritize countermeasures for implementation; implement countermeasures; and evaluate effectiveness of implemented countermeasures. KW - Countermeasures KW - Crash data KW - Highway safety KW - Implementation KW - Rural highways KW - Unsignalized intersections UR - http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/local_rural/training/fhwasa14074/isrltr2.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1341295 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01551273 AU - Gordon, Steve AU - Trombly, Jeff AU - Oak Ridge National Laboratory AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Deployment of Intelligent Transportation Systems: A Summary of the 2013 National Survey Results PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 80p AB - This report presents summary results of the 2013 ITS Deployment Tracking survey, the most recent survey conducted by the ITS Deployment Tracking Project. The U.S. Department of Transportation and the ITS Joint Program Office have pursued a research and development agenda, the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Program, designed to integrate the latest in information technologies to improve the safety, mobility, and reliability of surface transportation modes. Within metropolitan areas, implementation of these advanced technologies has been carried out by a variety of state and local transportation agencies. In order to measure the rate of ITS deployment within the nation’s largest metropolitan areas, the ITS Deployment Tracking Project has conducted a nationwide survey of state and local transportation and emergency management agencies nearly every year since 1997. The results presented in this report are a summary of the database from the 2013 survey. Access to the complete survey results and results from previous national surveys is available on-line at http://www.itsdeployment.its.dot.gov. The website also provides access to survey results in the form of downloadable reports, including a survey summary for each survey type and fact sheets. Nearly 2100 surveys were distributed to state and local transportation agencies in 2013. A total of seven (7) survey types were distributed including: Freeway Management, Arterial Management, Transit Management, Transportation Management Center (TMC), Electronic Toll Collection (ETC), Public Safety – Law Enforcement, and Public Safety – Fire/Rescue. KW - Automated toll collection KW - Deployment KW - Freeway management systems KW - Implementation KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Metropolitan areas KW - Safety KW - Surveys KW - Traffic control centers KW - Transportation departments KW - Traveler information and communication systems UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/54000/54200/54268/2013-National-ITS-Summary-Rpt_FINAL-7.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1340032 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01551247 AU - Wemple, Elizabeth AU - Colling, Timothy AU - Cambridge Systematics, Incorporated AU - Michigan Technological University, Houghton AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Improving Safety on Rural Local and Tribal Roads – Site Safety Analysis – User Guide #1 PY - 2014/08//Covered Technical Manual SP - 40p AB - This User Guide presents an example of how rural local and Tribal practitioners can study conditions at a preselected site. It demonstrates the step-by-step safety analysis process presented in Improving Safety on Rural Local and Tribal Roads – Safety Toolkit (Publication FHWA-SA-14-072). The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) created the Toolkit and two User Guides to assist local agency and Tribal practitioners in completing traffic safety analyses. Each Toolkit step contains a set of tools, examples, and links to resources appropriate to the needs of safety practitioners. The User Guides accompanying the Toolkit provide hypothetical yet typical local or Tribal agency safety analysis scenarios and step-by-step solutions to the scenarios using materials from the Toolkit. This report specifically addresses how to study crash conditions at a curve on a rural roadway. The User Guide provides example applications of five Toolkit steps: compile data; diagnose site conditions and identify countermeasures; prioritize countermeasures for implementation; implement countermeasures; and evaluate effectiveness of implemented countermeasures. KW - Countermeasures KW - Crash data KW - Highway curves KW - Highway safety KW - Implementation KW - Rural highways UR - http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/local_rural/training/fhwasa14073/isrltru1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1341293 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01551243 AU - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration TI - Automatic Emergency Braking System (AEB) Research Report PY - 2014/08 SP - 97p AB - Automatic Emergency Brake (AEB) systems are a subset of what the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) refers to as Forward Crash Avoidance and Mitigation (FCAM) systems. Whereas the FCAM designation includes systems that provide Forward Collision Warning (FCW) only, AEB systems such as Crash Imminent Braking (CIB) and Dynamic Brake Support (DBS) are specifically designed to help drivers avoid, or mitigate the severity of, rear-end crashes. The purpose of this report is to summarize recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on AEB system technologies and to update a June 2012 NHTSA report titled, “Forward-Looking Advanced Braking Technologies Research Report”. The agency published the June 2012 Report to: (1) Provide a technical development and market status of CIB and DBS technologies. (2) Present a preliminary estimate of the target crash population that could be addressed by these technologies. (3) Present preliminary estimates of system effectiveness and resulting safety benefits. (4) Discuss draft test procedures and maneuvers used to evaluate CIB- and DBS-equipped vehicles. (5) Present preliminary performance measures for CIB and DBS systems, as well as early test results from production vehicles. Simultaneous with the release of the June 2012 research report, the agency also released CIB and DBS performance-based draft test procedures and issued a Request for Comment (RFC) in the Federal Register. In late 2012, the agency began a further study of FCAM technologies, specifically CIB and DBS systems. This report contains the results of these research efforts, which focused primarily on NHTSA’s testing of production systems, the refinement of the target population analysis, as well as changes to the draft test procedures. Changes to the draft test procedures were based on industry feedback received in response to the July 2012 RFC, as well as on continuing analysis and research of FCAM technologies. KW - Active safety systems KW - Automatic braking KW - Crash avoidance systems KW - Dynamic braking KW - Evaluation KW - Performance measurement KW - Rear end crashes KW - Test procedures UR - http://www.regulations.gov/contentStreamer?objectId=090000648184354f&disposition=attachment&contentType=pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1341339 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01549018 AU - Miskewitz, Robert AU - Barone, Daniel AU - Rutgers University, New Brunswick AU - University Transportation Research Center AU - New Jersey Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Landfill Closure with Dredged Materials - Desktop Analysis PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 24p AB - This report describes a Rutgers University project for the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) designed to analyze the potential for closure of New Jersey landfills using dredge material from existing Confined Disposal Facilities (CDF). The project included an update of the existing New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) landfill database, the development of a rating system to identify sites with the highest potential to utilize dredged material for their closure, and the identification and preliminary investigation of the top five candidate landfills based on this rating system. Due to information developed during the project it was determined that all but four of the landfills assessed for closure were considered unsuitable for closure. As a result only four landfills were selected and investigated further. The results of this project can be used by the NJDOT to facilitate the efficient closure of selected landfills, the beneficial reuse of the materials in CDFs, and the continued use of the state’s CDFs and dredging activities. KW - Dredged materials KW - Environmental impacts KW - Landfills KW - New Jersey KW - Ratings KW - Recycled materials KW - Waste management UR - http://www.utrc2.org/sites/default/files/pubs/Final-Landfill-Closure.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1336274 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01548649 AU - Metzger, Andrew AU - Quan, Zhili AU - Alaska University Transportation Center AU - Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - The Response of Pile-Guided Floats Subjected to Dynamic Loading: Volume II Annex PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 462p AB - Pile-Guided floats can be a desirable alternative to stationary berthing structures. Both floats and guide piles are subjected to dynamic forces such as wind generated waves and impacts from vessels. This project developed a rational basis for estimating the dynamic response of pile-guided floating structures. The Dynamic Analysis Method (DAM) was used to model the response of the system. MATLAB was used to compute the analytic and numerical values obtained from the dynamic models. ANSYS AQWA was used to validate the dynamic analysis models used in this study. KW - Berthing facilities KW - Dynamic loads KW - Floating structures KW - Piles (Supports) UR - http://tundra.ine.uaf.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Pile-Guided-Floats-Volume-II.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1333142 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01548642 AU - Paleti, Chaitanya AU - Peeta, Srinivas AU - Sinha, Kumares C AU - Purdue University AU - Indiana Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Identifying Strategies to Improve Lane Use Management in Indiana SN - 9781622603107 PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 33p AB - The limited funding available for roadway capacity expansion and the growing funding gap, in conjunction with the increasing congestion, creates a critical need for innovative lane use management options for Indiana. Various cost-effective lane use management strategies have been implemented in the U.S. and worldwide to address these challenges. However, all the strategies have their own costs, operational characteristics, and additional requirements for field deployment. Hence there is a need for systematic simulation-based methodology to perform a comprehensive study to identify congested corridors and the specific set of lane use management strategies that are effective in Indiana. A systematic simulation-based methodology is proposed for evaluating lane use management strategies. A 10-mile stretch of the I-65 corridor south of downtown Indianapolis was selected as the study corridor using traffic analysis. The demand volumes for the study area were determined using subarea analysis. Its performance was evaluated using a microsimulation-based analysis in the context of alleviating congestion for three strategies: reversible lanes, high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes and ramp metering. Furthermore, an economic evaluation of these strategies was performed to determine the financial feasibility of their implementation. Results from this analysis indicated that reversible lanes and the ramp metering strategies improved traffic conditions on the freeway in the major flow direction. Implementation of the HOV lane strategy resulted in improved traffic flow conditions on the HOV lanes but aggravated congestion on the general purpose (GP) lanes. The HOV lane strategy was found to be economically infeasible due to low HOV volume on these lanes. The reversible lane and ramp metering strategies were found to be economically feasible with positive net present values (NPV), with the NPV for the reversible lane strategy being the highest. KW - Contraflow lanes KW - Economic analysis KW - Feasibility analysis KW - Freeway management systems KW - High occupancy vehicle lanes KW - Highway capacity KW - Highway traffic control KW - Indianapolis (Indiana) KW - Ramp metering KW - Traffic congestion KW - Traffic simulation UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.5703/1288284315503 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1334700 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01548638 AU - Hazlett, Ryan AU - Cresswell, Lauren AU - University of Texas, Austin AU - Southwest Region University Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Examining the Market Potential for Natural-Gas-Powered Trucks: Barriers and Opportunities for Promoting Environmental Sustainability and Economic Prosperity PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 70p AB - Over the past decade, public concerns have grown over America's energy use and production. Pushes towards more environmentally friendly and sustainable sources of energy have moved out of fringe politics and into mainstream political discourse. Advances in drilling technology and increased exploration of shale gas plays have made natural gas more available and accessible. The abundance of natural gas has led to its growing role in the U.S. electric production and has provided the United States with an opportunity to become a net exporter of energy in the near future. The availability of natural gas, coupled with uncertainty in the liquid petroleum market, has prompted stakeholders to search out additional uses for this low-cost energy source. The result has been a large-scale effort to encourage the use of natural gas-based fuel within the trucking industry. Commercial long-haul trucks and truck fleets are a prime target of these efforts. The number of natural gas fueling stations around the country is increasing, and there are growing investments in new technologies and government incentives to retrofit and upgrade the nation's trucking fleet, making the logistics of a large-scale switch from a liquid petroleum-based fuel to natural gas much less complicated. Through a detailed analysis of natural gas trucks, fueling infrastructure, and case studies, this report seeks to reach conclusions over the role natural gas vehicles (NGVs) should play in the future U.S. transportation system. KW - Case studies KW - Market assessment KW - Natural gas KW - Natural gas vehicles KW - Policy KW - Service stations KW - Trucks KW - Vehicle fleets UR - http://swutc.tamu.edu/publications/technicalreports/600451-00078-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1335914 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01548508 AU - Motamed, Arash AU - Nyanhongo, Solomon AU - Karki, Pravat AU - Bhasin, Amit AU - University of Texas, Austin AU - Southwest Region University Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Fatigue and Fracture Properties of Aged Binders in the Context of Reclaimed Asphalt Mixes PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 55p AB - Evidence in the literature indicates that the stiffness of the asphalt binder increases and ductility of the binder decreases with oxidative aging. Typically for unmodified asphalt binders, increase in stiffness or decrease in ductility is regarded as detrimental to the fatigue cracking or fracture resistance of the asphalt binder. However, fundamentally the stiffness of the binder and its strength are two different attributes that may not necessarily be related to each other. There is very little information in the literature that relates the fatigue cracking resistance or strength of the asphalt binder to the extent of oxidative aging. This information is not only important to assess the durability and cracking life of asphalt pavements but is also very important in the context of reclaimed asphalt pavements (RAP). The use of RAP not only reduces the waste produced from milling and removing the asphalt pavement layers at the end of their service life, but also reduces the amount of asphalt required for the construction of new roadways. In an effort to improve sustainable practices associated with pavement constructions, state departments of transportation (DOTs) have been gradually increasing the allowable percentage of RAP in new asphalt mixtures over the last two decades. However, the asphalt binder in RAP is highly oxidized and is deemed to be susceptible to load related fatigue cracking. The focus of this study was to investigate the effect of asphalt binder oxidation on its fracture properties and fatigue cracking performance. To this end, fatigue cracking resistance of an asphalt binder was measured at different levels of aging using a standardized glass bead composite. The glass bead composite simulates the stress state that asphalt binders experience in the field, while it excludes aggregate-asphalt binder interactions. Furthermore, this research also investigated the effect of aging on fracture properties of an asphalt binder by conducting monotonic fracture tests using a poker chip test geometry. The findings from this study provide a better understanding of the effect of aging on the fracture and fatigue properties of asphaltic materials. KW - Aging (Materials) KW - Bituminous binders KW - Fatigue cracking KW - Fracture properties KW - Oxidation KW - Reclaimed asphalt pavements KW - Stiffness UR - http://swutc.tamu.edu/publications/technicalreports/600451-00076-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1335915 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01546167 AU - Wies, Richard AU - Alaska University Transportation Center AU - Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Review of Power Sources for Alaska DOT Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS): Phase I PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 108p AB - This report documents the findings related to a review of power sources for six off-grid Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS) in Alaska. Various power sources were reviewed as a means of reliably operating the off-grid RWIS sites throughout the year. Based on information collected on current power sources and equipment used at the off-grid RWIS sites, and visits to off-grid installations in Alaska, some viable methods of reliable operation were discovered. Power sources included in the study were solar photovoltaics (PV), small wind turbines, fuel cells, and thermoelectric generators, all charging a battery bank which powers the weather sensors, cameras, and communication equipment. The results showed that while solar PV provides enough standalone power to keep the sites operational from early spring to late fall with wind supplementing this somewhat during the transition seasons, a fossil fuel based source is necessary to maintain operation through the winter. These findings suggest that a combination of power sources is required for reliable RWIS operation throughout the year and is dependent on the location of the site. KW - Alaska KW - Electric generators KW - Electric power generation and transmission KW - Fuel cells KW - Road weather information systems KW - Seasons KW - Solar power generation KW - Wind power generation UR - http://tundra.ine.uaf.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/T2-12-18_Final_Report_RWIS-2.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1332726 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01546165 AU - Sinh, Hung Nguyen AU - Riedman, Michelle AU - Letchford, Christopher AU - O'Rourke, Michael AU - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute AU - University Transportation Research Center AU - New York State Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Full-Scale Investigation of Wind-Induced Vibrations of Mast-Arm Traffic Signal Structures PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 124p AB - Because of their inherent flexibility and low damping ratios, cantilevered mast-arm traffic signal structures are susceptible to wind-induced vibrations. These vibrations cause structural stresses and strains to develop in a cyclical fashion which can lead to reduced service life due to fatigue and, in extreme cases, full collapse. In 2001, after the collapse of several of these structures throughout the United States, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) code standards were updated to include fatigue provisions for traffic signal supporting structures. In New York State, there is particular concern regarding structures spanning longer than 14 meters which currently do not meet these updated fatigue provisions. To address this concern, a full-scale experiment was conducted using an existing 25 meter mast-arm traffic signal structure, located in Malta, NY, in which the response of the structure was observed in relation to in-situ wind conditions. In previous studies, high-amplitude vertical vibrations of mast-arm traffic signal structures have been shown to be due to vortex shedding, a phenomenon in which alternatingly shed, low-pressure vortices induce oscillating forces onto the mast-arm causing a cross-wind response. When the frequency of vortices being shed from the mast-arm corresponds to the natural frequency of the structure, a resonant condition is created. The resonant condition causes the long-lasting, high-amplitude vibrations, which may lead to the fatigue failure of these structures. Turbulence in the approach flow is known to affect the cohesiveness of vortex shedding. Results from this full-scale experiment indicate that the surrounding terrain conditions, which affect the turbulence intensity of the wind, greatly influence the likelihood of occurrence of longlasting, high-amplitude vibrations and also impact whether reduced service life due to fatigue is likely to be a concern. KW - Failure KW - New York (State) KW - Service life KW - Structural supports KW - Traffic signals KW - Turbulence KW - Vibration KW - Vortex shedding KW - Wind UR - http://www.utrc2.org/sites/default/files/pubs/Final-Mast-Arm-Traffic-Signal%20%282%29.pdf UR - https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/engineering/technical-services/trans-r-and-d-repository/C-10-07%20Final%20Report_Aug-2014.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1331987 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01544690 AU - Phares, Brent M AU - Shane, Jennifer AU - Dahlberg, Justin AU - Dang, Hongtao AU - Iowa State University, Ames AU - Iowa Department of Transportation AU - Mid-America Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Methods for Removing Concrete Decks from Bridge Girders PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 73p AB - With ever tightening budgets and limitations of demolition equipment, states are looking for cost-effective, reliable, and sustainable methods for removing concrete decks from bridges. The goal of this research was to explore such methods. The research team conducted qualitative studies through a literature review, interviews, surveys, and workshops and performed small-scale trials and push-out tests (shear strength evaluations). Interviews with bridge owners and contractors indicated that concrete deck replacement was more economical than replacing an entire superstructure under the assumption that the salvaged superstructure has adequate remaining service life and capacity. Surveys and workshops provided insight into advantages and disadvantages of deck removal methods, information that was used to guide testing. Small-scale trials explored three promising deck removal methods: hydrodemolition, chemical splitting, and peeling. KW - Bridge decks KW - Demolition KW - Girders KW - Literature reviews KW - Rehabilitation (Maintenance) KW - Service life KW - Shear strength KW - Surveys KW - Workshops UR - http://publications.iowa.gov/17908/1/IADOT_InTrans_MTC_TR-647_Methods_Phares_Removing_Concrete_Decks_Bridge_Girders_2014_final.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1329737 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01544670 AU - Park, Philip AU - Rew, Younho AU - Baranikumar, Aishwarya AU - Texas A&M Transportation Institute AU - Southwest Region University Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Controlling Conductivity of Asphalt Concrete with Graphite PY - 2014/08 SP - 106p AB - Electrically conductive asphalt concrete has a huge potential for various multifunctional applications such as self-healing, self-sensing, and deicing. In order to utilize the full spectrum of applications of electrically conductive asphalt composites, precise control of the asphalt mixture resistivity is needed. Most of the previous research using conductive fibers as the primary conductive additives observed a sudden transition from the insulated to conductive phase, commonly known as the percolation threshold, which obstructs more precise conductivity control. Aiming to control the electrical conductivity of asphalt concrete with a smooth transition from the insulated to conductive phase, the researchers have selected graphite powders as an alternative conductive additive in this study. Nine types of graphite having different particle shape, size, and origin were mixed with asphalt binders, and their effects on imparting conductivity were investigated. Based on the results, the research team selected two types of graphite and evaluated the effects on the electrical conductivity of asphalt concrete. The team also examined the effects of aggregate gradation, binder content, and binder type. The results showed that the electrical conductivity of asphalt mastic is sensitive to the graphite type. The natural flake graphite is effective to mitigate the percolation threshold, and a sufficiently high conductivity can be achieved by replacing a part of the fillers with graphite (the conductivity ranged from 10ˉ6 to 10ˉ²/Ω•cm). The results also showed that the binder type does not make a significant change in the mixture conductivity, but the aggregate gradation brings approximately two order differences in the volume resistivity. Mechanical performance of the conductive asphalt is also an important factor for practical field applications. The indirect tension test results showed that the addition of graphite improves the indirect tensile strength up to 41 percent. The electrical and mechanical data obtained from this study provide essential information on the selection of graphite type and asphalt mixture design to achieve the proper electrical conductivity required for the probable multifunctional applications of asphalt concrete, which will lead to technical innovations for sustainable pavements. KW - Aggregate gradation KW - Asphalt concrete KW - Binder content KW - Bituminous binders KW - Electrical conductivity KW - Graphite KW - Mix design KW - Tensile strength UR - http://swutc.tamu.edu/publications/technicalreports/600451-00025-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1331766 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01544668 AU - Lowe, Kate AU - University of New Orleans AU - Southwest Region University Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Regional Decision-Making and Competitive Funding: Metropolitan Planning Organizations and the Transportation Investments Generating Economic Recovery Program PY - 2014/08 SP - 42p AB - Transportation benefits and economic stimulus were behind the creation of the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program in 2009. New transportation funding programs exist in a landscape of other programs, and in addition extensive federal rules require that state-designated metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) lead regional transportation planning and produce near and long-range plans. This report examines the potential for the TIGER program to conflict with these mandated planning processes. To learn about the connection between MPOs, their planning documents, and TIGER applications, the primary dataset for analysis was a survey of metropolitan planning organizations. The roles that MPOs and their planning documents played in TIGER application processes were highly varied. While some MPOs were local project sponsors and others advised or provided data, a sizable share of MPOs reported no role in the regional process to select projects for TIGER applications, despite federally mandated regional coordination and planning. MPO capacity appears to differ significantly and to affect the roles that MPOs play in regional processes. While there are already additional planning requirements for larger urbanized areas, further differentiation of roles and expectations for MPOs may be appropriate. New programs, especially those with short time lines, may obscure the process for joint decision making and complicate adherence to regional planning mandates. Results on MPO roles and the relationship between plans and candidate projects suggest that MPOs are not always the decision site as language in plans would suggest, but they can be an important site for convening stakeholders. KW - Applications KW - Decision making KW - Financing KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Regional planning KW - Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery UR - http://swutc.tamu.edu/publications/technicalreports/600451-00106-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1329814 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01544659 AU - Jungwirth, Scott AU - Cao, Ling AU - Shi, Xianming AU - Western Transportation Institute AU - Montana State University AU - Alaska University Transportation Center AU - Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Developing Locally Sourced Brine Additive PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 78p AB - The objective of this project was to develop a series of anti-icers tailored to meet the varying requirements of highway anti-icing performance, cost-effectiveness, and minimized corrosion and environmental impact for typical road weather scenarios and user priorities in the three Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) regions. Development and evaluation of potential deicing chemicals, additives, and mixtures made from local agricultural products or the by-products of local distilleries/breweries or other manufacturing processes for use on roadways and other transportation facilities were included as the project’s research. The use of sustainable resources offers a cost-effective alternative to high-cost proprietary products that enhance the performance characteristics of salt brine for anti-icing on Alaska roads. This research was accomplished through literature review, agency surveys, and laboratory investigation followed by field operational tests. Specifically, locally sourced salt brine additives suitable for anti-icing during winter maintenance in Alaska were developed and tested. Several test methods, such as differential scanning calorimetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and SHRP H205.2 Test Method for Ice Melting of Liquid Deicing Chemicals, were used to determine the performance of various anti-icing formulations relative to traditional sodium chloride (NaCl) and magnesium chloride (MgCl2) liquids. The negative effect of anti-icing formulations on bare steel and concrete were investigated to identify the most infrastructure-friendly anti-icing formulation. KW - Additives KW - Alaska KW - Alternatives analysis KW - Anti-icing KW - Corrosion KW - Field tests KW - Laboratory tests KW - Literature reviews KW - Local materials KW - Performance measurement KW - Salts KW - Surveys KW - Winter maintenance UR - http://www.dot.state.ak.us/stwddes/research/assets/pdf/4000-104.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1329346 ER - TY - SER AN - 01544651 JO - TechBrief PB - Federal Highway Administration AU - Collin, James G AU - Jalinoos, Frank AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Foundation Characterization Program (FCP): TechBrief #1—Workshop Report on the Reuse of Bridge Foundations PY - 2014/08 SP - 24p AB - This TechBrief presents the results of a workshop held at the 2014 Transportation Research Board (TRB) 93rd annual meeting on the reuse of bridge foundations. The workshop is the continuation of ongoing effort by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to identify research and development needs with respect to foundation characterization program (FCP). This program includes the development and/or evaluation of new and existing methodologies for characterizing existing bridge foundations for the determination of unknown geometry, material properties, integrity, and load-carrying capacity. KW - Bridge construction KW - Bridge design KW - Bridge foundations KW - Evaluation KW - Methodology KW - Rehabilitation (Maintenance) KW - Reuse KW - Substructures KW - Workshops UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/infrastructure/structures/bridge/fcp/14072/14072.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1329632 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01544626 AU - Nims, Douglas K AU - Hunt, Victor J AU - Helmicki, Arthur J AU - Ng, Tsun-Ming T AU - University of Toledo AU - Ohio Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Ice Prevention or Removal on the Veteran's Glass City Skyway Cables PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 316p AB - The Veteran’s Glass City Skyway (VGCS) is a cable - stayed bridge in Toledo, Ohio owned by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). Five times in the seven winters the VGCS has been in service, ice has formed on the stay cables. Ice up to 3/4” thick and conforming to the cylindrical shape of the stay has formed. As the stays warm, ice sheds in curved sheets that fall and can be blown across the bridge. The falling ice sheets pose a potential hazard and may require lane or bridge closure. Because of the specialized knowledge required, this problem required a team including experts in icing, the VGCS construction, the structural measurement system on the bridge, and green technology. The VGCS stay sheaths are made of stainless steel, have a brushed finish, lack the usual helical spiral and have a large diameter. No existing ice anti/deicing technology was found to be practical. Therefore, ODOT elected to manage icing administratively. A real-time ice monitoring system for local weather conditions on the VGCS and the stays was designed. The system collects data from sensors on the bridge and in the region. The study of the past weather and icing events lead to quantitative guidelines about when icing accretion and shedding were likely. The monitoring system tracks the icing conditions on the bridge with a straightforward interface so information on the icing of the bridge is available to the bridge operators. If the conditions favorable to icing occur, the monitoring system notifies the research team and appropriate ODOT officials. If ice forms, the monitor tracks the conditions that might lead to ice fall. KW - Cable stayed bridges KW - Ice formations KW - Icing KW - Monitoring KW - Real time information KW - Sensors KW - Toledo (Ohio) KW - Weather conditions UR - http://worldcat.org/oclc/893916566/viewonline UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1331205 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01544621 AU - Li, Peng AU - Liu, Jenny AU - Alaska University Transportation Center AU - Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Verification of Job Mix Formula for Alaskan HMA PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 102p AB - Some asphalt pavement does not last as long as it should. Every year, a significant amount of money is spent by the state on repairing and maintaining pavement, which raises the question: Are we getting the mix design we need? Since hot mix asphalt (HMA) is the main paving material in Alaska, it is critical to understand how the quality of this material is assured. Often, a properly lab-designed HMA is used in the field on a given project and performs in a substandard manner. Variability is inevitable during construction. Two projects were selected for the study. Pertinent data from Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) and from contractors at lab/design and construction were obtained, including general information regarding the paving projects, details of the materials and job mix formula (JMF) being used in the construction, quality control testing data from contractors, and acceptance testing results from the agency. KW - Acceptance tests KW - Alaska KW - Construction projects KW - Hot mix asphalt KW - Mix design KW - Pavement performance KW - Quality control UR - http://tundra.ine.uaf.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/JMF-final-report_0710.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1331607 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01544615 AU - Riding, Kyle A AU - DonJuan, Jose AU - Mid-America Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Evaluation of Bonding Agent Application on Concrete Patch Performance PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 84p AB - The durability of partial depth repair is directly related to the bond strength between the repair material and existing concrete. Bond strength development sensitivity to wait time with the use of bonding agents in partial depth repair was investigated in this study. Cementitious grouts, epoxy, acrylic latex, and polyvinyl acetate were used as bonding agents for portland cement concrete repair material. Portland cement concrete repairs with dry and saturated surface dry conditions, and three rapid repair cementitious materials were used for comparative purposes to investigate the benefits over other alternatives for using bonding agents. Laboratory samples were made by placing repair concrete 0, 2, 5, 10, and 30 minutes after bonding agent application. The bond strength was then measured using a direct shear test. Field tests were performed using the repair materials and bonding agents. When the agents were applied in the field, the wait times between bonding agent application and repair material application were 0, 15, 30, and 45 minutes. Seven-day and 5-month direct tension pull-off tensile tests were performed during the field experiment. The data from both experiments show that when using cement grout bonding agents, after 15 minutes, bond loss can be expected. Wait times did not have a significant effect on epoxy and acrylic latex bonding agents as long as they were placed before setting. The polyvinyl acetate agent and repair materials can develop high bond strength in laboratory settings, but when used in the field, the bond strengths experience strength loss with time. The results also showed that adequate bond strength for many repairs can be obtained by placing the repair concrete on a substrate in saturated surface dry condition. KW - Bond strength (Materials) KW - Bonding KW - Cement grouts KW - Epoxides KW - Field tests KW - Patching KW - Polyvinyl acetate KW - Portland cement concrete KW - Shear tests KW - Tension tests UR - http://matc.unl.edu/assets/documents/matcfinal/Riding_EvaluationofBondingAgentApplicationonConcretePatchPerformance.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1331070 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01544601 AU - Zha, Liteng AU - Songchitruksa, Praprut AU - Balke, Kevin N AU - Texas A&M Transportation Institute AU - Southwest Region University Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Next Generation Safety Performance Monitoring at Signalized Intersections Using Connected Vehicle Technology PY - 2014/08 SP - 72p AB - Crash-based safety evaluation is often hampered by randomness, lack of timeliness, and rarity of crash occurrences. This is particularly the case for technology-driven safety improvement projects that are frequently updated or replaced by newer ones before it is possible to gather adequate crash data for a reliable and defensible before-after evaluation. Surrogate safety data are commonly used as an alternative to crash data; however, its current practice is still resource intensive and subject to human errors. The advent of connected vehicle technology allows vehicles to communicate with each other and infrastructure wirelessly. This platform also offers the opportunity for automated and continuous tracking of vehicle trajectories and signal status at the facilities in real time. These types of data can potentially be extracted and used to detect the deficiencies in the safety performance of the facility operation. This project examines the viability of long-term monitoring of connected vehicle data for safety performance evaluation. As limited saturation of onboard equipment (OBE) is expected in the near-term evolution, the study focuses on a connected vehicle application that can process data elements from OBEs via vehicle-to-infrastructure communications using standard message sets. To accomplish the objective, a signalized intersection test bed was created in VISSIM while the wireless communications capability and the application were implemented using Car-to-Everything Application Programming Interface. The evaluation results indicated that the application can effectively detect changes in safety performance at full market penetration. Sensitivity analysis showed that at least 40 percent penetration rate is desirable for reliable safety deficiency detection under light to moderate traffic volume conditions. The observation period can be extended to compensate for low sample size under low OBE market penetrations. The required observation periods vary with the types of safety indicators being collected and the levels of OBE saturation. KW - Driver information systems KW - Market share KW - Mobile communication systems KW - Performance measurement KW - Safety KW - Sensitivity analysis KW - Signalized intersections KW - Traffic simulation KW - Vehicle electronics KW - Vehicle to infrastructure communications KW - Wireless communication systems UR - http://swutc.tamu.edu/publications/technicalreports/161303-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1329813 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01544517 AU - Jungwirth, Scott AU - Cao, Ling AU - Shi, Xianming AU - Western Transportation Institute AU - Alaska University Transportation Center AU - Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Developing Locally Sourced Brine Additive for Anti-Icing PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 79p AB - The objective of this project was to develop a series of anti-icers tailored to meet the varying requirements of highway anti-icing performance, cost-effectiveness, and minimized corrosion and environmental impact for typical road weather scenarios and user priorities in the three Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) regions. Development and evaluation of potential deicing chemicals, additives, and mixtures made from local agricultural products or the by-products of local distilleries/breweries or other manufacturing processes for use on roadways and other transportation facilities were included as the project’s research. The use of sustainable resources offers a cost-effective alternative to high-cost proprietary products that enhance the performance characteristics of salt brine for anti-icing on Alaska roads. This research was accomplished through literature review, agency surveys, and laboratory investigation followed by field operational tests. Specifically, locally sourced salt brine additives suitable for anti-icing during winter maintenance in Alaska were developed and tested. Several test methods, such as differential scanning calorimetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and SHRP H205.2 Test Method for Ice Melting of Liquid Deicing Chemicals, were used to determine the performance of various anti-icing formulations relative to traditional sodium chloride (NaCl) and magnesium chloride (MgCl2) liquids. The negative effect of anti-icing formulations on bare steel and concrete were investigated to identify the most infrastructure-friendly anti-icing formulation. KW - Additives KW - Alaska KW - Alternatives analysis KW - Anti-icing KW - Corrosion KW - Field tests KW - Laboratory tests KW - Literature reviews KW - Local materials KW - Performance measurement KW - Salts KW - Surveys KW - Winter maintenance UR - http://tundra.ine.uaf.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/AUTC51006FinalReport04252014.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1331608 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01543108 AU - Rayle, Lisa AU - Shaheen, Susan AU - Chan, Nelson AU - Dai, Danielle AU - Cervero, Robert AU - University of California Transportation Center (UCTC) AU - California Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - App-Based, On-Demand Ride Services: Comparing Taxi and Ridesourcing Trips and User Characteristics in San Francisco PY - 2014/08 SP - 18p AB - Ridesourcing’s usage and impacts are not well understood. Key questions include: how ridesourcing and taxis compare with respect to trip types, customers, and locations served; whether ridesourcing complements or competes with public transit; and potential impacts on vehicle miles traveled. The authors address these questions using an intercept survey. In spring 2014, 380 complete surveys were collected from three ridesourcing “hot spots” in San Francisco. Survey results are compared with matched-pair taxi trip data and results of a previous taxi user survey. The findings indicate ridesourcing serves a previously unmet demand for convenient, point-to-point urban travel. Although taxis and ridesourcing share similarities, the findings show differences in users and the user experience. Ridesourcing wait times are markedly shorter and more consistent than those of taxis, while ridesourcing users tend to be younger, own fewer vehicles and more frequently travel with companions. Ridesourcing appears to substitute for longer public transit trips but otherwise complements transit. Impacts on overall vehicle travel are ambiguous. Future research should build on this exploratory study to further understand impacts of ridesourcing on labor, social equity, the environment, and public policy. KW - Demand responsive transportation KW - Demographics KW - Mode choice KW - Regulation KW - Ridesharing KW - San Francisco (California) KW - Socioeconomic factors KW - Surveys KW - Taxi services KW - Travel behavior KW - Urban transportation policy UR - http://uctc.net/research/papers/UCTC-FR-2014-08.pdf UR - https://merritt.cdlib.org/d/ark%3A%2F13030%2Fm5x93rdg/1/producer%2F890242310.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1323136 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01543103 AU - Smart, Michael J AU - Ralph, Kelcie M AU - Taylor, Brian D AU - Turley, Carole AU - Brown, Anne E AU - University of California, Los Angeles AU - University of California Transportation Center (UCTC) AU - California Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Honey, Can You Pick-Up Groceries on Your Way Home? Analyzing Activities and Travel among Students and in Non-traditional Households PY - 2014/08 SP - 90p AB - This report adds to a growing body of scholarship that examines how activity participation and transportation are related, focusing on the trade-offs made in between going places and doing things. The authors focus on patterns and trends in household-related travel and the activities that prompt it. In 2009 journeys to and from work accounted for just 16 percent of all metropolitan person trips. By comparison, travel for other, more domestic purposes collectively accounts for 53 percent. Accordingly, the focus in this report is on the strongly gendered within-household tradeoffs among (a) unpaid household-maintenance work, (b) traveling to and from jobs and school, and (c) work and activities at work and school. The authors examine how activity participation and related travel differ by household type. This ongoing evolution in the structure of households and the travel they engender has important implications for public policy KW - Activity choices KW - American Time Use Survey KW - Demographics KW - Gender KW - Households KW - Socioeconomic factors KW - Students KW - Travel behavior KW - Trip generation UR - http://uctc.net/research/papers/UCTC-FR-2014-07.pdf UR - https://merritt.cdlib.org/d/ark%3A%2F13030%2Fm5sj30qk/1/producer%2F890240608.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1323137 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01541858 AU - Baesch, John AU - Batac, Tiffany AU - Bottomley, Glenn AU - Dorney, Chris AU - Erchul, Mary AU - Gupton, Everett AU - Keller, Jake AU - Kinghorn, Robert AU - Lennon, Justin AU - Louie, Benny AU - McVoy, Gary AU - Meyer, Michael AU - Ramsden, Jerry AU - Snyder, Robert AU - Sokol, Victor AU - Wang, Stefany AU - Choate, Anne AU - Rodehorst, Beth AU - Parsons Brinckerhoff AU - ICF International AU - Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Impacts of Climate Change and Variability on Transportation Systems and Infrastructure: The Gulf Coast Study, Phase 2, Task 3.2: Engineering Analysis and Assessment PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 346p AB - Acknowledging the importance of establishing systematic, transferable approaches for assessing and addressing vulnerability to climate- and weather-related risks, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT's) Center for Climate Change and Environmental Forecasting commissioned a comprehensive, multiphase study of climate change impacts on transportation in the Central Gulf Coast region. This study is formally known as "Impacts of Climate Change and Variability on Transportation Systems and Infrastructure: Gulf Coast Study" (hereafter, “the Gulf Coast Study”). Phase 1 (completed in 2008) examined the impacts of climate change on transportation infrastructure at a regional scale. Phase 2 (nearing completion) provides a more detailed assessment of the vulnerability of the most critical components of the transportation system in Mobile, Alabama to weather events and long-term changes in climate. This report, Phase 2, Task 3.2, discusses a series of engineering assessments on specific transportation facilities in Mobile that evaluated whether those facilities might be vulnerable to projected changes in climate, and what specific adaptation measures could be effective in mitigating those vulnerabilities. The purpose of the engineering assessments was twofold: (1) Develop and test a detailed climate impact assessment process (The Process) that both evaluates the climate vulnerabilities of specific transportation assets, and evaluates possible adaptation strategies that could be implemented. The methodologies developed for these assessments could be applied to similar facilities elsewhere. This report represents one of the few resources available to transportation practitioners that include engineering methodologies for evaluating climate change vulnerabilities and adaptation measures at the facility level. (2) Explain and document Mobile-specific findings for each facility-climate stressor pair, including any findings that may apply more generally to engineering design practices, operations and maintenance practices, or other lessons learned. KW - Adaptation planning (Climate change) KW - Climate change KW - Design practices KW - Gulf Coast KW - Infrastructure KW - Maintenance practices KW - Methodology KW - Metropolitan areas KW - Mobile (Alabama) KW - Risk assessment KW - Transportation facilities UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/climate_change/adaptation/ongoing_and_current_research/gulf_coast_study/phase2_task3/task_3.2/task2phase3.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1328423 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01541506 AU - MacArthur, John AU - Kobel, Nicholas AU - National Institute for Transportation and Communities AU - Oregon Transportation Research and Education Consortium AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Regulations of E-Bikes in North America: A Policy Review PY - 2014/08 SP - 57p AB - Although some states have created specific e-bike legislation, other states’ legislation surrounding e-bikes is best described as nebulous. The confusion stems from the wide variety of devices and technologies on the market; perceived overlap of legal entities' jurisdiction over the device, which under certain circumstances can be either a consumer product or a motor vehicle; outdated laws and regulations; and inconsistency of terms. At the U.S. federal level, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) are charged with the safety and manufacturing regulations of such devices. They have agreed on a term, low-speed electric bicycle, that is commonly called an e-bike. The federal definition does not necessarily translate to states and cities, which have vastly differing and vague state laws and municipal codes, some of which have prohibited the use of some types of e-bikes on all public ways, like in New York City. Even colloquial conceptions of e-bikes are not standardized, ranging from a scooter-like vehicle (scooter-style electric bike (SSEB)) to a standard bicycle with a small hub motor (bicycle-style electric bike (BSEB)). The term e-bike is used primarily as a generic term in the U.S. to refer to most electric-assist bicycles. This does create some confusion because people in the U.S. and in other countries use the term e-bike for electric scooter-type devices, which have different regulatory requirements than bicycles. The purpose of this paper is to outline the different classifications of e-bikes—what they are and what they are not—and to help shed light on aspects of federal and state legislation of e-bikes. In addition, this paper explores the potential conflicts these regulations may cause for the adoption of this technology. KW - Bicycles KW - North America KW - Policy, legislation and regulation KW - Scooters KW - Technological innovations UR - http://ppms.otrec.us/media/project_files/NITC-RR-564_Regulations_of_E-Bikes_in_North_America_1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1324907 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01541503 AU - Trejo, David AU - Barbosa, André R AU - Link, Tim AU - Oregon State University, Corvallis AU - Oregon Department of Transportation AU - Pacific Northwest Transportation Consortium AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Seismic Performance of Circular Reinforced Concrete Bridge Columns Constructed with Grade 80 Reinforcement PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 308p AB - This project assessed the use of ASTM A706 Grade 80 reinforcing bars in reinforced concrete columns. Grade 80 is not currently allowed in reinforced concrete columns due to lack of information on the material characteristics and column performance. Six half-scale, circular columns were tested: three constructed with Grade 60 reinforcement and three constructed with Grade 80 reinforcement. Designs followed standard design methodologies used by State Highway Agencies (including American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)). Results indicate that columns constructed with Grade 80 reinforcement performed similar to columns constructed with conventional ASTM A706 Grade 60 reinforcement. Computational modeling was performed using OpenSees for all six columns. Results indicate that the columns constructed with Grade 80 reinforcement achieved similar resistance and displacement and curvature ductility values when compared with the reference columns constructed with Grade 60 reinforcement. The columns constructed with Grade 60 reinforcement showed larger hysteretic energy dissipation than the columns constructed with Grade 80 reinforcement. KW - Columns KW - Computer models KW - Dislocation (Geology) KW - Earthquake resistant design KW - High strength steel KW - Reinforced concrete bridges KW - Reinforcing bars UR - http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/TD/TP_RES/ResearchReports/14RS0500_610_SeismicReportFinal.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1326515 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01541500 AU - Zhai, Yuan AU - Mohebbi, Amin AU - Kilgore, Roger AU - Xie, Zhaoding AU - Shen, Jerry AU - Genex Systems, LLC AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Fish Passage in Large Culverts with Low Flows PY - 2014/08 SP - 138p AB - A series of physical and numerical modeling runs were completed to support the development of a design procedure for characterizing the variation in velocity within non-embedded and embedded culverts. Physical modeling of symmetrical half-section circular culverts was conducted to provide data against which computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling could be validated. The initial CFD modeling featured two-phase numerical computations that successfully reproduced the physical modeling results. To further simplify, single-phase modeling and truncated single-phase modeling were evaluated with good results. For the embedded culvert runs, a successful strategy for representing natural bed material within the culvert was developed. Once the CFD modeling was validated by the physical modeling, the CFD modeling was used to analyze the full culvert cross-sections. Test matrices included CFD runs scaled up to larger culvert sizes. One series of runs maintained Froude number based scaling and one series tested larger sizes without the scaling constraint. The CFD runs and a velocity distribution model formed the basis of a proposed design methodology for determining the velocity distribution within a culvert cross-section. Using the 42 CFD runs for a 3-ft diameter culvert, the 5 parameters necessary for the velocity model were estimated. Then, based on geometric and hydraulic parameters available to a designer, relations were developed to estimate those parameters. The approach was successfully validated on CFD runs for 6-ft and 8-ft diameter culvert models. The proposed design procedure allows a designer to estimate the velocity throughout a cross-section. These data may be depth-averaged to provide a distribution of velocity and depth across the culvert cross-section that may be used to evaluate fish passage. Although developed for circular culverts, the parameters used in the method are such that the procedure should be applicable to rectangular and other shapes. Two design examples and an application guide are provided to illustrate the method and the required computations. KW - Culverts KW - Design KW - Fishes KW - Fluid dynamics KW - Hydraulics KW - Mathematical models KW - Scale models KW - Velocity UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/infrastructure/structures/bridge/14064/14064.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1325016 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01541494 AU - Grant, Michael AU - McKeeman, Alanna AU - Bowen, Beverly AU - Bond, Alexander AU - Bauer, Jocelyn AU - LaSut, Linda AU - Barnes, Brent AU - D'Ignazio, Janet AU - ICF International AU - Leidos AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Model Long Range Transportation Plans: A Guide for Incorporating Performance-Based Planning PY - 2014/08 SP - 188p AB - This Guidebook informs State departments of transportation (DOTs), metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), and regional transportation planning organizations (RTPOs), as well as their planning partners such as transit agencies, local governments, and Federal agencies, about effective practices for incorporating performance-based planning into the development of a long range transportation plan. A performance-based plan sets the foundation of goals, objectives, performance measures, and targets that support decisions for long-range investments and policies, and guides programming, as well as shorter-range decisions that move toward achievement of desired system performance outcomes. This document identifies key components present in a “model” transportation plan, as well as process elements that are necessary to reflect the priorities of the community and support attainment of desired performance outcomes for the multimodal transportation system. Examples and case studies illustrate the Guide’s key points. KW - Case studies KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Multimodal transportation KW - Performance measurement KW - Regional planning KW - Regional transportation KW - State departments of transportation KW - Transportation planning UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/performance_based_planning/mlrtp_guidebook/fhwahep14046.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1324910 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01541409 AU - Romanoschi, Stefan AU - Lewis, Paul AU - Gedafa, Daba AU - Hossain, Mustaque AU - Kansas State University Transportation Center AU - Kansas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Verification of Mechanistic-Empirical Design Models for Flexible Pavements through Accelerated Pavement Testing PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 194p AB - The Midwest States Accelerated Pavement Testing Pooled Fund Program, financed by the highway departments of Kansas, Iowa, and Missouri, has supported an accelerated pavement testing (APT) project to validate several models incorporated in the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) 1-37A design method, popularly known as Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) for flexible pavements. The following models were investigated: the dynamic modulus estimation model, the relationship between the dynamic modulus and the pavement response; and the relationship between the pavement response (strains) and pavement performance. In addition to these, the experiment aims to compare the performance of the coarse and fine Superpave mixes, and to validate and calibrate the Asphalt Pavement Analyzer (APA) and Hamburg Wheel-Tracking Device Tester as screening tools for estimating rutting performance of Superpave asphalt mixes. The experiments were conducted at the Civil Infrastructure Systems Laboratory at Kansas State University. The test program consisted of constructing 12 flexible pavement structures and subjecting them to full-scale accelerated loading tests. The experiment found that the revised Witczak model predicts the dynamic modulus of asphalt concrete mixes with reasonable accuracy. The MEPDG structural response model under-predicted the longitudinal strains at the bottom of the asphalt concrete layers, while the MEPDG over-predicted the permanent deformation in the asphalt layer. The comparison between the results of the laboratory rutting tests performed at 35°C indicate that results of the Hamburg Wheel Rut Test correlate best with results of the APT experiment, followed by those from the APA. KW - Accelerated tests KW - Asphalt Pavement Analyzer KW - Dynamic modulus of elasticity KW - Flexible pavements KW - Hamburg Wheel Tracking Device KW - Load tests KW - Mechanistic-empirical pavement design KW - Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide KW - Pavement performance KW - Rutting KW - Superpave UR - http://idmweb.ksdot.org/PublicLib/publicDoc.asp?ID=003835383 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1326952 ER - TY - SER AN - 01538886 JO - Research Results PB - Federal Railroad Administration AU - Federal Railroad Administration TI - Full-Scale Shell Impact Test of a DOT-112 Tank Car PY - 2014/08 SP - 4p AB - On February 26, 2014, federal railroad administration (FRA) conducted a full-scale side impact test of a department of transportation (DOT)112J340W specification tank car (DOT112) at the Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI) in Pueblo, CO. The shell of the car was struck at its mid-length by a 297,000 pound ram car equipped with a 12-inch by 12-inch impactor. The intent of this test was to demonstrate that the car could successfully resist a moderately high-energy impact without puncturing the tank shell. Figure 1 shows the tank car in its pre-test position against the impact wall at TTCI The objectives of this test were to compare the structural performance of the DOT112 car to that of a general purpose (DOT111) tank car and provide data to validate existing models. In December of 2013, FRA had conducted a companion test on a DOT111 specification tank car under similar impact conditions. The full-scale test on the DOT112 car examines the potential improvement in shell puncture resistance offered by a tank car with an increased shell thickness. The tank car tank was filled to approximately 96 percent of its shell-full capacity with water. While the DOT112 tank car is capable of pressurization, this test was conducted without pressurizing the car. Based on pre-test finite element analysis (FEA), the target test speed was 15 mph. The actual impact occurred at 14.7 mph. This speed corresponds to an impact energy of approximately 2.1 million foot-pounds of energy. The tank experienced a maximum indentation of approximately 52 inches and a peak force of approximately 1.1 million pounds. The tank did not puncture, causing the impact vehicle to rebound. KW - Finite element method KW - Hazardous materials KW - Impact tests KW - Prototype tests KW - Puncture resistance KW - Railroad safety KW - Tank cars UR - http://www.fra.dot.gov/Elib/Document/14006 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1322132 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538574 AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Guidelines for Design and Rating of Gusset-Plate Connections for Steel Truss Bridges PY - 2014/08 SP - 12p AB - Presented is a technical summary of "Guidelines for the Load and Resistance Factor Design and Rating of Riveted, Bolted, and Welded Gusset-Plate Connections for Steel Bridges," a report created as part of the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Project. The research conducted for the report included both experimental testing and analytical modeling, with the experimental program testing 12 full-scale guest plate connections. Findings related to shear, buckling, chord splice, block shear, tension, edge stiffening, corrosion, and multilayered gusset plates are reported. Design and evaluation specifications are outlined and a summary of resistance factors is presented. KW - Bridge design KW - Design methods KW - Guidelines KW - Gusset plates KW - Resistance (Mechanics) KW - Structural connection KW - Truss bridges UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/infrastructure/structures/bridge/14063/14063.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1323108 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538539 AU - Park, Sunwoo AU - Bosch, Harold R AU - Genex Systems, LLC AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Mitigation of Wind-Induced Vibration of Stay Cables: Numerical Simulations and Evaluations PY - 2014/08//Laboratory Report SP - 118p AB - Cable-stayed bridges have been recognized as the most efficient and cost effective structural form for medium-to-long-span bridges over the past several decades. With their widespread use, cases of serviceability problems associated with large amplitude vibration of stay cables have been reported. Stay cables are laterally flexible structural members with very low inherent damping and thus are highly susceptible to environmental conditions such as wind and rain/wind combination. Recognition of these problems has led to the incorporation of different types of mitigation measures on many cable-stayed bridges around the world. These measures include surface modifications, cable crossties, and external dampers. Modifications to cable surfaces have been widely accepted as a means to mitigate rain/wind vibrations. Recent studies have firmly established the formation of a water rivulet along the upper side of the stay and its interaction with wind flow as the main cause of rain/wind vibrations. Appropriate modifications to exterior cable surfaces effectively disrupt the formation of a water rivulet. The objective of this study is to The objective of this study is to supplement the existing knowledge base on some of the outstanding issues of stay cable vibrations and to develop technical recommendations that may be incorporated into design guidelines. Specifically, this project focuses on the effectiveness of cable crossties, external dampers, and the combined use of crossties and dampers. Finite element simulations are carried out on the stay cable systems of constructed stay cable bridges under realistic wind forces in order to address these issues. Explicit time-history analysis enabled the performance of stay cable systems with different mitigation strategies to be assessed and compared for their relative advantages and disadvantages. KW - Bridge cables KW - Bridge design KW - Cable stayed bridges KW - Dampers KW - Hazard mitigation KW - Long span bridges KW - Simulation KW - Vibration KW - Wind resistant design UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/infrastructure/structures/bridge/14049/14049.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1323107 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538324 AU - Hu, Sheng AU - Zhou, Fujie AU - Scullion, Tom AU - Texas A&M Transportation Institute AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Implementation of Texas Asphalt Concrete Overlay Design System PY - 2014/08//Technical Report SP - 102p AB - An asphalt overlay design system was developed for Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) under Research Project 0-5123. The new overlay design system, named the Texas Asphalt Concrete Overlay Design System (TxACOL), can help pavement engineers optimize asphalt overlay design in terms of overlay mix type and thickness, based upon existing pavement structure and conditions (existing distress types and/or load transfer efficiency at joints/cracks), local weather conditions, and anticipated traffic level. Several districts in Texas expressed interest in implementing this new overlay design system for designing asphalt overlays. To facilitate the implementation in districts, Project 5-5123-03 was initiated. The work performed under this study included (a) developing and conducting district-oriented overlay design workshops, (b) providing asphalt overlay design assistance and monitoring the new constructed overlays, (c) performing laboratory testing and updating the material default values of overlay mixes, (d) surveying the field performance (rutting and cracking) of asphalt overlay projects, and (e) enhancing and calibrating the TxACOL. This report documents the work and findings from this study. Case analyses showed that the enhanced TxACOL can make reasonable predictions compared to survey results. The researchers recommend that TxACOL be used as a tool for asphalt overlay design in TxDOT districts. Apparently, calibration factors still need to be further verified through more field test sections. KW - Asphalt concrete KW - Calibration KW - Field studies KW - Implementation KW - Laboratory tests KW - Mix design KW - Overlays (Pavements) KW - Pavement cracking KW - Rutting KW - Texas UR - http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/5-5123-03-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1324135 ER - TY - SER AN - 01538297 JO - Civil Engineering Studies, Illinois Center for Transportation Series PB - University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign AU - King, Daniel AU - Roesler, Jeffery AU - University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign AU - Illinois Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Structural Performance of Ultra-Thin Whitetopping on Illinois Roadways and Parking Lots PY - 2014/08 IS - 14-020 SP - 136p AB - A performance evaluation of ultra-thin whitetopping (UTW) pavements in Illinois was undertaken in 2012–2014 to evaluate current design procedures and to determine design life criteria for future projects. The two main components of this evaluation were (1) visual distress surveys of 20 existing UTW projects across the state to document and quantify distresses and (2) falling weight deflectometer (FWD) testing of eight of these UTW projects to evaluate structural performance. The findings of the surveys are detailed in this report. Deflection data collected during FWD testing were used to directly calculate load transfer efficiency and assess joint performance, but there was no existing method to assess the in situ structural properties of UTW pavements. To better characterize structural performance, a backcalculation procedure for UTW pavements was derived and applied to the deflection data obtained from FWD testing. The backcalculated effective concrete thickness quantifies the load carrying capacity of the UTW pavement, variation of the structural capacity as a function of distance along the roadway, and potentially the condition of the concrete–asphalt bond interface and the underlying asphalt concrete layer. The findings of the visual distress surveys and the FWD data analysis largely agreed with each other and were studied to help provide a greater understanding of factors that affect UTW performance. From this analysis, a number of conclusions and recommendations were made regarding UTW pavement design and construction. KW - Condition surveys KW - Deflection KW - Falling weight deflectometers KW - Illinois KW - Parking lots KW - Pavement design KW - Pavement distress KW - Pavement joints KW - Recommendations KW - Structural tests KW - Whitetopping UR - https://apps.ict.illinois.edu/projects/getfile.asp?id=3161 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1322076 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538294 AU - Serigos, Pedro AU - Burton, Maria AU - Smit, Andre AU - Prozzi, Jorge AU - Kim, Moo Yeon AU - Murphy, Mike AU - University of Texas, Austin AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Recommendations for Selection of Automated Distress Measuring Equipment PY - 2014/08 SP - 9p AB - Phase 2 of Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Research Project 0-6663: Evaluation of Pavement Rutting and Distress Measurements had the objective of evaluating the accuracy and precision of the new automated system developed by a TxDOT research group (composed of staff from the Construction Division’s Materials and Pavement Section) for the high-speed measurement of pavement surface distresses, texture, and cross slope. In addition, equipment vendors participated in the study by providing equipment that represents the state of the practice—the automated distress collection vehicle. As part of this evaluation, the TxDOT system was compared to that of three automated system vendors in order to identify the best equipment for each pavement management data type. The high-speed measurements reported by each of the four automated systems that participated in the Phase 2 experiment were compared to manual measurements taken statically by experienced raters. The Phase 2 experiment comprised twenty 550-ft-long pavement test sections, including both flexible and rigid pavements, which were selected to represent the main pavement characteristics encountered on the Texas highway network. Phase 2 analyses also included a qualitative comparison between the crack maps produced by the different automated systems at highway speeds and digital crack maps collected statically by manual measurement of the cracks. KW - Measuring instruments KW - Pavement cracking KW - Pavement distress KW - Pavement management systems KW - Recommendations KW - State of the practice KW - Surface course (Pavements) KW - Texas KW - Texture UR - http://library.ctr.utexas.edu/ctr-publications/0-6663-P2.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1322298 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538271 AU - Department of Housing and Urban Development AU - Department of Transportation AU - Environmental Protection Agency TI - Partnership for Sustainable Communities: Five Years of Learning from Communities and Coordinating Federal Investments: Fifth Anniversary Report PY - 2014/08 SP - 24p AB - Interagency collaboration through the Partnership for Sustainable Communities invests taxpayer money more efficiently and gets better results for communities. By sharing knowledge and coordinating investments in infrastructure, facilities, and services, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can meet multiple economic, environmental, and community objectives with each dollar spent. Since 2009, HUD, DOT, and EPA have collaborated to ensure their policies and investments better serve American communities. Through these efforts, more than 1,000 communities in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico have received more than $4 billion in grants and technical assistance to help them grow and improve their quality of life. This publication summarizes some significant policy changes and collaborations and how they have made a difference in communities over the past five years. The Partnership’s work has driven not only HUD, DOT, and EPA, but also other federal agencies to make lasting policy changes that will use resources more effectively and improve how agencies work with communities for years to come. The publication also looks at critical issues facing our nation in the future and how the Partnership can help communities take advantage of opportunities and overcome challenges. KW - City planning KW - Cooperation KW - Government funding KW - Grant aid KW - Investments KW - Partnership for Sustainable Communities KW - Policy KW - Sustainable development KW - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development KW - U.S. Department of Transportation KW - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency UR - http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/pdf/partnership-accomplishments-report-2014.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320896 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538267 AU - Bowers, Justin D AU - Magers, Samuel R AU - Pyrz, Jennifer AU - Bullock, Darcy M AU - Purdue University AU - Indiana Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Processes of Small Culvert Inspection and Asset Management SN - 9781622603015 PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 23p AB - Proper drainage is essential for pavement to maximize life expectancy and minimize maintenance. Culverts are a critical asset to facilitate drainage. As with many assets, culverts deteriorate with age and require regular inspection. It is important to have a formalized process of inventory and inspection that is efficient and can effectively support culvert asset management. The current culvert inspection and asset management processes for the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) have been modeled over the years on the bridge inspection process and were recently evaluated. A study was undertaken to further evaluate the current culvert asset management practices. Approximately 700 small culverts and catch basins were visited and evaluated using both the traditional culvert inspection practices and a revised asset management evaluation scale. The paper summarizes the findings of this evaluation and concludes by making recommendations for process improvements. These recommendations include the addition of photos to the culvert database, a revised rating scale, advanced planning of inspection schedules, a formalized process for culvert reassessments, the creation of a separate catch basin inlet inventory, various improvements to the inventory process, and a dedicated staff to complete inspections efficiently. It is also noted that building a reliable database will show historical trends and can eventually lead to a study of small culvert inspections and culvert longevity, which will lead to improved asset management. KW - Asset management KW - Catch basins KW - Culverts KW - Evaluation KW - Highway maintenance KW - Indiana Department of Transportation KW - Inspection KW - Recommendations UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.5703/1288284315502 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1322782 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538265 AU - Jin, Peter J AU - Fagnant, Dan AU - Hall, Andrea AU - Walton, C Michael AU - University of Texas, Austin AU - Southwest Region University Transportation Center AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Policy Implications of Emerging Vehicle and Infrastructure Technology PY - 2014/08 SP - 52p AB - This report considers a broad range of emerging transportation technologies that have potential for enhancing travel on and operations of the Texas transportation system. It provides an overview of technology classifications and assesses the policy implications of emerging vehicle and infrastructure technology classifications—namely, connected, autonomous, and electric vehicle technologies—as well as cloud computing and crowdsourcing in the context of transportation systems and services. The researchers assessed these technologies in terms of their ability to further state and national transportation goals. Also assessed were barriers to adoption and promotion at various development stages. Research is presented on new policies and institutional changes that are being implemented outside of Texas. Finally, policy implications for Texas are discussed. KW - Cloud computing KW - Crowdsourcing KW - Electric power generation and transmission KW - Electric vehicles KW - Government agencies KW - Intelligent vehicles KW - Mobile communication systems KW - Policy KW - Technological innovations KW - Texas UR - http://swutc.tamu.edu/publications/technicalreports/600451-00087-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1324130 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538263 AU - Wei, Heng AU - Liu, Hao AU - Lu, Mingming AU - Coifman, Benjamin A AU - University of Cincinnati AU - Ohio Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Traffic Data for Integrated Project-Level PM2.5 Conformity Analysis PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 88p AB - As required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator (MOVES) model is the mandatory emission tool for new Particulate Matter (PM) hot-spot analyses for project-level conformity determinations that began after December 20, 2012. Localized traffic data inputs to the model are crucial in maximizing its capability to accurately reflect the PM2.5 emissions associated with transportation programs and projects. However, accurately acquiring local traffic operating related data for project-level MOVES analysis is always a challenge to realistic practices. To address the issue, the three existing traffic data sources in Ohio that can be used as inputs for the MOVES model have been identified and analyzed through the project. The first one is referred to as the automatic traffic recorder (ATR) data source, which contains hourly or 15-minute traffic volume and vehicle composition. The second one, per vehicle record (PVR) data source, provides individual vehicle’s timestamp, class and speed information. The third one is the micro-simulation data source, which includes individual vehicle’s class, speed profile and acceleration profile. The applicability of the available data sources has been evaluated by using the sample data collected on the I-275 freeway in Cincinnati, Ohio. Specifically, the roadside PM2.5 concentration is estimated based on the sample traffic data and the modeled concentration is compared to the observed data. The compared results indicate that the PVR data source is preferred for the project-level PM2.5 analysis. It requires less effort to collect and provides the most accurate results when compared to other data sources. The normalized mean-square-error of the modeled concentration can be reduced by 30.5% if the PVR data are used with the operating mode distribution data prepared based on the simulation data source. Finally, an easy-to-use computer tool in the ArcGIS environment, termed as Traffic Air Environmental Health Impact Analysis (TAEHIA) supporting system, has been developed to facilitate the application of the identified data sources into the PM2.5 conformity analysis conforming to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and EPA guidelines. The TAEHIA system is designed to: 1) incorporate the traffic data sources available in Ohio; 2) implement the PM2.5 conformity analysis steps as recommended by the EPA hot-spot conformity analysis guideline; and 3) simplify users’ tasks in the conformity analysis. The application of the TAEHIA system has been demonstrated in two case studies. As shown by the case studies, it is a user-friendly, straightforward way to analyze the transportation conformity within the TAEHIA environment. KW - Air quality management KW - Case studies KW - Conformity KW - Data collection KW - Microsimulation KW - Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator (MOVES) KW - Ohio KW - Particulates KW - Pollutants KW - Traffic Air Environmental Health Impact Analysis (TAEHIA) KW - Traffic data UR - http://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/Planning/SPR/Research/reportsandplans/Reports/2014/Environmental/134662_FR.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1322648 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538241 AU - Kim, David S AU - Porter, J David AU - Park, SeJoon AU - Saeedi, Amirali AU - Mohseni, Alireza AU - Bathaee, Nadia AU - Nelson, Matthew AU - Oregon State University, Corvallis AU - Oregon Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Bluetooth Data Collection System for Planning and Arterial Management PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 105p AB - This report presents the results of a research and development project of an implementable portable wireless traffic data collection system. Utilizing Bluetooth wireless technology as a platform, portable battery powered data collection units housed in traffic barrels were developed. The use of these units is for short term data collection (normally up to one week) and can be deployed for travel time data collection, origin-destination study data collection, and intersection performance data collection. After design and development of the units, they were deployed in real applications of travel time data collection, origin-destination study data collection, and intersection performance data collection. The different applications are described in the report. A web-based application for processing the collected data was also developed. The report includes a user’s guide for the data collection units as well as a user’s guide for the web-based application. KW - Bluetooth technology KW - Data collection KW - Intersections KW - Origin and destination KW - Traffic data KW - Travel time KW - Web applications UR - http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/TD/TP_RES/ResearchReports/SPR_757_Final_Bluetooth.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1322657 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538234 AU - Amdal, James R AU - Howlett, Marc AU - University of New Orleans AU - Southwest Region University Transportation Center AU - Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Use of Containers to Carry Bulk and Break Bulk Commodities and Its Impact on Gulf Region Ports and International Trade PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 67p AB - The University of New Orleans Transportation Institute was tasked by the Louisiana Transportation Research Center (LTRC) in mid-2012 to assess the use of containers to transport bulk and break bulk commodities and to determine what their impact would be on ports within Louisiana and along the Gulf Coast once the Panama Canal Expansion (PCE) is complete in 2015. LTRC’s principal interest was on the impact of the growing container trade in the emerging maritime and international trade world as a result of the PCE and the resultant all-water routes to/from Asia via Gulf Coast and U.S. East Coast ports. They were primarily interested in the impacts of shipping services calling on Gulf ports, specific import and export commodities shipped by container, and the identification of specific commodities shipped by container which can grow and under what circumstances. KW - Bulk cargo KW - Container terminals KW - Container traffic KW - Exports KW - Gulf Coast KW - Imports KW - Louisiana KW - Panama Canal KW - Ports UR - http://swutc.tamu.edu/publications/technicalreports/600451-00105-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1324129 ER - TY - SER AN - 01538227 JO - Civil Engineering Studies, Illinois Center for Transportation Series PB - University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign AU - Lippert, David L AU - Ozer, Hasan AU - Al-Qadi, Imad L AU - El-Khatib, Ahmad K AU - Yang, Rebekah AU - Khan, Tamin U AU - Dahhan, Abdul Z AU - Vespa, Joseph W AU - Trepanier, James S AU - University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign AU - Illinois Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Illinois Highway Materials Sustainability Efforts of 2013 PY - 2014/08 IS - 14-016 SP - 108p AB - This report presents the sustainability efforts of the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) in recycling and reclaiming materials for use in highway construction. This report meets the requirements of Illinois Public Act 097-0314 by documenting IDOT’s efforts to reduce the carbon footprint and achieve cost savings through the use of recycled materials in asphalt paving projects. This report also covers the development, construction, and initial performance after one winter of demonstration projects that used total recycle asphalt (TRA). TRA may consist of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), recycled concrete material (RCM), steel slag, reclaimed asphalt shingles (RAS), and less than 3% new soft liquid asphalt. No newly mined aggregate is used in the mix. The results of Hamburg wheel tracking and Semi-circular bending (SCB) for fracture energy are presented for durability aspects of both rutting and pavement cracking on three demonstration projects that used TRA mix. Crack surveys were performed to establish early performance history of the TRA mixes. Included in this report is an environmental evaluation of 16 mixes including the TRA mixes used on the three demonstration projects. KW - Asphalt pavements KW - Durability KW - Illinois KW - Pavement cracking KW - Reclaimed asphalt pavements KW - Recycled materials KW - Rutting KW - Shingles KW - Slag UR - https://apps.ict.illinois.edu/projects/getfile.asp?id=3159 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1322075 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538222 AU - Fagnant, Daniel J AU - Kockelman, Kara M AU - University of Texas, Austin AU - Southwest Region University Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - The Future of Fully Automated Vehicles : Opportunities for Vehicle- and Ride-Sharing, with Cost and Emissions Savings PY - 2014/08 SP - 102p AB - Fully automated or autonomous vehicles (AVs) hold great promise for the future of transportation. By 2020 Google, auto manufacturers and other technology providers intend to introduce self-driving cars to the public with either limited or fully autonomous capabilities. AVs may be able to save the U.S. economy up to $37.7 billion in comprehensive costs from safety, mobility and parking improvements at the 10% market penetration, and potentially up to $447.1 billion with 90% market penetration. Even with only 10% market share, over 1,000 lives could be saved annually. However, realizing these potential benefits while avoiding potential pitfalls requires more than just technology advancements: significant barriers to a successful rollout include AV costs, liability, security, and privacy. Once fully self-driving vehicles can safely and legally drive unoccupied on U.S. streets, a new transportation mode for personal travel looks set to arrive. This new mode is the shared automated vehicle (SAV), combining on-demand service with self-driving capabilities. This work simulates a fleet of SAVs operating within the city of Austin, using Austin’s transportation network and travel demand flows. This model incorporates dynamic ride-sharing (DRS), allowing two or more travelers with similar origins, destinations and departure times to share a ride. Model results indicate that each SAV could replace around 10 conventionally-owned household vehicles while serving over 56,000 person-trips. SAVs’ ability to relocate while unoccupied between serving one traveler and the next may cause an increase of 4-8% more travel; however, DRS can result in reduced overall vehicle-miles traveled (VMT), given enough SAV-using travelers willing to ride-share. SAVs should produce favorable emissions outcomes, with an estimated 16% less energy use and 48% lower volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, per person-trip formerly served by a household vehicle. KW - Austin (Texas) KW - Costs KW - Intelligent vehicles KW - Pollutants KW - Ridesharing KW - Simulation KW - Travel demand KW - Vehicle miles of travel KW - Vehicle sharing UR - http://swutc.tamu.edu/publications/technicalreports/600451-00081-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1324131 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538212 AU - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration TI - Effective Strategies for Motorcycle Stops PY - 2014/08 SP - 35p AB - This guidance document is designed for law enforcement executives, planners and policy makers, curriculum designers, trainers, supervisory staff, and law enforcement officers of all levels of experience who are responsible for conducting motorcycle traffic stops in the course of their duties. This document identifies promising practices for safely and effectively conducting traffic stops of motorcycles, officer safety strategies and techniques for motorcycle traffic stops, and strategies and techniques for reducing high-speed pursuits involving motorcycles. While these techniques do not purport to eliminate high-speed pursuits, they are intended to minimize the likelihood that a motorcyclist will flee, and to provide strategies to maximize the safety of all involved should the motorcyclist attempt to flee. This document also identifies and discusses risks and recommends strategies and techniques to avoid or mitigate those risks; the intent is to assist law enforcement officers in safely conducting motorcycle traffic stops and issuing citations when a violation is observed. Finally, this document provides promising practices for training law enforcement officers in the safe conduct of motorcycle traffic stops. KW - Highway safety KW - Motorcyclists KW - Police pursuit driving KW - Recommendations KW - Traffic citations KW - Traffic law enforcement KW - Training UR - http://www.nhtsa.gov/staticfiles/nti/pdf/812060-EffectiveStrategiesMotorcycleStops.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1322654 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538209 AU - Martinez, Sergio E AU - Walton, C Michael AU - University of Texas, Austin AU - Southwest Region University Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Cost-Efficiency of Highway Operations and Maintenance of Public-Private Partnerships PY - 2014/08 SP - 73p AB - While the literature on public-private partnerships (PPPs) argues that the private sector’s life-cycle approach to design and construction results in operational cost efficiencies, empirical support is missing. This study explored that issue by conducting a four-prong investigation. First, a literature review searched for evidence of such efficiencies and methodologies to evaluate them: it found no empirical evidence of superior operations and maintenance (O&M) cost-efficiency in PPPs. Second, a simple methodology to evaluate life-cycle cost-efficiency is proposed, but adequate data and assumptions about O&M costs are needed. Third, since PPP projects in the U.S. are recent and currently subject to routine O&M, indicators to compare those costs were proposed as well. Fourth, a case study compared the routine O&M costs of a PPP to those of a system of traditionally delivered toll roads. The results showed that the PPP was more cost-efficient in operating expenditures (OPEX) per mile (-60%) and per lane-mile (-53%). The traditional system was more cost-efficient in OPEX per vehicle miles travelled (97%), toll transactions (332%), and toll revenue (20%). However, those three indicators depend on traffic volumes, which were overwhelmingly greater on the traditional system. While the case study showed cost-efficiency differences between public and private sectors, additional research is needed to empirically test the hypothesis of the private sector’s greater efficiency. Understanding the differences in cost-efficiency between publicly and privately managed roads will help decision-makers to minimize the life-cycle cost of their investments. KW - Case studies KW - Cost effectiveness KW - Expenditures KW - Highway operations KW - Life cycle costing KW - Literature reviews KW - Maintenance management KW - Methodology KW - Public private partnerships KW - Toll roads UR - http://swutc.tamu.edu/publications/technicalreports/600451-00086-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1324132 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538203 AU - Sharma, Anuj AU - Gwayali, Sunil AU - Rilett, Laurence AU - University of Nebraska, Lincoln AU - Nebraska Department of Roads AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Investigating Operation at Geometrically Unconventional Intersections PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 406p AB - This report documents the development of decision assistance curves (DAC) for unconventional intersections, particularly median U-turns (MUT), continuous flow intersections (CFI), and jughandles. The operational measure of effectiveness such as delay, fuel consumption, and emissions were computed. An economic analysis was performed to compute the net present value (NPV) of benefits of operation and benefit to cost ratio (B/C) by estimating user’s cost, non-user’s cost, construction cost, and operation and maintenance cost for the life cycle period. The DAC classified the region of optimal performance of rural unconventional intersections comprising of four-lane major streets and two-lane minor streets. DAC indicated that MUT is applicable for almost all levels of volume combinations of major and minor street approach volumes under the presence of low left turning traffic. For medium to high left turning traffic, jughandle and CFI performed optimally on high major street approach volumes. Furthermore, it was also observed that for a case with medium to high left turning volumes, the use of CFI would be optimal for high major street approach volumes and high minor street approach volumes at an unbalanced condition. The use of a jughandle would be optimal for high major street approach volumes and its performance got better with increasing minor street approach volume at a balanced condition. However, the jughandle performed better at high major street approach volume and low minor street approach volume at an unbalanced condition. The study developed a spreadsheet tool called SILCC to estimate the operational measure of effectiveness, as well as to perform a life cycle cost analysis. A sample case study performed on a 24-hour rural pattern volume indicated high NPV of operational benefits and high B/C related to MUT compared to all other intersections for new construction. Though the MUT-retrofit had the highest NPV, since the construction cost of MUT-retrofit is high, a jughandle-retrofit was found to have the highest B/C. KW - Beneficiation KW - Case studies KW - Decision support systems KW - Economic analysis KW - Highway design KW - Highway operations KW - Highway safety KW - Intersections KW - Life cycle analysis KW - Rural highways KW - U turns UR - http://www.transportation.nebraska.gov/mat-n-tests/research/Traffic/FinalReportM328.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/52000/52600/52613/FinalReportM328.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1322519 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538189 AU - Feys, Dimitri AU - Asghari, Azadeh AU - Ghafari, Ehsan AU - Hernandez, Aida Margarita Ley AU - Van Der Vurst, Farid AU - De Schutter, Geert AU - Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety/NUTC program AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Influence of Mixing Procedure on Robustness of Self-Consolidating Concrete PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 85p AB - Self-Consolidating Concrete (SCC) is, in the fresh state, more sensitive to small variations in the constituent elements and the mixing procedure compared to Conventional Vibrated Concrete. Several studies have been performed recently to identify robustness of SCC and to develop solutions to increase the robustness of SCC. Ghent University obtained a major research project from the Research Foundation in Flanders (FWO) to investigate fundamentally robustness of SCC and to identify potential solutions in the form of alternative materials to enhance robustness. In the present research project, Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) extended the research at Ghent University by investigating the influence of the mixing procedure on the robustness of SCC. The project was split into four tasks. In a first task, the sequence of adding the constituent elements and mixing was investigated by measuring the rheological properties of cement pastes. In a second task, the combined influence of the most significant mix design and mixing procedure parameters were investigated, with particular attention to the mix design parameters which influence the robustness of the cement paste to a change in time of addition of the superplasticizer. In the third task, the results obtained on cement pastes were validated on concrete scale, with focus on the adding sequence of the aggregates and their initial moisture content. In the fourth task, the robustness of thixotropy and loss of workability was investigated on cement paste and concrete scale. To enhance the application of SCC for the construction and repair of transportation infrastructure, two key concepts are of importance: quality control and consistency. The consistency refers to the mixing operations and transportation of SCC. It is recommended to keep the mixing procedure constant for every SCC produced. This includes the addition sequence of the materials, the mixing time, the mixing speed and the concrete volume (parameter not tested, but it is reflected in mixing energy). The quality control is not only necessary to determine the moisture content of the aggregates, but also for any of the other constituent elements used. KW - Aggregates KW - Cement paste KW - Concrete mixing KW - Mix design KW - Moisture content KW - Rheological properties KW - Self compacting concrete KW - Thixotropy KW - Workability UR - http://transportation.mst.edu/media/research/transportation/documents/R333%20Final%20Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1322479 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538162 AU - Serigos, Pedro A AU - Burton, Maria AU - Smit, Andre AU - Prozzi, Jorge A AU - Murphy, Mike R AU - University of Texas, Austin AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Field Evaluation of Automated Distress Measuring Equipment PY - 2014/08//Technical Report SP - 406p AB - Project 0-6663 Phase 2 involved evaluation of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) automated visual distress 3D laser system van and three automated systems developed by automated visual distress data collection vendors. The research team selected 20 test sections in the Austin and Waco Districts comprising asphalt concrete pavement, surface treatments, portland cement concrete, and continuously reinforced concrete pavements. Each of the 550-ft-long test sections were subsectioned at 50-ft intervals and were evaluated manually by an experienced Long Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) manual distress rating team and a TxDOT Pavement Management Information System (PMIS) manual distress rating team. In each case the manual raters followed the LTPP or PMIS Rating Manual protocols to identify and measure distress on each test section. In addition, cross slope was measured with the FACE® Dipstick; texture was measured with the circular track meter; and digital crack map images were obtained by manually marking each crack using different colors related to three width categories and then photographing selected 50-ft subsections using a high-end digital camera. These manual measurements provided a baseline for comparison with the TxDOT and vendor automated system data output. The four participants collected automated distress, cross slope, texture, and crack map images during late July and August, finishing on August 30, 2013. Based on previous discussions with TxDOT and the vendors during a webinar held on January 30, 2013, data was reported by TxDOT and the vendors for three time intervals: 1) immediately after data collection with no manual post processing; 2) within 2 business days with minimal post processing; and 3) within 4 weeks with full, manual post processing. The last set of completed data was received in early October, 2013. These data sets were used by the research team to conduct both analytical and visual comparative analysis of output from the four automated systems presented in this report. KW - Long-Term Pavement Performance Program KW - Alternatives analysis KW - Data collection KW - Evaluation KW - Lasers KW - Measuring instruments KW - Pavement cracking KW - Pavement distress KW - Pavement Management Information System KW - Pavement management systems KW - Pavement performance KW - Test sections KW - Texas KW - Texture UR - http://library.ctr.utexas.edu/ctr-publications/0-6663-2.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1322641 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538155 AU - Brecher, Aviva AU - Arthur, David AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Review and Evaluation of Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) for Electric Transit Applications PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 61p AB - This research report provides a status review of emerging and existing Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) technologies applicable to electric bus (EB) and rail transit. The WPT technology options discussed, especially Inductive Power Transfer (IPT), enable rapid in-station or opportunity (boost) dynamic recharging of electric bus batteries for range extension and promise economic, convenience, and safety benefits. Based on a comprehensive literature review, international and U.S. WPT bus and light rail systems deployed, demonstrated, or planned are described, noting their respective providers, system specifications and attributes, and Technology Readiness Level (TRL). Federal Transit Administration (FTA)-funded WPT demonstrations currently underway or planned are also highlighted. Industry technical and safety standards (frequency, power, and interoperability) are currently in development. Regulations and consensus standards for emissions and human exposure safety to electromagnetic radiation and fields (EMR/EMF) and protection from electromagnetic Interference (EMI) are reviewed. Measured EMR/EMR levels for various WPT electric bus systems comply with applicable occupational and public safety, health, and environmental exposure standards. Information on the cost-benefit, reliability, durability, and safety of WPT infrastructure and vehicle systems is scant. Research gaps, as well as challenges and opportunities for WPT commercial deployment, are identified. KW - Electric buses KW - Electric power KW - Electric power transmission KW - Electric vehicle charging KW - Electromagnetism KW - Evaluation KW - Light rail transit KW - Literature reviews KW - Public transit KW - Standards KW - Technological innovations UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0060.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/52000/52500/52580/FTA_Report_No._0060.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1322778 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538140 AU - Yousuf, Mohammed AU - Morton, Tom AU - Woodward Communications AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Use of Vehicle Noise for Roadways, Bridge, and Infrastructure Health Monitoring: Workshop Summary Report PY - 2014/08 SP - 50p AB - On August 20–21, 2013, at the Turner–Fairbank Highway Research Center in McLean, Virginia, the Federal Highway Administration’s Exploratory Advanced Research Program convened a 2-day workshop entitled, “Use of Vehicle Noise for Roadways, Bridge, and Infrastructure Health Monitoring.” The objectives of the workshop were to discuss the possibilities of using vehicle noise for roadways, bridge, and infrastructure health monitoring and to use a noise-based data collection system that could assess infrastructure for proactive and efficient infrastructure maintenance and operations, higher infrastructure safety, and less traffic congestion. Presentation topics included: Asset Management, Vehicle Noise and Vibration, Acoustic-Based Sensing and Imaging, Connected Vehicles, and Decision Support System for Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System Technologies. KW - Asset management KW - Bridges KW - Data collection KW - Decision support systems KW - Geographic information systems KW - Highway maintenance KW - Infrastructure KW - Remote sensing KW - Sensors KW - Structural health monitoring KW - Traffic noise KW - Vibration UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/advancedresearch/pubs/14059/14059.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1321478 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538117 AU - Hall, Kevin AU - Kockelman, Kara AU - Mullins, Andy AU - Chen, T Donna AU - Fagnant, Dan AU - Boyles, Stephen AU - Texas A&M Transportation Institute AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Developing Tolled-Route Demand Estimation Capabilities for Texas: Opportunities for Enhancement of Existing Models PY - 2014/08//Technical Report SP - 208p AB - The travel demand models developed and applied by the Transportation Planning and Programming Division (TPP) of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) are daily three-step models (i.e., trip generation, trip distribution, and traffic assignment sequentially invoked). Currently, TxDOT TPP does not have a procedure to account for existing or planned toll roads in the urban travel demand models. TxDOT TPP has been operating under guidance established when toll roads existed as planned facility improvements in either the interim or forecast year model applications. Although the larger urban areas in Texas have embraced tolled facilities for quite some time (i.e., Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin), roads that charge users a fee to bypass congestion or provide alternative routes have only been implemented recently in a select few small to medium-sized urban areas still under the purview of TxDOT TPP model development. In order to calibrate base year travel models with operational toll roads or models with planned tolled facilities, TxDOT TPP needs a procedure to account for facilities that charge fees to the user. For the tolled facilities currently operational in small to medium-sized study areas, the fees are fixed and are not dynamic by time of day or congestion levels. The technical objective of this research report is to provide TxDOT TPP with a menu of potential procedures that could be selected for implementation in the current Texas Package suite of travel demand models to reasonably estimate toll road demand, primarily for the small to medium-sized urban areas. Nationally, generally two approaches are used: a path-based system and a choice-based system. Researchers reviewed both approaches as well as different supplemental techniques (i.e., time of day, market segmentation, and mode choice) implemented nationally and within the state that are complementary to any toll demand estimation techniques. Challenges and considerations for each of the approaches are reviewed and presented. The procedures and applications reviewed in this project are not intended to replace or compete with existing toll-financing-level analysis. KW - Estimating KW - Texas KW - Toll roads KW - Tolls KW - Travel demand KW - Urban areas KW - User charges UR - http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6754-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1324134 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01537855 AU - Bureau of Transportation Statistics TI - Multimodal Transportation Indicators PY - 2014/08 SP - 35p AB - The contents of this report are as follows: SAFETY - Highway Fatalities, Air Fatalities, Rail Fatalities; ECONOMY - Transportation Services Index, Personal Spending on Transportation, Transportation Employment, U.S. Surface Trade with Canada and Mexico; FUEL PRICES - Motor Fuel Prices: Retail Gasoline Prices, Motor Fuel Prices: Retail Diesel Prices, Domestic Airline Jet Fuel Prices, Index of Railroad Fuel Prices; END-USER PRICES - Average Domestic Air Fares, Amtrak Ticket Prices and Yields, Freight Rail Yields; PASSENGER USAGE - U.S. Airline Passengers, U.S. Airline Revenue Passenger-Miles and Load Factor, Amtrak Ridership, Amtrak Revenue Passenger-Miles and Load Factor, Transit Ridership; FREIGHT USAGE - U.S. Air Carrier Cargo Revenue Ton-Miles, Rail Freight Revenue Ton-Miles; SYSTEM PERFORMANCE - U.S. Highway Vehicle-Miles Traveled, U.S. Major Air Carriers On-Time Performance, Amtrak On-Time Performance; CAPITAL EXPENDITURES - National Highway Construction Cost Index, State and Local Government Transportation Construction Value. KW - Air cargo KW - Air transportation KW - Airlines KW - Amtrak KW - Capital expenditures KW - Economic indicators KW - Fatalities KW - Freight trains KW - Fuels KW - Highway transportation KW - On time performance KW - Passenger miles KW - Prices KW - Public transit KW - Railroad transportation KW - Ridership KW - Statistics KW - Ton miles KW - User charges KW - Vehicle miles of travel UR - http://www.rita.dot.gov/bts/sites/rita.dot.gov.bts/files/entire_08_2014.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1323291 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01537853 AU - Harding, John AU - Powell, Gregory AU - Yoon, Rebecca AU - Fikentscher, Joshua AU - Doyle, Charlene AU - Sade, Dana AU - Lukuc, Mike AU - Simons, Jim AU - Wang, Jing AU - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration TI - Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communications: Readiness of V2V Technology for Application PY - 2014/08 AB - The purpose of this research report is to assess the readiness for application of vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications, a system designed to transmit basic safety information between vehicles to facilitate warnings to drivers concerning impending crashes. The United States Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have been conducting research on this technology for more than a decade. This report explores technical, legal, and policy issues relevant to V2V, analyzing the research conducted thus far, the technological solutions available for addressing the safety problems identified by the agency, the policy implications of those technological solutions, legal authority and legal issues such as liability and privacy. Using this report and other available information, decision-makers will determine how to proceed with additional activities involving vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), and vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) technologies. KW - Crash avoidance KW - Highway safety KW - Legal factors KW - Policy KW - Technological innovations KW - Vehicle to vehicle communications UR - http://www.nhtsa.gov/staticfiles/rulemaking/pdf/V2V/Readiness-of-V2V-Technology-for-Application-812014.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1323282 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01537727 AU - Sarvestani, Sahra Sedigh AU - Hurson, Ali R AU - Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety/NUTC program AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Quantitative Modeling of Failure Propagation in Intelligent Transportation Systems PY - 2014/08//Final Report AB - Unmanned vehicles are projected to reach consumer use within this decade - related legislation has already passed in California. The most significant technical challenge associated with these vehicles is their integration in transportation environments with manned vehicles. Abnormal or incorrect manipulation of the manned vehicles by their human drivers creates a highly non-deterministic environment that is difficult to consider in the control algorithms for unmanned vehicles. The objective of this project was to develop a model that can capture stochastic elements of this environment, in particular failure propagation from manned to unmanned vehicles and vice versa. A general analytical model reflecting the effect of cyber or physical failures on reliability of a large-scale cyber-physical system was developed in the course of project activities. This model was validated through simulation of related applications of an intelligent power grid and water distribution network, respectively. Both examples are topologically and conceptually analogous to an intelligent transportation system. A qualitative model was developed for intelligent transportation systems, and work was commenced on development of a quantitative Petri-net model and cyber-physical simulation environment for such systems. Five refereed conference publications and several presentations resulted from this project. Two related journal publications are under final review and will be submitted in the near future. One MS thesis was completed in conjunction with work related to the project. One undergraduate student, two doctoral students, and two MS students contributed to the research. KW - Algorithms KW - Autonomous vehicle guidance KW - Cyber-Physical System Simulator KW - Failure propagation KW - Intelligent vehicles KW - Mathematical models KW - Petri nets KW - Stochastic processes KW - Trajectory control KW - Unmanned surface vehicle UR - http://transportation.mst.edu/media/research/transportation/documents/R346%20Final%20Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1323211 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01537440 AU - Elmore, Cecilia AU - Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety/NUTC program AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Women in Science & Engineering Scholarships and Summer Camp Outreach Programs: Year 7 PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 9p AB - Since the University Transportation Centers (UTC) Scholarship program began in the spring of 2005 and continues today on the Missouri University of Science and Technology campus, numerous female students have benefited tremendously from this source of financial aid. The program began in the first few years with 15-30 awards, and has now progressed to over 130 per year. Approximately 175 scholarship recipients have graduated since the inception of the program, and of those 45% have been employed in transportation-related industries. In addition, the female enrollments in several transportation-related majors have increased greatly since the program’s inception. Examples of these increases include: Civil engineering from 64 to 100, Mechanical engineering from 55 to 96, and Architectural engineering from 35 to 63. The program has established priority awarding guidelines based on a 3.0 cumulative grade point average, and the plans of the recipient to major in a transportation-related field. With these guidelines will also come the reporting of the final outcome - the number of students participating in the program who are finding permanent, summer, or co-op related employment in a transportation-related field. This will be requested of students when they are initially awarded the scholarship, and as they progress with each scholarship renewal. This scholarship program in the past year has been a tremendous help in increasing female enrollment on campus to help set the all-time record of 1,839 total female enrollment for the academic year. The University is also happy to report that these scholarships help with retention and graduation rates for women, as the 1st-2nd year retention rates have been in the 88%-92% range in the years since the scholarships were first given, and the 6-year graduation rates have increased from 67% to 74% in that same time frame. KW - Architecture KW - Civil engineering KW - Education and training KW - Females KW - Financial aid KW - Mechanical engineering KW - Missouri University of Science and Technology KW - Outreach KW - Scholarships KW - Transportation careers UR - http://transportation.mst.edu/media/research/transportation/documents/ETT294%20Final%20Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1321499 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01537439 AU - Wang, Song AU - Elgawady, Mohamed AU - Shrestha, Pramen P AU - Said, Aly AU - Dhakal, Dinesh AU - Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety/NUTC program AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Environmental, Mechanical and Life-Cycle Cost Analysis of Bridge Columns PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 75p AB - Corrosion of reinforced concrete (RC) bridge elements is one of the major deterioration distresses in U.S. highway bridges. Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite jackets can be the economic and effective corrosion repair method in the future, though its practices and field installation as a means of corrosion repair are limited due to limited durability studies. However, in many laboratory tests and some field tests, the externally bonded FRP composites have been shown to have corrosion control properties in a chloride laden environment. In this study, concrete encased in FRP jackets and steel-concrete-FRP columns were subjected to severe environmental cycles. The behavior of the conditioned cylinders was tested under axial cyclic loads. Moreover, the FRP composite jackets are considered as a corrosion repair material for corroded RC bridge pier columns and a life-cycle cost analysis procedure is proposed based on the probabilistic model. The use of this probabilistic model needs corrosion parameters, FRP composite durability properties as a statistically distributed random variable input in Monte-Carlo Simulation. The life-cycle cost includes the agency related cost of inspection, maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, cost of failure represented as probability of failure of repaired column, and users cost. KW - Bridge members KW - Bridge piers KW - Corrosion protection KW - Cylinders (Specimens) KW - Durability KW - Fiber reinforced polymers KW - Highway bridges KW - Jacketing (Strengthening) KW - Laboratory tests KW - Life cycle costing KW - Monte Carlo method KW - Probabilistic models KW - Rehabilitation (Maintenance) KW - Repeated loads KW - Simulation UR - http://transportation.mst.edu/media/research/transportation/documents/R337%20Final%20Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1321486 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01537434 AU - Khayat, Kamal H AU - Libre, Nicolas Ali AU - Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety/NUTC program AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Roller Compacted Concrete: Field Evaluation and Mixture Optimization PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 118p AB - Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) as an economical, fast construction and sustainable material has attracted increasing attention for pavement construction. The growth of RCC pavement used in different regions is impeded by concerns regarding its compatibility with domestic materials, environmental conditions and local restrictions. This report addresses the short-term and long-term performance of RCC made with materials locally available in the state of Missouri. The report also provides a comprehensive review on the current practices and recent developments in material selection and aggregate gradation and mixture design methods. The research project involved an extensive sampling and testing carried out to evaluate fresh and mechanical properties as well as shrinkage and key durability characteristics of the RCC used for widening Route 160 near Doniphan. The results of compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength of the concrete mixtures used for the pavement of route 160 are presented and discussed. In-situ compressive strength and relative bond strength were also determined on the cores taken from the pavement. The compressive strengths of the core samples were very close to those of specimens cast at the job site. Both in-situ and laboratory testing confirm that the tested RCC satisfies the mechanical requirements given by Missouri Standard Specifications for Highway Construction. Short-term and long-term performance of the RCC is also evaluated using embedded vibrating wire gage sensors to monitor variations in temperature and deformation in the pavement over time. The measured shrinkage of concrete pavement was found to be significantly lower than the corresponding deformation in RCC specimens tested in standard laboratory condition. RCC mixture is then optimized to enhance its mechanical properties and durability characteristics. Various aggregate types, water to cement ratios, and cementitious materials were investigated in the optimization procedure. The basic concept of mixture proportions was to optimize the solid skeleton of RCC through minimizing the void ratio of the solid particles. The workability and strength criteria were considered in the selection of final optimum RCC mixture. Mechanical properties of RCC were found to be better than or equal to the conventional pavement concrete as the reference material. Obtained data confirms the feasibility of producing RCC with local materials that complies with Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) requirements. Air entrained RCC is also investigated in the research program. The experiments show that the air entrainment is difficult in dry mixtures such as RCC and that the air bubbles are not stable during mixing and compaction of RCC; however, the preliminary study presented and discussed in this report showed that air entrainment can be achieved in the RCC. Adjusting the amount of air content, the stability of air bubbles during the transport and compaction, and uniformity of air-void distribution across the pavement, are among the important issues that should be addressed before using air-entrained RCC in the field applications. The durability results reveals that a little amount of spherical air bubbles entrained in the RCC mixture can have a beneficial influence on the frost resistance durability of concrete. The frost durability tests show that air-entrained RCC performs superior compared to non-air-entrained RCC in frost resistance tests. However, the result indicates that the non-air-entrained RCC can be quite resistant to frost action if the concrete ingredients are well adjusted. KW - Aggregate gradation KW - Air entrained concrete KW - Compressive strength KW - Durability KW - Frost action KW - Local materials KW - Mechanical properties KW - Missouri KW - Mix design KW - Pavement performance KW - Roller compacted concrete UR - http://transportation.mst.edu/media/research/transportation/documents/R363%20Final%20Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1321487 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01537432 AU - Khayat, Kamal H AU - Sadati, Hamed AU - Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety/NUTC program AU - Missouri Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Recycled Concrete Aggregate: Field Implementation at the Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 180p AB - The main objective of this research is to evaluate the feasibility of using recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) for concrete production in rigid pavement applications. The experimental program was undertaken to investigate the performance of different concretes made with different amounts of RCA, water-to-cementitious materials ratios (w/cm), and Class C fly ash contents to develop sustainable concrete designated for rigid pavement. The scope of work was implemented to achieve the objectives of the research study which are as follows: Task #1: The purpose of this task is to conduct a literature review of past experience and previous research on RCA as well as the behavior of concrete containing RCA, including the fresh and hardened properties (e.g., workability, compressive strength, flexural strength, shrinkage), and durability (e.g., freeze-thaw resistance, permeability, scaling). Specifically, the literature review focuses on studies that investigated performance of rigid pavement made with partial or full replacement of RCA. Task #2: The purpose of this task is to optimize concrete mixtures incorporating various levels of RCA. Various amounts of coarse and fine RCA were used as replacements of virgin aggregate. Alternative mixing procedures are used to develop concrete with RCA. Task #3: The performance of the optimized concrete mixtures is evaluated in terms of: fresh properties: slump, air content, and bleeding; mechanical properties: compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, and shrinkage; as well as durability: permeable void volume, absorption, surface electrical resistivity, bulk electrical resistivity, freeze/thaw durability, and de-icing salt scaling. Task #4: The proven RCA-made concrete mixtures are then employed into the construction of pavement sections of the approach towards the Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge in St. Louis, Missouri. Fresh properties of the concrete mixtures are investigated at the job site. In addition, samples are taken to further evaluate mechanical properties and durability of the employed mixtures. Field instrumentation is carried out to monitor the long-term deformation characteristics of the pavement sections. Detailed information about the field implementation is presented in Chapter 5 of this report. Pavement structure is described in detail in Chapter 6. Task #5: Truck load testing is carried out to evaluate the in-situ performance of the pavement sections. Various loading scenarios are considered to monitor the deformation characteristics of the instrumented sections under controlled traffic loading. KW - Bridge approaches KW - Durability KW - Fly ash KW - Literature reviews KW - Load tests KW - Mechanical properties KW - Mix design KW - Pavement performance KW - Properties of materials KW - Recycled concrete aggregate KW - Recycled materials KW - Rigid pavements KW - Saint Louis (Missouri) KW - Water cement ratio UR - http://transportation.mst.edu/media/research/transportation/documents/R332%20Final%20Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1321479 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01537430 AU - Bate, Bate AU - Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety/NUTC program AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Adding Faculty in Transportation Areas: Research Progress on Geomaterials and Non-Destructive Sensor Technology PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 9p AB - This funding was provided to help departments build up their faculty in the transportation field over the next years. Broad areas will be considered as listed in the University Transportation Centers (UTC) mission or other areas that relate to State Departments of Transportation and the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) in particular as stated in their goals, interests, and objectives. Dr. Bate was supported by NUTC Faculty Support Funds from 2011 to 2014. During this period, he continued his research from his Ph.D. study and extended into several new directions, including bender element S-wave sensor development, high volume reuse of fly ash in geotechnical engineering, and curing process monitoring of self-consolidating concrete, and made significant progress. Five journal papers and five conference papers were published. As a final report, the abstract of the publications are attached. KW - Bender elements KW - Fly ash KW - Geomaterials KW - Geotechnical engineering KW - Missouri University of Science and Technology KW - Personnel KW - Research KW - Self compacting concrete KW - Sensors KW - University faculty UR - http://transportation.mst.edu/media/research/transportation/documents/R318%20Final%20Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1321491 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01537429 AU - Elgawady, Mohamed AU - Gheni, Ahmed AU - Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety/NUTC program AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Strength of Unbonded Post-Tensioned Walls PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 51p AB - Post-tensioned masonry wall (PT-MW) is an ideal candidate for accelerating the construction of sound barriers in highways. PT-MWs have been in use for a while in buildings; however, there has been no rigorous single-study in the U.S. about in-plane strength of PT-MWs built out of concrete masonry units. This resulted in some contradictions between International Building Code (IBC 2010) and Masonry Standard Joint Committee (MSJC 2011). MSJC (2011) defines three types of PT-MWs: ordinary plain, intermediate, and special. However, the IBC (2010) combines the different types of PT-MWs into one type similar to that of unreinforced masonry (URM) walls. This represents a significant contradiction. Specially designed PT-MW would be designed according to MSJC (2011) for a seismic lateral force equal to one-third the required seismic force according to IBC (2010). Moreover, according to MSJC (2011), both intermediate and special walls have identical prescriptive bonded mild steel reinforcement and post-tensioning bars which is similar to that of specially reinforced masonry walls while the IBC (2010) does not have similar recommendations. Finally, ordinary post-tensioned walls do not have maximum spacing between tendons in both MSJC and IBC. Hence, there is a crucial gap in the current knowledge which requires an immediate investigation. This project investigates the in-plane behavior of full-scale unbonded post-tensioned walls. All walls have the same total post-tensioning force and identical dimensions of 104 in. long, 96 in. high, and 8 in. wide. Spacings between tendons ranging from 24 in. to 96 in. were investigated. The walls were subjected to in-plane shear loads of increasing amplitude. Both flexural strength and shear strength were evaluated and compared to the strengths given by MSJC (2011). KW - Earthquake resistant design KW - Flexural strength KW - International Building Code KW - Masonry construction KW - Masonry Standards Joint Committee KW - Noise barriers KW - Posttensioning KW - Shear strength KW - Spacing KW - Tendons (Materials) KW - Walls UR - http://transportation.mst.edu/media/research/transportation/documents/R349%20Final%20Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1321482 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01537426 AU - Khayat, Kamal H AU - Valipour, Mahdi AU - Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety/NUTC program AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Design of Ultra High Performance Concrete as an Overlay in Pavements and Bridge Decks PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 127p AB - The main objective of this research was to develop ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) as a reliable, economic, low carbon footprint and durable concrete overlay material that can offer shorter traffic closures due to faster construction. The UHPC was optimized using supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), proper combinations of aggregates, and adequate selection of fiber types and contents. Three types of SCMs, including silica fume, Class C and F fly ash, and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) were used to optimize cement paste with high packing density. The optimized pastes were then used to produce UHPC materials with various contents of fine aggregates and fibers to prove the feasibility of using the UHPC for bonded overlay. The optimized materials were evaluated for workability, rheology, mechanical properties, and shrinkage, as well as their performance which was compared to the reference UHPC. In addition, the robustness of the optimized UHPC mixtures to variations of the mixing and curing temperatures was also examined. Bond behavior and the effect of overlay thickness of the developed UHPC materials were also investigated in this study. The experimental study reported herein proved that the optimized UHPC mixtures can develop comparable performance to the commercially available UHPC proportioned with 100% silica sand and 25% silica fume replacement, which was used as the reference UHPC. Given the mix design of the reference UHPC, the UHPC mixtures developed in this study could be more environmental friendly and cost-effective overlay materials compared to the reference UHPC. It is important to note that the optimized UHPC materials can develop adequate mechanical properties without any accelerated curing or special treatment, which contributes to a reduction of overall construction cost of the overlay. The developed UHPC mixtures had equal to or lower drying shrinkage than the reference UHPC. The bond strength between the substrate concrete and the UHPC overlay was shown to be greater than that of the substrate concrete, and the use of the UHPC overlay led to significant increase in flexural strength and toughness over the monolithic beam cast with conventional concrete, regardless of the overlay thickness. These results indicate the feasibility of using the UHPC as a bonded overlay. KW - Bond strength (Materials) KW - Concrete overlays KW - Fiber reinforced concrete KW - Flexural strength KW - Fly ash KW - Granulated slag KW - Mechanical properties KW - Mix design KW - Overlays (Pavements) KW - Rapid construction KW - Shrinkage KW - Silica fume KW - Thickness KW - Toughness KW - Ultra high performance concrete UR - http://transportation.mst.edu/media/research/transportation/documents/R321%20Final%20Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1322146 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01537425 AU - Richardson, David AU - Anderson, Neil AU - Bowders, John AU - Boeckmann, Andrew AU - Luna, Ronaldo AU - Lusher, Michael AU - Rosenblad, Brent AU - Sneed, Lesley AU - Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety/NUTC program AU - Missouri Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - MoDOT Pavement Preservation Research Program PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 227p AB - The following report documents a research project on pavement preservation performed by the Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) and the University of Missouri-Columbia (UMC) on behalf of the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). The report consists of a Summary Report followed by six detailed technical reports. To achieve the goal of reducing maintenance costs and improving minor road ratings, MoDOT has embarked upon a plan of formalizing its maintenance/preservation planning. To assist in developing the plan, MoDOT contracted with the Missouri S&T and UMC to conduct a research project, entitled “MoDOT Pavement Preservation Research Program”. The product of this research would become a part of MoDOT’s overall Pavement Management System. The overall objective of the research was to provide a process that would allow MoDOT to do more selective planning, better engineering and more effective maintenance to minimize costs while maintaining adequate safety and performance of Missouri’s pavements. Six Guidance Documents were to ultimately be created which would act as guidelines for MoDOT’s Pavement Specialists and Engineers. The work was divided into six Tasks, each with its own research team. KW - Costs KW - Guidelines KW - Maintenance management KW - Minimization KW - Missouri KW - Missouri Department of Transportation KW - Pavement maintenance KW - Pavement management systems KW - Pavement preservation UR - http://library.modot.mo.gov/RDT/reports/TRyy1141/cmr16-004v1.pdf UR - http://library.modot.mo.gov/RDT/reports/TRyy1141/cmr16-004v2.pdf UR - http://library.modot.mo.gov/RDT/reports/TRyy1141/cmr16-004v3.pdf UR - http://library.modot.mo.gov/RDT/reports/TRyy1141/cmr16-004v4.pdf UR - http://library.modot.mo.gov/RDT/reports/TRyy1141/cmr16-004v5.pdf UR - http://library.modot.mo.gov/RDT/reports/TRyy1141/cmr16-004v5b.pdf UR - http://library.modot.mo.gov/RDT/reports/TRyy1141/cmr16-004v6.pdf UR - http://library.modot.mo.gov/RDT/reports/TRyy1141/cmr16-004v7.pdf UR - http://transportation.mst.edu/media/research/transportation/documents/R300%20Final%20Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1321496 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01537413 AU - Khayat, Kamal H AU - Mehdipour, Iman AU - Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety/NUTC program AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Design and Performance of Crack-Free Environmentally Friendly Concrete “Crack-Free Eco-Crete” PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 145p AB - High-performance concrete (HPC) is characterized by high content of cement and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). Using high binder content, low water-to-cementitious material ratio (w/cm), and various chemical admixtures in the HPC can result in higher material cost and greater risk of thermal and shrinkage cracking, thus reducing service life of the structure. This project seeks to investigate the feasibility of producing crack-free and environmentally friendly concrete (crack-free and Eco-Crete) for building and transportation infrastructure applications. Two types of concrete materials, including Eco-super workable concrete (Eco-SWC) and Eco-self-consolidating concrete (Eco-SCC) are of special interest in this project. Eco-Crete mixtures are developed with a binder content lower than 315 kg/m³ (530 lb/yd³). The concrete should develop 56-day compressive strength greater than 30 MPa (>4350 psi). Given the low binder content compared to the targeted performance level, binder composition and aggregate proportion are optimized based on the packing density to reduce the voids between particles. The optimized concretes exhibit low shrinkage given the low paste content and use of shrinkage mitigation approach, such as the use of a shrinkage reducing admixture (SRA), a Type G or K expansive agent (EX), and a lightweight sand (LWS), as well as using fibers to reduce cracking. A factorial design approach was also employed to quantify the effect of such materials on mechanical and shrinkage properties. The results indicate that, the combined use of 10% silica fume with either 40% fly ash or 40% slag exhibited the highest packing density of 0.66 compared to 0.52 for cement paste. The modified Andreasen packing model with distribution modulus (q) of about 0.29 fits reasonable well to express the particle size distribution (PSD) of aggregate for SCC with low binder content. Binary shrinkage reducing materials containing 7.5% Type G EX and 20% LWS or ternary system including 12.5% Type K EX, 2% SRA, and 20% LWS can be quite effective for developing Eco-Crete mixtures to exhibit crack-free properties. KW - Binder content KW - Compressive strength KW - Concrete KW - Crack-free KW - Environmental impacts KW - Fly ash KW - Mix design KW - Particle size distribution KW - Self compacting concrete KW - Shrinkage reducing admixtures KW - Silica fume KW - Slag UR - http://transportation.mst.edu/media/research/transportation/documents/R322%20Final%20Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1321484 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01537411 AU - ElGawady, Mohamed AU - Said, Aly AU - Shrestha, Pramen AU - Nkuako, Kojo AU - Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety/NUTC program AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Cyclic Behavior of Self-Consolidated Concrete PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 87p AB - This report highlights the production of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) using local materials from Las Vegas, Nevada. Four SCC mixtures were worked on with 2 different levels of fly ash (FA) replacement and the inclusion of superplasticizers, ADVA 195 and V-MAR 3. The fresh properties tested of these mixtures are the flowability, passing ability and the stability. The mechanical properties were also ascertained and these comprised the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and the modulus of elasticity. The durability of the specimens produced from the mixtures was tested against chloride ion resistance, sulfate resistance and salt scaling. The effect of the concrete constituents on the results obtained from fresh and hardened properties is also discussed. Moreover, this report investigates the difference in the behavior of SCC and conventional concrete encased in fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) tubes. The effect of fiber orientation on both strength and ductility of FRP confined concrete is discussed. Axial compression tests were performed under monotonic and cyclic conditions to determine the stress strain relationship of a SCC filled fiber tube with ±45° fibers. The test results obtained from the compression tests are presented and examined. KW - Compression tests KW - Compressive strength KW - Concrete flowability KW - Confined concrete KW - Durability KW - Fiber reinforced polymers KW - Fly ash KW - Las Vegas (Nevada) KW - Local materials KW - Modulus of elasticity KW - Self compacting concrete KW - Superplasticizers KW - Tensile strength UR - http://transportation.mst.edu/media/research/transportation/documents/R326%20Final%20Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1321483 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01537408 AU - Khayat, Kamal H AU - Meng, Weina AU - Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety/NUTC program AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Design and Performance of Stay-In-Place UHPC Prefabricated Panels for Infrastructure Construction PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 167p AB - This project aims at designing a stay-in-place formwork system for cast-in-place bridge applications using ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) that can be used in the permanent formwork construction. Such panels can be used as a permanent formwork system that can exhibit extended service life given the high impermeability and resistance of the cover-crete to cracking, increase the cost effectiveness, and decrease the deleterious materials in concrete, including chloride ions. The stay-in-place formwork can be used for new construction as well as in the rehabilitation of concrete infrastructure, including bridges. It is anticipated that this design concept will lead to substantial savings and reduced energy costs associated with the production, handling, and whole life performance of the cast concrete elements. The key characteristics and benefits of the proposed product are: (1) the units will be more durable and much lighter than current products (less than 25 kg per unit), light enough that one person can carry a single unit; (2) faster construction due to simplicity of use; (3) reduction in the volume of transport; (4) the units will be “lego-like”, in that they can easily be linked together in modular forms; (5) smooth surface finish that reduces the need for further surface work (that is, additional finishing); (6) environmentally advantageous structures - reduced carbon emissions compared to conventional on-site casting methods; and (7) versatility regarding application, usage is not restricted to bridge columns but other elements, such as conventional wall structures. The pre-fabricated panels were made of UHPC reinforced with fibers, such as micro steel fibers or micro polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers, and glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) grids or carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) grids which can provide bi-directional reinforcement. KW - Bridge design KW - Cast in place concrete KW - Cast in place structures KW - Cost effectiveness KW - Durability KW - Fiber reinforced polymers KW - Greenhouse gases KW - Panels KW - Prefabricated bridges KW - Rapid construction KW - Service life KW - Stay-in-place forms KW - Ultra high performance concrete UR - http://transportation.mst.edu/media/research/transportation/documents/R320%20Final%20Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1321485 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01537407 AU - Elgawady, Mohamed AU - Abdelkarim, Omar I AU - Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety/NUTC program AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Behavior of Hollow-Core FRP-Concrete-Steel Columns Subjected to Cyclic Axial Compression PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 22p AB - This report presents the results of an experimental study that was conducted to investigate the effects of key parameters on the compressive behavior of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP)-concrete-steel double-skin tubular (FSDT) columns. Hybrid FSDT columns have been introduced as a new form of hybrid columns. They consist of an outer tube made of FRP and inner tube made of steel, with sandwiched concrete between them. This report investigated the effect of fiber angle and the ratio of steel tube diameter to its thickness (D/t) on the compressive behavior of FSDT columns. Ten FSDT cylinders with different D/t in addition to three concrete filled-fiber tube (CFFT) cylinders were manufactured and tested under axial cyclic compression. The results of the experimental study indicate that the overall behavior of FSDT and CFFT cylinders is similar and the main difference is in the capacity load. The cylinders with high D/t ratio achieve lower capacity than the normal capacity due to the local buckling of the steel tubes. Using the saturated fiber tube increases the axial ductility but does not give high confinement. These results are presented together with a discussion on the influence of the studied parameters on the compressive behavior of FSDT columns. KW - Bearing capacity KW - Columns KW - Compressive strength KW - Concrete KW - Diameter KW - Fiber reinforced polymers KW - Laboratory tests KW - Steel KW - Thickness KW - Tubular structures UR - http://transportation.mst.edu/media/research/transportation/documents/R357%20Final%20Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1321480 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01536636 AU - Roberts, Craig A AU - Smaglik, Edward J AU - Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff AU - Arizona Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Reduction of Speed in Work Zones Using ITS DMS Instant Feedback to Drivers: Vehicle Speed Versus Traffic Fine PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 76p AB - Accidents in work zones produced 17 fatalities in Arizona and 840 fatalities and over 40,000 injuries nationally in 2009. Motorists nationwide can expect to drive through one active work zone for every 100 miles driven on the National Highway System, and the number of work zones should increase as roadways age. Research has shown that speeds exceeding those posted at work zones are the primary cause of work‐zone crashes and account for potentially up to 25 percent of the fatalities. A literature review revealed five types of technology‐driven, work‐zone speed‐control devices performed comparably to police presence and can supplement the Temporary Traffic Control Plans for work zones in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) that the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) uses along with its supplemental policies. Changeable message signs with radar (CMSR) affected speed reductions across various studies, including a South Carolina study in which a monetary fine message alternated with the speed message. This study examined results of using a similar CMSR alternating a speed message with a monetary fine message on State Route 89 in Prescott, Arizona. This sign produced smaller mean speed reductions, but reduced by half the number of speeders driving 15 mph or more over the posted speed limit.  This research indicated that displaying a monetary fine message alternating with a vehicle speed message was effective in reducing higher speeds in the tested work zone. Based on these findings and the results of the South Carolina study, the researchers recommend that ADOT deploy mobile CMSR with alternating speed feedback and monetary fine messages in work zones wherever practicable. KW - Fines (Penalties) KW - Literature reviews KW - Prescott (Arizona) KW - Speed control KW - Traffic speed KW - Variable message signs KW - Work zone traffic control UR - http://apps.azdot.gov/ADOTLibrary/publications/project_reports/PDF/AZ681.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1321133 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01536628 AU - Nobles, Alicia L AU - Goldstein, Hillary D AU - Goodall, Jonathan L AU - Fitch, G Michael AU - Virginia Center for Transportation Innovation and Research AU - Virginia Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Investigating the Cost-Effectiveness of Nutrient Credit Use As an Option for VDOT Stormwater Permitting Requirements PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 22p AB - The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) participating in water quality trading (WQT) in lieu of constructing onsite structural best management practices (BMPs) to achieve compliance with Virginia water quality standards for stormwater runoff for linear development projects. The objectives of the study were (1) to assess the potential credit demand for VDOT projects, focusing on the James River watershed as a case study; and (2) to compare the costs to VDOT of constructing BMPs and participating in WQT. Data, including a database of existing BMPs, construction plans, and detailed cost estimates, were provided by VDOT. To assess the potential credit demand, details of existing BMPs were reviewed for eligibility to participate in WQT. For the cost comparison, a cost estimate for select linear development projects with BMPs was calculated and then compared to credit costs. Based on 19 years of historical data, VDOT could have used between 1 and 63 pounds of phosphorous credits per year and a median of 11 pounds of phosphorous credits per year for the James River watershed if current WQT guidelines had been in place over this period of time. In the hypothetical scenario where VDOT’s participation in the WQT program was allowed in lieu of VDOT’s construction of nine BMPs, VDOT would have realized a cost savings of 5% to 75%, with an average cost savings of 51%. These results suggest that participating in WQT at current market rates in lieu of constructing onsite structural BMPs is an economically feasible solution for VDOT to manage stormwater quality. It should be noted that market rates for phosphorus credits may change in the future. VDOT’s Location and Design Division should continue purchasing stormwater credits for those projects that are eligible for WQT. KW - Case studies KW - Cost effectiveness KW - Drainage structures KW - Feasibility analysis KW - James River (Virginia) KW - Phosphorus KW - Runoff KW - Savings KW - Virginia Department of Transportation KW - Water quality management UR - http://www.virginiadot.org/vtrc/main/online_reports/pdf/15-r9.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320974 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01536627 AU - Bullough, John D AU - Skinner, Nicholas P AU - Snyder, Jeremy D AU - Besenecker, Ute C AU - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute AU - New York State Department of Transportation AU - University Transportation Research Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Nighttime Highway Construction Illumination PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 88p AB - The nighttime driving environment, consisting of roadway illumination, signs, vehicle lighting and markers, delineators and flashing lights, can be complex or even confusing for both pedestrians and drivers. The nighttime construction environment is even more complex and even chaotic because of the added presence of workers, construction equipment and bright lights (which are sometimes flashing). Work zones at night often involve changing conditions and new traffic patterns that are unfamiliar to drivers. Workers in highway construction areas and drivers navigating through these areas have distinct visual requirements that must be met both through lighting and other forms of visual information provided in the work zone. Conventional methods for illuminating work zones are prone to producing glare for workers and for drivers. At the same time, new technologies for lighting and traffic control, such as balloon lights, light emitting diodes (LEDs), highly reflective retroreflective sheeting and intelligent warning lights are being developed that could address many of the concerns associated with nighttime highway construction. As part of a multi-phase project, requirements for worker and driver visibility and visual information were identified through human factors research, and various technologies and new approaches to work zone lighting and traffic control were demonstrated and evaluated to provide preliminary guidance for when they might be of benefit. A checklist of planning and design issues, and a method for estimating visual performance under nighttime work zone lighting are provided to help transportation engineers and highway contractors identify promising solutions for work zone lighting. KW - Human factors KW - Lighting KW - Night KW - Night visibility KW - Road construction KW - Technological innovations KW - Work zone traffic control UR - http://www.utrc2.org/sites/default/files/pubs/Final-Highway-Construction-Illumination_0.pdf UR - https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/engineering/technical-services/trans-r-and-d-repository/C-08-14-FinalReport.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1321367 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01536612 AU - Myers, John J AU - Hernandez, Eli S AU - Griffin, Alexander AU - Alghazali, Hayder AU - Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety/NUTC program AU - Missouri Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - High-Strength Self-Consolidating Concrete (SCC) and High-Volume Fly Ash Concrete (HVFAC) for Infrastructure Elements: Implementation PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 272p AB - Because of its unique nature, high-strength self-consolidating concrete (HS-SCC) has the potential to significantly reduce costs associated with transportation-related infrastructure, benefiting both Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and the residents of Missouri. HS-SCC is a highly flowable, nonsegregating concrete that can be placed without any mechanical consolidation, and thus has the following advantages over conventional concrete: decreased labor and equipment costs during concrete placement, decreased potential for and costs to repair honeycombing and voids, increased production rates of precast and cast-in-place (CIP) elements, and improved finish and appearance of cast and free concrete surfaces. In addition to SCC, innovative materials, such as high volume fly ash concrete (HVFAC), also provide a significant potential to produce more cost effective mix designs for CIP concrete. Since the 1930’s, fly ash – a pozzolanic material – has been used as a partial replacement of portland cement in concrete to improve the material’s strength and durability, while also limiting the amount of early heat generation. From an environmental perspective, replacing cement with fly ash reduces the concrete’s overall carbon footprint and diverts an industrial by-product from the solid waste stream (currently, about 40 percent of fly ash is reclaimed for beneficial reuse and 60 percent is disposed of in landfills). The objective of this research is to provide an implementation test bed and showcase for the use of sustainable and extended service life concrete. In this implementation study for Missouri Bridge A7957, a level of 50% fly ash to cement proportions was utilized as well as normal strength self-consolidating concrete (NS-SCC) and HS-SCC in the load carrying elements to showcase the use of these innovative materials. KW - Bridge construction KW - Cast in place concrete KW - Durability KW - Fly ash KW - High volume fly ash concrete KW - Implementation KW - Missouri KW - Mix design KW - Self compacting concrete UR - http://transportation.mst.edu/media/research/transportation/documents/R315%20Final%20Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320973 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01536306 AU - Sneed, Lesley AU - Anderson, Neil AU - Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety/NUTC program AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Air-Launched GPR Evaluation for Rapid Assessment of MoDOT Bridge Decks PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 30p AB - The overarching goal of this study is to demonstrate that advanced nondestructive testing/evaluation (NDT/NDE) techniques can be rapidly, effectively, and economically implemented as part of routine Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) bridge deck surveys to determine the general condition of bridge decks. This study extends the work of a separate study (Nondestructive Evaluation of MoDOT Bridge Decks - Pilot Study, MoDOT Award TRyy1308) focused on NDT/NDE techniques for comprehensive bridge deck assessment. It is envisioned that the condition assessment conducted in the present study will be utilized as reconnaissance to identify and rank those bridges requiring a more detailed investigation, which will enable MoDOT to optimize the use of resources and reduce the cost of bridge deck evaluation. Results of this study will be used to evaluate the feasibility of a large scale, long-term program (multi-year, routine basis) that incorporates NDE techniques into MoDOT bridge deck surveys for the purpose of reducing cost on assessment and maintenance of bridge decks. KW - Bridge decks KW - Condition surveys KW - Cost effectiveness KW - Ground penetrating radar KW - Maintenance KW - Missouri KW - Nondestructive tests KW - Optimization UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1319634 ER - TY - SER AN - 01536061 JO - Traffic Safety Facts - Crash Stats PB - National Center for Statistics and Analysis TI - Early Estimate of Motor Vehicle Traffic Fatalities for the First Quarter of 2014 PY - 2014/08 SP - 2p AB - A statistical projection of traffic fatalities for the first quarter of 2014 shows that an estimated 6,800 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes. This represents a decrease of about 4.9 percent as compared to the 7,150 fatalities that were projected to have occurred in the first quarter of 2013. Preliminary data reported by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) shows that vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in the first three months of 2014 decreased by about 4.2 billion miles, or about a 0.6-percent decrease. The fatality rate for the first quarter of 2014 decreased to 0.99 fatalities per 100 million VMT down from 1.04 fatalities per 100 million VMT in the first quarter of 2013. The actual counts for 2013 and 2014 and the ensuing percentage change from 2013 to 2014 will be further revised as the annual reporting Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) files for 2013 are available later this year as well as when the final file for 2013 and the annual reporting file for 2014 are available next year. These estimates will be further refined when the projections for the first 6 months of 2014 are released in late September. KW - Fatalities KW - Fatality Analysis Reporting System KW - Forecasting KW - Traffic crashes KW - Trend (Statistics) KW - United States KW - Vehicle miles of travel UR - http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/812055.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320895 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01536056 AU - Atkinson, Jennifer E AU - Chandler, Brian E AU - Betkey, Vernon AU - Weiss, Karen AU - Dixon, Karen AU - Giragosian, Anna AU - Donoughe, Kelly AU - O'Donnell, Cara AU - SAIC AU - Texas A&M Transportation Institute AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Manual for Selecting Safety Improvements on High Risk Rural Roads PY - 2014/08 SP - 176p AB - This manual provides information on the costs and benefits of safety treatments on high-risk rural roads (HRRR). Agencies can use this manual to determine the following information on the treatments: Safety benefits; Cost-effectiveness comparison of safety treatments; Applicability of treatment deployment with respect to identified need; and Initial and reoccurring maintenance costs associated with countermeasure installation. In addition, this manual provides information on the decision-making process necessary to identify treatments. KW - Benefits KW - Cost effectiveness KW - Costs KW - Countermeasures KW - Decision making KW - High risk locations KW - Highway safety KW - Rural highways KW - Safety management UR - http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/hsip/hrrr/manual/hrrr_2014.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320894 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01535994 AU - Diefenderfer, Brian K AU - Apeagyei, Alex K AU - Virginia Center for Transportation Innovation and Research AU - Virginia Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - I-81 In-Place Pavement Recycling Project PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 77p AB - During the 2011 construction season, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) completed an in-place pavement recycling project to rehabilitate a section of pavement on I-81 near Staunton, Virginia. The project consisted of a 3.66-mile section of southbound I-81 in Augusta County. VDOT employed three in-place pavement recycling techniques and a unique traffic management plan to accomplish the work. The recycling processes included full-depth reclamation (FDR), cold in-place recycling (CIR), and cold central-plant recycling (CCPR). This project marked the first time in the United States that these three recycling techniques were combined in one project on the interstate system. Materials for both the CIR and CCPR were produced using hydraulic cement and foamed asphalt. A combination of hydraulic cement and lime kiln dust was chosen for the FDR process. The purpose of this research portion of this construction project was threefold: (1) to allow VDOT personnel to gain experience with the specific laboratory mix designs, field evaluation, and quality assurance procedures; (2) to characterize the structural properties of the materials used in the recycling project; and (3) to document the performance of the entire rehabilitated section during its initial 3-year service period. Various laboratory tests were conducted on materials collected before, during, and after construction to characterize the materials. These tests included gradation, resilient modulus, indirect tensile strength, dynamic modulus, and flow number. Additional tests to document the performance of the project included ride quality testing and rut-depth measurements collected via a traffic-speed profiler; pavement layer thickness measurements by ground penetrating radar; and structural capacity measurements by the falling weight deflectometer. From the results of this study, the combined structural layer coefficient for the CCPR and FDR materials was calculated as 0.37. The structural layer coefficient for the CIR material was calculated as 0.39. The structural layer coefficient for the CCPR material was calculated to have a likely range of 0.37 to 0.44. Laboratory testing showed that the performance of the CCPR and CIR materials is expected to be similar. The field performance tests demonstrated that the section of pavement rehabilitated by the three in-place recycling methods continues to perform well after nearly 3 years of high-volume interstate traffic. This study recommends that VDOT pursue in-place recycling where it is most suitable. The study also recommends that VDOT consider increasing the structural layer coefficients used in the design for recycled materials. Further, VDOT should continue to monitor the performance of the I-81 project and other in-place recycling projects in an effort to develop long-term performance data. Finally, the study recommends that VDOT consider using long-term lane closure strategies similar to those employed in this project on other major pavement rehabilitation projects. KW - Augusta County (Virginia) KW - Cold central-plant recycling KW - Cold in-place recycling KW - Field tests KW - Full-depth reclamation KW - Interstate 81 KW - Laboratory tests KW - Lane closure KW - Layer coefficient (Pavements) KW - Materials tests KW - Recycled materials KW - Rehabilitation (Maintenance) KW - Staunton (Virginia) KW - Virginia Department of Transportation KW - Work zone traffic control UR - http://www.virginiadot.org/vtrc/main/online_reports/pdf/15-r1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320981 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01535936 AU - Reich, Stephen L AU - Kolpakov, Alexander AU - National Center for Transit Research AU - Florida Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Investigation, Quantification, and Recommendations – Performance of Alternatively Fueled Buses PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 32p AB - The goal of this project was to continue consistent collection and reporting of data on the performance and costs of alternatively fueled public transit vehicles in the U.S. transit fleet in order to keep the Bus Fuels Fleet Evaluation Tool (BuFFeT; © University of South Florida) cost model current. Researchers attempted to collect data from fixed route agencies inside and outside of Florida. While enough data was collected to represent the majority of Florida’s fixed route fleet, no data could be obtained from non-Florida transit agencies. Researchers also requested data for both fixed route and paratransit vehicles. However, due to the low response rate and reporting inconsistency for demand response vehicles, the extent and reliability of the paratransit fleet analysis was limited and should be interpreted with caution. Separately from the data collection and analysis, project goals also included activities related to the preparation of a National Alternative Fuel Bus Clearinghouse. Researchers coordinated with APTA leadership and industry stakeholders to establish and maintain the clearinghouse, and implemented a website for information dissemination about alternative fuel transit technologies. KW - Alternate fuels KW - Buses by motive power KW - Data collection KW - Operating costs KW - Performance measurement KW - Public transit KW - Vehicle fleets UR - http://www.fdot.gov/research/Completed_Proj/Summary_PTO/FDOT-BDV26-977-01-rpt.pdf UR - http://www.nctr.usf.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/77956.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1319871 ER - TY - SER AN - 01535709 JO - Civil Engineering Studies, Illinois Center for Transportation Series PB - University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign AU - Fries, Ryan AU - Zhou, Huaguo AU - Williamson, Michael AU - Yiu, Yu Liang AU - Qu, Yuhui AU - Gu, Patrick AU - University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign AU - Illinois Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Development of a Highway Incident Management Operational and Training Guide: Phase II PY - 2014/08 IS - 14-019 SP - 54p AB - The overall goal of both phases of this project was to reduce responder fatalities and injuries, as well as to prevent secondary crashes, especially those involving incident responders. The phases of this project worked toward this goal by creating training materials to help incident responders work more safely and effectively. To address the need for promptly training all traffic incident responders in the state of Illinois, Phase II of this project created online modules to supplement the in-class training developed in Phase I. Based on the recommendations of the Technical Review Panel, responder feedback, and suggestions from the Federal Highway Administration, material was identified that could be presented online as a prerequisite to the classroom-based training. Additionally, this project modified the existing in-class training to obtain endorsement by the Federal Highway Administration as equivalent to their national program. The researchers created 11 online training modules, each lasting between 15 and 30 minutes, to allow responders to view a whole module in one sitting. The researchers also created an online training video game and an in-class trivia game. The video game allows responders to refine their traffic control and vehicle-positioning skills. The trivia game helps reinforce knowledge gained during the in-class training. Together, the online and in-class training materials created throughout both phases of this research project can provide education to those responding to traffic incidents in Illinois. It is expected that as more responders completing this training program, their incident-scene safety will also improve. KW - Computer programs KW - Emergency training KW - Illinois KW - Incident management KW - Occupational safety KW - Secondary crashes KW - Traffic crashes KW - Traffic incidents KW - Training programs UR - https://apps.ict.illinois.edu/projects/getfile.asp?id=3130 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320033 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01535693 AU - Nelli, Dheeraj AU - Hansen, Marie AU - O'Neil, Morrie AU - Advanced Systems Technology & Management, Incorporated AU - National Center for Statistics and Analysis TI - State Data System Crash Data Report: 2000-2009 PY - 2014/08 SP - 281p AB - Since the early 1980s, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been obtaining, from various States, computer data files coded from police crash reports. NHTSA refers to the collection of these computerized State data files as the State Data System (SDS). The SDS is maintained by NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA). Currently, there are 34 States participating in SDS: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. This report presents descriptive statistics summarizing motor vehicle traffic crashes that occurred from 2000 to 2009 in the SDS. The States’ crash data files are unique, contain large amounts of information, and are used by NHTSA analysts for a broad range of motor vehicle traffic crash research and reports and in the development of U.S. Department of Transportation regulation and policy. KW - Crash characteristics KW - Crash data KW - Crash rates KW - Fatalities KW - States KW - Traffic crashes KW - Trend (Statistics) UR - http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/812052.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320030 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01535121 AU - Washer, Glenn AU - Schmidt, Justin AU - Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety/NUTC program AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Quality Control and In-Service Inspection Technology for Hybrid-Composite Girder Bridges PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 49p AB - This report describes efforts to develop quality control tools and in-service inspection technologies for the fabrication and construction of Hybrid Composite Beams (HCBs). HCBs are a new bridge technology currently being evaluated by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). The report includes analysis of the anticipated damage modes for the HCB members and suitable nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technologies that could be utilized for condition assessment. Infrared thermography (IR) was found to be the most applicable NDE technology for use in quality control/quality assurance (QC/QA) testing to ensure uniform placement of the concrete within the arch, which is critical to ensuring the quality of construction, durability, and capacity of the HCBs. Since this arch is enclosed within a fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) shell, internal voids or honeycombs that may occur during concrete placement are unavailable for visual inspection. It was found that the thermal signature of this arch, which results from the heat of hydration produced during the curing of the concrete, could be imaged on the surface of the composite shell. A procedure for utilizing IR technology to ensure the quality of the concrete placement in the arch was developed, tested and verified through field testing of each of the three HCB bridges constructed over the course of the project. This technology is also suitable for the detection of delamination in the composite shell. Recommendations developed from the research include: implementing thermal imaging technology as a QC/QA tool, utilizing visual inspection for the assessment of the composite shell in-service, and pursuing the application of Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) to assess corrosion damage in the strands. MFL technology is currently experimental in nature, and not readily available as a commercial tool. Development of this tool should be tracked in anticipation of future implementation. KW - Bridge construction KW - Bridge design KW - Girder bridges KW - Hybrid composite beams KW - Infrared thermography KW - Inspection KW - Magnetic flux leakage KW - Missouri KW - Missouri Department of Transportation KW - Nondestructive tests KW - Quality assurance KW - Quality control KW - Thermal imagery UR - http://transportation.mst.edu/media/research/transportation/documents/R282%20Final%20Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320889 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01535120 AU - Morcous, George AU - Khayat, Kamal H AU - Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety/NUTC program AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Design and Performance of Self-Consolidating Concrete for Connecting Precast Concrete Deck Panels and Bridge I-Girders PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 130p AB - Existing full-depth precast concrete deck systems use either open channels or pockets to accommodate the shear connectors of supporting girders for achieving composite systems. The use of open channels or pockets requires cast-in-place concrete/grout to fill these channels/pockets and deck overlay to cover the exposed surface. These operations negatively affect the quality of precast concrete decks and their speed of construction, which are the expected benefits of using precast concrete deck systems. Recent developments in full-depth precast concrete deck systems include using covered individual pockets at large spacing to simplify construction and eliminate the need for deck overlays to cover exposed surfaces. This requires flowable concrete/gout to completely fill deck pockets and gaps between the precast concrete deck panels and bridge girders (i.e. haunches). The high cost of commercial grouts and their strict requirements of surface preparation and application procedures reduce the constructability and cost effectiveness of precast concrete deck systems. The objective of this project is to investigate the constructability of using self-consolidating concrete (SCC) to fill the gap between precast concrete deck panels and bridge girders as well as covered deck pockets. This includes developing SCC mixture(s) with specific requirements in terms of flowability, passing ability, stability, workability retention, and pumpability and evaluating the performance of these novel construction materials in small–scale and full-scale specimens. Sequence of pouring/pumping SCC as well as its quality control and quality assurance procedures are also determined. This experimental investigation is crucial for the success of the new generation of full-depth precast concrete deck systems and improving its competitiveness against cast-in-place deck systems. KW - Bridge decks KW - Bridge design KW - Concrete flowability KW - Constructability KW - Girders KW - Grouting KW - Haunches (Bridge decks) KW - Precast concrete KW - Quality assurance KW - Quality control KW - Self compacting concrete KW - Structural connection UR - http://transportation.mst.edu/media/research/transportation/documents/R328%20Final%20Report%20-%20reduced.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320887 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01535118 AU - Myers, John J AU - Aboelseoud, Mohamed A AU - Earley, C Renee AU - Washer, Glenn AU - Schmidt, Justin AU - Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety/NUTC program AU - Missouri Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Field Evaluation of Hybrid-Composite Girder Bridges in Missouri PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 157p AB - Three hybrid composite beam (HCB) bridges were recently constructed in Missouri, USA. HCB is an innovative idea that incorporates traditional construction materials (steel and concrete) with fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites in such a manner to optimize the performance of the beam constituents. The HCB consists of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) poured in classical arch shape and tied at the ends by conventional prestressing strands. The concrete and steel are tucked inside durable fiberglass shell and the voids are filled with polyiso foam. An integrated study was implemented on the three bridges to investigate the HCB in-service behavior. The study included quality control/quality assurance (QC/QA) testing program. As a part of this research study, an innovative infrared (IR) thermal imaging approach was developed to detect the voids in the concrete arch section during its casting. The approach is found to be an ideal solution for QC/QA of the concrete arch concrete placement. A series of load tests on the bridges together with meticulous theoretical and numerical analyses were executed. The first finite element analysis (FEA) for a HCB bridge superstructure was accomplished. The analysis was used to provide better understanding for the girder behavior and to emphasize the areas that need more examination. Based on the FEA results the existing flexural design methodology and assumptions were tested. The methodology was found unable to detect the maximum compressive stress in the concrete arch, and the strain compatibility assumption was found invalid. However, the experimental measurements along with the mathematical calculations indicate that the HCB owns abundant nominal bending and shear strength to withstand the expected loads during its lifetime. A modified methodology that is based on the same assumptions as the existing one was produced. The methodology was found to achieve significant enhancement in predicting the stresses under the service loads. The durability of the HCB was tested through subjecting the composite shell to different aging regimes. The testing results indicate that the HCB possesses excellent durability in relation to the expected weathering exposure in Missouri. Longer exposure regimes are currently being examined to verify these results. KW - Air voids KW - Bridge superstructures KW - Composite bridges KW - Durability KW - Fiber reinforced polymers KW - Field studies KW - Finite element method KW - Girder bridges KW - Hybrid composite beams KW - Infrared imaging KW - Load tests KW - Missouri KW - Quality assurance KW - Quality control KW - Self compacting concrete KW - Shear strength KW - Stresses UR - http://library.modot.mo.gov/RDT/reports/TRyy1124/cmr15-002.pdf UR - http://transportation.mst.edu/media/research/transportation/documents/R281%20Final%20Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320886 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01535116 AU - Elgawady, Mohamed AU - Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety/NUTC program AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Acquisition of Uniaxial Shaking Table for Dynamic Testing of Structural Elements PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 7p AB - This project aims at the acquisition of a uniaxial shaking table for the dynamic testing of structural elements. The new shaking table has a 5 x 5 platform, +/- 6 in. stroke, and 10 ton payload. Several on-going projects will benefit from using the new shaking table. These projects were planned to be carried out using static cyclic testing. However, static cyclic testing does not necessarily reflect the true behavior of a structural element under earthquake ground motion. Static cyclic testing has several limitations including determination of damping characteristics and strain rate effects. Both of them are essential characteristics to investigate the dynamic behavior of structural elements. The on-going projects that will benefit from the new shaking table focus on the development of several types of innovative and sustainable structural elements that can sustain damage due to earthquake ground motions as well as accelerate bridge systems. Moreover, the tested elements will be monitored using innovative sensors. KW - Bridge members KW - Damping (Physics) KW - Dynamic tests KW - Earthquake resistant design KW - Sensors KW - Shaking table tests KW - Strain rate effects KW - Technological innovations KW - Uniaxial stress UR - http://transportation.mst.edu/media/research/transportation/documents/RE368%20Final%20Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320890 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01535114 AU - Zhu, Jianfeng AU - Bate, Bate AU - Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety/NUTC program AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Using Shear Wave Velocity to Monitor the Curing Process of Self-Consolidating Concrete by Bender Element PY - 2014/08//Final Report SP - 34p AB - The evaluation of the curing process of a fresh concrete is critical to its construction process and monitoring. Traditionally stress sensor and compressive wave sensor were often used to measure concrete properties. Bender element (BE) test, a nondestructive test measuring shear wave velocity (Vs) was widely used in geotechnical engineering. Maximum shear modulus is the ratio of shear stress to shear strain. It is used in determination of elastic settlement and stiffness. The use of bender elements to detect stiffness change through shear wave velocity is a nondestructive test. BE test was used to monitor the curing process of fresh self-consolidating concrete in this study. KW - Bender element test KW - Concrete curing KW - Monitoring KW - Nondestructive tests KW - Self compacting concrete KW - Shear wave velocity UR - http://transportation.mst.edu/media/research/transportation/documents/R339%20Final%20Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320888 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01560091 AU - Greer, Elizabeth AU - Hatcher, Greg AU - Noblis AU - Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Use of Incentives to Encourage ITS Deployment PY - 2014/07/31/Final Report SP - 34p AB - Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) identifies Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) as part of the solution to the Nation’s transportation needs and provides mechanisms for accelerating deployment of innovative technology. The legislation contains a provision directing the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to: “encourage deployment of ITS to improve the performance of the National Highway System (NHS) in areas such as: traffic operations, emergency response, incident management, surface transportation network management, freight management, traffic flow information and congestion management by accelerating adoption of innovative technologies through the use of: demonstration programs, grant funding, incentives to eligible entities, and other tools/strategies or methods that will result in the deployment of innovative ITS technologies.” Further, the Secretary is directed to prepare a plan that addresses the manner in which incentives may be adopted, as appropriate, through existing deployment activities carried out by surface transportation modal administrations. This report addresses these requirements. It provides insights based on past and present experience with incentive programs and provides analysis and findings on appropriate incentives that the United States Department of Transportation (Department) has adopted, or is considering for adoption. The report was prepared through a collaborative process within and outside of the Department, and managed by an advisory team consisting of representatives of the surface transportation modal administrations. KW - Incentives KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - ITS deployment KW - Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) KW - National Highway System KW - Technological innovations UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/54000/54500/54593/FHWA-JPO-14-149-v1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1344675 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01551443 AU - Tuan, Christopher Y AU - Albers, Tregan AU - University of Nebraska, Lincoln AU - Mid-America Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Development of Shaker Test as a Standardized Test Protocol for Deicing Chemicals Evaluation PY - 2014/07/31/Final Report SP - 65p AB - During a research project previously funded by the Mid-America Transportation Center (MATC), a simple and economical test using a martini shaker for ice melting capacity evaluation showed potential in becoming a standardized test. The development of the shaker test was prompted by the inconsistent results from the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) ice melting capacity tests. Further, there is a general interest within the winter maintenance community (e.g., Clear Roads and Transportation Research Board (TRB) Committee AHD65) to further develop the shaker test into a deicing chemicals test protocol. This research focused on the use of a mechanical rocker for shaking instead of manually shaking, which can introduce significant error. The main objective of this research was to transform The Mechanical Rocker Test into a standardized testing procedure for an ice melting capacity evaluation of liquid deicing chemicals. A number of testing parameters need to be precisely specified to ensure repeatability and consistency in the test results. In this test, 33 ice cubes of 1.3-mL each and 30-mL of liquid deicing chemical were mixed in a vacuum sealed thermos on a mechanical rocking platform. The rocker was set to a frequency of 90 Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) with a tilt angle of ±10°. The time duration for rocking was set for 15 minutes. A Styrofoam dish or cup was used for measuring the mass of the ice. With these test parameters, a standard deviation of 1.15% has been achieved when testing with MeltDown Apex™. The Rocker Tests can be used to develop guidelines for efficient winter roadways maintenance operations involving the use of deicing chemicals. Guidelines for best practices under various weather and roadway conditions will improve snow removal operations and provide an adequate level of service and safety to the general public on the U.S. surface transportation system. This test procedure will be submitted to selected Departments of Transportation and Clear Roads for parallel testing and feedback. KW - Deicing chemicals KW - Evaluation KW - Melting KW - Test procedures KW - Testing equipment KW - Winter maintenance UR - http://matc.unl.edu/assets/documents/matcfinal/Tuan_DevelopmentofShakerTestasaStandardizedTestProtocolforDeicingChemicalsEvaluation.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1340554 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01560096 AU - Zimmer, R E AU - Burt, M AU - Zink, G J AU - Valentine, D A AU - Knox, W J AU - Battelle Memorial Institute AU - Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Transit Safety Retrofit Package Development: Final Report PY - 2014/07/30/Final Report SP - 123p AB - This report provides a summary of the Transit Safety Retrofit Package (TRP) Development project and its results. The report documents results of each project phase, and provides recommended next steps as well as a vision for a next generation TRP. The objectives of this project included developing, testing, installing, deploying, and maintaining TRPs on three University of Michigan transit buses, including installation of three Basic Safety Applications – Emergency Electronic Brake Lights (EEBL), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Curve Speed Warning (CSW), and development of two new Transit-Specific Safety Applications – Pedestrian in Signalized Crosswalk Warning (PCW) and Vehicle Turning Right in Front of Bus Warning (VTRW); participating in the USDOT’s Safety Pilot Model Deployment; and collecting and providing data from the TRP-equipped buses to the Volpe Center for an independent evaluation of results. Within the Model Deployment Connected Vehicle (CV) architecture, TRP employed Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) technologies based on Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC), to ultimately determine if these technologies could be combined with the on-board transit safety applications to provide real-time alerting to the transit driver. KW - Dedicated short range communications KW - Mobile communication systems KW - Real time information KW - Transit buses KW - Transit safety KW - University of Michigan KW - Vehicle retrofitting KW - Vehicle to infrastructure communications KW - Vehicle to vehicle communications KW - Warning devices UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/54000/54500/54592/FHWA-JPO-14-142_v1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1344673 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01551320 AU - Melaragno, Anthony AU - Bandara, Damindra AU - Wijesekera, Duminda AU - George Mason University AU - Federal Railroad Administration TI - Identity Management for Interoperable PTC Systems in Bandwidth-Limited Environments: The Final Report, Part 3 (of three parts) The Proposed Solution PY - 2014/07/26 SP - 20p AB - Positive Train Control is a wireless based system designed to provide comprehensive safety coverage for passenger and cargo trains operating on U.S. railroads by 2015. Mandated by Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (RISA 2008), major railroads have designed a broad architecture consisting of two networks; namely the Signaling Network (SN) and the Wayside Interface Network (WIN) powered by software-defined radios (SDRs) that use the same 220MHz range. The Signaling Network provides authorities for trains to enter fixed blocks of track and other signal functions and the Wayside Interface Network provide sensory information about the vicinity of the tracks. The railroad community has decided that both networks require message integrity and availability but not confidentiality for both networks. From published documents, the Wayside Interface Network uses truncated SHA-1 hashed keys to ensure the integrity of the Wayside Interface Unit (WIU) messages. The authors have found that this choice may weaken the security requirements of WIU message broadcasts. The authors demonstrate these vulnerabilities using the details of the proposed protocols. Part 2 of this report showed that the existing wayside interface protocol has vulnerabilities. This part (Part 3) describes a solution that overcomes those vulnerabilities. The solution to overcome the hash breaking attack is to use a different hash for every hash at the every time moment. This way the beacon's integrity values will not be repeated over for a long time. Given that to change hashes frequently requires precise clocks, the authors first show a solution that operates under this strict assumption and show a relaxed version that does not depend on precisely synchronized clocks. KW - Communications KW - Messages (Communications) KW - Positive train control KW - Railroad safety KW - Railroad signaling KW - Security KW - Wayside signals UR - http://www.fra.dot.gov/Elib/Document/14337 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1341291 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01577471 TI - SUP-PRESS – Suppressing Utility Problems – Protection via Robotic Engineering to the Subsurface AB - Phase I will explore and identify existing technologies that are capable of, or can be adapted to, the robotic installation of underground utilities. Similarly, phase I will also examine current and emerging subsurface utility sensing and mapping technology to identify the most applicable technique(s) to exploit for use with a future automated subsurface utility relocation system. Lastly, this phase will determine the feasibility of integrating the identified subsurface sensing/mapping methods with the robotic technology to form a complete, automated subsurface utility relocation system. KW - Automation KW - Mapping KW - Protection KW - Relocation (Facilities) KW - Robotics KW - Sensors KW - Subsurface Utility Engineering KW - Underground utility lines UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1370733 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01577885 TI - 2014-164 (INTER) Intersection Focus State Initiatives AB - No summary provided. KW - Highway safety KW - Intersections KW - Traffic control UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1371188 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01541420 AU - Schmidt, Tyler L AU - Rosenbaugh, Scott K AU - Faller, Ronald K AU - Sicking, Dean L AU - Reid, John D AU - University of Nebraska, Lincoln AU - Nebraska Department of Roads AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Development of a Socketed Foundation for the Midwest Weak Post (MWP) V1 PY - 2014/07/23/Final Report SP - 80p AB - A socketed foundation was designed and evaluated for use with the Midwest Weak Post (MWP), Version 1. Dynamic component testing was conducted on five different design configurations with varying embedment depths, steel reinforcement, and soil conditions. The low strength of the MWPs limited the force transferred into the foundations and prevented damage in the form of concrete cracking or fracture. Additionally, the lateral movements of the socketed foundations were all within the 1-in. (25-mm) limit established to ensure reuse of the foundations without resetting. The selected design consisted of a 12-in. (305-mm) diameter concrete shaft reinforced with four vertical bars and transverse hoop steel spaced at 6½ in. (165 mm) on center. A 4-in. x 3-in. x ¼-in. (102-mm x 76-mm x 6-mm) steel tube socket was placed in the middle of the shaft. Finally, guidelines were given for the length, or embedment depth, of the foundation based on surrounding soil conditions and risk of frost heave. KW - Design KW - Foundations KW - Guardrails KW - Impact tests KW - Posts UR - http://www.transportation.nebraska.gov/mat-n-tests/pdfs-docs/ARLinks/TRP-03-298-14.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1326376 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01557304 AU - White, Donald W AU - Teizer, Jochen AU - Fang, Yihai AU - Nguyen, Thanh V AU - Jarriell, Ryan AU - Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta AU - Georgia Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Best Management Practices for Storage of Historic Metal Truss Bridges PY - 2014/07/22/Final Report SP - 146p AB - As part of a 2002 agreement with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has committed to consider storing metal truss bridges of historic value in lieu of demolition, until a recipient can be located. This research addresses the most effective processes for storage of historic metal truss bridges until a reuse can be determined. The design and material integrity of the bridge must be retained. The report first reviews the conditions leading to the decision to replace a historic bridge including the determination of the feasibility for reuse, discusses the cases in which metal truss bridges are commonly stored in situ versus being removed and stored at an off-site location, then addresses the early tasks to be undertaken once the decision has been made to store a bridge. These activities are referred to broadly as the evaluation and stabilization of the bridge. This is followed by an assessment of best practices in the areas of preservation, documentation, marketing, disassembly, transportation, and cost estimation as these pertain to storage. The research concludes with a case study that analyses the marketing and storage of a historic metal truss bridge in Griffin, Georgia, which was replaced in 2012. KW - Best practices KW - Case studies KW - Georgia KW - Historic bridges KW - Historic preservation KW - Metal bridges KW - Truss bridges UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1346745 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01531517 AU - Franz, Mark L AU - Chang, Gang-Len AU - Mid-Atlantic Universities Transportation Center AU - University of Maryland, College Park AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Applications of Variable Speed Control for Contending with Recurrent Highway Congestion PY - 2014/07/21/Final Report SP - 94p AB - This research project developed vital operational guidelines for design of a variable speed limit (VSL) system and its integrated operations with ramp metering control in contending with recurrent highway congestion. The developed guidelines can serve as an effective tool for traffic engineers to determine when to activate a VSL control and under what traffic conditions it needs to be supplemented by ramp metering operations to ensure the stability of traffic evolution over the congested highway segment. This report also presents various measures of effectiveness for evaluating the benefits of VSL and its integration with ramp metering control. A VSL control algorithm to compute the time-varying speeds in real time, based on detected traffic conditions, was developed in this study. Extensive simulation experiments, calibrated with the field data from US100 in Maryland, were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the developed VSL algorithm. Both the experimental results and sensitivity analyses with respect to key model parameters confirmed that proper implementation of VSL can indeed mitigate the congestion caused by the high-speed variance among vehicles and allow traffic flows to better utilize the available roadway capacity. KW - Algorithms KW - Congestion management systems KW - Evaluation and assessment KW - Implementation KW - Maryland KW - Ramp metering KW - Traffic simulation KW - Variable speed limits UR - http://www.mautc.psu.edu/docs/UMD-2012-03.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1316809 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01577839 TI - Noise AB - This project supports Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) air quality (AQ) and Noise Analysis. KW - Air quality KW - Environmental impacts KW - Noise control KW - U.S. Federal Highway Administration UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1370913 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01587296 TI - Modeling and Specifications of LED Based Runway Lighting Systems AB - The goal of the proposed effort is to develop models that enable the identification and mitigation of potential stability and electromagnetic coupling/compatibility issues in Light Emitting Diode (LED)-based runway lighting systems. Specific concerns of stability result from the fact that the LED lights have their own power electronic circuit that provides fixture-centric regulation. The LED lights are embedded within a runway electrical architecture in which a regulated source is used to control current to the lights. A concern is that if not properly designed, the fixture and regulated source will yield undesirable source/load interactions. In tandem with stability, a concern is that the switching of the power electronic circuits introduces unintended coupling within the system and electromagnetic interference between the lights and other electrical systems around the runway. At present, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering several alternative circuit and control topologies to provide power to LED-based runway lighting systems. One objective of the research is to develop models of the proposed topologies to facilitate investigation of system stability and electromagnetic coupling due to power electronic switching. In developing the models it is likely that modifications to the proposed topologies/controls or additional topologies/controls will emerge. A second objective is to develop methods to parameterize the respective models. Finally, a third objective is to explore methods of using the models to create specifications for source/load manufacturers so that source/load interactions and unintended electromagnetic coupling is prevented in runway lighting systems. The project would includes the following tasks: Models for LED systems stability, parameter characterization of stability models, stability assessment and alternative controls, models for LED system compatibility, parameter characterization of compatibility models, and assessment and compatibility.The models will provide the FAA with means to evaluate and compare alternative topologies and controls for stability and compatibility. It also provides a means to explore ways to create specifications on source/load manufacturers so that potential issues are addressed prior to runway installation. Finally, alternative topologies and/or controls may emerge that yield more efficient, cost effective, or better performing lighting systems. KW - Air traffic control KW - Airport runways KW - Aviation safety KW - Cost effectiveness KW - Landing aids KW - Landside operations (Airports) KW - Light emitting diodes KW - Lighting systems KW - Specifications KW - Topology UR - https://www.pegasas.aero/projects.php?p=19 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1392186 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01587297 TI - LED Taxiway Lighting System Testing and Monitoring AB - The introduction of Light-Emitting Diode (LED) fixtures to airport applications provides an opportunity for energy efficiency, the potential for reduced maintenance on the lighting systems, and the capability for “non-traditional” fixtures (e.g., shaped LED sources, rather than point sources). The behavior of LED light fixtures different from traditional incandescent fixtures, and LED installation provides potential to move away from a “one-size-fits-all” airport lighting electrical system/circuit. This project will install and test of LED fixtures on a taxiway electrical system/circuit at KLAF (Purdue University Airport) using the existing buried conduit, as “prototype” of a retro-fit airport system. The work will test different infrastructure concepts for how LED fixtures perform when installed on existing airport electrical systems. The project will be performed in two stages. In stage one, the project will develop and test necessary electronic hardware and software. During stage two, the project will monitor and analyze data to evaluate performances of the new system. To automate the data collection, the project will develop a centralized data acquisition system with wireless communication and data storage capabilities. Four sub systems that will be developed are: (1) Base Data Collector (BDC); (2) Field Data Collector (FDC); (3) wireless network; and (4) User interface. The work will support previous efforts of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Visual Guidance program and the Electrical Infrastructure Research Team to assess how LED fixtures behave when installed on an existing system and circuitry, along with how the electrical system responds once these fixtures are operating. The data and subsequent analysis will inform the FAA about possible alternative airport lighting system architectures that could make LED installation easier for small airports that serve general aviation. In turn, those smaller airports can then benefit from the reduced energy consumption – both addressing airport cost and environmental concerns – and reduced maintenance costs. Findings may also support electrical system guidance at larger airports. KW - Airport operations KW - Aviation safety KW - Data collection KW - Electrical systems KW - Landside operations (Airports) KW - Light emitting diodes KW - Lighting systems KW - Taxiways KW - Wireless communication systems UR - https://www.pegasas.aero/projects.php?p=18 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1392185 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01536073 AU - Department of Transportation TI - PHMSA Has Addressed Most Weaknesses We Identified in Its Special Permit and Approval Processes PY - 2014/07/17 SP - 20p AB - The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) regulates about 1 million transports of hazardous materials (hazmat) a day under its Hazardous Material Regulations (HMR). However, numerous businesses and Government agencies move many of these materials by truck, rail, and other transportation modes under special permits from PHMSA that provide exceptions to requirements in the HMR. Similarly, entities that want to perform functions that require prior consent under the HMR, such as classifying explosives and manufacturing cylinders for transport, must first receive written approval from PHMSA’s Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety. In 2009 and 2010, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) reported on weaknesses in PHMSA’s processes for granting special permits and approvals. Specifically, OIG found that PHMSA: (1) did not review incident and enforcement records to establish applicants’ fitness for conducting activities authorized by special permits and approvals; (2) had little or no evidence of its evaluations of applicants’ proposed measures for safely transporting hazmat; (3) rarely coordinated applications with affected operating administrations (OA) before issuing special permits and approvals; (4) had not inspected explosives testing laboratories in 10 years; and (5) did not adequately plan to address necessary information technology improvements within the Agency. OIG conducted this audit to assess PHMSA’s progress in addressing the issues highlighted in the previous work. Specifically, OIG assessed whether PHMSA (1) implemented standard operating procedures (SOPs) and addressed weaknesses highlighted in the prior reports, and (2) has improved information technology that supports its special permit and approval processes. KW - Hazardous materials KW - Information technology KW - Management KW - Permits KW - Transportation safety KW - U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration UR - https://www.oig.dot.gov/sites/default/files/PHMSA%20Hazmat%20Special%20Permits%20and%20Approvals%20Audit%20Report%5E7-17-14.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320893 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01535992 AU - Department of Transportation TI - Quality Control Review of the Audit of the Effectiveness of DOT's Earned Value Management Practices PY - 2014/07/17 SP - 44p AB - This report presents the results of a quality control review (QCR) of an audit of the Department of Transportation's (DOT's) earned value management (EVM) practices. EVM is a tool used to plan, execute, and control the costs and schedules of information technology (IT) projects. It provides insight on program performance by comparing the value of work accomplished to the planned value of scheduled work. The Office of Management and Budget requires agencies to use EVM to calculate cost and schedule variances from the approved baselines for major IT investments. For fiscal year 2013, DOT requested $2.2 billion for 44 major IT investments and approximately $15 million for IT security. KPMG LLP conducted this audit under contract to DOT's Office of Inspector General (OIG). The audit objectives were to determine whether DOT: (1) has implemented effective EVM policies, procedures and practices; and (2) uses accurate EVM data to plan, monitor, and report the status of its IT investments and related security spending. KPMG found deficiencies in DOT's EVM procedures and practices and issued 14 recommendations to help the Department establish and maintain an effective program. DOT's Chief Information Officer concurred with all recommendations. His response is included in KPMG's audit report, dated June 30, 2014, which can be found in its entirety in the attachment to this report. KW - Auditing KW - Earned value management KW - Information technology KW - Investments KW - Projects KW - Recommendations KW - Reviews KW - U.S. Department of Transportation UR - https://www.oig.dot.gov/sites/default/files/JA20Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320980 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01587739 AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - FHWA Climate Change Resilience Pilots Peer Exchanges: Baltimore, Maryland, July 16-17, 2014 PY - 2014/07/16 SP - 32p AB - The Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA)’s Climate Resilience Pilot Program seeks to assist state Departments of Transportation (DOTs), Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), and Federal Land Management Agencies (FLMAs) in enhancing resilience of transportation systems to extreme weather and climate change. In 2010-2011, FHWA sponsored five teams led by MPOs and state DOTs to conduct vulnerability and risk assessments of their transportation infrastructure. These teams pilot-tested the FHWA Climate Change and Extreme Weather Vulnerability Assessment Conceptual Model, and FHWA created a Vulnerability Assessment Framework based on feedback from these pilot projects. On July 16 – 17th, 2014, FHWA hosted a set of peer exchanges in Baltimore, Maryland, that brought together the pilot teams to share ideas, success stories, and lessons learned related to assessing and managing climate-related impacts on transportation assets and operations. This document is a summary of the key takeaways and insights from the peer exchange presentations and discussions. KW - Asset management KW - Climate change KW - Federal Land Management Agencies KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Peer exchange KW - Risk assessment KW - State departments of transportation KW - Transportation planning KW - United States UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/climate_change/adaptation/ongoing_and_current_research/vulnerability_assessment_pilots/exchanges_summary/fhwahep15045.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1395305 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01542842 AU - El-adaway, Islam AU - Mississippi State University, Mississippi State AU - National Center for Intermodal Transportation for Economic Competitiveness AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Analyzing Traffic Layout Using Dynamic Social Network Analysis PY - 2014/07/12 SP - 39p AB - It is essential to build, maintain, and use our transportation systems in a manner that meets our current needs while addressing the social and economic needs of future generations. In today’s world, transportation congestion causes serious negative impacts to our societies. To this end, researchers have been utilizing various statistical methods to better study the flow of traffic into the road networks. However, these valuable studies cannot realize their true potential without solid in-depth understanding of the connectivity between the various traffic intersections. This paper bridges the gap between the engineering and social science domains. To this end, the authors propose a dynamic social network analysis (SNA) framework to study the centrality of the existing road networks. This approach utilizes the field of network analysis where: (1) visualization and modeling techniques allow capturing the relationships, interactions, and attributes of and between network constituents, and (2) mathematical measurements facilitate analyzing quantitative relationships within the network. Connectivity and the importance of each intersection within the network will be understood using this method. The authors conducted SNA using two studies in Louisiana. Results indicate intersection SNA modeling aligns with current congestion studies and transportation planning decisions. KW - Connectivity KW - Louisiana KW - Mathematical models KW - Road networks KW - Social network analysis KW - Traffic congestion KW - Transportation planning KW - Visualization UR - http://www.ncitec.msstate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012-07FR.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1328533 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01587298 TI - Linear LED AirfieldLighting AB - The objective of this project is to gain an understanding of the potential benefits of linear Light-Emitting Diode (LED) lighting systems to the spatial orientation of airfield users, including pilots and ground vehicle operators through field testing experimental arrangements of linear LED lighting systems on the Ohio State University Airport and, in later phases, other airports within the Partnership to Enhance General Aviation Safety, Accessibility and Sustainability (PEGASAS) system of universities. A series of laboratory and controlled field experiments conducted by the Lighting Research Center (LRC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute demonstrated that visual acquisition times for different simulated taxiway/runway intersection configurations could be reduced by using linear source elements in place of discrete point source elements when they are spaced equally. Conversely, linear elements could be placed further apart than point sources in order to maintain visual acquisition times. The LRC developed and validated a model to predict relative visual acquisition times under delineation configurations with different element lengths and spacing. In order to provide further face-validity, this project proposes field experiments be conducted to characterize responses to linear element delineation along a real-world airfield. The project proses that field experiments to be initially conducted at The Ohio State University (OSU) Airport. The Linear LED Lighting Project includes the following phases: Literature review, creation of test site at the OSU airport, testing methodology and data collection, and data analysis and reporting. The primary objective of this research is to provide validation to the previous studies conducted by LRC. Given the difference between the laboratory environment found at LRC and the airport field test environment at The Ohio State University Airport, this research will provide results that provides comparable analysis of the accuracy and reaction times of test subjects viewing linear LED lights of varying lengths and spacing in varying taxiway centerline configurations. It is expected that this research will provide the following benefits: A validation of previous LED perception studies conducted by LRC, a greater understanding of the perception of linear LED lighting systems to airfield users, and guidance for the FAA towards determining standards for linear LED lighting systems on public use airfield. KW - Aircraft pilotage KW - Airport runways KW - Aviation safety KW - Landside operations (Airports) KW - Light emitting diodes KW - Lighting systems KW - Taxiways KW - Traffic simulation KW - Visualization UR - https://www.pegasas.aero/projects.php?p=16 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1392184 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01539697 AU - Hendrickson, Chris AU - Biehler, Allen AU - Mashayekh, Yeganeh AU - Carnegie Mellon University AU - Pennsylvania Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Connected and Autonomous Vehicles 2040 Vision PY - 2014/07/10/Final Report SP - 163p AB - The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) commissioned a one-year project, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles 2040 Vision, with researchers at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to assess the implications of connected and autonomous vehicles on the management and operation of the state’s surface transportation system. This report explores the impacts of connected and autonomous vehicles on design and investment decisions, communication devices investment, real-time data usage, existing infrastructure, workforce training needs, driver licensing and freight flow as they relate to PennDOT. For each of these areas, a set of recommendations has been provided. As connected and autonomous technologies are advancing, it is recommended that PennDOT take these actions in a timely manner. A timeline for the recommended actions has been provided to help PennDOT plan accordingly. The timelines are based on current available information and the time frames are likely to change over time. KW - Driver licensing KW - Freight traffic KW - Infrastructure KW - Intelligent vehicles KW - Investments KW - Mobile communication systems KW - Pennsylvania Department of Transportation KW - Real time information KW - Recommendations KW - Training UR - https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCAQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aamva.org%2FWorkArea%2FDownloadAsset.aspx%3Fid%3D5642&ei=i1RiVL62C8ekNtqNhOgC&usg=AFQjCNEbfCoWeJ_jxGeKlbkipjOPZJdIGA&sig2=akTbtWT7uy0Qc3i2aPVzPA UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1324787 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01530904 AU - Banerjee, Swagata AU - Chandrasekaran, Sandhya AU - Venkittaraman, Ashok AU - Mid-Atlantic Universities Transportation Center AU - Pennsylvania State University, University Park AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Optimal Bridge Retrofit Strategy to Enhance Disaster Resilience of Highway Transportation Systems PY - 2014/07/08/Final Report SP - 61p AB - This study evaluated the resilience of highway bridges under the multihazard scenario of earthquake in the presence of flood-induced scour. To mitigate losses incurred from bridge damage during extreme events, bridge retrofit strategies are selected such that the retrofit not only enhances bridge performance, but also improves resilience of the system consisting of these bridges. The first part of the report focuses on the enhancement of seismic resilience of bridges through retrofit. To obtain results specific to a bridge, a reinforced concrete bridge in the Los Angeles region was analyzed. This bridge was severely damaged during the Northridge earthquake due to shear failure of one bridge pier. A seismic vulnerability model of the bridge was developed through finite element analysis under a suite of time histories that represent regional seismic hazard. The obtained bridge vulnerability model was combined with appropriate loss and recovery models to calculate the seismic resilience of the bridge. The impact of retrofit on seismic resilience was observed by applying a suitable retrofit strategy to the bridge, assuming its undamaged condition prior to the Northridge event. A difference in resilience observed before and after bridge retrofit signified the effectiveness of seismic retrofit. The applied retrofit technique was also found to be cost effective through a cost-benefit analysis. A first-order, second-moment reliability analysis was performed and a tornado diagram developed to identify major uncertain input parameters to which seismic resilience is most sensitive. Statistical analysis of resilience obtained through random sampling of major uncertain input parameters revealed that the uncertain nature of seismic resilience can be characterized with a normal distribution, the standard deviation of which represents the uncertainty in seismic resilience. An optimal (with respect to cost and resilience) bridge retrofit strategy under multihazard was obtained in the second phase of this study. A multi-objective evolutionary algorithm, namely Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II, was used. Application of this algorithm was demonstrated by retrofitting a bridge with column jackets and evaluating bridge resilience under the multihazard effect of earthquake and flood-induced scour. Three different retrofit materials—steel, carbon fiber, and glass fiber composites—were used. Required jacket thickness and cost of jacketing for each material differed to achieve the same level of resilience. Results from the optimization, called Pareto-optimal set, include solutions that are distinct from each other in terms of associated cost, contribution to resilience enhancement, and values of design parameters. This optimal set offers the best search results based on selected materials and design configurations for jackets. KW - Before and after studies KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Earthquake resistant design KW - Genetic algorithms KW - Highway bridges KW - Los Angeles (California) KW - Optimization KW - Reinforced concrete bridges KW - Resilience (Materials) KW - Retrofitting KW - Scour KW - Statistical analysis UR - http://www.mautc.psu.edu/docs/PSU-2012-01.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/52000/52100/52173/PSU-2012-01.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1316013 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01577825 TI - HG-3: Research to Improve Reliability of Capacity Determination for Large Diameter Driven Piles AB - No summary provided. KW - Capacitance KW - Diameter KW - Pile driving KW - Piles (Supports) KW - Reliability UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1370866 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 00819734 AU - Department of Transportation TI - URINE SPECIMEN COLLECTION GUIDELINES PY - 2014/07/03/Revised SP - 48 p. AB - These guidelines apply only to employers and individuals who come under the regulatory authority of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and those individuals who conduct urine specimen collections under DOT regulations. The guidelines are a complete revision of the December 1994 (revised in October 1999) DOT Urine Specimen Collection Procedure Guidelines for Transportation Workplace Drug Testing Programs. They contain all of the new requirements and procedures contained in the DOT rule published in the Federal Register on December 19, 2000, effective August 1, 2001, and in the Technical Amendments, published on August 9, 2001. It contains minimal graphics and formatting to ease transmission and downloading of the document from the Internet. All previous amendments and interpretations are superseded and no longer in effect. KW - Drug tests KW - Employees KW - Guidelines KW - Specimens KW - Testing KW - Urine UR - https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/docs/Urine_Specimen_Collection_Guidelines_July3_2014_A.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/691742 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01577843 TI - Visualization Software to Promote Scenario Planning AB - Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Planning Capacity Building Planning Methods and Oversight. KW - Highway capacity KW - Oversight KW - Planning methods KW - Software KW - Transportation planning KW - U.S. Federal Highway Administration KW - Visualization UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1371013 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01610864 AU - Li, Yadong AU - Li, Lin AU - Sinha, Divya AU - Jackson State University AU - Maritime Transportation Research and Education Center (MarTREC) AU - Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology TI - Exploration of Novel Multifunctional Open Graded Friction Courses for In-situ Highway Runoff Treatment PY - 2014/07/01/Final Research Report SP - 15p AB - Pervious Concrete Pavement (PCP), as one of open graded friction courses (OGFCs), has become attractive in roadway and parking lot constructions because of its economic, structural, and environmental advantages. It can facilitate the recharge of groundwater and reduce storm water runoff. PCP is made of large aggregates with little to no fine aggregates and the mixture contains little or no sand, creating a substantial void content. The voids ratio in PCP overlay layer is generally 18% to 22%. The goal of this study is to examine the removal of the major heavy metals copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in roadway runoffs through PCP and Modified PCP (MPCP). The latter is a PCP that contains strategically selected additives. The objectives of this study include: (1) To identify functional additives based on their commercial availability, cost, and potential adsorption capacity of heavy metals; (2) To fabricate PCP and MPCP samples with identified additives and test their physical and mechanical properties important for highway pavement; and (3) To examine the removal of heavy metals with the PCP and MPCP samples from highway runoffs through batch and dynamic adsorption tests. KW - Additives KW - Adsorption KW - Concrete pavements KW - Copper KW - Friction course KW - Heavy metals KW - Pollution control KW - Runoff KW - Void ratios KW - Zinc UR - http://martrec.uark.edu/research/yadong-li-final-report-2016.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1421151 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01575529 TI - Suborbital Pilot Training Assessment AB - There exists a great deal of information about pilot performance under high +Gz forces from extensive military high performance fighter jet aircraft and centrifuge studies. There are little data, however, on pilot performance in a high +Gx environment, particularly repetitive exposures. Although astronauts and cosmonauts experience increased +Gx forces during launch, they are not actively piloting the spacecraft during this time. Similarly, the +Gx acceleration in carrier launch operations is experienced in a “hands off” pilot control window. The situation will be quite different in commercial suborbital flights for companies such as XCOR and Virgin Galactic. In these vehicles the pilots will experience sustained high +Gx acceleration (often in combination with high +Gz acceleration) during the vertical portion of the flight and will need to actively pilot the vehicle during this phase of the launch into space. This is similar to X-15 operations where pilot control issues were thought to be associated with one fatal accident, lending credibility to the concern over pilot performance in such scenarios. Further, the addition of a microgravity period between high acceleration exposures adds the risk of a potentially significant “push-pull” effect, complicating the physiological response profile. Research is needed to evaluate pilot performance and physiological response, including their hemodynamic tolerance, their ability to manually reach and operate the controls, maintain visual focus on the instruments, and avoid sensory perception illusions that could cause disorientation, in order to better understand the impacts on performance during sustained +Gx and combined +Gx/Gz acceleration and to make sound recommendations regarding physiological and medical standards for pilot screening prior to suborbital spaceflight crew selection. KW - Air pilots KW - Fatalities KW - Flight crews KW - Gravity KW - Human factors in crashes KW - Launching KW - Performance evaluations KW - Physiological aspects KW - Spacecraft KW - Takeoff KW - Training programs UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1367928 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01575520 TI - Reducing Cabin Lethality in Commercial Spacecraft AB - Manned spaceflight activities have historically been the result of highly regulated government endeavors. These endeavors have ensured occupant protection in spacecraft by implementing varying safety designs and mitigation strategies aimed at both nominal occupant protection and contingency survival. However, the commercialization of spaceflight has led to the competitive development of multiple spacecraft and flight systems, each vying for the opportunity to transport individuals to suborbital or orbital destinations. There are currently no regulations in place regarding the optimization of crew compartments to promote the survival of occupants during manned aerospace vehicle operations. Dedicated efforts towards the de-lethalization and advanced crashworthiness of any spaceflight vehicle will improve the safety of commercial space endeavors. The development of regulations or standard safety minimums will ensure that commercial space passengers will be protected in the vehicle environment in both nominal and contingency operations regardless of commercial carrier utilized. There is a pressing need for such regulations to be put in place as soon as possible to allow for vehicles currently in development to be best designed for occupant protection. KW - Commercial space transportation KW - Crashworthiness KW - Crew compartments KW - Occupant protection devices KW - Regulations KW - Spacecraft KW - Vehicle safety UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1367926 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01575519 TI - Suborbital SFP Anxiety Assessment AB - There exists a great deal of information regarding well-trained pilot and astronaut performance in high-stress environments including spaceflight. It is well known that psychological stressors can be significant challenges in the operational environment, and even highly-trained individuals, such as military pilots and astronauts, occasionally experience debilitating anxiety or other psychological difficulties. These challenges are likely to be even more prevalent in commercial spaceflight participants, where training is minimal and participants may not be psychologically prepared for the stress of a flight. Based on prior work at the NASTAR Center, it has become evident that centrifuge training is enough of a stressor to elicit significant psychological responses in some individuals, and that anxiety regarding operational activities such as centrifuge training or spaceflight can be significant enough to disrupt schedules and operations, impacting both the affected participant and those around them. However, further research is needed to identify the most effective means to screen individuals to identify those most likely to experience an adverse psychological response as well as the most effective means of training individuals to prepare them for the stressors of flight. KW - Anxiety KW - Commercial space transportation KW - Evaluation and assessment KW - Human factors KW - Pilotage KW - Psychological aspects KW - Screenings KW - Training simulators UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1367925 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01603584 AU - Nowak, Christopher A AU - Peck, Caryl J AU - State University of New York, Syracuse AU - New York State Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Large Oriental Bittersweet Vines Can Be Killed by Cutting Alone PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 52p AB - Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb.) is an invasive, exotic, woody vine introduced to North America in the mid- to late 1800s from East Asia. The New York State Department of Transportation considers oriental bittersweet a problem because it can kill roadside trees through competition and mechanical stress. These hazardous and dangerous trees then need to be removed before they cause harm. Two manipulative field experiments were conducted across the Hudson Valley by the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry to test timing of cutting and glyphosate herbicide concentration effects on large vine mortality. While results from the first year indicated that herbicides were needed to achieve high mortality rates, this was not true with second year results. Cutting vines without herbicides produce the same, high rate of mortality of oriental bittersweet vines after the second year (>90% kill) as cut stump treatments with herbicides. It may be important that high kill rates of cut vines is related to the large vine size and that stumps were in forest shade. The authors concluded that it may not be necessary to apply herbicide via cut stump methods to kill oriental bittersweet vines that have a minimum stem diameter > 1-inch and are growing in areas were the invaded trees and forest systems are not significantly disturbed with vine treatment. KW - Field tests KW - Herbicides KW - New York (State) KW - Vegetation control UR - https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/engineering/technical-services/trans-r-and-d-repository/C-06-24%20TASK%204%20CONTROLLING%20ORIENTAL%20BITTERSWEET.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1411109 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01596855 AU - Solman, Gina AU - Filosa, Gina AU - Stahl, Leslie AU - Carroll, Todd AU - Wainer, Jordan AU - Volpe National Transportation Systems Center AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - PEL and Corridor Planning: State of the Practice Review of Planning and Environment Linkages Implementation in Corridor Planning PY - 2014/07 SP - 35p AB - The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) commissioned a review of transportation corridor plans to determine the extent to which these plans have utilized FHWA's Planning and Environment Linkages (PEL) approach, as described in the FHWA Guidance on Using Corridor and Subarea Planning to Inform National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The PEL program seeks to help transportation decision-makers to consider environmental factors early in the planning process and to use that information to inform the environmental review process. Each corridor plan in the review was evaluated based on a set of PEL elements organized into four categories: Planning, Collaboration, NEPA, and Data and Documentation. The review found that the most common elements in corridor plans included: transportation problem statement, study purpose and need, corridor definition, and transportation modes. Across the 87 plans evaluated in this review, incorporation of environmental information varies from plan to plan and from State to State. However, the review found that several States have taken steps to explicitly incorporate PEL elements and mention PEL and the NEPA process in corridor plans. KW - Environmental impacts KW - Evaluation KW - National Environmental Policy Act KW - State of the practice KW - States KW - Transportation corridors KW - Transportation planning UR - https://www.environment.fhwa.dot.gov/integ/corridor_planning_report_July2014.asp UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1402503 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01590493 AU - Ross, Catherine L AU - Lee, David Jung-Hwi AU - White, Chelsea C AU - Erera, Alan L AU - Hylton, Peter AU - Wang, Fangru AU - Lee, Yun Sang AU - Smith, Sarah AU - Georgia Institute of Technology AU - Georgia Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - National Center for Transportation Systems Productivity and Management TI - Freight Movement, Port Facilities, and Economic Competitiveness PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 237p AB - This research report examines how the Panama Canal expansion will affect freight at three ports, truck movement between the ports and inland economic hubs and the economic impacts accompanying the shift in cargo shipping patterns. Economic impacts stemming from the Panama Canal expansion are examined with three primary research objectives: to profile the relationship between the Panama Canal and port activities along the East and Gulf Coasts and explore the nature of inland freight movement; to examine the implications for highway infrastructure resulting from a change in freight movement; and to model different scenarios of the Panama Canal expansions’ impact on local economic activity. The analysis begins by examining 14 east and Gulf Coast ports having a combined cargo volume of over one quarter million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU). The research contains a deeper analysis of the relationship between highway network conditions, port activity and local and regional economies utilizing large seasonal truck global positioning system (GPS) samples for three selected ports: the Garden City Terminal at the Port of Savannah, the Norfolk International Terminals in at the Port of Virginia, and the Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal at the Port of New Orleans. GPS truck data showed that congestion around the Port of New Orleans is limiting truck range compared with Savannah or Norfolk. While the Savannah area is not severely congested, main truck routes encounter congestion around major cities and highway interchanges in Georgia, and by 2040 congestion is expected to affect urban and rural interstates in South and North Carolina. KW - Competition KW - East Coast (United States) KW - Economic impacts KW - Freight traffic KW - Global Positioning System KW - Gulf Coast (United States) KW - Highways KW - Infrastructure KW - Panama Canal KW - Port of New Orleans KW - Port of Savannah KW - Port of Virginia KW - Ports KW - Shipping KW - Traffic congestion KW - Truck traffic UR - http://g92018.eos-intl.net/eLibSQL14_G92018_Documents/12-22.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1396130 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01574037 AU - Greenwood, Allen G AU - Hill, Travis W AU - Mississippi State University, Mississippi State AU - Mississippi State University, Canton AU - National Center for Intermodal Transportation for Economic Competitiveness AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Simulation Modeling of Domestic and International Intermodal Supply Paths PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 65p AB - The supply of material to a manufacturing facility obviously has a major impact on enterprise performance, whether measured in terms of cost, timeliness, quality, etc. Most material that is input to a manufacturing process is transported to the manufacturing facility via multiple modes of transportation, i.e., it involves intermodal transportation. Since the material must be acquired from outside of the manufacturing site, sourcing decisions have significant impact on overall enterprise performance. Critical elements of those sourcing decisions include specifying from where to acquire the material, in what quantity, etc. It may also involve deciding the modes that should be used to transport the material from the source to the manufacturer. Even if specifying the mode is not part of the decision process, it is a significant driver in terms of cost, reliability, timeliness, etc. These issues pertain to domestic supply, but more importantly to international supply. The sourcing decision is complex since it involves a large number of factors and considerations, as well as interdependencies between the factors, and considerable variability and uncertainty. This is especially true when considering international sourcing options, but is important in assessing alternative domestic intermodal paths as well. This project provides the capability, through a software toolset, to deal with these issues. Simulation modeling and analysis is commonly applied to complex problems similar to those in the sourcing decision. Simulation provides the means to perform sophisticated what-if analyses on complex problems, such as assessing alternative intermodal supply paths. The toolset provides a means to quickly develop simulation models of both domestic and international supply chains. The project also provides a case study that illustrates how the toolset can be applied in a real setting. KW - Case studies KW - Costs KW - Decision making KW - Intermodal transportation KW - Manufacturing KW - Simulation KW - Software KW - Supply chain management UR - http://www.ncitec.msstate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012-09FR.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1363641 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01570374 AU - Williams, Trefor AU - Nelson, Christie AU - Betak, John AU - Pottenger, William AU - Rutgers University, Piscataway AU - Rutgers University, Piscataway AU - Rutgers University, Piscataway AU - New Jersey Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Railroad Operations Research and Training PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 26p AB - Grade crossing accidents are a major problem for the U.S. railroad industry. Research in grade crossing accidents has concentrated on methods to prioritize grade crossings using statistical and probabilistic methods. Recent advances in computer science in the areas of data mining, data visualization, and text mining have made it possible to consider other techniques to better understand the factors involved in grade crossing accidents, and to develop more accurate methods of identifying grade crossings requiring safety upgrades. It is the purpose of this paper to suggest and demonstrate new computer-based methods to better understand and visualize grade crossing data. This paper will discuss computer models that can be implemented to produce insights that can augment the existing prioritization techniques, and stand-alone models that can be used to identify potentially dangerous crossings. KW - Crash data KW - Data analysis KW - Data mining KW - Railroad crashes KW - Railroad grade crossings KW - Research projects KW - Text mining KW - Visualization UR - https://cait.rutgers.edu/files/CAIT-UTC-014-final.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1359774 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01570305 AU - Williams, Trefor AU - Halling, Marv AU - Rutgers University, Piscataway AU - Rutgers University, Piscataway AU - New Jersey Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Analyzing Asset Management Data Using Data and Text Mining PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 10p AB - Predictive models using text from a sample competitively bid California highway projects have been used to predict a construction projects likely level of cost overrun. A text description of the project and the text of the five largest project line items were used as input. The text data were converted to numerical attributes using text-mining algorithms and singular value decomposition. Two models were produced. The first used only the text description as input, while the second combined the text data with the numeric value of the low bid. Classification models were produced using the K-Star classification algorithm. Modeling results indicated information in the textual descriptions is related to the projects level of cost overrun. KW - Algorithms KW - Asset management KW - Bids KW - Construction projects KW - Cost overruns KW - Data mining KW - Text mining UR - https://cait.rutgers.edu/files/CAIT-UTC-031-final.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1359773 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01567382 AU - Veneziano, David AU - Fay, Laura AU - Shi, Xianming AU - Foltz, Barbara AU - Reyna, Monica AU - Wulfhorst, J D AU - Western Transportation Institute AU - Idaho Transportation Department AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Highway User Expectations for ITD Winter Maintenance PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 134p AB - Providing a high Level of Service (LOS) to ensure the safety and mobility for the traveling public is a key objective for winter maintenance operations. The goal of this research was to obtain a better understanding of Idaho highway users’ expectations for the Idaho Transportation Department’s (ITD) winter maintenance efforts. Input about Idaho residents’ preferences for winter maintenance was obtained through a web-based survey and focus groups meetings. Idaho residents were generally satisfied with ITD’s winter maintenance operations, and 3 out of 4 felt safe on Idaho’s highways following winter storm events. The majority of respondents (60 percent) felt that ITD should maintain the current LOS, and the remaining 40 percent felt the LOS for winter maintenance should be increased. Survey respondents indicated a preference for the use of abrasives (45.5 percent), followed by the use of chemicals (15 to 19 percent depending on material). Based on the survey findings, it is recommended that the current approach to LOS be maintained, with enhancements (e.g. use of corrosion inhibitors should they prove to have a positive cost-benefit relationship). In some cases, it may be possible to reduce the quantities of materials being used while maintaining the same LOS. Additional efforts could be made to expedite the time required to achieve bare pavement (4 hours) which the residents expect. There is a need for public campaign detailing when and why different materials are used for treating winter roads. KW - Consumer preferences KW - Customer satisfaction KW - Focus groups KW - Idaho Transportation Department KW - Level of service KW - Materials KW - Snow and ice control KW - Surveys KW - Winter maintenance UR - http://itd.idaho.gov/highways/research/archived/reports/RP232Final.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1356031 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01567271 AU - Siddiqi, Khalid AU - El-Itr, Zuhair AU - Rodgers, Charner AU - Southern Polytechnic State University AU - Georgia Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Construction Engineering Inspection Direct Cost Survey PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 192p AB - The objective of the study was to provide a rationale to Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for Direct Costs in terms of salary and wages charged by qualified independent contractors performing Construction Engineering Inspection (CEI) services in the State of Georgia. Major conclusions drawn from this study were: (1) Enlarge the Pool of Qualified Personnel - There is disconnect between the qualification required by the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and actual requirements from practice: this disconnect deals with many issues including: Engineering vs. non engineering activities. Current specification of experience required to perform various CEI tasks limits the focus of education to only Civil Engineering and Civil Engineering Technology majors while the job specification listed and or mentioned could be satisfactorily performed by numerous other program majors such as Construction Management, Architecture, etc. With the exception of Bridge Inspector, most field managers interviewed suggested that the only requirement, in order to qualify for the entry level position was to have “a High School Diploma and General Math Knowledge”. “On the job training” for the newcomers also resulted in improved performance in subsequent days or projects. (2) Opening up the Competition: Entry to the Market - Selection Process that requires GDOT Experience in “evaluating Suitability and Past Performance” appears to be a major hurdle for the new contractors willing to participate in the prequalification process and bids for CEI Inspections. Size of the organization requiring “comparable size and scope “acts as a barrier to the new entrants. This requirement discourages entry and competition from smaller organizations possessing appropriate qualifications and expertise. Opening up the competition for smaller size contractors is expected to increase competition and lower direct and overhead costs both. The study also recommends that DOT may like to offer training classes and assess the trained candidates in terms of training outcomes to assist in creating a larger pool of qualified personnel for CEI Projects in Georgia. (3) Changing Method for Computing Costs incurred by Contracting Firms - Most contracts are based on the daily rate of various personnel multiplied by the total duration of the project. After carrying out structured interviews with field managers involved it was discovered that DOT Personnel doing the same tasks will end up working either on one or more than one job at the same time or they perform another task simultaneously on the same job. KW - Construction engineering KW - Contract administration KW - Contractors KW - Direct costs KW - Georgia Department of Transportation KW - Inspection KW - Training UR - http://g92018.eos-intl.net/eLibSQL14_G92018_Documents/13-14.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1357773 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01563888 AU - Ejsmont, Jerzy A AU - Świeczko-Żurek, Beata AU - Ronowski, Grzegorz AU - Wilde, W James AU - Minnesota State University, Mankato AU - Minnesota Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Rolling Resistance Measurements at the MnROAD Facility, Round 2 PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 67p AB - The Minnesota Department of Transportation and Minnesota State University, Mankato, contracted with the Technical University of Gdańsk, in Poland, for a second time to conduct rolling resistance at the MnROAD facility near Albertville, Minnesota. Rolling resistance testing was conducted on most of the cells of the MnROAD mainline and the low-volume road. A relative ranking of rolling resistance among the difference surfaces at MnROAD was developed. The research team from Poland conducted the testing for a week in early May 2014. The rolling resistance data collected were analyzed and are presented in this report. Additional analyses that were conducted include a relative comparison of fuel consumption predicted with the different rolling resistance coefficients measured at MnROAD, with standard concrete and asphalt pavements as references. KW - Data analysis KW - Data collection KW - Fuel consumption KW - Measurement KW - Minnesota Road Research Facility KW - Pavements KW - Rolling resistance KW - Texture UR - http://www.dot.state.mn.us/research/TS/2014/201429.pdf UR - http://www.lrrb.org/media/reports/201429.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1354321 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01562740 AU - Klinich, Kathleen D AU - Reed, Matthew P AU - Hu, Jingwen AU - Rupp, Jonathan D AU - University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute AU - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration TI - Assessing the Restraint Performance of Vehicle Seats and Belt Geometry Optimized for Older Children PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 29p AB - In a previous study, a computational model of child occupants 6 to 10 years old (YO) was validated using data from a sled test series with the 6YO and 10YO Hybrid‐III anthropomorphic test devices (ATDs).  Simulations using this model were used to identify characteristics of a vehicle seat and belt geometry that would improve occupant protection for older children not using booster seats.  The current report presents a series of sled tests to examine the effects for other occupants using vehicle seats optimized for 6‐ to 10‐year‐old children.  Tests were conducted with a 12MO CRABI seated in a Graco SnugRide rear‐facing infant restraint and a Hybrid III 50th male ATD.  Seat cushion length was set to 450 mm, 400 mm, and 350 mm.  Lap belt conditions included one representing the mid‐range of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 210, “Seat belt assembly anchorages,” allowable seat belt anchorage conditions as well as one more forward but closer to the vehicle seat H‐point.  Shoulder belt conditions included the standard FMVSS No. 213 shoulder belt anchorage as well as one positioned closer to the adult male shoulder.  Vehicle seats from a 2008 Dodge Town and Country were used, and some tests included modifications to make the front support structure of the seat cushion stiffer. The tests with the midsize adult male ATD showed no negative consequences from design changes intended to improve protection for children.  Kinematics were similar among all conditions tested.  For the rear‐facing infant restraint, none of the tests exceeded the 70° rotation angle requirement of FMVSS No. 213, although shorter cushion length and more forward belt locations produced larger rotations.  The three tests with the more forward lap belt geometry slightly exceeded the 3‐ms‐chest clip acceleration limit of 60 g, but a review of all chest acceleration curves suggests that the vehicle seat may produce higher chest accelerations than the FMVSS No. 213 test bench.  In tests with the shortest seat cushion length, the infant seat showed acceptable kinematics even though less than 80 percent of the child restraint base was initially supported on the vehicle seat. These preliminary tests with rear vehicle seat configurations selected to optimize protection for older child occupants produced good restraint kinematics for infants in a rear‐facing only child restraint and for adult mid‐size males.  Additional research to identify possible negative consequences for other types of child restraints should be conducted.  If shorter cushion lengths are chosen as a safety countermeasure for older children, the current child restraint installation requirement to have at least 80 percent of the base contacting the vehicle seat will need to be addressed. KW - Anthropomorphic test devices KW - Children KW - Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards KW - Impact tests KW - Length KW - Optimization KW - Rear seats KW - Seat belts KW - Seat cushions UR - http://hdl.handle.net/2027.42/109437 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1352332 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01557296 AU - Smith, Sarah AU - Carter, Daniel AU - University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Highway Safety Improvement Program 2013 National Summary Report PY - 2014/07//Summary Report SP - 34p AB - The Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) 2013 National Summary Report compiles and summarizes aggregate information related to the States’ progress in implementing HSIP projects. Progress in implementing HSIP projects is described based on the amount of HSIP funds available and the number and general listing of projects initiated during the 2013 reporting cycle. The HSIP 2013 National Summary Report is not intended to compare states; rather to illustrate how the states are collectively implementing the HSIP to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads across the nation. KW - Financing KW - Highway safety KW - Highway Safety Improvement Program KW - Implementation KW - Safety management KW - States UR - http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/hsip/reports/pdf/2013/hsip_natlrptfinal072314.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1345876 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01555801 AU - Lo, Wing Hong (Louis) AU - Barr, Paul J AU - Halling, Marv W AU - Utah State University, Logan AU - Rutgers University, Piscataway AU - Utah Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Forensic Testing of Post Tensioned Concrete Girders PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 113p AB - Recently, two separate Interstate 15 highway bridges over the 400 South roadway in Orem, Utah were demolished after 50 years of service. A total of four post-tensioned girders were salvaged from both the north-bound and south-bound bridge. A series of tests was performed with these girders in the System Material And Structural Health Laboratory (SMASH Lab). The girders were tested with different loading criteria to determine the strength and material properties of the girder. The experimental results were compared with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Load and Resistance Factor Design (AASHTO LRFD) Bridge Design Specifications and a finite-element model using ANSYS. The AASHTO LRFD Specification was fairly conservative on predicting capacity and capable of predicting the type of failure that occurred. The ANSYS model was developed and calibrated to model the girder behavior. The concrete properties in the model were significantly adjusted in order to be comparable to the experimental results. Further exploration in ANSYS needs to be done to precisely model the actual behavior of the girder. KW - AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications KW - ANSYS (Computer program) KW - Bearing capacity KW - Failure analysis KW - Finite element method KW - Girders KW - Highway bridges KW - Load tests KW - Orem (Utah) KW - Posttensioning UR - https://cait.rutgers.edu/files/CAIT-UTC-033-final.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1342956 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01554288 AU - Eksioglu, Sandra D AU - Geunes, Joseph AU - Palak, Gokce AU - Azadi, Zahra AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Southeastern Transportation Research, Innovation, Development and Education Center (STRIDE) TI - Analyzing the Impact of Carbon Regulatory Mechanisms on Supply Chain Management PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 43p AB - The objective of this research is developing a toolset for designing and managing cost efficient and environmentally friendly supply chains for perishable products. The models the authors propose minimize transportation and inventory holding costs in the supply chain, while accounting for carbon emissions due to transportation and other activities. These models are extensions of the classical Economic Lot-Sizing (ELS) model. The ELS model identifies an inventory replenishment schedule for a fixed planning horizon with deterministic and time-varying demand. The authors extended these models to consider the use of multiple modes of transportation. The models support replenishment decisions for perishable products and capture the impact of inventory replenishment decisions on greenhouse gas emissions. The authors have used the numerical results to analyze the impact of potential carbon emission regulations on replenishment decisions. The authors anticipate that these models will be used to assess the impacts that potential carbon regulatory policies, such as carbon caps, carbon taxes, carbon cap-and-trade, and carbon offsets have on transportation mode selection decisions and overall emissions levels in the supply chain. The benefits from using these models are twofold. First, policy makers can use these models to evaluate the potential impact on emissions for each regulatory policy. Second, environmentally conscious companies can use these models and the corresponding solution algorithms as sub-modules within their material requirements planning (MRP) systems for requirements planning when multiple modes, multiple products, perishable products, and multiple supplier replenishment options are available. KW - Algorithms KW - Costs KW - Decision making KW - Greenhouse gases KW - Impacts KW - Numerical analysis KW - Perishables KW - Pollutants KW - Regulations KW - Supply chain management KW - Transportation modes UR - http://stride.ce.ufl.edu/uploads/docs/Eksioglu_STRIDE_Report-Final_Submitted.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55300/55327/Eksioglu_STRIDE_Report-Final_Submitted.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1343108 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01554227 AU - Park, Hyun-A AU - Robert, William AU - Lawrence, Katherine AU - Spy Pond Partners, LLC AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - 2014 Transportation Asset Management Peer Exchange – Preparing for MAP-21 Implementation PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 53p AB - This report summarizes the proceedings of the 2014 Transportation Asset Management Peer Exchange hosted by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). The peer exchange was held in Miami, Florida on May 1st, 2014. The purpose of this peer exchange was to provide participants from State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) an opportunity to share information on the best and current practices in transportation asset management (TAM) and the preparation for implementing the TAM-related requirements in the transportation reauthorization legislation Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). The peer exchange was organized around three primary themes: developing a MAP-21-compliant Transportation Asset Management Plan (TAMP); making TAM performance measures work; and TAMP development and risk – climate change and extreme weather events. KW - Asset management KW - Best practices KW - Climate change KW - Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) KW - Peer exchange KW - Performance measurement KW - Risk analysis KW - State departments of transportation UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/asset/pubs/hif14013.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1342625 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01551279 AU - Guyton, John AU - Jones, Jeanne C AU - Entsminger, Edward AU - Mississippi State University, Mississippi State AU - Mississippi State University, Mississippi State AU - Mississippi Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Alternative Mowing Regimes’ Influence on Native Plants and Deer: SS228 Final Project Report PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 79p AB - This study evaluated mowing regimes, changes in native and non-native plant communities, deer presence in the research plots, and public perception of various management practices on right of ways (ROWs). No significant difference was found in the height of vegetation 3 weeks after each mowing between research plots mowed 4 times per year and plots mowed only once per year in uplands or lowlands. Native plants increased in plots mowed once per year and deer preferred the frequently mowed plots where clovers and vetches had been seeded. Increasing the carrying capacity of the lowlands with more extensive plantings of clover and vetch may attract deer, thus encouraging them to browse and use the underpasses beneath bridges and making the ROWs safer. The public survey found strong support for wildflowers on ROWs and a distaste for litter. Further, respondents would tolerate a less manicured ROW if it saved money, made the roads safer, and hid litter. Overall the study suggested that ROWs would be less costly to maintain, safer, and more attractive to motorists if mowing were reduced to once per year in late fall after seed set. However, the concurrent implementation of a comprehensive education program would be essential. KW - Deer KW - Landscape maintenance KW - Mowing KW - Native plants KW - Public opinion KW - Right of way (Land) KW - Surveys KW - Vegetation UR - http://mdot.ms.gov/documents/research/Reports/Interim%20and%20Final%20Reports/State%20Study%20228%20-%20Alternative%20Mowing%20Regimes%92%20Influence%20on%20Native%20Plants%20and%20Deer.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1340960 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01548511 AU - Volovski, Matthew AU - Arman, Mohammad AU - Labi, Samuel AU - Purdue University AU - Indiana Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Developing Statistical Limits for Using the Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD) in Construction Quality Assurance SN - 9781622603169 PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 58p AB - The traditional methods of evaluating the compaction quality of pavement subbase and subgrade construction require considerable time and resources. Therefore, there is a need for a safe, reliable, rapid, and cost-effective field measurement technique for compaction testing of unbound pavement layers. The Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD) is one such mechanism that offers field measurement of deflections and stiffness of unbound pavement layers under a given load. The LWD is gaining increased attention for quality control and quality assurance (QC/QA) during pavement construction. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is planning on implementing the LWD in field QA/QC for unbound layers of pavements. As such, this research investigates the feasibility of developing statistical limits for the compaction of specified combinations of subbase and subgrade materials in terms of their maximum allowable LWD deflections. Statistical limits were developed for six of the most common subgrade, subbase, or subgrade-subbase combinations that are used for highway pavement construction in Indiana: lime modified, cement modified, natural subgrade and No. 53 crushed stone (53CS) subbase overlaying these subgrades. For the subbase layers, these statistical limits are applicable only to six inches of subbase over subgrade and may not be applicable to a different layer configuration in terms of the number of lifts or thickness of lifts. The ultimate goal is for the developed statistical limits to replace the need for site-specific LWD limits derived from the onsite test sections, ultimately saving time and money. Due to variability in the data and data limitations, caution must be exercised when generalizing the findings published in this report. Compared to the data from the acceptance test sections, the data collected from test sections saw less variability between projects, for any given material type. The test section data yielded maximum allowable deflections that did not vary significantly between projects for cement- and lime-modified subgrade, non modified subgrade, and six inches of #53 crushed stone over lime-modified subgrade. Generally, within any specific contract location (project site), the data indicates adequate confidence that the test pads generate control measurements that can be used reliably to check the adequacy of compaction at that contract location. However, across different contact locations, even for the same material type, so much variability was observed that it is not possible to guarantee that the control measurements generated from a limited number of test sections (pads) can be confidently transferred to another site of the same material type. KW - Compaction KW - Deflectometers KW - Indiana KW - Lightweight deflectometers KW - Pavement layers KW - Paving KW - Quality assurance KW - Statistical analysis KW - Stiffness KW - Test sections UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.5703/1288284315504 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1334701 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01546178 AU - Schnabel, William E AU - Fortier, Richard AU - Kanevskiy, Mikhail AU - Munk, Jens AU - Shur, Yuri AU - Trochim, Erin AU - University of Alaska, Anchorage AU - University of Alaska, Fairbanks AU - Alaska University Transportation Center AU - Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Geophysical Applications for Arctic/Subarctic Transportation Planning PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 136p AB - This report describes a series of geophysical surveys conducted in conjunction with geotechnical investigations carried out by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the value of and potential uses for data collected via geophysical techniques with respect to ongoing investigations related to linear infrastructure. One or more techniques, including direct-current resistivity, capacitive-coupled resistivity, and ground-penetrating radar, were evaluated at sites in continuous and discontinuous permafrost zones. Results revealed that resistivity techniques adequately differentiate between frozen and unfrozen ground, and in some instances, were able to identify individual ice wedges in a frozen heterogeneous matrix. Capacitive-coupled resistivity was found to be extremely promising due to its relative mobility as compared with direct-current resistivity. Ground-penetrating radar was shown to be useful for evaluating the factors leading to subsidence in an existing road. Taken as a whole, the study results indicate that supplemental geophysical surveys may add to the quality of a geotechnical investigation by helping to optimize the placement of boreholes. Moreover, such surveys may reduce the overall investigation costs by reducing the number of boreholes required to characterize the subsurface. KW - Alaska KW - Arctic Regions KW - Boreholes KW - Data collection KW - Electrical resistivity KW - Geophysical prospecting KW - Geotechnical engineering KW - Ground penetrating radar KW - Permafrost KW - Transportation planning UR - http://tundra.ine.uaf.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/AUTC-Geophysics-Final-Report-7-18-14-Corrected_fp_wes2.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1332725 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01544684 AU - Moses, Thomas AU - Brown, Jeffrey AU - Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Evaluation of the Train Signal and Rail Systems for the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 204p AB - The Whittier Access Project was completed in 2000. One phase of the project was to convert the 2.5 mile long Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel (Whittier Tunnel) into the world’s only dual-use highway/railroad tunnel with one way reversible highway traffic. This unique project incorporated many elements that had never been used before in tunnels. The primary objective of this research project is to identify the problems affecting the train signal and the unique rail systems and drainage. The problems identified during the tunnel evaluation included: 1) progressive failure of the train signal system; 2) subsurface drainage; 3) drainage from the tunnel crown; 4) settlement of invert panels; 5) cracks in the precast concrete panels; 6) possible corrosion of the rail/panel connections, and 7) possible corrosion of the rebar in the invert panels. This report recommends the development of three CIP projects to extend the performance life of the tunnel: 1) Replace Track Circuit System (TCS) with an axle counter system for train detection in the Whittier Tunnel; 2) Drainage Improvements to install additional water control systems in the tunnel crown and modifications to the existing water control system; and 3) Invert Panel Preservation Project to replace the asphalt in the rail insert. KW - Alaska KW - Automatic train location KW - Corrosion KW - Cracking KW - Drainage KW - Precast concrete KW - Railroad signals KW - Recommendations KW - Track panels KW - Tunnels UR - http://www.dot.state.ak.us/stwddes/research/assets/pdf/fhwa_ak_rd_14_06.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1329347 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01544653 AU - Sharif, Hamid AU - Hempel, Michael AU - Mid-America Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Study of a Distributed Wireless Multi-Sensory Train Approach Detection and Warning System for Improving the Safety of Railroad Workers PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 147p AB - Safety is a key concern for the North American railroad industry, particularly for their employees. However, in one particular area there is an identified urgent need for a novel solution that helps protect them better than the current approach: track worker safety. Railroad employees and contractors are required to work on or near tracks. To prevent accidents, railroad personnel are tasked with acting as lookouts for oncoming trains. This is a tedious task and prone to failure, and statistics by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) published in 49 CFR 214 in 2008 indicate that the rate of accidents is in fact increasing! Current commercially available solutions to this problem are infeasible for adequately addressing this need. The authors have shown this as part of the research reported in this report, and attributed it to two primary factors: the reliance on single-detector approaches which are shown to be unreliable, and the need of most systems for destructive and semi-permanent installation methods to attach these systems to the railroad tracks. The solution developed is built around a novel multi-sensory detection approach, where the benefits of each sensing method is leveraged and the drawbacks are resolved. The authors have shown that this method is highly reliable, with zero missed trains, and also detailed how the system achieves its modularity and ease of installation. The authors strongly believe that the system developed for this project can help save lives of railroad track workers and help increase operational efficiency of the railroads as well. KW - Detection and identification technologies KW - Occupational safety KW - Railroad safety KW - Sensors KW - Warning systems KW - Wireless communication systems UR - http://matc.unl.edu/assets/documents/matcfinal/Sharif_StudyofaDistributedWirelessMulti-SensoryTrainApproachDetectionandWarningSystemforImprovingtheSafetyofRailroadWorkers.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1331086 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01544612 AU - Rahmatalla, Salam AU - Schallhorn, Charles AU - Mid-America Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Diagnosis of Retrofit Fatigue Crack Re-initiation and Growth in Steel-Girder Bridges for Proactive Repair and Emergency Planning PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 47p AB - This report presents a vibration-based damage-detection methodology that is capable of effectively capturing crack growth near connections and crack re-initiation of retrofitted connections. The proposed damage detection algorithm was tested using numerical simulation and laboratory experimentation. Finite element models of the initial and retrofitted connections were developed to investigate the effect of crack growth before and after circular holes were implemented as stress relief measures. Laboratory experimentation on retrofitted specimens showed a tendency for the crack to branch in different directions in lieu of re-initiating through the holes. Throughout both the numerical and laboratory analyses, the results were able to successfully detect damage by calculating a damage indicator, as specified within the algorithm. Although it was beyond the initial scope of the presented work, it was observed that the damage indicator also provides a relative quantification of the damage severity, i.e., as damage increased in the specimen, the magnitude of the damage indicator increased monotonically. KW - Algorithms KW - Fatigue cracking KW - Finite element method KW - Holes KW - Laboratory tests KW - Methodology KW - Retrofitting KW - Steel bridges KW - Vibration UR - http://matc.unl.edu/assets/documents/matcfinal/Rahmatalla_DiagnosisandPrognosisofRetrofitFatigueCrackReinitiationandGrowthinSteel-girderBridgesforProactiveRepairandEmergencyPlanning.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1331077 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01544568 AU - Matsuo, Miwa AU - Mid-America Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Mobility and Accessibility of Hispanics in Small Towns and Rural Areas PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 62p AB - The Hispanic population has increased 43% (from 35.3 million to 50.5 million) in the 2000s in the U.S. Small towns and rural areas in the U.S. are among the areas that have experienced rapid growth in the Hispanic immigrant population in the last decade. This paper aims to understand whether Hispanics have the same mobility as other race/ethnicity groups, particularly when they are immigrants and/or live in rural areas. In addition, the author examines the mobility experience of more recent Hispanic immigrants, as well as Hispanic females in general. Using the National Household Travel Survey (NHTS) data for 2009, this paper investigates the following aspects of mobility for the study population: (1) vehicle availability, (2) driving mileage, and (3) native/immigrant and gender disparity in mobility. Compared to other populations, Hispanics generally face different mobility challenges; they rely on private vehicles but do not own many vehicles and share rides. In addition, recent immigrants and females are having more difficulties within the Hispanic immigrant population, whether in rural or urban areas. Despite the mobility limitation suggested by the data, public transit ridership by rural Hispanics is known to be lower than that of rural non-Hispanic minorities. A possible explanation for this disparity is that Hispanics may face language barriers in using public transit systems. The findings also suggest that rural Hispanics, especially immigrants, need more support to satisfy their accessibility needs. KW - Accessibility KW - Automobile ownership KW - Gender KW - Hispanics KW - Immigrants KW - Mobility KW - National Household Travel Survey KW - Public transit KW - Rural areas UR - http://matc.unl.edu/assets/documents/matcfinal/Matsuo_MobilityandAccessibilityofHispanicsinSmallTownandRuralAreas.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1331081 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01544564 AU - Chen, G D AU - Wu, C L AU - Mid-America Transportation Center AU - Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Splice Performance Evaluation of Enamel-Coated Rebar for Structural Safety PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 39p AB - This report summarizes the findings and results from an experimental study of vitreous enamel coating effects on the bond strength between deformed rebar and normal strength concrete. A total of 24 beam splice specimens were tested under four-point loading with four parameters investigated: bar size, lap splice length, coating, and confinement conditions. As the splice length increases, the ratio of bond strength between coated rebar and black rebar first increases from 1.0 to a maximum value of 1.44, and then decreases to 1.0. The maximum bond strength ratio corresponds to the near initial yielding of coated rebar. On the average, enamel coating can increase the bond strength of steel rebar in concrete by approximately 15%. A coating factor of 0.85 is thus recommended to take into account the enamel coating effect in lap splice designs, according to American Concrete Institute (ACI) and American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) bond strength equations. KW - Bond strength (Materials) KW - Coatings KW - Enamels KW - Reinforced concrete KW - Reinforcing bars KW - Splicing KW - Structural analysis UR - http://matc.unl.edu/assets/documents/matcfinal/Chen_SplicePerformanceEvaluationofEnamel-CoatedRebarforStructuralSafety.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1331075 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01544532 AU - Mordkoff, J Toby AU - Chrysler, Susan AU - Mid-America Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Distracted Driving due to Visual Working Memory Load PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 20p AB - In an attempt to understand the specific mechanism by which distractions (such as cell-phone use) can interfere with driving, this work tested the idea that driving performance depends on available space within visual short-term memory. Across trials, different amounts of available visual memory were created by the use of a concurrent visual change-detection task. The results showed the typical decrease in memory performance with higher memory loads, but no significant change in driving performance, other than an overall, non-specific, dual-task deficit. These findings suggest that driving does not depend on the fixed-capacity memory system that is assessed by standard, visual short-term memory tasks. KW - Distraction KW - Driver performance KW - Memory KW - Traffic safety KW - Visual perception UR - http://matc.unl.edu/assets/documents/matcfinal/Mordkoff_DistractedDrivingduetoVisualWorkingMemoryLoad.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1331079 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01541518 AU - McNeil, Sue AU - Atique, Farzana AU - Yin, Hong AU - Burke, Ryan AU - Adu-Gyamfi, Yaw AU - University of Delaware, Newark AU - University of Delaware, Newark AU - Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Better State-of-Good-Repair Indicators for the Transportation Performance Index PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 47p AB - The Transportation Performance Index was developed for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to track the performance of transportation infrastructure over time and explore the connection between economic health and infrastructure performance. This project revisits performance indicators related to state of good repair and safety, and their relative weights to be sure that state of good repair is adequately captured in the transportation performance index (TPI). This includes evaluating the TPI for 2010 and 2011 and understanding the relationship among the estimates, as well as the relationship with economic health. Based on this analysis the authors concluded that the original data, methods and weights are robust and therefore would not be enhanced by changes at this time. However, the importance of good data and future improvements are emphasized. Modest improvements in the TPI over the last five years come from reductions in both vehicle miles of travel and ton miles of travel, and significant strategic investment focused on state of good repair, intermodal connectivity, mobility and accessibility. Case studies focusing on both prospective and retrospective scenarios to better understand the TPI reinforce the need for comprehensive investments across all modes and holistic policies that focus on all modes and all regions. KW - Case studies KW - Condition surveys KW - Economic analysis KW - Economic indicators KW - Estimating KW - Infrastructure KW - Performance measurement KW - Transportation Performance Index KW - Transportation safety KW - United States UR - https://cait.rutgers.edu/files/CAIT-UTC-008-final.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1325170 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01541484 AU - Adu-Gyamfi, Yaw Okyere AU - Attoh-Okine, Nii AU - University of Delaware, Newark AU - Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation AU - Virginia Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Multi-resolution Information Mining and a Computer Vision Approach to Pavement Condition Distress Analysis PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 153p AB - Pavement Condition surveys are carried out periodically to gather information on pavement distresses that will guide decision-making for maintenance and preservation. Traditional methods involve manual pavement inspections which are time-consuming and subjective. In recent times, there has been a move towards automated methods of pavement condition assessment. The automated methods which comprise of acquiring pavement data with cameras and analyzing the images have several shortcomings, especially in the area of image analysis. A major problem is that most of the image processing algorithms are based on assumptions that may not work well under certain conditions. Therefore, there is a need for adaptive image processing methods that are robust under varying conditions. This study focused on the use of multi-resolution information-mining techniques with a computer vision approach to analyze pavement conditions. A vision-system which seeks to fully-automate the pavement condition survey process is also developed. With a user-friendly interface, geographic information system (GIS) integration and a vision system comprised of three main components; image acquisition, image retrieval and the output analysis and visualization component, this system will serve as the foundation for the future of fully-automated pavement distress surveys. KW - Automatic data collection systems KW - Computer vision KW - Condition surveys KW - Data mining KW - Geographic information systems KW - Image analysis KW - Image processing KW - Pavement distress KW - Pavement maintenance UR - https://cait.rutgers.edu/files/CAIT-UTC-009-final.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1325169 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01541476 AU - Salama, Paul AU - Lubinsky, Adam AU - Kraft, Kevin AU - Lipson, Paul AU - Torres, Luis AU - Roy, Bryan AU - Windover, Paul AU - WXY architecture + urban design AU - Barretto Bay Strategies AU - Energetics Incorporated AU - New York State Energy Research and Development Authority AU - New York State Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - New York City Green Loading Zones Study PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 112p AB - The purpose of this study is to examine the impact and potential benefits of Green Loading Zones (GLZs)—a policy solution to incentivize further electric truck adoption with the creation of curbside loading zones that are exclusively available to zero-emission commercial vehicles. An examination of the policy’s viability requires understanding the GLZ’s fit within: (1) Policy and regulation applicable to New York City (government), (2) The demands of fleets employing electric delivery trucks (market), and (3) Existing and future technology applications that can enable electric truck deliveries (innovation). This report, which provides analysis of GLZ’s utility, benefit, and viability, seeks to define, through analysis and case studies, the potential for implementation and guidelines to ensure success. KW - Case studies KW - Commercial vehicles KW - Electric trucks KW - Implementation KW - Loading and unloading KW - New York (New York) KW - Parking KW - Policy, legislation and regulation KW - Urban goods movement KW - Vehicle fleets UR - http://www.nyserda.ny.gov/-/media/Files/Publications/Research/Transportation/New-York-City-Green-Loading-Zones-Study.pdf UR - https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/engineering/technical-services/trans-r-and-d-repository/C-13-52%20Final%20Report_7-2014.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1324909 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01541436 AU - Zeng, Yun AU - Cook, Pam AU - Attoh-Okine, Nii AU - University of Delaware, Newark AU - University of Delaware, Newark AU - Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Delaware Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Mathematical and Experimental Investigations of Modeling, Simulation and Experiment to Promote the Life-Cycle of Polymer Modified Asphalt PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 16p AB - The formulation of constitutive equations for asphaltic pavement is based on rheological models which include the asphalt mixture, additives, and the bitumen. In terms of the asphalt, the rheology addresses the flow and permanent deformation in time, under different temperatures, and under different loading conditions. Currently, there are various laboratory methods used to determine the rheological parameters of the asphalt. Unfortunately, most of these tests are conducted in the linear viscoelastic region, therefore the true picture of asphalt during in-service has not been fully investigated. Furthermore there are quite few polymer-modified asphalts that have been used. The mathematical models needed to formulate and model these materials are limited. This study attempts to develop a mathematical approach to the modeling of polymer modified asphalt which is applicable in pavement design. KW - Asphalt mixtures KW - Flow measurement KW - Mathematical models KW - Pavement design KW - Polymer asphalt KW - Rheological properties KW - Rheology KW - Simulation UR - https://cait.rutgers.edu/files/CAIT-UTC-010-final.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1325171 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01539700 AU - Bullough, John D AU - Radetsky, Leora C AU - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute AU - New York State Energy Research and Development Authority AU - New York State Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Sustainable Roadway Lighting Seminar PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 60p AB - The objective of this project was to develop and conduct a half-day educational seminar on sustainable roadway lighting at three locations within New York State: Rochester, New York City, and Albany. Primary attendees were engineers from the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), and individuals from local municipalities, electric utilities and engineering firms also attended. Topics covered in the seminar included: roadway lighting basics, roadway lighting technologies, visibility and safety, economics and benefit/cost analyses, and new approaches to roadway lighting including ecoluminance, pedestrian crosswalk lighting, mesopic vision and brightness appearance. The seminar was received favorably by participants at each location. The present report summarizes the educational material presented in the seminar for use by engineers at NYSDOT and other organizations interested in energy-efficient roadway lighting. KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Crosswalks KW - Education and training KW - Energy conservation KW - Highway safety KW - Luminance KW - New York (State) KW - Street lighting KW - Sustainable development KW - Technological innovations KW - Visibility KW - Workshops UR - https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/engineering/technical-services/trans-r-and-d-repository/C-13-05%20Final%20Report_July%202014.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1324783 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01539566 AU - Teng, Hualiang (Harry) AU - Toughrai, Tarik AU - Yu, Tingting AU - OZawa, Russell AU - Hu, Bingyi AU - Mineta National Transit Research Consortium AU - San Jose State University AU - University of Nevada, Las Vegas AU - California Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Developing Seamless Connections in the Urban Transit Networks: A Look Toward High-Speed Rail Interconnectivity PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 100p AB - The objective of this study was to quantify multimodal connectivity of high speed rail (HSR) stations and its impact on ridership in four countries where HSR has been established. Data were collected from HSR systems of France, Spain, Japan and China. Various characteristics of the connecting modes were observed and compared. The relationship between ridership and the characteristics of multimodal connectivity was identified using regression models developed in this study. Multimodal connectivity at HSR stations in various countries presents a variety of profiles. For example, HSR stations in China connect with more bus lines than those in other countries, there are more bus stops/terminals provided in France, and transfer times in Japan and China are significantly longer than those in France and Spain. The connectivity variables influence ridership in various ways. On the whole, bus, subway, and regional railroad service influence ridership significantly. For instance, the more bus services connected to the station, the higher the ridership. Subway, light rail, and traditional rail are modes of high-capacity transportation and their connection to HSR stations always implies high ridership for high-speed rail. Also, the more bus and subway stops, and the more bicycle parking and taxi stands, the higher the ridership. Transfer time also has a significant influence. These findings have important implications for the proposed California and Nevada HSR stations. The unique needs of visitors to Las Vegas and their implications for HSR design also are discussed. KW - China KW - Connectivity KW - France KW - High speed rail KW - Japan KW - Multimodal transportation KW - Public transit KW - Rail transit stations KW - Regression analysis KW - Ridership KW - Spain UR - http://transweb.sjsu.edu/PDFs/research/1148-high-speed-rail-urban-transit-interconnectivity.pdf UR - https://merritt.cdlib.org/d/ark%3A%2F13030%2Fm52z2knz/1/producer%2F883915978.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/52000/52100/52168/1148-high-speed-rail-urban-transit-interconnectivity.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1322956 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01539307 AU - Gonzales, Eric J AU - Yang, Ci AU - Morgul, Ender Faruk AU - Ozbay, Kaan AU - Mineta National Transit Research Consortium AU - Rutgers University, New Brunswick AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Modeling Taxi Demand with GPS Data from Taxis and Transit PY - 2014/07//Final Report AB - This study used a large set of global positioning system (GPS) data from taxis in New York City, along with demographic, socioeconomic, and employment data to identify the factors that drive taxi demand. A technique was developed to measure and map transit accessibility based on the time required to access a transit vehicle from a specific location and time of day. Taxi data were categorized by pickups and drop-offs, and a hybrid cross-classification and regression model was developed to estimate the taxi demand across space and time. The study identified transit accessibility, population, age, education, income, and the number of jobs in each census tract as the factors with strongest explanatory power for predicting taxi demand. The study also includes a comparison of the cost of travel by taxi and transit for specific trips between Penn Station and each of the three major New York area airports. The model and analysis results show how the number of passengers traveling together in a group and the value they place on their time affect the likelihood of choosing taxi or transit for an airport access trip. A number of findings are presented in this report that are specific to New York City. However, the methods developed in this study and demonstrated in this report can be applied generally to cities around the United States and the world where similar GPS data from taxis and schedule information from transit are available. KW - Accessibility KW - Airport ground transportation KW - Choice models KW - Demand KW - Demographics KW - Global Positioning System KW - Level of service KW - New York (New York) KW - Public transit KW - Socioeconomic factors KW - Taxi services KW - Travel costs KW - Travel time KW - Trip generation UR - http://transweb.sjsu.edu/PDFs/research/1141-modeling-taxi-demand-gps-transit-data.pdf UR - https://merritt.cdlib.org/d/ark%3A%2F13030%2Fm5w96q9j/1/producer%2F886437455.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1317292 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01539257 AU - Ozbay, Kaan AU - Morgul, Ender Faruk AU - Mineta National Transit Research Consortium AU - Rutgers University, New Brunswick AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Understanding and Modeling Bus Transit Driver Availability PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 57p AB - Two mathematical programming models with probabilistic constraints are developed to determine daily optimal back-up, or extraboard, size for bus transit (driver availability and deployment) while incorporating reliability and risk measures in the decision making process. Two distinct solution approaches are proposed. The first approach uses p-level efficient point (pLEPs) as the solution methodology and the second approach uses second order stochastic dominance constraints. The models were tested using long-term data obtained from three Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) garage. The individual performance of both models under different cost assumptions is evaluated and actual historical assignments are compared with the optimal solutions obtained from these models. The results reveal possible improvements of extra driver size for one of the three garages studied. These models can be easily used in a computerized environment to assist agencies in efficient decision-making, which is also illustrated using a simulation procedure developed for comparison with observed driver assignment data. KW - Absenteeism KW - Bus drivers KW - Bus transit operations KW - Externalities KW - Operating costs KW - Optimization KW - Reliability (Statistics) KW - Risk assessment KW - Scheduling KW - Stochastic programming KW - Testing UR - http://transweb.sjsu.edu/PDFs/research/1140-bus-transit-driver-availability.pdf UR - https://merritt.cdlib.org/d/ark%3A%2F13030%2Fm51276rc/1/producer%2F887886199.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1319584 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538553 AU - Elefteriadou, Lily AU - Kondyli, Alexandra AU - St. George, Bryan AU - University of Florida, Gainesville AU - Florida Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Comparison of Methods for Measuring Travel Time at Florida Freeways and Arterials PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 90p AB - Travel time is an important performance measure used to assess the traffic operational quality of various types of highway facilities. Previous research funded by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) on travel time reliability developed, implemented, and evaluated tools for estimating travel time reliability for freeways and arterials. These efforts also compared the model-estimated travel times to field-measured travel times using various sources of data. Given the variety and diversity of travel time measurement methods, it is important to evaluate the accuracy of the data obtained by each of them and to develop recommendations regarding their suitability in the validation of travel time estimation models as well as in the development of real-time travel time reliability metrics. The main objective of this research was to collect field data along several freeways and arterials and to evaluate the travel time measurements obtained by STEWARD, INRIX, BlueTOAD, and HERE. The research team collected data with the use of an instrumented vehicle on five freeway segments and two arterial segments in Florida. The field-measured travel times were statistically compared with the travel times provided through the methods listed above. The results of the statistical comparison suggest that the HERE traffic data provide better freeway travel time estimates, compared to the remaining methods. HERE traffic is more accurate for oversaturated conditions. On the other hand, when analyzing uncongested freeway segments, STEWARD, INRIX, and BlueTOAD performed better than HERE traffic. Lastly, analysis at the arterial sites suggested that none of the methods was accurate, although the sample size was relatively small, especially during the oversaturated runs. KW - Arterial highways KW - Florida KW - Freeways KW - Traffic data KW - Traffic measurement KW - Travel time UR - http://www.fdot.gov/research/Completed_Proj/Summary_PL/FDOT-BDV32-977-02-rpt.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1322284 ER - TY - JOUR AN - 01538437 JO - Public Roads PB - Federal Highway Administration AU - Redmon, Tamara TI - Clearing a Path for Pedestrians PY - 2014/07 VL - 78 IS - 1 AB - The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recently released the Guide for Maintaining Pedestrian Facilities for Enhanced Safety, which provides recommendations for maintaining pedestrian facilities, with the primary goals of increasing safety and mobility. The guide is intended for any organization that builds and maintains pedestrian facilities. The focus of the guide is on sidewalks and walkways, but it also covers curb ramps, signs, shared-use paths, crosswalks, and signals. Many agencies have difficulties with maintenance once facilities are constructed. Though maintenance is key for safety, many agencies lack dedicated funding for sidewalk repair and monitoring of facilities. The guide offers suggestions for alternative sources of funding. KW - Financing KW - Handbooks KW - Maintenance KW - Mobility KW - Pedestrian areas KW - Pedestrian safety KW - U.S. Federal Highway Administration KW - United States UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/publicroads/14julaug/03.cfm UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1324088 ER - TY - JOUR AN - 01538418 JO - Public Roads PB - Federal Highway Administration AU - Julien, Tiffany AU - Kehoe, Nicholas TI - Shaping the Future of Freight PY - 2014/07 VL - 78 IS - 1 AB - The use of freight transportation is growing in the United States. Meeting the demand for the movement of goods requires a number of components to work together. Plans and policies that influence freight are developed by public sector agencies, but the system is mostly used by the private sector. A lack of cooperation between the public and private sectors has led to inefficiencies in the sharing of information. In order to develop comprehensive freight plans and policies, the public sector must have an understanding of how and where goods move through the supply chain. Private companies often keep this information proprietary to stay competitive. The public sector has developed and implemented freight advisory committees that can help improve the condition and performance of the freight network. KW - Committees KW - Cooperation KW - Freight traffic KW - Freight transportation KW - Governments KW - Planning KW - Policy KW - Private enterprise KW - United States UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/publicroads/14julaug/04.cfm UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1324089 ER - TY - JOUR AN - 01538406 JO - Public Roads PB - Federal Highway Administration AU - Rubin, Dennis L AU - Vásconez, Kimberly C TI - Living in the Line of Duty PY - 2014/07 VL - 78 IS - 1 AB - As part of the second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP2), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) enhanced its Traffic Incident Management (TIM) program, including supporting the development of a training course by the Transportation Research Board. The SHRP2 National Traffic Incident Management Responder Training program began in 2007. As TIM training spreads around the United States, the FHWA expects the number of injuries and fatalities for emergency responders and traffic workers in the line of duty will be reduced with the eventual goal of being eliminated. Eventually all responders will participate in TIM training. KW - Emergency management KW - Fatalities KW - Highway safety KW - Incident management KW - Injuries KW - Strategic Highway Research Program 2 KW - Traffic incidents KW - Training programs KW - Transportation Research Board KW - U.S. Federal Highway Administration KW - United States UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/publicroads/14julaug/05.cfm UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1324090 ER - TY - JOUR AN - 01538399 JO - Public Roads PB - Federal Highway Administration AU - Amjadi, Roya AU - Merritt, David AU - Sherwood, James TI - Gaining Traction on Roadway Safety PY - 2014/07 VL - 78 IS - 1 AB - Increasing pavement friction can prevent or minimize crashes on wet pavement. Friction reduces the possibility of skidding. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) pioneered a study in 2011 with 17 volunteer states. The Evaluations of Low-Cost Safety Improvements Pooled Fund Study used crash data to measure the safety performance of pavement treatments. The researchers developed crash modification factors and benefit-cost ratios for nine pavement treatments, examining their potential in reducing the frequency and severity of lane departure crashes. The study can help highway agencies consider the costs and benefits when selecting a pavement treatment. KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Friction KW - Highway safety KW - Pavements KW - Skidding KW - Traffic crashes KW - U.S. Federal Highway Administration KW - United States UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/publicroads/14julaug/01.cfm UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1324086 ER - TY - JOUR AN - 01538380 JO - Public Roads PB - Federal Highway Administration AU - Kolle, Greg A TI - A Labor of Love PY - 2014/07 VL - 78 IS - 1 AB - The new San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge opened to traffic in September of 2013. Planning for the bridge had begun over two decades ago when a span of the old bridge failed during an earthquake. Known locally as the Bay Bridge, the bridge used seismic technology to retrofit the west side of the bridge, and a new east span was constructed. The east span construction began in 2002, taking over a decade to complete. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) worked with help from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in order to design a bridge that could ensure seismic safety to the 280,000 travelers who use it a day. KW - Bridge construction KW - Bridges KW - California Department of Transportation KW - Earthquake resistant design KW - Highway safety KW - Oakland (California) KW - Retrofitting KW - San Francisco (California) KW - San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge KW - U.S. Federal Highway Administration UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/publicroads/14julaug/02.cfm UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1324087 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538336 AU - Corbett, James J AU - Thomson, Heather AU - Winebrake, James J AU - University of Delaware AU - Rochester Institute of Technology AU - Maritime Administration TI - Natural Gas for Waterborne Freight Transport: A Life Cycle Emissions Assessment with Case Studies PY - 2014/07 SP - 112p AB - This study evaluates the total fuel cycle emissions associated with natural gas as a marine fuel. The study uses updated data on leakage rates in the natural gas fuel cycle to compare emissions from liquefied natural gas (LNG) or compressed natural gas (CNG) to petroleum marine fuels. The authors find that total fuel cycle analyses for maritime case studies show that natural gas fuels reduce air quality pollutants substantially, and reduce major greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions slightly when compared to conventional marine fuels (low-sulfur and high-sulfur petroleum). The authors also find that the upstream configuration for natural gas supply matters in terms of minimizing GHG emissions on a total fuel cycle basis, and current infrastructure for marine fuels may produce fewer GHGs. Continued improvements to minimize downstream emissions of methane during vessel-engine operations will also contribute to lower GHG emissions from marine applications of natural gas fuels. This is important because growing supplies of natural gas can provide a feasible and economic alternative fuel to improve air quality in and near populated regions of the world. KW - Air quality KW - Case studies KW - Compressed natural gas KW - Freight transportation KW - Fuels KW - Greenhouse gases KW - Liquefied natural gas KW - Natural gas KW - Petroleum fuels KW - Pollutants KW - Water transportation UR - http://www.marad.dot.gov/documents/Total_Fuel_Cycle_Analysis_for_LNG.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1322097 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538328 AU - Luna, Ronaldo AU - He, Xiaoming AU - Deng, Mingyan AU - Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety/NUTC program AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Reliability-Based Optimization Design of Geosynthetic Reinforced Road Embankment PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 46p AB - Road embankments are typically large earth structures, the construction of which requires large amounts of competent fill soil. In order to limit costs, the utilization of geosynthetics in road embankments allows for construction of steep slopes up to 80⁰ - 85⁰ from horizontal, which can save considerable amounts of fill soil in the embankment and usable land at the toe, compared to a traditional unreinforced slope. It then requires for a stability analysis of the geosynthetic-reinforced slope, which is highly dependent on the selection and properties of geosynthetic including tensile strength, transfer efficiency, length and the number of geosynthetic layers placed in embankment, etc. To minimize costs, an optimization design is necessary to select an ideal combination of those design parameters. In this study, reliability-based optimization (RBO) will be implemented on the basis of reliability-based probabilistic slope stability analysis considering the variability of soil properties. RBO intends to minimize the cost involved in geosynthetic reinforced road embankment design while satisfying technical requirements. The limit equilibrium method was embedded to compute the factor of safety (fs), meanwhile, the most-probable-point (MPP)-based first-order reliability method (FORM) was conducted to determine the probability of failure (pf). The cost is assumed as a function of design parameters: the number of geosynthetic layers, embedment length, and tensile strength of the geosynthetic. Coupling with the reliability assessment and some other technical constraints, the combination of design parameters can be optimized to minimize cost. KW - Costs KW - Design KW - Embankments KW - Geosynthetics KW - Optimization KW - Probability KW - Slope stability UR - http://transportation.mst.edu/media/research/transportation/documents/R353%20Final%20Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1322486 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538247 AU - Boyle, Linda AU - Cordahi, Gustave AU - Grabenstein, Katie AU - Madi, Marwan AU - Miller, Erika AU - Silberman, Paul AU - Booz Allen Hamilton AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Effectiveness of Safety and Public Service Announcement Messages on Dynamic Message Signs PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 92p AB - This report assesses the usefulness and effectiveness of safety and public service announcement (PSA) messages through surveys conducted in four urban areas in the United States: Chicago, Illinois; Houston, Texas; Orlando, Florida; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The surveys were designed to specifically address the types of safety and PSA messages for each respective city. A total of 2,088 survey responses were received and analyzed. The report further captures findings and recommendations based on the analysis of the survey responses. KW - Chicago (Illinois) KW - Highway safety KW - Houston (Texas) KW - Messages (Communications) KW - Orlando (Florida) KW - Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) KW - Public service announcements KW - Recommendations KW - Surveys KW - Urban areas KW - Variable message signs UR - http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop14015/fhwahop14028.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1322299 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538188 AU - Kinzel, Edward C AU - Donnell, Kristen M AU - Chandrashekhara, K AU - Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety/NUTC program AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Structural Health Monitoring and Remote Sensing of Transportation Infrastructure Using Embedded Frequency Selective Surfaces PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 22p AB - The objective of this project was to investigate the use of Frequency Selective Surfaces (FSS) for structural health monitoring applications. Frequency Selective Surfaces (FSS) have long been used in the radio frequency (RF)/microwave community to control scattering from surfaces. In this application, the scattering parameters of the FSS form a signature which is a function of the frequency, element size and spacing, as well as the local electromagnetic environment. These attributes can be related to engineering parameters of a transportation structure such as strain, temperature, moisture, and damage such as cracking or delamination. A key advantage of the FSS approach over other wireless sensors is that the FSS is completely passive, consisting only of conductive elements. This eliminates considerations related to integrating power/energy storage, as well as simplifying fabrication. KW - Infrastructure KW - Microwaves KW - Radio frequency KW - Remote sensing KW - Strain (Mechanics) KW - Structural health monitoring UR - http://transportation.mst.edu/media/research/transportation/documents/R365%20Final%20Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1322475 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538159 AU - Islam, A K M Anwarul AU - Li, Frank AU - Hamid, Hiwa AU - Jaroo, Amer AU - Youngstown State University AU - Ohio Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Bridge Condition Assessment and Load Rating using Dynamic Response PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 128p AB - This report describes a method for the overall condition assessment and load rating of prestressed box beam (PSBB) bridges based on their dynamic response collected through wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Due to a large inventory of deficient and aging bridges in the United States, the health monitoring of bridges can be very expensive; therefore, new tools for quick, efficient and response-based condition assessment and load rating of bridges will be helpful. The hypothesis is based on the assumption that the health of a bridge is associated with its vibration signatures under vehicular loads. Two WSNs were deployed on a 25-year old PSBB bridge under trucks with variable loads and speeds, and its dynamic response was collected at the current condition. The acceleration response of the bridge at its newest condition was collected from dynamic simulations of its full-scale finite element analysis (FEA) models mimicking field conditions. The FEA bridge model was validated by the field testing and numerical analysis. The acceleration data in time domain were transformed into frequency domain using Fast Fourier Transform to determine peak amplitudes and corresponding fundamental frequencies for the newest and current conditions. The analyses and comparisons of the bridge dynamic response between the newest and the current bridge interestingly indicate a 37% reduction in its fundamental frequency over 25 years of service life. This frequency reduction is linked to the reduction in condition rating of the current bridge. The analysis data, bridge structural dynamics and bridge geometric parameters have been used to calculate the in-service stiffness of the bridge to estimate its load bearing capacity. Using the results and algorithms from this research, application software is developed to instantly estimate the overall condition rating and load bearing capacity of a PSBB bridge under vehicular loads. The research outcome and the software will help in performing quick and cost-effective condition assessment and load rating of PSBB bridges, and may provide a better ability to plan replacements and develop load ratings. KW - Box beams KW - Condition surveys KW - Finite element method KW - Load factor KW - Ohio KW - Prestressed concrete bridges KW - Sensors KW - Service life KW - Software KW - Structural health monitoring KW - Vibration UR - http://worldcat.org/oclc/890934925/viewonline UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1322649 ER - TY - SER AN - 01538122 JO - AASHTO Practitioner's Handbook PB - American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) AU - AASHTO Center for Environmental Excellence AU - American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) TI - Preparing High-Quality NEPA Documents for Transportation Projects SN - 9781560516095 PY - 2014/07 IS - 15 SP - 28p AB - This handbook describes good practices for improving the quality of environmental documents prepared for transportation projects under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). It focuses on preparation of environmental impact statements (EISs) and environmental assessments (EAs), because those documents tend to be more complex and therefore present greater challenges in achieving both readability and legal sufficiency. Issues covered in this handbook include: Building the NEPA document team, Planning the NEPA document, Planning the NEPA document review process, Document Quality, and Compliance with NEPA and Related Requirements. KW - American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials KW - Documents KW - Environmental impact statements KW - Handbooks KW - National Environmental Policy Act UR - http://www.environment.transportation.org/center/products_programs/practitioners_resources.aspx?id=14 UR - http://www.environment.transportation.org/pdf/programs/pg15-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1322273 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01537872 AU - Strawderman, Lesley AU - Mississippi State University, Mississippi State AU - Southeastern Transportation Research, Innovation, Development and Education Center (STRIDE) AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Engaging Engineering Students with Transportation Safety: An Educational Module PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 19p AB - In this paper, the author introduces a newly created education module in transportation safety. The module is aimed at undergraduate engineering students, whose exposure to this topic is extremely limited, if they are exposed at all. Topics in the module include driver speed compliance, distracted driving, pedestrian safety, and vulnerable road users (VRUs) with an emphasis on young drivers. The module incorporates a number of items, including lecture material (both instructor and student versions), in-class activity, and laboratory exercises. The learning module is intended to supplement existing courses in engineering curricula. The goal of this learning module is to provide industrial engineering students with current research and knowledge in transportation safety. The module was recently piloted in an undergraduate Industrial Ergonomics course. Results regarding the effectiveness of the module, as well as results on the student attainment of educational objectives, are discussed. Finally, suggestions for the modification and inclusion of the material in various industrial engineering courses are presented. KW - College students KW - Compliance KW - Distraction KW - Education KW - Highway safety KW - Industrial engineering KW - Pedestrian safety KW - Speed limits KW - Teenage drivers KW - Vulnerable road users UR - http://stride.ce.ufl.edu/uploads/docs/strawderman_2012-085S_final_report.pdf UR - http://www.stride.ce.ufl.edu/uploads/docs/strawderman_2012-085S_final_report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1323296 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01537865 AU - Marinik, Andrew AU - Bishop, Richard AU - Fitchett, Vikki AU - Morgan, Justin F AU - Trimble, Tammy E AU - Blanco, Myra AU - Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg AU - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration TI - Human Factors Evaluation of Level 2 and Level 3 Automated Driving Concepts: Concepts of Operation PY - 2014/07 SP - 54p AB - The Concepts of Operation document evaluates the functional framework of operations for Level 2 and Level 3 automated vehicle systems. This is done by defining the varying levels of automation, the operator vehicle interactions, and system components; and further, by assessing the automation relevant parameters from a scenario-based analysis stand-point. Specific to the “Human Factors Evaluation of Level 2 and Level 3 Automated Driving Concepts” research effort, scenarios and literature are used to identify the range of near- to mid-term production-intent systems such that follow-on research topics with highest impact potential can be identified through commonalities in operational concepts. KW - Concept of operations KW - Driver vehicle interfaces KW - Human factors KW - Human machine systems KW - Intelligent vehicles UR - http://www.nhtsa.gov/DOT/NHTSA/NVS/Crash Avoidance/Technical Publications/2014/812044_HF-Evaluation-Levels-2-3-Automated-Driving-Concepts-f-Operation.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1323285 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01537852 AU - Trimble, Tammy E AU - Bishop, Richard AU - Morgan, Justin F AU - Blanco, Myra AU - Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg AU - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration TI - Human Factors Evaluation of Level 2 and Level 3 Automated Driving Concepts: Past Research, State of Automation Technology, and Emerging System Concepts PY - 2014/07 SP - 150p AB - Within the context of automation Levels 2 and 3, this report documents the proceedings from a literature review of key human factors studies that was performed related to automated vehicle operations. This document expands and updates the results from a prior literature review that was performed for the US DOT. Content within this document reflects the latest research and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) activity as of June 2013. Studies both directly addressing automated driving, and those relevant to automated driving concepts have been included. Additionally, documents beyond the academic literature, such as articles, summaries, and presentations from OEMs and suppliers, have been researched. Information from both United States and international projects and researchers is included. This document also identifies automated-driving relevant databases in support of future research efforts. KW - Driver vehicle interfaces KW - Human factors KW - Human machine systems KW - Intelligent vehicles KW - Literature reviews KW - Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) UR - http://www.nhtsa.gov/DOT/NHTSA/NVS/Crash Avoidance/Technical Publications/2014/812043_HF-EvaluationLevel2andLevel3AutomatedDrivingConceptsV2.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1323284 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01537851 AU - Forkenbrock, Garrick AU - Hoover, Richard L AU - Gerdus, Eric AU - Van Buskirk, Timothy R AU - Heitz, Mark AU - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration AU - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration TI - Blind Spot Monitoring in Light Vehicles – System Performance PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 85p AB - This report summarizes findings of a small population study of blind spot monitoring systems (BSM) installed by original vehicle manufacturers on standard production vehicles. The primary goals of these tests were to simulate real-world driving scenarios within a test track setting to evaluate BSM effectiveness and to develop objective test procedures for future BSM testing. Three subject vehicles (SV) were subjected to a series of maneuvers that examined the detection capabilities of their BSM. Typical driving scenarios included: lateral converging and diverging lanes; close distance cross-behind; primary other vehicle (POV) passes from behind in same lane; same lane following run-up; SV braking; POV and secondary other vehicle (SOV) pass by, and misapplied opposite turn signal. Typical city and rural driving conditions were simulated by applying numerous vehicle speeds: 0 mph – stopped; 20 mph – school zones; 35 mph – urban and small streets; 55 mph – typical 2-lane highways; and 75 mph – maximum posted limit on limited-access interstate highways and freeways. Additional tests series included testing for signal aliasing or false-positive alerts as well as BSM sensitivity to close Guard Rail proximity. A broader spectrum test examined sensitivity to BSM alert activation resulting from ghost images (signal multiplexing) bouncing off nearby fences, buildings, or other more distant vehicles. All three BSMs alerted the drivers to the presence of a vehicle in adjacent lanes and performed mostly as expected during the tests. This research was not sufficient to rank the three BSMs that were tested. Results indicated that increasing only the base speed of the subject vehicle and principal other vehicle did not appear to change the BSM sensitivity. Changing differential speed between the vehicles had a noticeable effect on both BSM onset and extinction points. These BSMs did not detect slower moving traffic traveling in the same direction. The BSM alerts ordinarily remained active for the full 15 seconds of post-trigger sampling time without interruption. KW - Automobiles KW - Blind spot monitoring systems KW - Operating speed KW - Prototype tests KW - Test tracks UR - http://www.nhtsa.gov/DOT/NHTSA/NVS/Crash Avoidance/Technical Publications/2014/812045_Blind-Spot-Monitoring-in-Light-Vehicles-System-Performance.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1323286 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01537445 AU - Volz, Jeffery S AU - Khayat, Kamal H AU - Arezoumandi, Mahdi AU - Drury, Jonathan AU - Sadati, Seyedhamed AU - Smith, Adam AU - Steele, Amanda AU - Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety/NUTC program AU - Missouri Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) for Infrastructure Elements PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 488p AB - With a growing demand for new construction and the need to replace infrastructure stretched beyond its service life, society faces the problem of an ever-growing production of construction and demolition waste. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) estimates that two billion tons of new aggregate are produced each year in the United States. This demand is anticipated to increase to two and a half billion tons each year by 2020. With such a high demand for new aggregates, the concern arises of the depletion of current sources of natural aggregates and the availability of new sources. Similarly, construction waste produced in the United States is expected to increase. From building demolition alone, the annual production of construction waste is estimated to be 123 million tons (FHWA). Currently, this waste is most commonly disposed of in landfills. To address both the concern of increasing demand for new aggregates and increasing production of waste, many states have begun to recognize that a more sustainable solution exists in recycling waste concrete for use as aggregate in new concrete, or recycled concrete aggregate (RCA). This solution helps address the question of how to sustain modern construction demands for aggregates as well as helps to reduce the amount of waste that enters already over-burdened landfills. Many states have begun to implement RCA in some ways in new construction. For instance, forty-one states have recognized the many uses of RCA as a raw material, such as for rip-rap, soil stabilization, pipe bedding, and even landscape materials. Thirty-eight states have gone a step further in integrating RCA into roadway systems for use as aggregate course base material. However, only eleven states have begun using RCA in Portland cement concrete for pavement construction. Furthermore, at the start of this research project, there were no acceptable standards or guidelines in the U.S. for utilizing RCA in structural concrete. The objective of this research was to determine the implications of using RCA in the production of new concrete. Specifically, the study evaluated the fresh and hardened properties, durability, and structural behavior of concrete containing RCA and, based on these results, developed guidelines on its use in infrastructure elements for the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). KW - Concrete KW - Construction and demolition waste material KW - Durability KW - Guidelines KW - Infrastructure KW - Missouri KW - Properties of materials KW - Recycled concrete aggregate KW - Sustainable development UR - http://transportation.mst.edu/media/research/transportation/documents/R312%20Final%20Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1321490 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01537441 AU - Yang, Yang AU - Sneed, Lesley H AU - Saiidi, Mehdi Saiid AU - Belarbi, Abdeldjelil AU - Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety/NUTC program AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Repair of Earthquake-Damaged Bridge Columns with Interlocking Spirals and Fractured Bars PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 212p AB - During earthquakes, reinforced concrete (RC) bridge columns may experience different levels of damage such as cracking, spalling, or crushing of concrete and yielding, buckling, or fracture of reinforcing bars. Although several repair options exist for columns with slight to moderate levels of damage, limited research has been reported in the literature for columns with fractured longitudinal reinforcing bars. A method that has shown success in restoring the strength and ductility to RC columns with fractured and/or buckled bars involves replacement of damaged longitudinal bars, reinstallation of transverse reinforcing bars, and restoring confinement using an external jacket. In some cases however, such as with seismically-designed RC columns with spiral reinforcement, it may not be possible to reinstall the internal transverse reinforcement. Thus alternative methods are needed to restore the performance of damaged RC columns with fractured bars to a desired state. The objective of this study was to develop methods to restore both the load and deformation capacity of earthquake-damaged bridge columns with interlocking spirals and buckled and/or fractured longitudinal reinforcement. The first repair method investigated was considered a permanent repair that involved replacement of the plastic hinge region by removal of spirals, replacement of longitudinal bar segments by mechanically splicing new bar segments attached with mechanical couplers, replacement of concrete, and installation of an externally bonded carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) jacket. The second method was considered an emergency repair that involved removal of damaged concrete, bonding and embedding CFRP strips for flexural reinforcement, building a jacket from a prefabricated thin CFRP laminate, and repair of the footing with CFRP fabric. The repair methods were evaluated by large-scale component tests on RC column specimens subjected to slow cyclic loading resulting in combined bending, shear, and torsion. Test results showed that the repair methods developed in this study are capable of restoring the seismic performance of the repaired columns to that of the undamaged columns in terms of lateral load and deformation capacity, as well as torsional load and twist capacity. However, both repair methods resulted in lower lateral and torsional stiffness as well as lower energy dissipation capacity; thus, the influence of the repair methods on the seismic response of bridges repaired with these methods is in need of further research. KW - Bridges KW - Carbon fibers KW - Columns KW - Cracking KW - Damage (Bridges) KW - Earthquake resistant design KW - Earthquakes KW - Fiber reinforced polymers KW - Jacketing (Strengthening) KW - Reinforced concrete KW - Reinforcing bars KW - Repairing KW - Spiral reinforcement UR - http://transportation.mst.edu/media/research/transportation/documents/R298%20Final%20Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1321488 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01537436 AU - Porterfield, Krista Beth AU - Volz, Jeffery S AU - Myers, John J AU - Sneed, Lesley AU - Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety/NUTC program AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Bond, Transfer Length, and Development Length of Prestressing Strand in Self-Consolidating Concrete PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 286p AB - Due to its economic advantages, the use of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) has increased rapidly in recent years. However, because SCC mixes typically have decreased amounts of coarse aggregate and high amounts of admixtures, industry members have expressed concerns that the bond of prestressing strand in SCC may be compromised. While the bond performance of prestressing strand in a new material such as SCC is an important topic requiring investigation, the results are only applicable if the research is completed on strands with similar bond quality as the strands used in the field. Therefore, the objectives of this research program were to investigate the transfer and development lengths of prestressing strand in SCC and also evaluate the effectiveness of two proposed bond tests in determining acceptable bond quality of strand. Transfer and development lengths of 0.5-in. diameter (12.5 mm), Grade 270 prestressing strand were evaluated using rectangular beams constructed from normal and high strength conventional concrete and SCC mixes. End slips at release and strain readings over 28 days were used to calculate transfer lengths, and development lengths were evaluated through four-point loading at varying embedment lengths. Additionally, the North American Strand Producers (NASP) bond test and Large Block Pullout Tests (LBPT) were evaluated with strand from three different sources to determine if one test could be considered more reliable at predicting acceptable bond. Results indicated that bond performance of SCC and conventional concrete were comparable, and that AASHTO and ACI equations for transfer and development length were generally conservative. The NASP bond test and LBPT were found to be equally valid, but the acceptance limits for both tests appear to require revisions. KW - Bond strength (Materials) KW - Bond tests KW - Development length (Reinforcement) KW - Prestressed concrete bridges KW - Prestressing strands KW - Pullout tests KW - Self compacting concrete KW - Transfer length UR - http://transportation.mst.edu/media/research/transportation/documents/R277%20and%20R319%20Final%20Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1321489 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01537424 AU - Khayat, Kamal H AU - Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety/NUTC program AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Acquisition of Specialized Testing Equipment for Advanced Cement-Based Materials PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 28p AB - This equipment purchase will enable the development, manufacturing, and implementation of advanced and sustainable materials for transportation infrastructure, with emphasis on concrete. The developments of “green” technologies that can lead to cost savings are of prime interest. This included projects dealing with the performance of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) in cast-in-place bridge superstructure and substructure elements, use of high volume fly ash concrete (HVFAC) in infrastructure applications, the performance of roller compacted concrete (RCC) for rigid concrete pavement for highways, rural roads, and airfield pavements, as well as the feasibility of using high contents of reclaimed asphalt pavement and reclaimed asphalt roofing shingles in flexible pavement mixtures. The common denominator of these technologies is savings of construction duration and cost and reduction in the carbon footprint of construction materials and activities. KW - High volume fly ash concrete KW - Materials tests KW - Reclaimed asphalt pavements KW - Roller compacted concrete KW - Self compacting concrete KW - Shingles KW - Testing equipment UR - http://transportation.mst.edu/media/research/transportation/documents/RE299%20Final%20Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1321497 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01537423 AU - Sneed, Lesley H AU - D’Antino, Tommaso AU - Carloni, Christian AU - Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety/NUTC program AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Experimental Investigation of FRCM/Concrete Interfacial Debonding PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 22p AB - This report presents the results of an experimental study conducted to understand the stress-transfer mechanism of fiber reinforced concrete matrix (FRCM) composites externally bonded to a concrete substrate for strengthening applications. The FRCM composite was comprised of a polyparaphenylene benzobisoxazole (PBO) fiber net and polymer-modified cement-based mortar. Direct shear tests were conducted on specimens with composite strips bonded to concrete blocks. Parameters varied were composite bonded length and bonded width. Results were analyzed to understand the effective bonded length, which can be used to establish the load-carrying capacity of the interface to design the strengthening system. The normalized load carrying-capacity was plotted against the width of the composite strip to study the width effect. Finally, strain gage measurements along the bonded length were used to investigate the stress-transfer mechanism. KW - Bonding KW - Composite materials KW - Concrete structures KW - Direct shear tests KW - Fiber reinforced concrete KW - Jacketing (Strengthening) KW - Stress transfer UR - http://transportation.mst.edu/media/research/transportation/documents/R313%20Final%20Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1321493 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01536634 AU - Breck, Andrew AU - Daddio, David AU - Deaderick, Lauren AU - Herzig, Peter AU - Lian, Scott AU - Linthicum, Alex AU - National Park Service AU - Volpe National Transportation Systems Center TI - NPS National Transit Inventory, 2013 PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 50p AB - This document summarizes key highlights from the National Park Service (NPS) 2013 National Transit Inventory, and presents data for NPS transit systems system-wide. The document discusses statistics related to ridership, business models, fleet characteristics, funding sources, and other categories. Key findings include: there were 26.9 million total passenger boardings in 2013; 64% of NPS transit systems operate under concession contracts; and 60% of NPS-owned vehicles operate on alternative fuel. The inventory will be repeated annually. KW - Alternate fuels KW - Financing KW - Fuels KW - National Park Service KW - Public transit KW - Ridership KW - Statistics KW - Vehicle fleets UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/52000/52400/52470/NPS_WASO_2014_National_Transit_Inventory.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1321299 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01536623 AU - Bucci, Gregory AU - Morton, Tom AU - Volpe National Transportation Systems Center AU - Woodward Communications AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Cell Phone Data and Travel Behavior Research: Symposium Summary Report PY - 2014/07 SP - 30p AB - This report summarizes the key themes from a symposium held on February 12, 2014, to discuss opportunities and challenges using cellular location data for national travel behavior analysis. Participants discussed the availability of cellular data and the common types of licensing agreements; applications of cellular data and how it can be leveraged; fusion of cellular data in terms of merging it with other data sources; and validation of cellular data to determine accurate and meaningful results. Particular focal points included applications and limitations of land-use models and data, and using surveys in conjunction with cellular location data to facilitate accuracy and precision. U1 - Cell Phone Data and Travel Behavior Research SymposiumFederal Highway AdministrationTransportation Research BoardWashington,DC,United States StartDate:20140212 EndDate:20140212 Sponsors:Federal Highway Administration, Transportation Research Board KW - Cellular telephones KW - Data collection KW - Data fusion KW - Location KW - Travel behavior KW - Validation UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/advancedresearch/pubs/14060/14060.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/52000/52700/52748/14060.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320972 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01535802 AU - Agrawal, Anil K AU - Liu, Huabei AU - Stewart, Jonathan AU - Wang, Hongfan AU - Han, Yuzhen AU - Imbsen, Roy AU - Abrahams, Michael AU - City College of New York AU - New York City Department of Transportation AU - New York State Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Verification/Development of Seismic Design Specifications for Downstate Zone PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 104p AB - The New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) Seismic Design Guidelines Report was updated in September 2008 by Weidlinger Associates to reflect current state-of-the-art knowledge. The NYCDOT seismic design guidelines are for use in the Downstate Zone which consists of New York City, Rockland County, Westchester County and Nassau County. New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has adopted the American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHTO) Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) Seismic Design Specifications for the Upstate Zone. The NYCDOT Seismic Design Guidelines Report (September 2008) proposed for use in the Downstate Zone has some key differences with the current AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications. The main objectives of this project has been to (1) carry out an independent assessment of the proposed NYCDOT Seismic Design Guidelines Report (September 2008) by evaluating the methodology and assumptions used in the development of the report and by critically commenting on the results of the report, (2) determine If the methodology and assumptions used are acceptable, (3) determine the effects of the NYCDOT Seismic Design Guidelines Report by developing examples of critical and essential bridges for soil types A to E showing comparisons of NYCDOT and AASHTO LRFD spectra curves (4) estimate the design and construction cost differences using NYCDOT and AASHTO LRFD Guide Specifications for the seismic design of bridges and (5) develop New York State Blue Pages to be used with both the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications and the AASHTO Guide Specifications for LRFD Seismic Bridge Design. Numerous changes in the NYCDOT seismic design guidelines have been proposed and incorporated. Recommendations for future improvement of the guideline have also been provided. KW - AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications KW - Bridge design KW - Costs KW - Earthquake resistant design KW - Guidelines KW - Methodology KW - New York (New York) KW - New York City Department of Transportation KW - Specifications UR - http://www.utrc2.org/sites/default/files/pubs/Seismic-Design-Specificiation.pdf?utm_source=10-13-15+Final+Reports&utm_campaign=07-06-14+PR-Final+Reports&utm_medium=email UR - https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/engineering/technical-services/trans-r-and-d-repository/C-09-04%20Final%20Report_7-2014.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320456 ER - TY - SER AN - 01535801 JO - Civil Engineering Studies, Illinois Center for Transportation Series PB - University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign AU - El-Gohary, Nora AU - El-Rayes, Khaled AU - Liu, Liang AU - Lv, Xuan AU - University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign AU - Illinois Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Incorporating NEPA into IDOT and MPO Planning Processes PY - 2014/07 IS - 14-017 SP - 392p AB - This report summarizes the tasks and findings of the ICT Project R27-132 Incorporating National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) into Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) planning processes, which is aimed at assisting IDOT in defining guidelines on how to integrate NEPA into the current IDOT and MPO planning processes for large-scale highway projects. The objectives of the project are to (1) provide a comprehensive review of literature of practices integrating NEPA into transportation planning processes in other states; (2) gather feedback from inter- and intra-departmental staff involved in the IDOT planning process, the MPO planning process, and the NEPA process to evaluate the existing practices of integrating NEPA into transportation planning processes for large highway projects; (3) evaluate the impact of these practices on the project development process; (4) identify (based on 1, 2, and 3 above) the key elements/practices that are needed to successfully integrate NEPA into IDOT and MPO planning processes for large-scale highway projects; (5) develop a Guidance Document on how to integrate NEPA into IDOT and MPO planning processes for large-scale highway projects; and provide recommendations on how to evaluate the integrated process. The implementation of this Guidance Document by MPOs would be voluntary. To achieve these objectives, the research team conducted seven main tasks: (1) literature review; (2) collecting project data for analysis as case studies; (3) conducting interviews for evaluating potential integration practices; (4) analyzing the results of the literature review, case studies, and expert interviews; (5) developing the proposed Integrated IDOT-MPO-NEPA Planning Process; (6) conducting interviews for evaluating the proposed integrated process; and (7) developing the Guidance Document. KW - Case studies KW - Construction projects KW - Highways KW - Illinois Department of Transportation KW - Literature reviews KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - National Environmental Policy Act KW - Project management KW - Recommendations KW - States KW - Transportation planning UR - https://apps.ict.illinois.edu/projects/getfile.asp?id=3133 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320448 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01535748 AU - National Center for Statistics and Analysis TI - Traffic Safety Facts 2012 Data: Rural/Urban Comparison PY - 2014/07 SP - 6p AB - This fact sheet contains statistics on motor vehicle fatal crashes based on data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). FARS is a census of fatal crashes within the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico (although Puerto Rico is not included in the national totals). Rural and urban boundaries are determined by the State highway departments and approved by the Federal Highway Administration. In 2012, there were 30,800 fatal crashes resulting in 33,561 fatalities. Rural areas accounted for 53 percent (16,443) of the fatal crashes and 54 percent (18,170) of the fatalities as compared to urban areas that accounted for 46 percent (14,263) of the fatal crashes and 46 percent (15,296) of the fatalities. Additionally, 94 fatal crashes resulting in 95 fatalities occurred in areas where land use was unknown. According to the 2010 rural and urban population data from the Census Bureau, 19 percent of the U.S. population lived in rural areas, however, rural fatalities accounted for 54 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2012. Additional statistics on fatal crashes in 2012 are provided in this traffic safety fact sheet. KW - Fatalities KW - Fatality Analysis Reporting System KW - Rural areas KW - Traffic crashes KW - Trend (Statistics) KW - United States KW - Urban areas UR - http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/812050.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320029 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01535728 AU - Finley, Melisa D AU - Jenkins, Jacqueline AU - McAvoy, Deborah AU - Texas A&M Transportation Institute AU - Ohio Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Evaluation of Ohio Work Zone Speed Zones Process PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 96p AB - This report describes the methodology and results of analyses performed to determine the effectiveness of Ohio Department of Transportation processes for establishing work zone speed zones. Researchers observed motorists’ speed choice upstream of and adjacent to various work zone conditions used to justify reduced speed limits in work zones. Researchers also observed speed choice upstream and within variable work zone speed zones. Based on previous research and the results of the studies documented herein, researchers made recommendations regarding appropriate speed limit reductions for shoulder activity, lane shifts, lane closures, and median crossovers. Researchers also recommended the expanded use of variable work zone speed zones. KW - Ohio KW - Recommendations KW - Speed control KW - Speed limits KW - Speed zones KW - Traffic speed KW - Variable speed limits KW - Work zone traffic control UR - http://worldcat.org/oclc/885265307/viewonline UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/52000/52400/52457/134716_FR.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1318708 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01535713 AU - Mallia, Mary Ellen AU - Simpson, Kyle AU - State University of New York, Albany AU - New York State Energy Research and Development Authority AU - New York State Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Wireless Global Positioning System Fleet Tracking System at the University at Albany PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 34p AB - This report provides an overview of the project undertaken at the University at Albany to make alternative transportation a more viable option by implementing a global positioning system (GPS) Tracking System on the University bus fleet and broadcasting the bus locations to commuters via the internet and a “smart phone” application. According to a survey administered by the University, students and faculty identified convenience as the number one barrier to taking the bus. In line with its commitment to environmental sustainability, University at Albany wished to increase mass transit ridership by making it more convenient and predictable, thus favorably impacting commuting patterns. This report details the successes and challenges of the project, focusing on lessons learned and suggestions for future projects of a similar nature. KW - Bus transit operations KW - Campus transportation KW - Global Positioning System KW - Public transit KW - Real time information KW - Ridership KW - Smartphones KW - Universities and colleges UR - https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/engineering/technical-services/trans-r-and-d-repository/C-11-12%20Final%20Report%20July%202014.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320455 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01535657 AU - Schmidt, Arthur R AU - Wang, Kexuan AU - William, Reshmina AU - University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign AU - Illinois Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Illinois Drainage Law Related to Highways and Adjacent Landowners PY - 2014/07 SP - 57p AB - The purpose of this document is to inform landowners, highway authorities, and other interested parties about general legal principles related to drainage and drainage improvements. This may allow them to recognize situations where their legal rights have been compromised or where their actions may jeopardize the legal rights of others. The scope of this document is generally limited to Illinois common and statutory drainage law. Some federal laws are discussed where they have a significant impact on drainage issues in Illinois. Likewise, a small number of case precedents from outside of Illinois are discussed where they may have an impact on drainage issues in Illinois. The scope of this document also is generally limited to drainage topics that are related in some manner to highway drainage, those that may impact highway drainage or design, or that fall under the regulatory umbrella of the Illinois Department of Transportation.   KW - Drainage KW - Highways KW - Illinois KW - Landowners KW - Laws UR - https://apps.ict.illinois.edu/projects/getfile.asp?id=3165 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320032 ER - TY - SER AN - 01535431 JO - Research Results PB - Federal Railroad Administration AU - Federal Railroad Administration TI - UIUC Concrete Tie and Fastener Field Testing at TTC PY - 2014/07 SP - 4p AB - In July 2012, the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign (UIUC) began an extensive experimental program at the Transportation Technology Center (TTC) in Pueblo, CO. The field experimentation program was part of a larger research program funded by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to improve the design and performance of concrete crossties and fastening systems. The UIUC program recorded loads, strains, and displacements of the track components under passenger consists traveling at speeds of 2–102 mph, freight consists with car weights ranging from 263,000 to 315,000 pounds, and static responses from a track loading vehicle (TLV). The results of the experiment have yielded insight into the transfer of forces between the train wheels and the rail/fastener/crosstie system and provided a means to validate a comprehensive finite element model (FEM). KW - Concrete ties KW - Design KW - Fastenings KW - Field tests KW - Finite element method KW - Live loads KW - Performance KW - Rail fasteners KW - Railroad ties KW - Strain (Mechanics) UR - http://www.fra.dot.gov/Elib/Document/3955 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1317309 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01535408 AU - Reiff, Richard AU - Transportation Technology Center, Incorporated AU - Federal Railroad Administration TI - Construction Loads Experienced by Plastic Composite Ties PY - 2014/07 SP - 58p AB - Damage to plastic composite ties during handling and track installation has been reported by a number of railroads. Results from a survey conducted to identify specific handling issues were used to develop field and laboratory tests to measure the loads plastic composite ties are subjected to during handling and installation. Results suggest ties that would otherwise pass current American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) Chapter 30 qualification tests and survive in track may fail because of the single, one-time high loads they may experience during installation or handling. For this reason, users and suppliers should critically evaluate existing tests in order to determine if additional tests that apply higher, single-event loads should be added to the screening process. A summary of peak loads is provided in this report, along with suggestions to develop impact and bending tests that simulate those peak load levels for laboratory screening tests. KW - Bending stress KW - Composite materials KW - Field tests KW - Laboratory tests KW - Loads KW - Plastics KW - Railroad construction KW - Railroad ties UR - http://www.fra.dot.gov/Elib/Document/3957 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1317307 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01535343 AU - Ritter, George W AU - Mohr, William C AU - Jeong, David Y AU - Tang, Yim A AU - Stuart, Cameron AU - EWI AU - Federal Railroad Administration TI - Rail Base Corrosion and Cracking Prevention PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 60p AB - Rail base corrosion combined with fatigue or damage can significantly reduce rail life. Studies were done to examine the relative contribution of damage, corrosion, and fatigue on rail life. The combined effects can be separated into constituent factors. Anticorrosion treatments based on surface passivation of steel have been shown to extend rail fatigue life in the presence of damage and corrosion. KW - Corrosion KW - Cracking KW - Failure KW - Preservation KW - Rail (Railroads) KW - Service life UR - http://www.fra.dot.gov/Elib/Document/3959 UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/52000/52700/52746/Rail_Base_Corrosion_Cracking_Prevention_20140731_final.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1317305 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01535341 AU - Ahmadian, Mehdi AU - Craft, Michael AU - Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg AU - Federal Railroad Administration TI - Evaluation of Wheel/Rail Contact Mechanics: Concepts Report PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 86p AB - A need exists for a new test rig design with advanced sensing technologies that will allow the railroad industry and regulatory agencies to better understand the wheel-rail contact dynamics and mechanics, especially as it pertains to high-speed rail. Both scaled and full-scale designs are being investigated. The use of scaled designs will make testing possible at much lower investment and complexity than is required for full-scale testing. However, a scaled rig eliminates the ability to directly test with fielded and standard (off-the-shelf) components. Irrespective of the scaling, the controlled laboratory environment will assist with obtaining data on the mechanics and dynamics of the creepage and creep forces within the contact ellipse under various conditions; this evaluation process is essential for better understanding the fundamentals of wheel-rail contact dynamics and more effective rail dynamics modeling. Therefore, the authors recommend developing a streamlined test rig of 1/4 to 1/5 full-scale with precise test control and sensory system that allows for accurate measurement of the wheel forces and moments that occur in conditions representative of actual field occurrences. The scaled test rig may serve as a steppingstone for future development of a full-size rig. KW - High speed rail KW - Mechanics KW - Rolling contact KW - Scale models KW - Test trains KW - Tractive forces KW - Train track dynamics UR - http://www.fra.dot.gov/Elib/Document/4004 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1317304 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01535333 AU - Ahmadian, Mehdi AU - Craft, Michael AU - Stuart, Cameron AU - Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg AU - Federal Railroad Administration TI - Multifunction LIDAR Sensors for Noncontact, Speed, and Complex Rail Dynamics PY - 2014/07//Technical Report SP - 86p AB - The results of an extensive series of tests are presented to evaluate the viability and applicability of LIDAR systems for measuring track speed, distance, and curvature in revenue service. The tests indicate that a LIDAR system can successfully provide multifunctional, noncontact measurements with a higher degree of accuracy than encoders and interurban multiple units (IMUs), at speeds ranging from 0.5 to 100 mph. The tests are conducted onboard Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)’s R4 Hy-Rail vehicle and a track geometry measurement railcar. The railcar tests involve a field-hardy, unmanned system that is successfully operated over several months and thousands of revenue service miles. The results indicate that, with further development, the LIDAR technology would be suitable for implementation in FRA’s Autonomous Track Geometry Measurement System (ATGMS) and track geometry measurement systems. Additional studies are recommended to further establish the LIDAR system’s measurement accuracy, ability to generate a foot pulse (similar to encoder’s transistor-transistor logic (TTL) signal), and potential for measuring track geometry. The LIDAR system must be tested on a trial basis as a retrofit to wheel-mounted encoders to better assess its potential for integration into track geometry cars. A plausible commercialization plan is needed to prepare the technology for revenue service and integration into FRA’s ATGMS. KW - Curvature KW - Laser radar KW - Measurement KW - Railroad tracks KW - Sensors KW - Track geometry KW - Train track dynamics KW - Velocity measurement UR - http://www.fra.dot.gov/Elib/Document/3958 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1317306 ER - TY - SER AN - 01535324 JO - Research Results PB - Federal Railroad Administration AU - Federal Railroad Administration TI - Ground Penetrating Radar Evaluation and Implementation PY - 2014/07 SP - 4p AB - Six commercial ground penetrating radar (GPR) systems were evaluated to determine the state-of-the-art of GPR technologies for railroad track substructure inspection. Phase 1 evaluated GPR ballast inspection techniques by performing testing at the Transportation Technology Center (TTC) in Pueblo, CO. The evaluation was conducted at the Facility for Accelerated Service Testing (FAST) on the High Tonnage Loop (HTL). Investigators from TTC compared the ballast fouling and layer depth outputs of different GPR systems. The outputs of the different systems were compared with one another and with other known conditions. Also, a moisture sensitivity test was performed to confirm the ability of GPR to sense relative changes in moisture. Three different proprietary methods were used to determine ballast fouling. Scattering (System 1) and dielectric dispersion methods (Systems 2–5) produced generally similar results, whereas the propagation analysis method (System 6) produced significantly different results. A number of ballast samples were also taken from trenches at various locations on the HTL at FAST, and sieve analysis was performed to define the particle size distribution of the sample. Less emphasis was eventually placed on this approach, because there were limitations to comparing discrete ballast samples with the GPR data (in terms of where the samples were taken) and relating them to the limited amount of ground truth data available. KW - Ballast (Railroads) KW - Evaluation KW - Ground penetrating radar KW - Guidelines KW - Inspection KW - Maintenance of way KW - Railroad tracks KW - State of the art UR - http://www.fra.dot.gov/Elib/Document/3956 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1317308 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01535119 AU - Konur, Dincer AU - Campbell, James AU - Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety/NUTC program AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Analysis of Carbon Emission Regulations in Supply Chains with Volatile Demand PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 18p AB - This study analyzes an inventory control problem of a company in stochastic demand environment under carbon emissions regulations. In particular, a continuous review inventory model with multiple suppliers is investigated under carbon taxing and carbon trading regulations. The authors analyze and compare the optimal (Q;R) policies with order splitting under two ordering policies: sequential ordering and sequential delivery. The effects of regulation parameters and demand variability on costs and carbon emissions are analyzed under each policy. Furthermore, single sourcing, sequential ordering, and sequential delivery will be compared in terms of costs and carbon emissions. KW - Carbon dioxide KW - Costs KW - Freight transportation KW - Greenhouse gases KW - Inventory control KW - Policy KW - Regulations KW - Supply chain management KW - Variable demand UR - http://transportation.mst.edu/media/research/transportation/documents/R358%20-%20R359%20Final%20Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320883 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01535117 AU - Maerz, Norbert AU - Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety/NUTC program AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Modelling the Subsurface Geomorphology of an Active Landslide Using LIDAR PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 15p AB - The focus of this research was twofold: 1. To determine millimeter/sub-millimeter movement within a slide body using high precision terrestrial LIDAR and artificial targets - this allows movement not apparent to the naked eye to be verified; and 2. To quickly and easily determine the depth of the shear surface using high precision terrestrial LIDAR and artificial targets - this would allow rotational measurements. To do this, 5/8” steel reinforcing rods were cut in lengths of 3, 4, and 5’. These rods were driven into the ground to various depths. 4” precision Styrofoam balls were mounted onto the rods. Using LIDAR scanning, the displacement of the styrofoam balls (in successive LIDAR scans) can be measured to within 0.9 mm. This allows the sub-millimeter displacement (objective 1) to be measured. Furthermore, when two of the Styrofoam balls are placed on a rod, not only the movement, but also the rotation of the rod, and consequently the precise movement of the ground the rod is in can be measured. Figure 1 shows a 5/8” rebar with two Styrofoam balls driven into the ground. KW - Geomorphology KW - Landslides KW - Laser radar KW - Measuring methods KW - Rockfalls UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/52000/52400/52499/R331_Final_Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320882 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01535115 AU - Maerz, Norbert AU - Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety/NUTC program AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - An Investigation of Rock Fall and Pore Water Pressure Using LIDAR in Highway 63 Rock Cuts PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 18p AB - The purpose of this research work is compare LIDAR scanning measurements of rock fall with the natural changes in groundwater level to determining the effect of water pressures (levels) on rock fall. To collect the information of rock cut volume change, the authors chose two rock cuts in highway 63, measured the rock fall, and installed and measured water pressure in piezometers. KW - Groundwater KW - Laser radar KW - Piezometers KW - Pore water pressures KW - Rock cuts KW - Rockfalls KW - Water table UR - http://transportation.mst.edu/media/research/transportation/documents/R364%20Final%20Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320884 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01534853 AU - Clark, Gene AU - Knight, David AU - National Center for Freight and Infrastructure Research and Education (CFIRE) AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Summit on the Beneficial Use of Dredged Materials: Turning a Surplus Material into a Commodity of Value PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 38p AB - Dredged material management options for commercial ports, particularly those involving permanent or long-term placement facilities, are diminishing. Many existing placement facilities serving these ports are at, or near capacity, and high costs, plus limited new site availability, make prospects for new or expanded capacity increasingly difficult. Absent new strategies for dredged material management, maintenance dredging at – and accessibility to - several major ports could be significantly impaired, with serious implications to freight movement. In the Great Lakes alone, some 175 million to 200 million tons of primarily bulk commodities – including iron ore, coal, stone, petroleum products, chemicals and grain – are moved annually on the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway system. Given the added factor that, after decades of remediation, much of the material dredged from Great Lakes harbors need no longer be managed as toxic or hazardous waste, recycling of material suitable for beneficial use has emerged as the most practical approach to sustainable dredged material management in the region. A Summit on beneficial reuse of dredged material with programmatic components including: Current technological data on the suitability of dredged material for beneficial reuse; case studies from the Great Lakes and other U.S. port ranges involving successful beneficial reuse; and relevant policy issues affecting acceptance and encouragement of beneficial reuse was held to address these issues. The target audience included port authorities, harbor commissions, coastal communities, state and local regulatory agencies, commercial shipping interests, industries served by marine transportation, dredging practitioners and other stakeholders. KW - Building materials KW - Case studies KW - Dredged materials KW - Dredging KW - Great Lakes KW - Port operations KW - Recycling KW - Waste management UR - http://www.wistrans.org/cfire/documents/FR_RI-8.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320025 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01534774 AU - Gibbons, Ronald AU - Guo, Feng AU - Medina, Alejandra AU - Terry, Travis AU - Du, Jianhe AU - Lutkevich, Paul AU - Li, Qing AU - Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Design Criteria for Adaptive Roadway Lighting PY - 2014/07 SP - 72p AB - This report provides the background and analysis used to develop criteria for the implementation of an adaptive lighting system for roadway lighting. Based on the analysis of crashes and lighting performance, a series of criteria and the associated design levels have been developed to provide an approach for light level selection and the adjustability of the light level based on the needs of the driving environment. The data, the analysis, and the developed methodology are all considered in the document. KW - Adaptive lighting KW - Crash analysis KW - Design KW - Highway safety KW - Street lighting UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/safety/14051/14051.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320000 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01534710 AU - Romo, Alicia AU - Mejia, Builes AU - Yang, C Y David AU - Volpe National Transportation Systems Center AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Utilizing Various Data Sources for Surface Transportation Human Factors Research: Workshop Summary Report, November 6-7, 2013 PY - 2014/07//Summary Report SP - 68p AB - The report summarizes a 2-day workshop held on November 6-7, 2013, to discuss data sources for surface transportation human factors research. The workshop was designed to assess the increasing number of different datasets and multiple ways of collecting data that can be used to increase understanding of human errors. Participants discussed how to resolve the controversies among different datasets and how to choose the best datasets for particular applications. Expert speakers shared their research experience of using various datasets from sources such as driving simulators, field studies and field operational tests, and naturalistic driving studies. The expert panel identified several potential research topics to address the challenges that must be overcome to integrate data from multiple sources. KW - Automatic data collection systems KW - Data files KW - Data integration KW - Data sources KW - Demonstration projects KW - Driving simulators KW - Field studies KW - Ground transportation KW - Human factors KW - Research KW - Workshops UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/advancedresearch/pubs/14077/14077.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/52000/52700/52749/14077.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1319869 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01532326 AU - Strong, Kelly AU - Valdes-Vasques, Rodolfo AU - Colorado State University, Fort Collins AU - Colorado Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - CDOT Rapid Debris Removal Research Project PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 54p AB - Highway debris represents a traffic safety problem that requires a prompt response from state or local transportation agencies. The most common practice for debris removal currently is for agency personnel to leave their vehicles and remove the debris by hand in the case of large debris (tires, lumber, freight loss, rock fall) or to sweep traveled lanes, shoulders, or intersections in the case of crashes, mechanical failure, or embankment erosion. This exposes agency workers to safety risks, especially on high-speed and/or high-volume roadways. Currently, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has no widely distributed formal guidelines for safely and effectively removing debris from the roadway. Equipment modifications and innovations have been developed that can remove debris from highways without exposing agency workers to moving traffic. Innovative equipment has been introduced to the market which allows for high-speed debris removal, such as the Gator Getter®. Through a combination of field observations, interviews with CDOT personnel, equipment manufacturers, and other state departments of transportation (DOTs), the research concluded that the Gator Getter is very effective for collecting tire treads on smooth (asphalt) pavements where operating speeds can be maintained above 45 MPH. The effectiveness of the Gator Getter decreases when operating speeds drop below 45 MPH and on rougher pavements such as shoulders or tined concrete pavements. Both the safety and effectiveness decline when the Gator Getter is used on mixed debris, scattered or longitudinal debris, and low visibility conditions. The Gator Getter should not be used on segmented pavements, bridge decks, or railroad tracks, and should not be used to collect rocks, concrete fragments, or metal objects. The Gator Getter is recommended for use in clearing tire debris from smooth asphalt roadways in locations where speeds can be maintained above 45 MPH. KW - Colorado KW - Debris removal KW - Highway maintenance KW - Maintenance equipment KW - Technological innovations KW - Traffic safety UR - http://www.coloradodot.info/programs/research/pdfs/2014/debris.pdf/at_download/file UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/52000/52400/52454/2014-9.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1317708 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01532324 AU - Osmum, Richard AU - Bui, Hoang H AU - Outcalt, Skip AU - Colorado Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Accelerated Bridge Construction Utilizing Precast Pier Caps on State Highway 69 Over Turkey Creek, Huerfano County, CO PY - 2014/07 SP - 46p AB - The purpose of this report is to document Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) techniques on IBRD (Innovative Bridge Research and Development) project 102470 for the construction of Bridge N-16-Q on State Highway 69 over Turkey Creek. The construction work was done on project FBR 069A-022, PC 15772, and was completed in July of 2011. During the course of the project, participants were able to: (1) develop a design methodology, (2) develop universal details, and (3) demonstrate how fast the bridge could be constructed using this technique. The project demonstrated faster pier erection by utilizing precast pier caps to eliminate concrete cure time from the critical path in the construction schedule. KW - Bridge construction KW - Bridge design KW - Bridge piers KW - Colorado KW - Precast concrete UR - http://www.coloradodot.info/programs/research/pdfs/2014/abc.pdf/at_download/file UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/52000/52100/52170/2014-8.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1317707 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01532317 AU - Perkins, Melody A AU - Goldbaum, Jay E AU - Colorado Department of Transportation AU - Colorado Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Years to First Rehabilitation of Superpave Hot Mix Asphalt PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 89p AB - The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) spends more than 30 percent of its annual construction and maintenance budget on pavements, so pavements need to be properly designed using an analytical process with accurate design inputs. A pavement design needs to be performed during the early phase of project development to estimate and establish the project cost. The performance life of the initial pavement design and associated rehabilitations greatly impact the life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) used to determine the most cost-effective final pavement design. Currently, due to lack of actual data, an assumption of the expected life of an asphalt pavement is often being made. Thus, a precise initial pavement life span is essential for developing a reliable forecasting model and an accurate LCCA. This study evaluated the performance of four roadway functional classes utilized by CDOT: interstates, principal arterials, minor arterials, and major collectors. Performance was evaluated with respect to smoothness, permanent deformation, fatigue cracking, transverse cracking, and longitudinal cracking. The purpose of this study was to quantify the initial design life of a roadway’s pavement prior to rehabilitation and provide specific performance information through the analysis of pavement management data and historical experience. The analyzed data may be used to estimate the initial life of a pavement which can be incorporated into the LCCA within CDOT’s mechanistic-empirical (M-E) Pavement Design Guide. It will also provide guidance to CDOT and subcontractors in determining the cost-effectiveness of different pavement designs, construction and maintenance costs. KW - Colorado KW - Deformation KW - Hot mix asphalt KW - Life cycle analysis KW - Pavement cracking KW - Pavement management systems KW - Pavement performance KW - Rehabilitation (Maintenance) KW - Service life KW - Smoothness KW - Superpave UR - http://www.coloradodot.info/programs/research/pdfs/2014/superpave.pdg/at_download/file UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/52000/52400/52455/2014-10.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1317709 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01532315 AU - Gautreau, Gavin P AU - Hanifa, Khalil I AU - Louisiana Transportation Research Center AU - Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Implementation of Slag Stabilized Blended Calcium Sulfate (BCS) in a Pavement Structure PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 133p AB - This research project was the field implementation follow up to laboratory research conducted at Louisiana Transportation Research Center (LTRC). The research met a need and benefited District 61 staff by allowing an alternative to the removal and replacement of the old, non-standard blended calcium sulfate (BCS) found on site. The researchers used the previous research to draft, finalize, approve, and implement specifications to allow for the stabilization of BCS with ground granulated blast furnace slag grade 120 (slag) on the shoulders of US 61 just south of LA 22 in Sorrento, Louisiana. Two specifications were used. The first addressed the inplace stabilization of BCS with slag. The second specification addressed a market-driven implementation of the research, specifically the applicability of Honeywell’s “fines” material treated with slag in a pugmill for use as base material. The researchers worked with Honeywell, District 61 staff, and the contractor to design a plan for the test sections. The partnership with Honeywell and its contractor, Brown Industries and their investment (financial & reputation) toward the project benefited the research. The four test sections were constructed and gained strength over time. The Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD), Dynaflect, Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP), and field cores confirmed the increase in strength over time. Stabilizing old, non-standard BCS inplace, provided a cost benefit of $15.5/s.y., which realized a saving of $55,000 for the test sections. The use of BCS within Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) as a base course material can be supplemented with the addition of a slag-stabilized BCS (inplace and pugmilled). Researchers recommend the use of slag stabilization in BCS encountered during forensic or rehabilitation operations as a cost effective way to deal with these areas of old, non-standard BCS. The design slag percentages should verified with laboratory testing and then increased slightly to account for spreading inconsistencies, and increased surface areas of old, non-standard BCS or new Honeywell “fines” material. The original 08-3GT research proved that Slag-stabilization of BCS can reduce moisture sensitivity of BCS. A secondary benefit was that the slag-BCS reaction reduced the likelihood of expansive reactions, as compared to mixing BCS with cement. The pug-mill process is a way to balance the construction moisture of the mixture to create the slag/BCS reaction without excess moisture that may cause pumping. Further refinements to the pugmill plant process are necessary to ensure consistency. This research also offered DOTD another base course alternative that addresses the “Green” philosophy and market need to dispose of BCS. The researchers recommend that care, including site selection and specific testing with onsite materials, be used in selecting sites for the application and implementation of this research. KW - Base course (Pavements) KW - Calcium sulfates KW - Dynaflect KW - Dynamic Cone Penetrometer KW - Falling weight deflectometers KW - Louisiana KW - Pavement performance KW - Pug mills KW - Slag KW - Stabilized materials KW - Test sections UR - http://www.ltrc.lsu.edu/pdf/2014/fr_516.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1317290 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01532309 AU - Gharaibeh, Nasir G AU - Narciso, Paul AU - Cha, Youngkwon AU - Oh, Jeongho AU - Menendez, Jose Rafael AU - Dessouky, Samer AU - Wimsatt, Andrew AU - Texas A&M Transportation Institute AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - A Methodology to Support the Development of 4-year Pavement Management Plan PY - 2014/07//Technical Report SP - 142p AB - A methodology for forming and prioritizing pavement maintenance and rehabilitation (M&R) projects was developed. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) can use this methodology to generate defensible and cost-effective 4-year pavement management plans (PMPs). The developed methodology was implemented in a web-based software tool for evaluation by TxDOT personnel. This tool can potentially be used in the future by TxDOT to generate 4-year PMPs for individual districts and the statewide network. Key components of this methodology are: (1) methods for grouping data collection sections into pavement management sections (potential M&R projects), (2) pavement performance prediction models, (3) methods for measuring performance benefits and life-cycle costs of alternative M&R types and projects, (4) a method for prioritizing competing M&R projects using an incremental benefits-cost analysis, and (5) analysis of the impact of funding scenarios on network condition throughout the planning period. Projects are prioritized considering multiple factors that are deemed important by TxDOT’s districts. These factors and their importance weights were identified using a web-based survey of TxDOT’s districts. The methodology was tested and validated for Bryan, Fort Worth, and Lubbock Districts. The results highlight the potential of the developed methodology to improve pavement management planning by incorporating district priorities, producing cost-effective pavement management plans, and providing insights into the impact of these plans on the network condition. KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Life cycle costing KW - Methodology KW - Pavement maintenance KW - Pavement management systems KW - Pavement performance KW - Rehabilitation (Maintenance) KW - Software KW - Texas UR - http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6683-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1317303 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01531007 AU - daSilva, Marco AU - Ngamdung, Tashi AU - Volpe National Transportation Systems Center AU - Federal Railroad Administration TI - Trespass Prevention Research Study – West Palm Beach, FL PY - 2014/07//Technical Report SP - 100p AB - The United States Department of Transportation’s (U.S. DOT) Research and Innovative Technology Administration’s John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center), under the direction of the U.S. DOT Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Office of Research and Development (R&D), conducted a Trespass Prevention Research Study (TPRS) in the city of West Palm Beach, FL. The main objective of this research was to demonstrate potential benefits, including best practices and lessons learned, of implementation and evaluation of trespass prevention strategies following FRA’s and Transport Canada’s existing trespassing prevention guidance on the rail network in West Palm Beach, FL, and all of its rights-of-way. This report documents the results of the implementation of the guidance discussed in this study. The results of the trespass prevention strategies will be analyzed to help determine areas of potential risk, develop solutions to prevent and minimize risk exposure, and implement successful countermeasures in the future. The ultimate objective of the research is to aid in the development of national recommendations or guidelines to reduce trespass-related incidents and fatalities KW - Best practices KW - Guidelines KW - Railroad safety KW - Trespassers KW - West Palm Beach (Florida) UR - http://www.fra.dot.gov/Elib/Document/3943 UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/52000/52100/52164/DOT-VNTSC-FRA-14-02.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1316998 ER - TY - SER AN - 01531005 JO - Research Results PB - Federal Railroad Administration AU - Ranney, Joyce AU - Raslear, Thomas G AU - Federal Railroad Administration TI - Update from C³RS Lessons Learned Team: Safety Culture and Trend Analysis PY - 2014/07 SP - 4p AB - The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) believes that, in addition to process and technology innovations, human-factors-based solutions can significantly contribute to improving safety in the railroad industry. To test this assumption, FRA implemented the Confidential Close Call Reporting System (C³RS) The overall evaluation is intended to provide knowledge about how C³RS can be implemented successfully, its impact on safety and safety culture, and the conditions necessary for long-term viability The demonstration site that was studied in depth successfully implemented C³RS, which positively impacted safety culture, as shown in the survey and interview data. The peer review team (PRT) implemented some corrective actions. The demonstration site learned that the process of involving senior management in reviewing and implementing corrective actions was not simple and so took action to improve it. Across sites, the railroads saw the value of analyzing trends as opposed to looking only at individual cases. Some of the railroads began using continuous improvement experts to assist with their analysis. KW - Close calls KW - Confidential incident reporting KW - Demonstration projects KW - Employees KW - Railroad safety KW - Trend (Statistics) KW - U.S. Federal Railroad Administration UR - http://www.fra.dot.gov/Elib/Document/3945 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1316996 ER - TY - SER AN - 01530998 JO - Research Results PB - Federal Railroad Administration AU - Omar, Tarek AU - Ngamdung, Tashi AU - daSilva, Marco AU - Federal Railroad Administration TI - Driver Performance on Approach to Crossbuck and STOP Sign Equipped Crossings PY - 2014/07 SP - 4p AB - In order to improve safe driving behavior at grade crossings, it is important to understand driver actions at or on approach to those areas. Thus, in order to gain a better understanding of the problem, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Office of Research and Development funded a project to study driver activities at or on approach to grade crossings. The findings are discussed in the FRA report titled Driver Behavior Analysis at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings using Field Operational Test Data—Light Vehicles (http://www.fra.dot.gov/eLib/details/L04573). The analysis presented herein is based on follow-on research related to the findings discussed in the aforementioned report. The analysis focused on studying the effect of crossbucks only and crossbucks with STOP signs on driver behavior by examining braking activity and speed profiles on approach to such crossings. The analysis was performed using recently collected data on drivers’ activities at or on approach to grade crossings from the Integrated Vehicle Based Safety Systems (IVBSS) Field Operational Test (FOT) sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The FOT included 108 participants and 16 research vehicles. Figure 1 shows a research vehicle on approach to a crossing equipped with crossbucks. The analysis of driver behavior (speed profile and braking activities) on approach to highway-rail grade crossings reveals that speed reductions are much greater and occur sooner at crossings equipped with STOP signs than at crossings equipped with crossbucks only. Older drivers tend to approach crossings more slowly and slow down more than younger and middle-aged drivers. There were no noticeable gender differences. The analysis of braking activities reveals that almost 100 percent of drivers applied brakes on approach to crossings equipped with STOP signs compared with 56 percent at crossings equipped with crossbucks. Male and middle-aged drivers applied brakes slightly more often than their counterparts on approach to crossings equipped with crossbucks. No clear gender or age-group differences were observed on approach to crossings equipped with STOP signs. KW - Age KW - Braking KW - Crossbucks KW - Demonstration projects KW - Driver performance KW - Railroad grade crossings KW - Railroad safety KW - Speed KW - Stop signs KW - U.S. Federal Railroad Administration UR - http://www.fra.dot.gov/Elib/Document/3944 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1316997 ER - TY - SER AN - 01530997 JO - Research Results PB - Federal Railroad Administration AU - Ranney, Joyce AU - Raslear, Thomas G AU - Federal Railroad Administration TI - Update from C³RS Lessons Learned Team: Four Demonstration Pilots PY - 2014/07 SP - 4p AB - The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) believes that, in addition to process and technology innovations, human-factors-based solutions can significantly contribute to improving safety in the railroad industry. To test this assumption, FRA implemented the Confidential Close Call Reporting System (C3 RS), which includes the following: Confidential reporting; Root-cause analysis problem solving by a Peer Review Team (PRT) comprising labor, management, and FRA representatives; Implementation and review of corrective actions, some locally and others with the help of a Support Team made up of senior managers; Tracking the results of change; and Reporting the results of change to employees. Demonstration pilot sites are currently at Union Pacific Railroad (UP), Canadian Pacific Railway (CP), New Jersey Transit (NJT), and Amtrak. FRA is sponsoring a rigorous evaluation of C³RS functioning with regard to three important aspects: 1. What conditions are necessary to implement C³RS successfully? 2. What is the impact of C³RS on safety and safety culture? 3. What factors help to sustain C³RS over time? The evaluation is organized into baseline, midterm, and follow-up time periods at each site. Two sets of findings are presented here. The first set consists of baseline findings at one demonstration site (Site A), using the following data sources: (1) interviews with workers, managers, and other stakeholders and (2) other project documents, such as meeting notes and newsletters. The second set consists of findings across all demonstration sites and is based on interviews from all sites. KW - Amtrak KW - Canadian Pacific Railway Company KW - Confidential incident reporting KW - Demonstration projects KW - Employees KW - New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJ Transit) KW - Railroad safety KW - U.S. Federal Railroad Administration KW - Union Pacific Railroad UR - http://www.fra.dot.gov/Elib/Document/3946 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1316995 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01530994 AU - Akhtar, Muhammad AU - Koch, Kevin AU - Wiley, Roy AU - Davis, David AU - Transportation Technology Center, Incorporated AU - Federal Railroad Administration TI - Load Environment of Rail Joint Bars – Phase II, Joint Bar Service Environment and Fatigue Analysis PY - 2014/07 SP - 38p AB - Detailed analysis of measured bending strains shows that the foundation deflections have the most significant effect on the magnitude of strains. All other factors, such as track type, track geometry, and fastening systems, have a less significant effect on strain levels. Fatigue analysis of the current and proposed candidate materials indicate that most joint bars may have a significantly longer fatigue life. The joint bar fatigue failures seen in service are likely from surface material discontinuities created as a result of manufacturing processes and mechanical notches induced during handling. Another factor that potentially affects the fatigue life is deteriorated foundations under rail joints. Significant residual stresses exist in as-manufactured joint bars. These stresses may affect the joint bar failures in negative or positive ways depending on the nature of service-induced stresses at a particular location. Instead of increasing the size of joint bars, managing residual stress appears to be an economical option to increase the strength of joint bars. KW - Bending stress KW - Fatigue strength KW - Rail joints KW - Residual stress KW - Strain (Mechanics) UR - http://www.fra.dot.gov/Elib/Document/3952 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1316994 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01530993 AU - Gabree, Scott H AU - daSilva, Marco AU - Volpe National Transportation Systems Center AU - Federal Railroad Administration TI - Effect of an Active Another Train Coming Warning System on Pedestrian Behavior at a Highway-Rail Grade Crossing PY - 2014/07 SP - 33p AB - The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) was interested in evaluating a type of grade crossing safety enhancement which alerts pedestrians at the crossing to the presence of a second train. The system chosen for this analysis, known as an Another Train Coming Warning System (ATCWS), consists of signage and an accompanying aural alert which is activated by the presence of multiple trains during gate activation. The ATCWS was installed at a crossing in Garfield, NJ, to assess the impacts of such a warning system on pedestrian behaviors during gate activations with multiple trains. Pedestrian violations were therefore tracked before and after the installation of the ATCWS. No difference was found in the number of violators during a second train activation before and after the installation of the ATCWS. However, small sample sizes and extreme weather during the data collection period indicate that further testing is necessary before strong conclusions about the effects of an ATCWS can be reached. KW - At grade intersections KW - Audible pedestrian signals KW - Garfield, NJ KW - Grade crossing protection systems KW - Pedestrian safety KW - Railroad safety KW - Second train warning KW - Warning signs UR - http://www.fra.dot.gov/Elib/Document/3942 UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/52000/52100/52165/DOT-VNTSC-FRA-13-06.pdf?utm_source=GovDelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=july%20newsletter UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1316999 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01530909 AU - West, Randy C AU - Willis, J Richard AU - National Center for Asphalt Technology AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Case Studies on Successful Utilization of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement and Recycled Asphalt Shingles in Asphalt Pavements PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 36p AB - Over the past decade, the rapid cost escalation of raw materials used in highway construction has affected the ability of highway and road agencies to maintain their existing pavement system. A common strategy among many highway agencies to offset rising materials costs is to utilize more recycled materials in pavements, particularly Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) and Recycled Asphalt Shingles (RAS). Effective utilization of these and other recycled materials in pavements is also consistent with the desire to use more sustainable construction practices in the transportation infrastructure. This report describes the development of specifications and practices of a few state highway agencies that have successfully used RAP and RAS. With regard to RAP usage, the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT's) and the Ohio Department of Transportation’s (Ohio DOT's) programs are highlighted. In Florida, over 75% of all mixes produced for DOT projects contain RAP, with an average RAP content of 22%. The FDOT has found RAP mixes to perform very well. The Ohio DOT also has a long history of recycling asphalt. Like most states, Ohio allows higher RAP contents in lower pavement layers, but allows 5% more RAP when a contractor meets additional processing requirements. Missouri and Texas are leading states in the development of specifications and practices for asphalt mixes containing RAS. Missouri Department of Transportation's (MoDOT’s) effort led to the use of finer grind RAS. Texas and Missouri were among the first states to allow post-consumer RAS in asphalt mixes. Texas has also developed stringent deleterious materials requirements for RAS. KW - Asphalt pavements KW - Case studies KW - Florida Department of Transportation KW - Missouri Department of Transportation KW - Ohio Department of Transportation KW - Reclaimed asphalt pavements KW - Recycled materials KW - Shingles KW - Specifications KW - State departments of transportation KW - Texas Department of Transportation UR - http://www.ncat.us/files/reports/2014/rep14-06.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1316032 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01530873 AU - Godavarthy, Ranjit AU - Mattson, Jeremy AU - Ndembe, Elvis AU - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute AU - National Center for Transit Research AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Cost-Benefit Analysis of Rural and Small Urban Transit PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 77p AB - Transit systems in rural and small urban areas are often viewed as valuable community assets due to the increased mobility they provide to those without other means of travel. The value of those services, however, has been largely unmeasured, and there are often impacts that go unidentified. Benefits to the public transit user include lower-cost trips, new trips that are made, and relocation avoidance. The alternative means of travel for transit users, which may involve purchasing an automobile or paying for a taxi ride, are often more expensive. Many studies have documented the benefits of urban transit systems by benefit-cost analysis. However, there are fewer studies examining the benefits of transit in small urban and rural transit systems where there is a great need for transit among the public and especially among transportation-disadvantaged individuals. This study focuses on the qualitative and quantitative benefits of small urban and rural public transit systems in the United States. First, a thorough review of previous literature is presented. Then, a framework is developed which focuses on three main areas of transit benefits most relevant to rural and small urban areas: transportation cost savings, low-cost mobility benefits, and economic development impacts. Data for small urban and rural transits systems from the National Transit Database (NTD) and Rural NTD were used for calibrating the transit benefits and costs. The benefits, costs, and benefit-cost analysis results of small urban and rural transit for this study are presented nationally, regionally (Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regions), and locally (statewide). Sensitivity analysis was also conducted to illustrate how the national transit benefits and benefit-cost ratios vary with changes in key variables. With estimated benefit-cost ratios greater than 1, the results show that the benefits provided by transit services in rural and small urban areas are greater than the costs of providing those services. KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Economic development KW - Literature reviews KW - Mobility KW - Public transit KW - Rural transit KW - Savings KW - Sensitivity analysis KW - Transportation disadvantaged persons KW - Urban transit UR - http://www.nctr.usf.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/77060-NCTR-NDSU03.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1314850 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01530868 AU - DeVries, Lyle AU - Hersey, Steven AU - Tesfaye, Alazar AU - Reeves, David AU - Felsburg Holt & Ullevig AU - Colorado Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Full Closure Strategic Analysis PY - 2014/07//Final Report SP - 73p AB - The full closure strategic analysis was conducted to create a decision process whereby full roadway closures for construction and maintenance activities can be evaluated and approved or denied by Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Traffic personnel. This study reviewed current full closure practices in Colorado and throughout the country, gathered stakeholder input, and employed an iterative development process to reach a systematic decision tool that can be applied to judging the merits of full closure scenarios. A number of case studies were created to more fully understand the methodology and adjust the tool to best match real-world scenarios. Project deliverables include a technical report and a series of electronic forms that can be used by CDOT to work through the process. Currently, CDOT Staff considers full closure opportunities on a case-by-case basis, applying engineering judgment and various factors to weigh the decision. This analysis provides a uniform decision process that CDOT Staff can use to efficiently and effectively evaluate and approve full closures. Use of the decision tool is anticipated to broaden the consideration and use of full closures for highway work and ensure that they are successfully implemented. KW - Case studies KW - Colorado KW - Colorado Department of Transportation KW - Decision support systems KW - Highway maintenance KW - Highway traffic control KW - Lane closure KW - Stakeholders UR - http://www.coloradodot.info/programs/research/pdfs/2014/closures.pdf/at_download/file UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/52000/52100/52147/2014-7.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1315567 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01577840 TI - Climate Change Adaption Scan AB - This project will cover Gulf Coast Study Phase II. KW - Air quality management KW - Climate change KW - Environmental impacts KW - Greenhouse gases KW - Gulf Coast (United States) UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1371003 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01541486 AU - Winkelbauer, Bradley J AU - Putjenter, Joseph G AU - Rosenbaugh, Scott K AU - Lechtenberg, Karla A AU - Bielenberg, Robert W AU - Faller, Ronald K AU - Reid, John D AU - University of Nebraska, Lincoln AU - Nebraska Department of Roads AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Dynamic Evaluation of MGS Stiffness Transition with Curb PY - 2014/06/30/Final Report SP - 294p AB - A W-beam to thrie beam stiffness transition with a 4-in. (102-mm) tall concrete curb was developed to connect the 31-in. (787-mm) Midwest Guardrail System (MGS) to a previously-approved thrie beam approach guardrail bridge transition system. This stiffness transition was configured with standard steel posts that are commonly used by several State Departments of Transportation. The toe of a 4-in. (102-mm) tall sloped concrete curb was placed flush with the backside face of the guardrail and extended the length of the transition region. Three full-scale crash tests were conducted according to the Test Level 3 (TL-3) safety standards provided in American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' (AASHTO’s) Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH). During the first test, MASH test no. 3-20, the 1100C small car extended and wedged under the rail and contacted posts while traversing the curb. Subsequently, the W-beam rail ruptured at a splice location. A repeat of MASH test no. 3-20 was performed on an updated design which used a 12-ft 6-in. (3.81-m) long, nested W-beam rail segment upstream from the W-beam to thrie beam transition element. The 1100C small car was successfully contained and redirected. During MASH test no. 3-21, a 2270P pickup truck was successfully contained and redirected. Following the crash testing program, the system was deemed acceptable according to the Test Level 3 (TL-3) safety performance criteria specified in MASH. KW - AASHTO Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware KW - Curbs KW - Guardrails KW - Highway safety KW - Impact tests KW - Midwest Guardrail System KW - Stiffness KW - Thrie beams UR - http://www.transportation.nebraska.gov/mat-n-tests/pdfs-docs/ARLinks/TRP-03-291-14.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1326375 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01538116 AU - Stewart, Barry R AU - Bradford, T J AU - Mississippi State University, Mississippi State AU - Mississippi Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Evaluation of Short Statured Species for Rapid Establishment on Mississippi Roadsides PY - 2014/06/30/Final Report SP - 68p AB - In an attempt to combat the issue of nonpoint source (NPS) pollution, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has started to enforce different areas of the Clean Water Act of 1972 by requiring construction sites to have 70% vegetative cover in 30 days. The main goal of this research is to identify mixes of warm and cool‐season plants that establish quickly. A secondary objective is to identify those species that provide good quality and dense cover that will require minimal maintenance while stabilizing disturbed soils.  One question that must be answered is 30 days from planting or first significant rainfall.  Among warm season species bermudagrass and bahiagrass were found to establish well but failed to reach 70% cover in 30 days. Among cool season species turf type tall fescue was one perennial species that established well but not rapidly enough, its height remained less than 100 mm for much of the growing season and never exceeded 100 cm. Oil seed radish showed great promise as a year round nurse crop that established quickly. Sods of hybrid bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, and centipedegrass all provided instant cover that has lasted more than 2 years. KW - Evaluation KW - Grasses KW - Ground cover KW - Landscape maintenance KW - Mississippi KW - Roadside flora KW - Soil stabilization KW - Vegetation UR - http://mdot.ms.gov/documents/research/Reports/Interim%20and%20Final%20Reports/State%20Study%20234%20-%20Evaluation%20of%20Short%20Statured%20Species%20for%20Rapid%20Establishment%20on%20Mississippi%20Roadsides.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1322300 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01537443 AU - Chen, Genda AU - Bao, Yi AU - Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety/NUTC program AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Development of Bridge Girder Movement Criteria for Accelerated Bridge Construction PY - 2014/06/30/Final Report SP - 101p AB - End diaphragms connect multiple girders to form a bridge superstructure system for effective resistance to earthquake loads. Concrete girder bridges that include end diaphragms consistently proved to perform well during previous earthquake events. However, whether concrete bridges without end diaphragms are definitively inadequate in seismic performance is yet to be answered. The 2010 Chile Earthquake indicated that properly designed bridge girders and their lateral movement stoppers (shear keys) may perform equally well with those with end diaphragms. In this report, a feasibility study on the design of girder bridges without end diaphragms is presented. This study is particularly significant in the context of accelerated bridge construction since concrete diaphragms are often cast in place and eliminating them can save field erection time and cost. The key to make the no-diaphragm concept work is to understand how multiple girders can work together during a transverse earthquake excitation without breaking the girders and bridge deck. Specifically, a three-dimensional finite element model of a representative concrete girder bridge with and without end diaphragms is established and analyzed to understand the effects of various design parameters (e.g. diaphragm height, diaphragm thickness, the coefficient of friction between girders and their supporting elements, the number and size of shear keys) on transverse girder movement capacity. Numerical results indicate that properly designed end diaphragms can increase the transverse capacity of a bridge by making individual girders work together but can be substituted by shear keys placed between the strengthened girders. In doing so, both transverse capacity and stiffness of the bridge superstructure can be significantly increased. Shear keys are more reliable than the friction mechanism. In particular, movable shear keys are more effective in distributing loads among multiple girders. KW - Bridge construction KW - Bridge design KW - Bridge superstructures KW - Diaphragms (Engineering) KW - Earthquake resistant design KW - End diaphragms KW - Finite element method KW - Girder bridges KW - Mathematical models KW - Shear keys UR - http://transportation.mst.edu/media/research/transportation/documents/R316%20Final%20Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1321492 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01535795 AU - Bartlett, Joseph AU - Bowden, William B AU - University of Vermont, Burlington AU - UVM Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Impacts of Transportation Infrastructure on Stormwater and Surfaces Waters in Chittenden County, Vermont, USA PY - 2014/06/30 SP - 30p AB - Transportation infrastructure is a major source of stormwater runoff that can alter hydrology and contribute significant loading of nutrients, sediment, and other pollutants to surface waters. These increased loads can contribute to impairment of streams in developed areas and ultimately to Lake Champlain. In this study the authors selected six watersheds that represent a range of road types (gravel and paved) and road densities (rural, suburban, and urban) present in Chittenden County, one of the most developed areas in Vermont. The location and density of road networks were characterized and quantified for each watershed using geographic information system (GIS) analysis. Monitoring stations in each watershed were constructed and instrumented to measure discharge and water quality parameters continuously from spring through early winter. Storm event composite samples and monthly water chemistry grab samples were collected and analyzed for total nutrients, chloride, and total suspended sediments. Results from this study show that road type and road density are closely linked with the level of impairment in each watershed. Total phosphorus and total nitrogen from storm event composite samples and monthly grab samples significantly increased along a gradient of increasing road network density. Chloride concentrations increased several orders of magnitude along this same gradient. With the exception of Alder brook where total suspended sediment (TSS) concentrations tended to be high, there were no significant differences in TSS concentrations between rural and developed watersheds. The event TSS concentrations in the rural streams were slightly higher than expected and the event and base TSS concentrations in the developed streams were somewhat lower than expected, suggesting that the unpaved roads in the rural watersheds might contribute to stormwater runoff loads and that sediment control, at least, in the developed watersheds might be fairly effective. The overall results from this study show that local roads are a significant source of impairment for streams in the Chittenden County area. Most of these roads are municipal roads that are not under management of the Vermont Agency of Transportation. Thus, local actions will be necessary to control runoff from these roads. KW - Chittenden County (Vermont) KW - Chlorides KW - Nitrogen KW - Phosphorus KW - Roads KW - Runoff KW - Streams KW - Surface course (Pavements) KW - Suspended sediments KW - Water quality KW - Watersheds UR - http://transctr.w3.uvm.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/UVM-TRC-14-013.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1319592 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01535711 AU - Kolodinsky, Jane AU - Lee, Brian H Y AU - Johnson, Rachel AU - Roche, Erin AU - Battista, Geoffrey AU - UVM Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Estimating the Effect of Mobility and Food Choice on Obesity PY - 2014/06/30 SP - 17p AB - Obesity in the United States is a complex, multi-dimensional problem that requires a variety of possible solutions ranging from changes in individual behaviors related to food and physical activity, changes in the food and built environment, and changes in public policy. The literature reveals a wide variety of studies ranging from the fields of medicine and nutrition to economics and public policy. Methods vary across studies, as do measurements of relevant variables. However, the literature lacks models where food choice, mobility, and obesity are simultaneously incorporated in the context of a rural environment. This report contributes to the literature by employing a social-ecological model to estimate obesity on a regional scale. The model simultaneously assesses individual relationships with food choice, active mobility, and motorized mobility amid the characteristics of their built environment. KW - Food KW - Literature reviews KW - Mobility KW - Obesity KW - Rural areas KW - United States UR - http://transctr.w3.uvm.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/UVM-TRC-14-015.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1319594 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01535665 AU - Holmén, Britt A AU - UVM Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Evaluation of Transportation/Air Quality Model Improvements Based on TOTEMS On-road Driving Style and Tailpipe Emissions Data PY - 2014/06/30 SP - 41p AB - This final report summarizes two different efforts to model the real-world vehicle activity and tailpipe emissions data collected by the University of Vermont Transportation Air Quality Laboratory for two model year 2010 Toyota Camry vehicles during on-road driving in Chittenden County, Vermont. The report includes two manuscripts that were presented at the annual Transportation Research Board meetings in Washington, DC in January 2013 and January 2014: "Comparative Analysis of the EPA Operating Mode Generator with Real World Operating Mode Data" and "Calibrating a Traffic Microsimulation Model to Real-World Operating Mode Distributions" both authored by Robert Chamberlin, Britt A Holmén, Eric Talbot, and Karen Sentoff. KW - Air quality KW - Chittenden County (Vermont) KW - Driving KW - Exhaust gases KW - Microsimulation KW - Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator (MOVES) KW - Pollutants KW - Total On-Board Tailpipe Emissions Measurement System (TOTEMS) KW - Vehicle operations UR - http://www.uvm.edu/~transctr/research/trc_reports/UVM-TRC-14-012.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1319591 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01535654 AU - Belz, Nathan P AU - Aultman-Hall, Lisa AU - University of Vermont, Burlington AU - UVM Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Implementation, Driver Behavior, and Simulation: Issues Related to Roundabouts in Northern New England PY - 2014/06/30 SP - 34p AB - Roundabouts are an emerging type of intersection design and a relatively new addition to the transportation system in the United States. This imposes two traffic engineering and research related issues. First, data and research on traffic operations and driver behavior at roundabouts are limited. Although beginning to expand in recent years, the knowledge of roundabout operations has been primarily based on data collected abroad where roundabouts are more common. Moreover, capacity and operational models are inadequate since they are derived primarily from concepts of existing stop-controlled and signalized intersections. Second, some motorists are not as accustomed to the new driving patterns associated with a roundabout. This affects traffic operations, especially at newly constructed roundabouts, but can also impact public acceptance of roundabouts which may result in part from the lack of exposure and driver confusion. The research presented here can be organized into three main objectives that center on: 1) better understanding the difficulty of obtaining public approval of roundabouts in the northeastern region of the United States; 2) developing a more comprehensive typology of driving behavior and actual driver maneuvers at roundabouts based on real world data; and 3) advancing the simulation modeling of roundabouts by incorporating driver behavior that is not currently represented in existing traffic simulation models. KW - Behavior KW - Drivers KW - Implementation KW - New England KW - Public opinion KW - Roundabouts KW - Traffic simulation KW - United States UR - http://transctr.w3.uvm.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/UVM-TRC-14-003.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55200/55282/UVM-TRC-14-003.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1319590 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01531525 AU - Holmén, Britt A AU - Robinson, Mitchell AU - Conger, Matthew AU - Sentoff, Karen AU - University of Vermont, Burlington AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Light-Duty Gasoline Hybrid-Electric and Conventional Vehicle Tailpipe Emissions Under Real-World Operating Conditions PY - 2014/06/30 SP - 107p AB - This report summarizes the development of an on-board tailpipe emissions measurement system developed to compare the emissions and performance of two Toyota Camry model year 2010 gasoline-powered light-duty vehicles during real-world driving in Chittenden County, Vermont over multiple seasons. One vehicle, denoted as the “conventional vehicle” or CV, had a regular transmission and drivetrain powered solely by a 4-stroke gasoline internal combustion engine (ICE). The second Camry vehicle, denoted as the “hybrid-electric vehicle” or HEV, was powered by the traditional ICE in addition to the Toyota Synergy DriveR hybrid platform. To the authors' knowledge the study is the first to compare the emissions and performance of a HEV to its conventional counterpart of the same manufacturer and model design. Thus, the emissions and performance results of this study are important to evaluating the real world, in-use benefits of this HEV technology. Gas-phase and particle number emissions as well as fuel economy performance results are presented here by vehicle specific power (VSP) and Motor Vehicle Emissions Simulator (MOVES) operating model classification schemes to enable comparison to other studies. KW - Emissions testing KW - Fuel consumption KW - Gasoline engines KW - Hybrid vehicles KW - Internal combustion engines KW - Measurement KW - Pollutants KW - Vermont UR - http://www.uvm.edu/~transctr/research/trc_reports/UVM-TRC-14-007.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1317069 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01531522 AU - Holmén, Britt A AU - Feralio, Tyler AU - Dunshee, James AU - Sentoff, Karen AU - University of Vermont, Burlington AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Tailpipe Emissions and Engine Performance of a Light-Duty Diesel Engine Operating on Petro- and Bio-diesel Fuel Blends PY - 2014/06/30 SP - 93p AB - This report summarizes the experimental apparatus developed in the Transportation Air Quality Laboratory (TAQ Lab) at the University of Vermont to compare light-duty diesel engine performance and exhaust emissions when operating on petroleum diesel (henceforth referred to as petrodiesel) and biodiesel fuel blends. This work was conducted between July 2008, when the Armfield, Ltd. Light-Duty Diesel (LDD) Engine Dynamometer Test System (Model CM-12) was received, and June 2013. The engine housed in the CM-12 unit is a Volkswagen (VW) SDi 1.9 liter industrial engine, similar to those used in on-road vehicles similar to the VW Jetta or Golf, but without a turbocharger or exhaust aftertreatment. The objective of the research was to evaluate how the alternative fuel, biodiesel, would affect emissions and engine performance (fuel economy and torque) relative to the baseline petrodiesel. In this preliminary report, the experimental apparatus is described in detail and emissions results are presented for a series of steady-state tests with petrodiesel and soybean biodiesel blends. KW - Biodiesel fuels KW - Diesel engines KW - Diesel fuels KW - Emissions testing KW - Engine performance KW - Pollutants KW - Testing equipment UR - http://www.uvm.edu/~transctr/research/trc_reports/UVM-TRC-14-008.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1317070 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01531515 AU - Holmén, Britt A AU - Kasumba, John AU - Cannata, Philip AU - University of Vermont, Burlington AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Quantifying Biodiesel Fuel Effects on Light-Duty Diesel Engine Particle Composition by GCMS PY - 2014/06/30 SP - 66p AB - This report addresses a knowledge gap in the literature on the organic chemical composition of particulate matter (PM) emitted by light-duty diesel engines operating on biodiesel fuel. Specifically, this work summarizes the development of sampling and analytical protocols to quantify a series of target analytes in PM collected from laboratory engine dynamometer experiments. The target analytes include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), normal alkanes, fatty acid methyl esters (FAMES) and 26 polar organic compounds (POCs) that include carbonyl, aldehyde and quinone chemical classes. The target analytes were selected based on the availability of authentic chemical standards and prior research on petroleum diesel exhaust composition. Preliminary results are presented for analyses of a limited number of raw fuel and exhaust particulate matter samples collected during steady-state engine operation. The analytical method is evaluated in terms of variability among replicate analyses, blank quantitation and individual target analyte recoveries and detection limits. KW - Biodiesel fuels KW - Chemical composition KW - Diesel engine exhaust gases KW - Diesel engines KW - Dynamometers KW - Esters KW - Gas chromatography KW - Hydrocarbons KW - Mass spectrometry KW - Organic compounds KW - Particulates KW - Pollutants UR - http://www.uvm.edu/~transctr/research/trc_reports/UVM-TRC-14-009.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1317071 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01531510 AU - Watts, Richard AU - Battista, Geoff AU - University of Vermont, Burlington AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Reducing Single-Occupancy Vehicle Use in Northern New England; Unlimited Access, Employee Incentives and Ridesharing PY - 2014/06/30 SP - 21p AB - This report focuses on the approaches used by organizations promoting sustainable transportation to reduce single-occupancy vehicle use. Transportation contributes about one-third of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the U.S. and personal automobile use is the leading contributor. For example, in the journey to work, about 84% of trips in the U.S. are in automobiles, and 74% of the trips are individuals driving alone. In this research, the authors identified 120 organizations promoting sustainable transportation in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Participants were defined as organizations involved in sustainable transportation policy, through either having a registered lobbyist, appearing in the news media as an advocate for a policy position, having testified in the Legislature, or presenting plans that promote policies related to sustainable transportation. The organizations also had to be officially incorporated as a nonprofit, business or government agency and have an office in one of the three states. The authors asked each organization to identify successes in reducing single-occupancy vehicle use and in promoting sustainable transportation policies and programs (e.g., walking, biking, public transit). Thirty-five of those organizations responded, and the responses were parsed to identify organizational focus on reducing driving behavior. In this report survey results are presented focusing on the three most frequently mentioned programs/policies to reduce single-occupancy vehicle use—unlimited access programs, employee benefit programs and ridesharing. KW - Employee benefits KW - Free fares KW - New England KW - Organizations KW - Public transit KW - Ridesharing KW - Single occupant vehicles KW - Surveys KW - Sustainable transportation UR - http://www.uvm.edu/~transctr/research/trc_reports/UVM-TRC-13-010.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1317068 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01577464 TI - Transportation System Performance Measurement Using Existing Loop Infrastructure (102-FH2-005) SBIR Phase II AB - Phase II: Utilize loop amplifier electronics to analyze duration of pulses from existing inductive loops at a higher frequency to identify unique vehicles and facilitate identification and reidentification of these vehicles as sample probes passing over sequential inductive loop sensors. KW - Amplifiers KW - Loops (Control systems) KW - Performance measurement KW - Probe vehicles KW - Pulse duration modulation KW - Sensors KW - Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1370726 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01543179 AU - Fisher, Frances AU - Richardson, Heather AU - Yowell, Ryan AU - Grace, Nathan AU - Merrifield, Clark AU - Volpe National Transportation Systems Center AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - National Park Service TI - Glacier National Park Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor Management Plan - Existing Conditions of the Transportation System PY - 2014/06/27/Final Report SP - 92p AB - The Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTSR) Corridor has been undergoing major shifts in use due to ongoing construction, implementation of a shuttle system, and changes in visitor use patterns. Glacier National Park (GLAC) is developing the GTSR Transportation and Visitor Use Corridor Management Plan to deal with these changes and their impacts on the park's resources. This report compiles available data and reviews the existing conditions of the road to document and quantify identified issues and provide a baseline for thinking about alternative management strategies as part of the corridor management plan. Initial recommendations and gaps identified in the data are documented in Appendices A and B, respectively. KW - Glacier National Park KW - Going-to-the-Sun Road (Glacier National Park) KW - Highway corridors KW - Parking KW - Shuttle service KW - Strategic planning KW - Traffic congestion KW - Transportation management plans KW - Visitor transportation systems UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/52000/52800/52811/DOT-VNTSC-NPS-14-07.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1329312 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01541438 AU - Wright, James AU - Garrett, J Kyle AU - Hill, Christopher J AU - Krueger, Gregory D AU - Evans, Julie H AU - Andrews, Scott AU - Wilson, Christopher K AU - Rajbhandari, Rajat AU - Burkhard, Brian AU - American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Transport Canada TI - National Connected Vehicle Field Infrastructure Footprint Analysis PY - 2014/06/27/Final Report SP - 235p AB - The fundamental premise of the connected vehicle initiative is that enabling wireless connectivity among vehicles, the infrastructure, and mobile devices will bring about transformative changes in safety, mobility, and the environmental impacts in the transportation system. Key federal policy decisions relating to connected vehicle safety needs are currently moving forward. In particular, the work of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to consider a rulemaking for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications in light vehicles has received significant national attention. While the future actions of NHTSA and the state and local transportation agencies are independent, and the NHTSA decision will not require agencies to deploy any connected vehicle infrastructure, it is important for the state and local agencies to understand what this action will mean to them, what they need to know to prepare for an emerging connected vehicle environment, and what investments may need to be made to leverage a nationwide fleet of equipped vehicles in support of their own policy and operational objectives. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), with the support of United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Transport Canada, has undertaken a Connected Vehicle Field Infrastructure Footprint Analysis to provide supporting information to agency decision-makers. AASHTO’s work in this analysis has been performed through its Connected Vehicle Deployment Coalition, a group comprising representatives from a number of state and local transportation agencies, and the findings and recommendations in this report represent the opinions of this AASHTO community. In addition, the development of connected vehicle deployment scenarios engaged a broader group of state and local agency participants. This Final Report consists of a vision for a national footprint; a description of the background for and current research on connected vehicle deployments; a set of assumptions underlying the infrastructure footprint analysis; the applications analysis; the deployment concepts, the preliminary national footprint, including the value proposition, deployment objectives, context, scenarios, and experience to date; and a preliminary deployment and operations cost estimation. KW - Cost estimating KW - Implementation KW - Infrastructure KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Mobile communication systems KW - Recommendations KW - U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/52000/52600/52602/FHWA-JPO-14-125_v2.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1326327 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01535990 AU - Osei-Asamoah, Abigail AU - Jackson, Eric AU - University of Connecticut, Storrs AU - Connecticut Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Development of the ConnDOT Horizontal Curve Classification Software PY - 2014/06/27/Final Report SP - 40p AB - The Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) is a national, highway information system that requires states to collect and submit data on the extent, condition, performance, use, and operating characteristics of the nation's highways. HPMS requirements include limited data on all public roads, with more detailed data for sample sections of the arterial and collector functional classes. One of the field inventory reviews that many states have a difficult time reporting efficiently is the required horizontal curve classification for each HPMS section. Connecticut has more than 2000 HPMS sites making manual updates to these sections very difficult and time consuming. Automated methods to create a batch reporting process could save significant time and effort while increasing the accuracy with which data are reported to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Connecticut is fortunate in that the department of transportation performs an annual photolog survey of all state roads and conducts supplemental data collection runs for HPMS sections. This report details the creation of an automated curve classification software kit to generate grade and horizontal curve classification files for HPMS reporting. KW - Automation KW - Connecticut KW - Connecticut Department of Transportation KW - Data collection KW - Highway curves KW - Highway grades KW - Highway Performance Monitoring System KW - Horizontal curvature KW - Photologging UR - http://www.ct.gov/dot/lib/dot/documents/dresearch/CT-2285-F-14-3_Published_Final_Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320982 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01577881 TI - 2014-142 (RwD) Proven Countermeasures Implementation - Delineation & Friction Treatment at Curves AB - No summary provided. KW - Countermeasures KW - Friction KW - Highway curves KW - Highway safety KW - Implementation KW - Surface treating UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1371186 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01541461 AU - Gutierrez, David A AU - Bielenberg, Robert W AU - Faller, Ronald K AU - Reid, John D AU - Lechtenberg, Karla A AU - University of Nebraska, Lincoln AU - Nebraska Department of Roads AU - Iowa Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Development of MASH TL-3 Transition Between Guardrail and Portable Concrete Barriers PY - 2014/06/26/Final Report SP - 254p AB - Often, road construction causes the need to create a work zone. In these scenarios, portable concrete barriers (PCBs) are typically installed to shield workers and equipment from errant vehicles as well as prevent motorists from striking other roadside hazards. For an existing W-beam guardrail system installed adjacent to the roadway and near the work zone, guardrail sections are removed in order to place the portable concrete barrier system. The focus of this research study was to develop a proper stiffness transition between W-beam guardrail and portable concrete barrier systems. This research effort was accomplished through development and refinement of design concepts using computer simulation with LS-DYNA. Several design concepts were simulated, and design metrics were used to evaluate and refine each concept. These concepts were then analyzed and ranked based on feasibility, likelihood of success, and ease of installation. The rankings were presented to the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for selection of a preferred design alternative. Next, a Critical Impact Point (CIP) study was conducted, while additional analyses were performed to determine the critical attachment location and a reduced installation length for the portable concrete barriers. Finally, an additional simulation effort was conducted in order to evaluate the safety performance of the transition system under reverse-direction impact scenarios as well as to select the CIP. Recommendations were also provided for conducting a Phase II study and evaluating the nested Midwest Guardrail System (MGS) configuration using three Test Level 3 (TL-3) full-scale crash tests according to the criteria provided in the Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware, as published by the American Association of Safety Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). KW - AASHTO Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware KW - Design KW - Guardrail transition sections KW - Guardrails KW - Highway safety KW - Impact tests KW - Simulation KW - Stiffness KW - Temporary barriers UR - http://publications.iowa.gov/18677/1/NDOR_Gutierrez_Dev_MASH_TL_3_transition_between_guardrail_and_portable_concrete_barriers_2014.pdf UR - http://www.transportation.nebraska.gov/mat-n-tests/research/Design/FinalReportM326.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1326374 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01535790 AU - Department of Transportation TI - FAA Operational and Programmatic Deficiencies Impede Integration of Runway Safety Technologies PY - 2014/06/26 SP - 23p AB - While the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operates one of the world’s safest aviation systems, runway safety remains a significant concern—especially given the recent rise in the number of runway incursions. Runway incursions increased by 30 percent from fiscal year 2011 (954) to fiscal year 2013 (1,241) despite slight declines in air traffic operations during that time. FAA has made runway safety a key oversight priority and currently uses Airport Surface Detection Equipment-Model X (ASDE-X) to allow air traffic controllers to detect potential runway conflicts. As part of its efforts to improve safety, FAA plans to integrate two runway safety systems with ASDE-X: the Runway Status Lights (RWSL) system, which gives pilots a visible warning when runways are occupied by other aircraft, and the satellite-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B), which provides simultaneous alerts for controllers and pilots of potential runway incursions and ground collisions. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) initiated this audit to assess FAA’s ongoing efforts to implement and integrate surface surveillance technologies. On April 12, 2013, the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure requested that OIG also examine FAA’s actions to improve runway safety. Accordingly, the overall audit objective was to assess FAA’s progress in integrating ASDE-X with other technologies to improve runway safety. Specifically, OIG assessed (1) the status of ASDE-X implementation, (2) progress and challenges with RWSL integration, (3) progress and challenges with ADS-B integration, and (4) the adequacy of FAA’s plans to implement runway safety technologies. OIG focused on those surface surveillance programs that have established cost and schedule milestones. KW - Airport runways KW - Airport Surface Detection Equipment - Model X (ASDE-X) KW - Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast KW - Aviation safety KW - Detection and identification systems KW - Implementation KW - Lighting systems KW - Runway incursions KW - U.S. Federal Aviation Administration UR - http://www.oig.dot.gov/sites/dot/files/FAA%20Surface%20Surveillance%20Technologies%5E6-26-14.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1319582 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01530976 AU - Department of Transportation TI - FAA Faces Significant Barriers to Safely Integrate Unmanned Aircraft Systems into the National Airspace System PY - 2014/06/26 SP - 33p AB - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) forecasts there will be roughly 7,500 active Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the United States in 5 years, with over $89 billion invested in UAS worldwide over the next 10 years. Concerned with the progress of integrating UAS into the National Airspace System (NAS), Congress established specific UAS provisions and deadlines for FAA in the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. These actions include publishing a 5-year roadmap, establishing six test ranges, and completing the safe integration of UAS into the NAS by September 2015. The Chairmen and Ranking Members of the Senate Commerce Committee and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and those Committees’ Aviation Subcommittees, requested that the Office of Inspector General (OIG) assess FAA’s progress in these efforts. Accordingly, the audit objectives were to assess (1) FAA’s efforts to mitigate safety risks for integrating UAS into the NAS, and (2) FAA’s progress and challenges in meeting the UAS requirements cited in the act. KW - Aviation safety KW - Drone aircraft KW - FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 KW - Implementation KW - National Airspace System KW - U.S. Federal Aviation Administration KW - United States UR - http://www.oig.dot.gov/sites/dot/files/FAA%20Oversight%20of%20Unmanned%20Aircraft%20Systems%5E6-26-14_0.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1314308 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01593932 AU - Zinke, Scott AU - Mahoney, James AU - University of Connecticut, Storrs AU - Connecticut Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Hot Mix Asphalt Research Investigation for Connecticut: Part E - Field Performance of Superpave and Traditional Marshall Mixtures Mixtures PY - 2014/06/24/Final Report SP - 57p AB - This research is part of the series of investigated topics surrounding hot mix asphalt in Connecticut. This research investigates the performance of sections of pavements designed using both the Marshall and Superpave mix design methods. Sixteen different pavement sections in Connecticut (eight Superpave and eight Marshall) were analyzed by means of site visits, photolog image analysis and numerical condition ratings. This research was intended to investigate whether there are difference(s) between the two differently designed types of pavement as far as their ability to withstand environmental distress, as well as traffic loading. Results showed no conclusive evidence that the two pavement types perform differently. KW - Durability KW - Field studies KW - Habitat (Ecology) KW - Hot mix asphalt KW - Image analysis KW - Load tests KW - Mix design KW - Pavement distress KW - Pavement performance KW - Superpave UR - http://www.ct.gov/dot/lib/dot/CT-2250-3-12-9_-_Part_E.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1400315 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01530905 AU - McGehee, Daniel V AU - Reyes, Michelle L AU - Marshall, Dawn AU - Skinner, Erik AU - Lundell, John AU - Peek-Asa, Corinne AU - University of Iowa, Iowa City AU - Iowa Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - A Comparative Policy Analysis of Seat Belt Laws PY - 2014/06/24/Final Report SP - 62p AB - This analysis examined data from a variety of sources to estimate the benefit of enhancing Iowa’s current law to require all passengers to use seat belts. In addition to assessing Iowans’ opinions about changing the law, a literature review, a legislative policy review, and analysis of Iowa crash data were completed. Currently 28 states enforce seat belt laws for all passengers. Belted passengers riding with an unbelted passenger are 2 to 5 times more likely to suffer fatal injuries in a crash relative to when all occupants are using seat belts. Iowans are highly compliant (90%-94%) with the current seat belt law for front seat occupants. Of more than 1000 Iowans surveyed, 85% said they always use a seat belt when riding in the front seat, but only 36% always do so when they ride in the back seat. The most common reasons given for not using seat belts in the back seat are forgetting to buckle up and because it is not the law. Iowans widely support strengthening Iowa’s seat belt law — 62% said Iowa law should require all rear seat passengers to use seat belts. Four out of five respondents said they would use seat belts more often when sitting in the rear seat if it was the law. It is estimated rear seat fatalities would decrease about 48%, from 13 to 7 fatalities annually, if an all-passenger law was implemented in Iowa. KW - Crash data KW - Fatalities KW - Iowa KW - Laws and legislation KW - Literature reviews KW - Policy analysis KW - Public opinion KW - Rear seat occupants KW - Seat belt use UR - http://publications.iowa.gov/21904/1/IADOT_RB37_013_UIowaPPC_Comparative_Policy_Analysis_Seat_Belt_Laws_2014_Final.pdf UR - http://publications.iowa.gov/id/eprint/21904 UR - http://www.iowadot.gov/research/reports/Year/2014/fullreports/UIowa_SeatBeltPolicyAnalysis_FinalReport.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1315401 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01548550 AU - Schrum, Kevin D AU - Sicking, Dean L AU - Faller, Ronald K AU - Reid, John D AU - University of Nebraska, Lincoln AU - Nebraska Department of Roads AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Predicting the Dynamic Fracture of Steel via a Non Local Strain-Energy Density Failure Criterion PY - 2014/06/23/Final Report SP - 175p AB - Predicting the onset of fracture in a material subjected to dynamic loading conditions has typically been heavily mesh-dependent, and often must be specifically calibrated for each geometric design. This can lead to costly models and even costlier physical testing. In response to this, a failure criterion was created based on the strain energy density (SED) of the material. Calculations to obtain the SED were developed to take advantage of a non-local length scale, wherein the sensitivity to mesh density was partially reduced. This method was applied to a steel coupon subjected to dynamic uniaxial tension. A one-time calibration was used to determine the material’s critical SED in the non-local length scale. This length scale was dependent on the mesh density of the model and a prescribed magnifier, such that the failure criterion was a function of the length scale. Steel coupons were modeled and tested dynamically. Thicknesses of those coupons were varied and stress concentrations were included. Differing grades of steel were also employed. The non-local SED failure criterion provided consistent and accurate predictions, regardless of the changes in dimensions of the coupons. KW - Dynamic loads KW - Failure KW - Fracture mechanics KW - Steel KW - Strain (Mechanics) KW - Tension tests UR - http://www.transportation.nebraska.gov/mat-n-tests/research/Design/FinalReportDPS-STWD(118).pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1334370 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01573305 TI - Regional and National Implementation and Coordination of ME Design AB - The purpose of the peer exchanges and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) National Users Group meeting is to support State Department of Transportation (DOT) and Canadian province implementation of mechanistic empirical (ME) Design procedures by (1) sharing information between, (2) identifying issues at the local/regional level with regard to implementation, (3) identifying needs or areas that still need to be researched relative to the Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG), and (4) organizing implementation efforts on a regional and National basis. The four peer exchanges will be limited to participation by governmental agencies, while the AASHTO Users group meeting will be open to industry representatives, academics, consultants, and others interested in ME Design. Funds from this pooled fund will only be used to support contributing agency travel and development activities. The peer exchanges and AASHTO National Users Group meeting will focus primarily on the efforts related to the AASHTO MEPDG and related Pavement ME Design™ software. However, all agencies are welcome to participate in the pooled fund; as most topics covered are fundamental and applicable to all ME design procedures and pavement design in general. KW - Coordination KW - Implementation KW - Information dissemination KW - Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide KW - Needs assessment KW - Pavement design KW - State departments of transportation UR - http://www.pooledfund.org/Details/Study/549 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1366529 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01531516 AU - Department of Transportation TI - FHWA’S Workforce Planning Processes Generally Align With Best Practices, But Some Components Are Inconsistently Implemented or Lack MAP-21 Consideration PY - 2014/06/19 SP - 20p AB - The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is responsible for overseeing approximately $75 billion in Federal funds provided to the States in fiscal years 2013 and 2014 for infrastructure projects. FHWA’s strategic plan states that the Agency’s primary focus is to improve highway system performance, particularly its safety, reliability, effectiveness, and sustainability. To accomplish this mission and oversee States’ use of Federal highway funds, FHWA maintains a workforce of about 2,900 staff widely distributed across headquarters offices, 52 division offices, and other field offices across the country. In recent years, Congress and the Administration have called on Federal agencies to improve accountability in their operations and ensure efficient use of resources, including their workforces. The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act1 (MAP-21) also established new requirements for FHWA, including a focus on measuring progress toward national transportation goals and consolidating programs. Given these requirements and growing demands on FHWA’s workforce, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) reviewed FHWA’s processes for assessing its workforce needs. Specifically, OIG determined whether (1) FHWA’s workforce planning processes generally align with best practices and (2) FHWA has evaluated the workforce impacts of MAP-21. KW - Best practices KW - Employees KW - Labor force KW - Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act KW - Strategic planning KW - U.S. Federal Highway Administration UR - http://www.oig.dot.gov/sites/dot/files/FHWA%20Workforce%20Planning.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1316728 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01577841 TI - Environmental Streamlining/Stewardship AB - Provide support by accelerating Project Delivery which requires transportation agencies to work together with natural cultural and historic resource agencies to establish realistic timeframes for the environmental review of transportation projects. KW - Coordination KW - Cultural resources KW - Environmental streamlining KW - Historic sites KW - Project delivery UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1371004 ER -