TY - ABST AN - 01464993 TI - K-10 Edwards Campus Bus Wi-Fi AB - The objective of this research project is to implement a wide-area Wi-Fi high speed internet connection system to allow commuters to/from Kansas University (KU) to access internet while en route. KW - IEEE 802.11 (Standard) KW - Internet KW - Kansas KW - Technological innovations KW - Wireless LANs UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1233226 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01464992 TI - Waste Cooking Oil Bio-Diesel Conversion & Characterization AB - The objective of this research project is to convert waste cooking oil to biodiesel for use in campus buses and other vehicles. Efforts are underway to have Kansas University (KU) designated as the Kansas state certification laboratory for fuel quality. KW - Alternate fuels KW - Biodiesel fuels KW - Cooking KW - Energy conversion KW - Fuel quality KW - Oils KW - Wastes UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1233225 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01464990 TI - Composite Material Systems for Use in Bridge Applications AB - This project will provide research in developing a specimen for fabrication and a peel-off test apparatus for manufacturing. Progress expected in several different areas, including completion of the Marx Generator test rig, fabrication of specialized test platens, instrumentation and fabrication of specimens. In the future, there will be more testing and further characterization of superconducting specimens. KW - Bridge design KW - Composite materials KW - Fabrication KW - Instrumentation KW - Specimens KW - Superconductors UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1233223 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01464989 TI - Performance-Based Detailing for Bridge Columns AB - Formulate performance-based detailing for bridge columns in regions of moderate seismicity, determine economic feasibility of providing performance-based detailing, and laboratory and field measurements of bridge girder movement using photogrammetry techniques. Work in the next quarter will focus on completion of a literature review of detailing practices in the Central and Eastern United States. The development of performance-based seismic detailing using the results of the four-span bridge test will begin. KW - Columns KW - Connection details (Bridges) KW - Earthquake resistant design KW - Girder bridges KW - Performance measurement KW - Seismicity UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1233222 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01554196 AU - Balducci, Patrick AU - Burt, Matt AU - Gopalakrishna, Deepak AU - Pierce, Ben AU - Krile, Bob AU - Zimmerman, Carol AU - Lee, Ming-Shiun AU - Lee, Matt AU - Pack, Michael AU - Fincher, Scott AU - Kishan, Sandeep AU - Battelle AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Integrated Corridor Management Initiative: Demonstration Phase Evaluation Final National Evaluation Framework PY - 2012/05/07/Final Report SP - 160p AB - This report provides an analytical framework for evaluating the two field deployments under the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Initiative Demonstration Phase. The San Diego Interstate 15 corridor deployers and the Dallas U.S. 75 corridor deployers are implementing a suite of strategies aimed at balancing corridor transportation supply and demand to promote overall corridor efficiency and safety. The strategies include decision support systems to aid transportation operators in synthesizing incoming transportation system data and to develop, select and modify response plans; center-to-center information sharing and distribution strategies to promote coordinated, multi-modal and multi-agency responses; traffic signal timing adjustments and short-term transit capacity additions; and enhanced pre-trip and en-route traveler information to shift travelers to alternative modes or routes or to postpone trips to less congested periods. The evaluation will investigate and document the investments made by both sites, including ICM-related changes in policies and procedures; document and evaluate the capabilities acquired through ICM deployment and how those capabilities were utilized; and assess the impacts of the deployments, including mobility, safety, air quality and overall benefit-cost. Institutional and organization issues and lessons learned will also be investigated. The evaluation features eight individual analyses focusing on specific ICM capabilities and types of impacts. KW - Air quality KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Dallas (Texas) KW - Decision support systems KW - Evaluation KW - Integrated corridor management KW - Mobility KW - San Diego (California) KW - Traffic safety KW - Transportation corridors UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/54000/54300/54350/ICM_National_Evaluation_Framework__FHWA-JPO-13-015_.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1342212 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01560475 AU - Alexiadis, Vassili AU - Sallman, Doug AU - Armstrong, April AU - Cambridge Systematics, Incorporated AU - Science Applications International Corporation AU - Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Traffic Analysis Toolbox Volume XIII: Integrated Corridor Management Analysis, Modeling, and Simulation Guide PY - 2012/05/05 SP - 109p AB - As part of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Traffic Analysis Toolbox (Volume XIII), this guide was designed to help corridor stakeholders implement the Integrated Corridor Management Analysis, Modeling, and Simulation (ICM AMS) methodology successfully and effectively. It provides a step-by-step approach to implementation of the ICM AMS methodology and reflects lessons learned in its application to the three ICM Pioneer Sites and a test corridor. It is specifically targeted at technical and/or program managers in transportation agencies at the State or local level who may oversee implementation of ICM and/or an ICM AMS initiative. This Guide will also be a helpful reference to all stakeholders involved in AMS, including technical modelers, by providing a framework for developing an effective analysis plan to support selection and application of available tools and models specifically conducive to ICM. KW - Analysis KW - Guidelines KW - Implementation KW - Integrated corridor management KW - Methodology KW - Traffic congestion KW - Traffic mitigation KW - Traffic models KW - Traffic simulation UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/50000/50600/50615/30B00211.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1350275 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01576044 TI - Intelligent Situation Awareness and Navigation Aid for Visually Impaired Persons AB - In Phase I, the goal is to explore and develop situation awareness and assistive navigation technologies to provide blind or visually impaired persons with obstacle avoidance and intelligent wayfinding capabilities in indoor environments by using wearable sensors (e.g., cameras, 3D-orientation sensors, pedometers). In Phase II, the technology will be further improved and research will be extended to outdoor pedestrian environments to provide blind users with waypoint navigation, path planning, and advanced warning of events through interaction with global positioning system (GPS), Geographic Information System (GIS), and Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) infrastructure. KW - Awareness KW - Blind persons KW - Crash avoidance systems KW - Geographic information systems KW - Global Positioning System KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Navigation systems KW - Wayfinding UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/research/tfhrc/projects/projectsdb/projectdetails.cfm?projectid=FHWA-PROJ-12-0045 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1369993 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01467352 TI - Software Tools for Sharing and Integrating GIS Data AB - The goal of the consortium is to develop, implement and distribute a variety of tools and process for sharing and integrating geo-spatial transportation data. The basic objectives are to: (1) design and implementation of a core database, based on federal standards, within the state as a central repository of multi-jurisdictional location data; (2) translation of the data from provider's schema to a centralized database and from one database to another; (3) development of Internet portals for data providers to submit data and data users to download data and security to support data access; (4) integration of data from disparate data sources into a seamless whole; (5) quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) processes and software to monitor data quality, security, data entry and retrieval processes; (6) change detection, and change management to support maintenance of the data over time; (7) documentation of a set of processes necessary to support data sharing from a variety of sources, e.g. data sharing agreements, agreement points; (8) linear referencing integration. The initial timeline for this development is three to four years depending on funding. Annual consortium meetings and electronic communication are used to coordinate project activities. The timeline of the project and is updated based on current status and dependent upon available resources. KW - Data collection KW - Data sharing KW - Geographic information systems KW - Information dissemination KW - Software KW - Transportation planning UR - http://www.pooledfund.org/Details/Study/340 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1235588 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01465118 TI - Advanced Crash Avoidance Technologies Program (ACAT) I AB - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated the Advanced Crash Avoidance Technologies (ACAT) program to determine if there is a methodology, or if one can be developed, that will effectively measure the link between technological advancements. KW - Advanced Crash Avoidance Technologies KW - Crash avoidance KW - Highway safety KW - Human factors in crashes KW - Technological innovations KW - Traffic crashes UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1233351 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01447236 AU - Sullivan, Jim AU - Mika, Anna AU - Fraker, Joe AU - Hershey, David AU - Hathaway, Kevin AU - Lawe, Stephen AU - University of Vermont, Burlington AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Integrated Land-Use, Transportation and Environmental Modeling: The Vermont Integrated Land-Use and Transportation Carbon Estimator PY - 2012/05/01 SP - 33p AB - The Vermont Integrated Land-Use and Transportation Carbon Estimator (VILTCE) project is part of a larger effort to develop environmental metrics related to travel, and to integrate these tools into a travel model under University of Vermont Transportation Research Center Signature Project No. 1B. The signature project teams intended to develop measures normally not considered in transportation models. By including these environmental metrics, travel models can be used for a wider range of applications and can consider important impacts resulting from a project or policy that might otherwise be overlooked. The signature project includes the following tasks: development of new model-output environmental metrics to quantify net-carbon, storm water impacts, particulate impacts, robustness, and air pollution; integration of new output metrics into an advanced transportation model; evaluation of environmental metrics under alternative policy, planning, and investment scenarios; and testing of the sensitivity of the model-output metrics to the level of model complexity. KW - Air pollution KW - Carbon KW - Carbon dioxide KW - Land use KW - Mathematical models KW - Metrics (Quantitative assessment) KW - Model output KW - Particulates KW - Pollutants KW - Regional planning KW - Transportation models KW - Vermont UR - http://www.uvm.edu/~transctr/research/trc_reports/UVM-TRC-12-003.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/46000/46000/46020/UVM-TRC-12-003.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1214566 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01570340 AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Updating Rhode Island’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP): An RSPCB Peer Exchange PY - 2012/05 SP - 18p AB - This report summarizes the peer exchange sponsored by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) held from March 18-19, 2012 in Warwick, Rhode Island. Rhode Island’s goals for the peer exchange included learning from other States’ experiences and incorporating success factors into its Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) update. RIDOT applied to the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Roadway Safety Professional Capacity Building (RSPCB) Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Program seeking technical assistance to learn from others’ experiences on the following topics: (1) Improving crash forms to better capture data on speeding, distracted driving, and toxicology; (2) Integrating databases to determine crash rates and contributing factors, as well as statistical outcomes of injury crashes; (3) Aligning Highway Safety Plan (HSP) and SHSP goals, particularly those related to “Toward Zero Deaths” (TZD); and (4) Measuring the effectiveness of the SHSP, maintaining stakeholder involvement, and incorporating the SHSP into all agency plans. Peers at the event included the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), Georgia’s Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS), and the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT). KW - Best practices KW - Data collection KW - Data fusion KW - Highway safety KW - Peer exchange KW - Performance measurement KW - Rhode Island Department of Transportation KW - Stakeholders KW - Strategic Highway Safety Plan UR - http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/p2p/ri/ri.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55200/55263/ri.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/59000/59800/59832/peer_report_RI_March2012.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1360039 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01563299 AU - Randolph, Shapell AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Statistical Summaries PY - 2012/05 SP - 44p AB - The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Statistical Summaries provide information about the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) financial investment programs funded through ARRA.This report covers the Urbanized Area Formula Program and the Non-Urbanized Area Formula and Capital Program. The Capital Program is further broken into two components: Fixed Guideway Modernization and New Starts. Also included are the Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER) program and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Surface Transportation Program (STP), a portion of whose funds were transferred to FTA. The data used in this report are compiled from the ARRA grants that were awarded to transit authorities, states, local governments, and other eligible recipients. KW - American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 KW - Capital investments KW - Energy conservation KW - Government funding KW - Greenhouse gases KW - Ground transportation KW - Public transit KW - Statistics KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0025.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55510/FTA_Report_No._0025.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1352153 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01562741 AU - Sulbaran, Tulio AU - Strelzoff, Andrew AU - University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg AU - Mississippi Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Best Practices of MDOT's Survey Operation, Organization and Technology Implementation SN - 9781450796019 PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 317p AB - A critical activity performed by employees of the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is surveying. Surveying in some instances needs to be performed in hazardous environments such as rugged terrain and high-speed traffic. New surveying technologies [e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS)] are increasingly being adopted by surveying units of departments of transportation around the nation, because it has demonstrated increased efficiency and cost savings in topographical surveys (Uddin 2008, Hall 2006, Krugler 2006, NCHRP2004, MDOT2002). MDOT employees use a wide range of surveying methods and technologies throughout the state. Surveying operations vary within MDOT from manual conventional surveying technology requiring large numbers of field personnel to GPS and robotic technologies that are faster and require fewer employees to deploy. The technology, methodology, standards, quality controls and delivered results of these surveying operations need to be cataloged and evaluated to determine the best operational approach to use for the range of surveying operations employed by MDOT. In addition, surveying at the district level within MDOT is organized in many different ways. For example, in some districts surveying teams are centralized with most jobs filled by the main office while in other districts surveying tasks are spread among numerous field offices. These organizational strategies need to be studied to determine the most efficient organizational model/process for MDOT surveying operations. Some MDOT locations have embraced modern surveying technologies such as GPS RTK systems, robotic total stations, automated field data collection and CADD modeling procedures with great success. Others have been slower to adopt the newest technology and have had less success in field deployment. A study is needed to determine the best adoption strategies including potentially targeted training, field demonstration, new equipment, phase in strategy and computerized work flow for most effectively rolling out new surveying technologies (ex: GPS) to all MDOT districts. The overall goal of this project was to evaluate the surveying processes throughout MDOT to move toward providing electronic 3D surveys, improve accuracy and increase efficiency in MDOT survey efforts. This goal was achieved by targeting each district office to determine: (1) Best operational approach to use a range of surveying technologies, (2) Most effective organizational model/process to best utilize the newest surveying technologies; and (3) Best roll-out strategy which will help MDOT districts move to the most efficient surveying technology. KW - Best practices KW - Computer aided design KW - Drafting KW - Electronic equipment KW - Global Positioning System KW - Management and organization KW - Mississippi KW - Mississippi Department of Transportation KW - Robotics KW - Surveying KW - Three dimensional surveys KW - Topographic surveys UR - http://mdot.ms.gov/documents/research/Reports/Interim%20and%20Final%20Reports/State%20Study%20222%20-%20Best%20Practices%20of%20MDOT%92s%20Survey%20Operation%2C%20Organization%20and%20Technology%20Implementation.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1352331 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01548608 AU - Hall, Kevin D AU - Ramakrishnareddy, Jeevan AU - University of Arkansas, Fayetteville AU - Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Evaluation of Bond Strength Between Paving Layers for Hot-Mix Asphalt PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 88p AB - Poor adhesion between paving layers results in premature pavement distress, and ultimately causes pavement failure. Early detection of bond-related problems through good quality control and quality assurance help prevent expensive rehabilitation efforts. The bonding strength of two tack coat materials was investigated at three application rates, two temperatures, and three mix type combinations. All factors showed a significant effect on bond strength, with temperature exhibiting the greatest effect. While application rate showed an effect on strength, it is demonstrated that an application rate of 0.02 gal/yd² is sufficient to develop bond between all pavement type combinations studied – and with both tack coat materials. It is recommended that laboratory results from this study be validated using field cores taken from construction projects; further, it is recommended that an additional study of long-term strength be conducted to assess the variation of bond strength over time KW - Bond strength (Materials) KW - Evaluation KW - Hot mix asphalt KW - Mix design KW - Pavement layers KW - Quality assurance KW - Tack coats KW - Temperature UR - http://www.arkansastrc.com/TRC%20REPORTS/TRC%200706.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1334408 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01548528 AU - Crowson, Ginny AU - Deeter, Dean AU - Athey Creek Consultants AU - Michigan Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Understanding Utilization of Third Party Data and Information PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 28p AB - There are a number of private vendors today who sell and provide third party data for a variety of transportation purposes. Data may be oriented to commercial freight companies, personal navigation systems, transportation agencies and many more. Speed, travel time, volume and occupancy data is important in maintaining the safety and mobility of the transportation network. Some transportation agencies use this type of data from third party providers to deliver traveler information, manage traffic, and conduct studies. ENTERPRISE initiated this project to better understand what providers are offering, how states are using the data and what their options might be for future use of such data. This report summarizes the information gathered during the project and is written in a format to accommodate easy future reference by the ENTERPRISE members. The information summarized in this report includes: (1) ENTERPRISE member survey of third party data needs and uses, (2) Third party data provider information and (3) Public agency experiences with using third party data. KW - Businesses KW - Data sharing KW - Information management KW - Private enterprise KW - Real time information KW - Surveys KW - Transportation departments UR - http://enterprise.prog.org/Projects/2010_Present/thirdpartydata/finalreport/ENT%203%20Third%20Party%20Data%20Final%20Report-Final%20053112.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1333228 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01547899 AU - Hall, Kevin D AU - University of Arkansas, Fayetteville AU - Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Development of Quality Control Procedures for Hot-Mix Asphalt PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 34p AB - The Arkansas quality control/quality assurance (QC/QA) specification for hot mix asphalt (HMA) construction was initially developed from data and experience gained with the Marshall method of mix design. The full implementation of Superpave resulted in questions relating to the suitability of the QC/QA specification. Research was undertaken to revise the existing program or create a new specification. Six projects were randomly sampled and tested by three operators (the contractor, the agency, and the research team) to establish typical HMA construction variability, in terms of the pay factors used in Arkansas: air voids, voids in the mineral aggregate (VMA), binder content, and field density. The testing data were normally distributed, validating a typical assumption regarding construction. Analyses showed testing variability among the three operators could be absorbed into the overall variability of test properties, rather than being considered a distinct factor. Three levels of HMA quality were identified by the mean and standard deviation of test data. A specification for QC/QA was proposed, which features acceptance criteria based on both the mean value of a given property (similar to the existing specification) and an acceptable range of the property. The acceptance criteria for both the mean and range are based on the standard deviation of the property expected in the field; for initial implementation, it is recommended that the ‘medium’ quality level as defined by the testing program be used. A limited validation study was performed to gauge the effect of implementation. The study suggested that implementation of the proposed system would not result in drastic cases of materials/pavement rejection. Further, the study indicated that field compaction would be the current acceptance property most affected by the proposed system. It is strongly recommended a full-scale field validation study be conducted; details of such a study are included. KW - Acceptance tests KW - Air voids KW - Arkansas KW - Binder content KW - Field density KW - Hot mix asphalt KW - Quality assurance KW - Quality control KW - Specifications KW - Superpave KW - Validation KW - Voids in mineral aggregate UR - http://www.arkansastrc.com/TRC%20REPORTS/TRC%200001.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1335248 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01545307 AU - Sullivan, Jim AU - Kenyan, Jennifer AU - Watts, Richard AU - University of Vermont, Burlington AU - University of Vermont, Burlington AU - Vermont Agency of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Efficiency in Transportation - Optimal Transit Networks for Vermont PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 43p AB - In previous work, Transportation Research Center (TRC) researchers surveyed transportation-system efficiency measures, trends in Vermont, and policy & education strategies that might encourage increased transportation-system efficiencies. In this report, researchers focus on investigating the relationships between (1) rideshare lots and fixed-route transit routes for the state and (2) an idealized fixed-route transit network and the existing fixed-route transit routes in the state. The intent is to identify relationships that will help planners strategically recommend new transit routes, site future rideshare lots, and explain under-utilization of existing services. KW - Casual carpooling KW - Fixed routes KW - Park and ride KW - Parking lots KW - Public transit KW - Vermont UR - http://vtransplanning.vermont.gov/sites/aot_program_development/files/documents/materialsandresearch/completedprojects/2012_-_01_Efficiency_in_Transportation_-_Optimal_Transit_Networks_For_Vermont.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1331827 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01545299 AU - Sullivan, Jim AU - Kenyan, Jennifer AU - Watts, Richard AU - University of Vermont, Burlington AU - University of Vermont, Burlington AU - Vermont Agency of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Efficiency in Transportation - Community and State Transportation Efficiency Planning in Vermont PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 47p AB - This report summarizes state plans and local community planning efforts related very broadly to energy efficiency and transportation. This report also includes interview summaries with some Vermont planners and citizens engaged in transportation and efficiency related efforts. The purpose of this report broadly was to summarize this background for more focused additional research. KW - Energy conservation KW - Policy KW - Transportation planning KW - Vermont UR - http://vtransplanning.vermont.gov/sites/aot_program_development/files/documents/materialsandresearch/completedprojects/2012_-_03_Efficiency_in_Transportation_-_Community_and_State_Transportation_Efficiency_Planning_in_Vermont.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1331825 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01545292 AU - Watts, Richard AU - University of Vermont, Burlington AU - University of Vermont, Burlington AU - Vermont Agency of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Efficiency in Transportation - Increasing Carpooling in Vermont: Alternatives to Single Occupancy Vehicle PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 25p AB - This report focuses on the GoVermont program – a state managed rideshare matching program – as a window into the obstacles and opportunities to increasing carpooling in Vermont. In this project, researchers conducted an initial survey of 370 GoVermont participants and then conducted four in-depth conversations with 25 of those respondents. Researchers also reviewed GoVermont materials, previous research on carpooling and examined data from the U.S. Census and National Household Travel Survey (NHTS) data on travel behavior at the individual and household level. Findings indicate the difficulty in expanding carpool activities in the context of present settlement patterns, job distributions and car ownership. Regardless the results should be instructive to policy-makers seeking to improve car occupancy rates. KW - Households KW - Ridesharing KW - Travel behavior KW - Travel surveys KW - Vermont UR - http://vtransplanning.vermont.gov/sites/aot_program_development/files/documents/materialsandresearch/completedprojects/2012_-_02_Efficiency_in_Transportation_-_Increasing_Carpooling_in_Vermont_Alternatives_to_Single_Occupancy_Vehicle.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1331826 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01543891 AU - Durr, Michael R AU - Sherry, Patrick AU - National Center for Intermodal Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Development of a Selection Tool for use in the Identification, Recruitment & Retention of Safe Intermodal Transportation Workers PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 24p AB - A total of 486 transportation employees employed by a major railroad completed a series of tests constructed for this project. These tests or instruments included the Denver Lifestyle Questionnaire, a performance rating scale called the Employees Quality Measurement Scale (EQMS) and also several tests published by commercial authors include the Safety Attitude Test (AON Consulting), Mechanical and Abstract Reasoning Tests from the Differential Aptitude Test (DAT) (Pearson Publishing), and the Web Neuro Test, brief Neuropsychological Screening instrument. Total completion rates for the various tests were as follows: 346 completed the Denver Life Style Questionnaire; 354 on whom the EQMS Scores were available; 194 AON tests; 92 DAT tests; and 50 Web-Neuro tests. Employee test scores were obtained and correlated with performance indicators from the EQMS instrument. Results of the analyses revealed that: (1) Components of the EQMS performance scale were not correlated with the number of person injuries recorded in the data base scores component measures not correlated with person. However the total EQMS score was correlated with the number of with Derailments, Decertifications, Absenteeism, Total incidents, and the injury Frequency Index; (2) EQMS performance scale scores were significantly correlated with scores on the DAT Spatial Reasoning test; (3) Employee number of personal Injuries was significantly correlated with scores on the personality scale of Conscientiousness and Neuroticism; (4) Total number of employee Decertifications was significantly correlated with spatial relations and safety orientation (r=.205, p<.03); (5) Total number of Derailments was significantly correlated with behavior and attitudinal predictors reflecting physical and mental distractibility and activity, possibly indicating a characterological pattern of lack of concentration or distractibility; (6) Distractibility significantly correlated with Reaction Time and Digit Span Trials Correct; and (7) Absenteeism significantly correlated with four items from the Denver Life Style Inventory (DLSI). KW - Absenteeism KW - Aptitude tests KW - Attitudes KW - Derailments KW - Distraction KW - Injuries KW - Intermodal transportation KW - Personnel KW - Personnel performance KW - Personnel retention KW - Railroads KW - Recruiting UR - http://www.ncit.msstate.edu/NCIT%20Reports/2008_03_UPRR%20-%20Durr%20and%20Sherry%20-%20Development%20of%20a%20Selection%20tool.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1331534 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01539887 AU - Caldwell, Christopher AU - California Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Development of a New Guardrail End Treatment: Self-Restoring Impact Attenuator PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 84p AB - This report explains the history of the “Development of a New Guardrail End Treatment” project, what was accomplished, what problems were encountered, and why it was ultimately terminated. This report also provides a summary of proprietary products that are currently available on the market that meet most of the initial and/or final design criteria. It is the hope of the authors that lessons learned from the problems encountered in this project will be of value in future roadside safety research. KW - Crash cushions KW - Design KW - Guardrail end treatments KW - Guardrail terminals UR - http://www.pooledfund.org/Document/Download/4302 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1326073 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01534777 AU - Reynolds, Tobey L AU - New Hampshire Department of Transportation AU - New Hampshire Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Determining a Strategy for Efficiently Managing Sign Retroreflectivity in New Hampshire PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 12p AB - The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) has developed minimum retroreflectivity requirements for sign sheeting that will become a federal mandate for roadside signs in 2015 and for overhead signs in 2018. In 2012, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) was required by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to have a plan in place for meeting these requirements. The MUTCD has identified five acceptable methods that fall into two categories for determining if signs meet the requirements. In the Assessment category, the methods listed are Visual Nighttime Inspection and Measured Sign Retroreflectivity. In the Management category, the methods listed are Expected Sign Life, Blanket Replacement, and Control Signs. This project focused on determining a method that was most suited to the needs of the NHDOT. Each method has advantages and disadvantages that were considered during the selection of an appropriate plan. Once all the methods were assessed, it was determined that Visual Nighttime Inspection would be the most economical due to the quickness that the review can be accomplished and the minimal resources required to conduct the inspection. Another major factor for selecting the visual night inspection was that a statewide sign inventory is currently not available. If a current inventory was available, other methods may prove to be more efficient. KW - Evaluation and assessment KW - Inspection KW - Maintenance management KW - Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices KW - New Hampshire KW - New Hampshire Department of Transportation KW - Retroreflectivity KW - Sign sheeting KW - Traffic signs UR - http://www.nh.gov/dot/org/projectdevelopment/materials/research/projects/documents/FHWA-NH-RD-14282V.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1320442 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01531087 AU - Vitagliano, Lauren AU - Gallagher, Donald W AU - Cyrus, Holly AU - Federal Aviation Administration TI - Development of Criteria for Parachute Landing Areas on Airports PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 46p AB - Airport sponsors who accept federal funding are obligated to make the aircraft facility available to all aeronautical activities, including parachuting and skydiving. Due to the lack of guidance concerning parachute landing areas (PLA) for airports that are able to accommodate nontraditional aeronautical activities (such as skydiving), research was conducted to determine the recommended size and location of PLAs on airports and provide guidance material. To do this, transition data were collected from airports currently supporting parachute operations, and international and military standards were examined. Site visits were conducted and subject matter experts were consulted. It was determined that the experience of the parachutist and type of parachute used should be considered in developing the size of the PLA. It was also determined that the edge of the PLA should be located no closer than 40 feet from a hazard. In addition, the report includes recommendations for operational procedures and practices. KW - Airport facilities KW - Airport planning KW - Design standards KW - Landing fields KW - Parachutes KW - Safety factors KW - Skydiving UR - http://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AR11-30PLAAirports.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1313497 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01488700 AU - Barfuss, Steven AU - Jensen, Austin AU - Clemens, Shannon AU - Utah State University, Logan AU - Utah Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Evaluation and Development of Unmanned Aircraft (UAV) for DOT Needs PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 49p AB - This research involved the use of high-resolution aerial photography obtained from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to aid UDOT in monitoring and documenting State Roadway structures and associated issues. Using geo-referenced UAV high resolution aerial photographic imagery, the project documented the before, during and after stages of the Southern Parkway construction near the new Saint George International airport, in addition to photographing and classifying wetland plant species in the Utah Lake wetland mitigation bank on the NE corner of Utah Lake. KW - Aerial photography KW - Classification KW - Condition surveys KW - Drone aircraft KW - Georeferencing KW - Plants KW - Road construction KW - Utah KW - Wetlands UR - http://www.udot.utah.gov/main/uconowner.gf?n=10710706202834543 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1257235 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01486993 AU - Pigman, Jerry G AU - Graves, Clark AU - Hunsucker, David AU - Cain, David AU - University of Kentucky, Lexington AU - Kentucky Transportation Cabinet AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - WIM Data Collection and Analysis PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 58p AB - The objectives of this study were to review and analyze current procedures in order to implement a process for collecting and analyzing weigh-in-motion (WIM) data to insure an adequate and accurate representation of weights of vehicles using Kentucky’s roadways. A literature review of WIM data collection equipment, practices and procedures indicated that a range of options are available and used by other agencies. Piezoelectric cable detection systems were most frequently used and provided adequate accuracy, if attention is given to monitoring and calibration. An overall assessment of Kentucky’s WIM data collection program resulted in recommendations for: 1) increased use of cell modems for more efficient data download, 2) attention to quality control of data with a routine program of polling sites and monitoring consistency of front-axle weights, 3) expansion of WIM data collection program to capture a wider range of functional class coverage of truck traffic, 4) attention to weight data collection on coal-hauling routes, 5) consideration of using static weigh station data to increase coverage of truck weight monitoring, 6) initiation of a data collection plan to capture sufficient data to develop length-based classification factors, 7) continued review and evaluation of new software that has the capability of increasing the efficiency and accuracy of WIM data processing, and 8) evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of expanded and accurate WIM data collection and the impact on pavement thickness designs. KW - Data collection KW - Kentucky KW - Literature reviews KW - Quality control KW - Vehicle weight KW - Weigh in motion KW - Weighing devices UR - http://www.ktc.uky.edu/files/2013/07/KTC_12_05_SPR_404_10_1Fupdt.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1256284 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01486738 AU - Murphy, Rob AU - Zhao, Weixin AU - Peterman, Robert AU - Beck, B Terry AU - Kansas State University, Manhattan AU - Mid-America Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Determining the Transfer Length in Prestressed Concrete Railroad Ties Produced in the United States PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 273p AB - This paper presents results from transfer length measurements on prestressed concrete railroad ties. Results are shown from the four main producers of concrete ties in the United States. Six prestressed concrete tie plants were visited by the research team to measure transfer length on ties with various mix designs and prestressing reinforcement. After all plants had been visited, a total of nine concrete mix designs and 10 reinforcement variations were tested. Overall, 220 transfer length measurements were conducted on prestressed concrete railroad ties during the duration of this research project. This was the first coordinated effort to measure transfer lengths in concrete railroad ties ever conducted in the industry. Concrete strains were monitored using the standard Whittemore gage, as well as a non-contact procedure called laser-speckle imaging (LSI). This method to measure transfer lengths was developed at Kansas State University (KSU). Ties measured using the Whittemore gage were sent back to the civil engineering structural laboratory at KSU for the long-term measurement of transfer lengths. KW - Length KW - Load transfer KW - Mix design KW - Prestressed concrete ties KW - Reinforcement (Engineering) KW - Strain measurement KW - Transfer length KW - United States UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1256192 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01485781 AU - Ng, Chen Feng AU - Frey, Elaine F AU - Law, Foong Yee AU - METRANS Transportation Center AU - California State University, Long Beach AU - California Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Impact of the Economic Recession on Truck Traffic in Los Angeles PY - 2012/05 SP - 25p AB - The economic recession in 2007 coincided with rising oil prices and an overall decline in traffic volume nationwide. This project focuses on truck traffic on the Long Beach Freeway (I-710), which connects the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to railyards and other freeways. Various factors that could have affected truck traffic on this freeway, such as economic conditions, diesel prices, possible modal substitutions, and port policies, are explored. To identify these factors and help develop a model to disentangle the effects of these factors on truck traffic, a comprehensive literature review of the research on this topic was conducted. Summary statistics of data collected for this project are presented. KW - Diesel engine exhaust gases KW - Diesel fuels KW - Economic conditions KW - Port of Long Beach KW - Port of Los Angeles KW - Prices KW - Recession KW - Traffic congestion KW - Truck traffic UR - http://www.metrans.org/sites/default/files/research-project/11-20_Ng_final_0_0.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1225414 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01485751 AU - Larson, Greg AU - California Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - The Connected Traveler Project: a Component of the Safe Trip-21 Initiative PY - 2012/05 SP - 20p AB - This report describes the Connected Traveler Project, research performed under the SafeTrip-21 Initiative, which was part of the Vehicle-Infrastructure Integration Program. This project integrated the field test and ITS applications into a product that was showcased at the 2008 ITS World Congress in New York City; field-tested and evaluated applications on real roads to address mobility and safety needs in the greater San Francisco Bay Area; and demonstrated to prospective users and applications developers in order to stimulate deployment of SafeTrip-21technologies. This report is a high level summary of the individual components of the Connected Traveler Project, with the details of each of these components being described in greater detail in the separate reports that are referenced in it. KW - Dedicated short range communications KW - Field tests KW - iPhone (Smartphone) KW - Mobile telephones KW - Public private partnerships KW - Smart parking KW - Vehicle infrastructure integration KW - Wireless communication systems UR - http://www.dot.ca.gov/newtech/researchreports/reports/2012/safe_trip-21/safe_trip-21_report.pdf UR - https://merritt.cdlib.org/d/ark%3a%2f13030%2fm5js9v6q/1/CA12-1935.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1249741 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01478356 AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Traffic Analysis Toolbox Volume XII: Work Zone Traffic Analysis: Applications and Decisions Framework. Executive Summary PY - 2012/05 SP - 16p AB - Work Zone Traffic Analysis (WZTA) is the process of analyzing the work zone traffic impacts and related impact mitigation strategies of construction, maintenance, or rehabilitation projects. The purpose of this document is to provide guidance on work zone traffic analysis applications and decision framework. It serves as a useful resource for practitioners in understanding the analytical methods involved in conducting a work zone traffic analysis. KW - Case studies KW - Decision making KW - Traffic analysis KW - Work zone safety KW - Work zone traffic control KW - Work zones UR - http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop12029/fhwahop12029.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1246773 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01477123 AU - Meyer, Michael AU - Hunter, Michael AU - Eisenman, Ana AU - Georgia Transportation Institute University Transportation Center (GTI-UTC) AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Sustainable Streets and Highways: An Analysis of Green Roads Rating Systems PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 92p AB - As sustainability increasingly becomes a concern to society, it is in state transportation agencies’ best interests to embrace and adopt initiatives that will both educate their employees and the communities they serve on how transportation systems and system operations can be viewed within such a context. One of the strategies some state departments of transportation (SDOTs) have adopted for providing a more sustainable approach to highway design is a “green streets and highways rating system.” Adopting a strategy such as the one proposed in this thesis for the Georgia Department of Transportation will enable an agency to compare projects based on sustainability goals and outcomes. Such a rating system can provide several benefits to a state department of transportation. As a public relations tool, publishing the sustainability rating results of completed projects can promote an “environmentally friendly” image of the agency. In some cases, this could be used to garner increased support for an agency’s program. Comparing the ratings of proposed projects during the early programming process may also help in the selection of more sustainably effective and efficient projects. Additionally, a project in the project planning phase could use the green rating criteria to identify those areas where changes in design could result in more environmentally sensitive designs. A green streets and highways rating tool is an important means of fostering an environmental ethic in a transportation agency, one that could become more important in years to come. KW - Context sensitive design KW - Environmental impacts KW - Green streets KW - Highway design KW - Ratings KW - State departments of transportation KW - Sustainable development UR - http://www.utc.gatech.edu/sites/default/files/projects/reports/eisenman_ana_a_201205_mast_sustainable_streets_and_highways_0.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1246694 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01477122 AU - Meyer, Michael AU - Cherry, Phillip AU - Georgia Transportation Institute University Transportation Center (GTI-UTC) AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - A Projection of Motor Fuel Tax Revenue and Analysis of Alternative Revenue Sources in Georgia PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 176 AB - Motor fuel tax revenue currently supplies the majority of funding for transportation agencies at the state and federal level. Georgia uses excise and sales taxes to generate revenue for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). Inflation and increases in vehicle fuel efficiency have reduced the effectiveness of these taxes in recent years. These changes have resulted in drivers purchasing less fuel and generating less fuel tax revenue, which weakens GDOT’s ability to maintain Georgia’s transportation assets. This thesis uses literature from regional and state agencies, academic reports, and databases to identify factors that affect motor fuel tax revenue and then creates a model to predict Georgia’s fuel tax receipts in 2020 and 2030. It also discusses and evaluates other transportation funding mechanisms that could replace or supplement the fuels tax and recommends how best to implement these strategies. In Georgia, fuel tax revenue is based on fuel consumption, which is directly affected by vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and fuel efficiency, and fuel price. Several forces influence VMT and fuel efficiency including demographic factors such as population density and persons per household, economic factors such as, income distribution and gross domestic product (GDP), and technological factors such as alternative vehicle development. The model incorporates these factors and their interactions by segmenting vehicles into four classes: personal vehicles, single-unit trucks, combination trucks, and transit vehicles, and then creating unique forecasting frameworks for each segment. The model first calculates 2009 VMT and revenue to compare these projections with known values to validate the model’s logic and create a baseline for projecting future revenue. Then, the 2009 model’s conceptual framework and additional variables are used to project future fuel tax revenue. The model calculates revenue from personal vehicles using a proportional categorical method that uses income as its main explanatory variable as well as user-prompted variables in post-processing. Freight revenue is calculated using historical VMT-GDP relationships in combination with other user-prompted inputs. Because of the model’s input-output nature, users can create a virtually limitless array of revenue projection scenarios for 2020 and 2030. To show a probable range of these outputs, conservative and aggressive scenario outputs are presented and discussed for each year. These revenue outputs are compared against the 2009 values on an absolute, per-capita, and per-mile basis. The results indicate that real revenue will increase from 2009 to 2020 but actually decline between 2020 and 2030 due to fuel economy improvements and widespread use of alternatively fueled vehicles. To counteract these potential revenue declines, this document discusses methods of increasing fuel tax revenue, including increasing the current fuels tax and/or linking it to inflation, VMT-fees, widespread tolling, and regional transportation sales taxes. Each of these mechanisms has advantages and drawbacks, depending on an agency’s overall set of objectives. After evaluating each method, the author recommend s first evaluating Georgia’s upcoming regional transportation sales tax, and then aiming to implement a VMT-fee by 2020 by conducting extensive trials and public involvement. Regardless of what specific steps Georgia’s leaders take, change will be needed to maintain Georgia’s infrastructure and its economic competitiveness. KW - Alternate fuels KW - Alternatives analysis KW - Financing KW - Fuel consumption KW - Fuel taxes KW - Georgia KW - Gross domestic product KW - Sales tax KW - Tolls KW - Vehicle miles of travel UR - http://www.utc.gatech.edu/sites/default/files/projects/reports/cherry_phillip_p_201205_mast_projection_of_motor_fuel_tax_0.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1246693 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01476019 AU - Cotton, Benjamin AU - Holder, Kirsten AU - Clark, Michael AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - National Park Service TI - Martin Van Buren National Historic Site: Alternative Transportation Feasibility Study PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 51p AB - The Martin Van Buren National Historic Site (MVBNHS) Alternative Transportation Feasibility Study examines the feasibility of alternative transportation system (ATS) service to MVBNHS. The report investigates opportunities for a shuttle carrying visitors from the Amtrak station in Hudson to MVBNHS in Kinderhook, as well as more extensive service to several destinations in and around Columbia County. Based on the opportunities and challenges presented in this report, the report identifies five potential scenarios for pilot testing a shuttle service. The viability of each scenario depends on the participation of other regional destinations in supporting a new ATS. The report also presents a vision for improved ATS throughout the Hudson Valley region, where connectivity between counties and traveler destinations is currently limited. KW - Alternatives analysis KW - Feasibility analysis KW - Historic sites KW - Hudson (New York) KW - Kinderhook (New York) KW - Martin Van Buren National Historic Site KW - National Park Service KW - Regional transportation KW - Rural transit KW - Shuttle buses KW - Transportation modes UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/46000/46700/46757/DOT-VNTSC-NPS-13-01.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1245583 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01475816 AU - Breck, Andrew AU - Colton, Paige AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Volpe National Transportation Systems Center TI - Case Studies in Geographic Information Systems for Environmental Streamlining PY - 2012/05 SP - 23p AB - This 2012 summary report addresses the current use of geographic information systems (GIS) and related technologies by State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) for environmental streamlining and stewardship, particularly in relation to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The report presents background information, a series of case studies, and a summary of conclusions. In order to develop case studies, the authors of this report interviewed representatives from five agencies about their respective applications, including: California DOT’s Cultural Resource Database and GIS applications; Pennsylvania DOT’s Proposal Screening Tool; South Carolina DOT’s Project Screening Tool; Tennessee DOT’s Statewide Environmental Management System; and Washington State DOT’s Workbench. KW - Case studies KW - Environmental stewardship KW - Environmental streamlining KW - Geographic information systems KW - National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 KW - State departments of transportation UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/46000/46000/46056/GIS4EST_Summary_Report_2012__2_.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1244576 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01475813 AU - Kramer, Steven L AU - Arduino, Pedro AU - Sideras, Samuel S AU - University of Washington, Seattle AU - Washington State Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Earthquake Ground Motion Selection PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 60p AB - Nonlinear analyses of soils, structures, and soil-structure systems offer the potential for more accurate characterization of geotechnical and structural response under strong earthquake shaking. The increasing use of advanced performance-based design and evaluation procedures will require consideration of long-return-period motions for all structures, especially in western Washington where high seismicity is a concern and long-return-period motions are likely to be strong enough to induce nonlinear, inelastic response in soil deposits and structures. Nonlinear analyses require the specification of acceleration time histories as input; this requires the analyst to identify input motions that are consistent with the ground motion hazards at the site of interest. A considerable level of research effort has been directed toward the development of procedures for selection and scaling of earthquake ground motions for the purpose of using them in nonlinear structural analysis. This research has shown that structural response of buildings can be quite sensitive to the selection and scaling of ground motions used in nonlinear analyses. While the sensitivity of bridge structures to input motion characteristics has not been studied as explicitly as that of building structures, the response of bridges is also expected to be significantly influenced by input motion characteristics. As a result, engineers have identified the need for software tools that will automate, to at least a large degree, the process of identifying suites of ground motions that are most appropriate for use in nonlinear response analyses. Along with this report, a piece of software, SigmaSpectraW, was created for Washington State Department of Transportation to do just that. KW - Databases KW - Earthquake engineering KW - Earthquake resistant design KW - Nonlinear analysis KW - Seismicity KW - Software KW - Structural analysis KW - Washington (State) UR - http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/791.1.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/46000/46000/46043/791.1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1244577 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01472554 AU - Buncher, Mark S AU - Rosenberger, Carlos AU - Asphalt Institute AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Best Practices for Constructing and Specifying HMA Longitudinal Joints PY - 2012/05//Draft Final Report SP - 52p AB - Longitudinal joint deterioration continues to be one of the highest listed reasons for premature failure of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) pavements. Improving longitudinal joint construction is probably the single most important thing that can be done at this time to improve the performance of pavements. The purpose of this project was not to do additional research on longitudinal joint construction, but rather to evaluate the work that has already been done and to search for consensus to make recommendations on how to construct and specify longitudinal joints in HMA pavements. The approach taken was a series of stratified steps: 1) analysis of the Federal Highway Administration's survey to their state Division Offices on specifications, methods and performance of longitudinal joints; 2) review existing literature and research; 3) identify areas where there is consensus and areas where there is not; 4)conduct focused interviews with acknowledged paving experts and contractors whom recently won the prestigious annual Sheldon Hayes Award for the “best” HMA project in the United States; and 5) perform visits to states that have implemented a longitudinal joint specification (either minimum density or method specification) to meet with the department of transportation, contractors, and researchers and also to visit working projects. After accomplishing these steps and additional review of specifications and literature, recommendations were developed that offer the best chance of specifying and constructing longitudinal joints whose performance (life) will equal the performance of the mat. This guidance includes key steps or best practices for contractors, along with specification recommendations and options for agencies. A 4-hour workshop was also developed as part of this project. KW - Best practices KW - Durability KW - Hot mix asphalt KW - Literature reviews KW - Longitudinal joints KW - Pavement joints KW - Specifications KW - State departments of transportation KW - Surveys UR - http://www.asphaltinstitute.org/best-practices-for-construction-and-specifying-hma-longitudinal-joints/ UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1243318 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01458060 AU - Salgado, Rodrigo AU - Zhang, Yanbei AU - Purdue University AU - Indiana Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Use of Pile Driving Analysis for Assessment of Axial Load Capacity of Piles PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 34p AB - Driven piles are commonly used in foundation engineering. Pile driving formulae, which directly relate the pile set per blow to the capacity of the pile, are commonly used to decide whether an installed pile will have the designed capacity. However, existing formulae have been proposed based on empirical observations and have not been validated scientifically, so some might over-predict pile capacity, while others may be too conservative. In this report, a more advanced and realistic model developed at Purdue University for dynamic pile driving analysis was used to develop more accurate pile driving formulae. These formulae are derived for piles installed in typical soil profiles: a floating pile in sand, an end-bearing pile in sand, a floating pile in clay, an end-bearing pile in clay and a pile crossing a normally consolidated clay layer and resting on a dense sand layer. The proposed driving formulae are validated through well documented case histories of driven piles. Comparison of the predictions from the proposed formulae with the results from static load tests, dynamic load tests and conventional formulae show that they produce reasonably accurate predictions of pile capacity based on pile set observations. KW - Axial loads KW - Bearing capacity KW - Dynamic loads KW - Formulas KW - Indiana KW - Load tests KW - Pile driving KW - Piles (Supports) KW - Static loads UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.5703/1288284314671 UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/46000/46600/46652/fulltext2.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1225682 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01457566 AU - Xiong, Yingge AU - Fricker, Jon D AU - McNamara, Kevin T AU - Longley, Joseph W AU - Purdue University AU - Indiana Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Socioeconomic Forecasting PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 56p AB - The role of the Regional Economic Models, Inc. (REMI) Policy Insight+ model in socioeconomic forecasting and economic impact analysis of transportation projects was assessed. The REMI PI+ model is consistent with the state of the practice in forecasting and impact analysis. REMI PI+, like its competitors, is vulnerable to the trends contained in the historical data it uses, especially recent trends. After the most recent periodic update in data, the performance of the REMI PI+ model improved, that is, it produced long‐term forecasts that were more credible. Zonal‐level population and employment forecasts for direct input to the Indiana Statewide Travel Demand Model (ISTDM) can be achieved by applying disaggregation regression methods. Indiana University’s Center for Econometric Model Research (CEMR) model is also a sound forecasting model. Because of the knowledge of in‐state economists, the CEMR‐IBRC model could provide forecasts of the Indiana economy that reflect characteristics not known to out‐of‐state forecasters. The researchers also examined economic impact analysis models that are possible alternatives to REMI PI+. Acquiring a new economic impact analysis package does not seem necessary for the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), if REMI forecasts can be adjusted to (a) accommodate recent and reasonable expected trends in the Indiana economy, and (b) meet the geographic (TAZ) needs of the ISTDM. The Major Corridor Investment-Benefit Analysis System (MCIBAS) - which is currently used by the Indiana Department of Transportation - is a good hybrid system to use in the economic impacts analysis of transportation projects. Indiana University’s CEMR is capable of conducting economic impact analyses, with local knowledge of the Indiana economy, at a cost lower than REMI’s. However, INDOT would have to decide whether these potential advantages justify changing the present relationship with REMI. In cases where the credibility of data, forecasts, and/or impact analyses needs to be verified, an INDOT version of an expert panel along the lines of Michigan’s Transportation Technical Committee could be convened. KW - Demographics KW - Econometric models KW - Economic forecasting KW - Economic models KW - Forecasting KW - Impacts KW - Indiana KW - Indiana Department of Transportation KW - Long range planning KW - Regional economics KW - Socioeconomic data KW - Socioeconomic development KW - Transportation planning KW - Travel demand UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.5703/1288284314664 UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/46000/46600/46658/fulltext.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1225537 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01457560 AU - Patterson, James W AU - Federal Aviation Administration TI - Evaluation of New Obstruction Lighting Techniques to Reduce Avian Fatalities PY - 2012/05//Technical Note SP - 64p AB - Wildlife biologists have conducted extensive research to better understand how migratory birds are negatively affected by obstruction lights, which are used at night to warn pilots that they are approaching an obstruction hazard. The research concluded that migratory birds appear to be attracted to the steady-burning (i.e., nonflashing) obstruction lights on communication towers and, as a result, thousands of birds are killed annually through collisions with these obstructions. Wildlife organizations, the telecommunication industry, and the Federal Communication Commission collectively approached the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and requested that the FAA consider redefining their standards for obstruction lighting to either omit or flash the normally steady-burning red lights to reduce their impact on the mortality rates of migratory birds. In the research reported here, the FAA Airport Technology Research and Development Team evaluated the proposal to omit or flash the normally steady-burning red lights. In addition, researchers evaluated the potential benefit of using light-emitting diode obstruction lights instead of conventional incandescent obstruction lights as a way to mitigate their impact on birds, due to their unique color and flash pattern. A series of flight evaluations was conducted to compare the obstruction lighting on several communication towers in the northern Michigan area. A tower that was equipped with a nonstandard lighting configuration in which the steady-burning red lights were programmed to flash in unison with the red flashing lights was also included in the flight evaluation. The results showed that flashing the steady-burning lights was acceptable for small towers (151 to 350 feet in height) and that they could be omitted on taller towers (over 351 feet) so long as the remaining brighter, flashing lights were operational. The optimal flash rate for the brighter lights to flash simultaneously was determined to be between 27 and 33 flashes per minute (fpm). Flashing at slower speeds (under 27 fpm) did not provide the necessary conspicuity for pilots to clearly acquire the obstruction at night without the steady-burning lights, and flashing at faster speeds (over 33 fpm), the lights were not off long enough to be less of an attractant to migratory birds. Based on the results of this research, the FAA proposes to make specific changes to the obstruction lighting standards, including a proposal to omit or flash steady-burning red lights from several obstruction lighting configurations. KW - Aviation safety KW - Birds KW - Environmental protection KW - Fatalities KW - Obstruction lights KW - Towers KW - Visibility UR - http://www.tc.faa.gov/its/worldpac/techrpt/tctn12-9.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1222903 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01454861 AU - Reinhardt, John W AU - Federal Aviation Administration TI - Minimum Performance Standard for Aircraft Cargo Compartment Halon Replacement Fire Suppression Systems (2012 Update) PY - 2012/05//Technical Note SP - 30p AB - This technical note presents the 2012 update to the minimum performance standards that a Halon 1301 replacement or alternate system for aircraft cargo compartment must meet as part of the aircraft certification procedures. This document replaces report number DOT/FAA/AR-TN05/20. This standard considers gaseous and nongaseous fire suppression systems for full-scale fire testing. This report update includes the corrections made to the aerosol can simulator specifications, acceptance criteria section, and the new criteria for the aerosol can explosion test. In addition, some sections were added to the test requirements to clarify some testing procedures. This version corrects and clarifies data from the previous update. KW - Aerosols KW - Aircraft KW - Cargo compartments KW - Explosions KW - Fire extinguishers KW - Fire extinguishing agents KW - Fire suppression systems KW - Flammability tests KW - Vehicle fires UR - http://www.fire.tc.faa.gov/pdf/TC-TN12-11.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1223332 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01454652 AU - Dumbaugh, Eric AU - Li, Wenhao AU - Joh, Kenneth AU - Texas Transportation Institute AU - Southwest Region University Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Examining the Design and Developmental Factors Associated with Crashes Involving Pedestrians, Cyclists, and Motorists in Urban Environments PY - 2012/05 SP - 49p AB - Using a parcel-level database of crash incidence and urban form developed for the San Antonio-Bexar County metropolitan region, this study examined how urban form-related variables affect the incidence of crashes involving pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. Arterial thoroughfares, strip commercial uses, and big box stores, which include design features expressly intended to support automobile travel, were found to be associated with significant increases in crashes involving pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists alike. Population density was found to be associated with increased crash incidence among pedestrians, although this is likely a function of increased crash exposure due to the higher levels of pedestrian activity occurring in higher-density environments. The presence of pedestrian-scaled commercial and retail uses, which is likewise associated with increased pedestrian travel, was nonetheless found to be associated with statistically significant reductions in the incidence of multiple-vehicle, fixed-object, and pedestrian crashes. Given that the developmental risk factors that affect pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists proved to be largely the same, this report outlines potential strategies for addressing urban crash incidence in a comprehensive, multimodal manner. KW - Arterial highways KW - Bicycle crashes KW - Commercial strips KW - Communities KW - Highway design KW - Land use KW - Pedestrian-vehicle crashes KW - Population density KW - San Antonio (Texas) KW - Traffic crashes KW - Traffic safety KW - Urban areas KW - Urban design KW - Urban form UR - http://d2dtl5nnlpfr0r.cloudfront.net/swutc.tamu.edu/publications/technicalreports/161107-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1223265 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01449700 AU - Barth, Matthew AU - Boriboonsomsin, Kanok AU - University of California, Riverside AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - ECO-ITS: Intelligent Transportation System Applications to Improve Environmental Performance PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 45p AB - This report describes recent research supported by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Applications for the Environment: Real-Time Information Synthesis (AERIS) program, building upon existing work through developing and improving data collection methods, developing new data fusion techniques to improve estimates, and applying appropriate models for Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) environmental/energy assessments. In addition, the report includes a synthesis of information gathered on other programs in ITS environmental research, as well as a set of technical recommendations on how to proceed with Tracks 1-3 of the AERIS program. KW - Applications for the Environment: Real-Time Information Synthesis KW - Data collection KW - Energy analysis KW - Environmental assessments KW - Environmental impacts KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Pollutants UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45600/45636/FINAL_PKG_FHWA-JPO-12-042_V3.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/46000/46100/46188/FINAL_PKG_FHWA-JPO-12-042_V3.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1217362 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01449502 AU - Morse, Lindsey AU - Cotton, Benjamin AU - Frazier, Jonathan AU - Volpe National Transportation Systems Center AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Alternative Transportation Feasibility Study: Phase I Final Report PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 75p AB - Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest (MBSNF) is located in close proximity to the Puget Sound metropolitan area in western Washington State. The Forest is facing a number of transportation issues, such as increasing congestion and decreasing availability of parking, which may negatively impact resources and visitors. The study is intended to assess transportation issues, and evaluate solutions for those issues, on and along the four major highway corridors through the MBSNF that offer winter and summer recreational opportunities: State Route (SR) 542, U.S. Route 2 (US-2), Interstate 90 (I-90), and SR 410. Due to the study’s large regional scope and multi-modal approach, the limited availability of funding, and the desire to lead to specific implementation projects, the study was divided into two phases. Phase I was the scoping phase and was intended to identify how the remainder of the funding could be best used, given the multiple corridors and issues and limited resources. Phase II is based on the recommendations from Phase I. KW - Alternatives analysis KW - Feasibility analysis KW - Highway corridors KW - Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest KW - National parks KW - Parking KW - Passenger transportation KW - Traffic congestion KW - Transportation planning KW - Washington (State) UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45900/45933/DOT-VNTSC-FHWA-12-04.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1216160 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01448669 AU - Sneed, Lesley H AU - Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Adding Faculty in Transportation Areas - Year 2 & 3: Research Progress on Behavior and Design of Concrete Structures PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 6p AB - The National University Transportation Center (NUTC) provides funds to help departments build up their faculty in the transportation field over the next five years. Broad areas will be considered as listed in the UTC mission or other areas that relate to State Departments of Transportation and MoDOT in particular as stated in their goals, interests, and objectives. KW - Concrete structures KW - Labor force KW - Personnel development KW - Teachers KW - Universities and colleges UR - http://transportation.mst.edu/media/research/transportation/documents/R225%20-%20Sneed.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1216156 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01447651 AU - Zhou, Debao AU - University of Minnesota, Duluth AU - Intelligent Transportation Systems Institute AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Infrared Thermal Camera-Based Real-Time Identification and Tracking of Large Animals to Prevent Animal-Vehicle Collisions (AVCs) on Roadways PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 23p AB - Animal vehicle collision (AVC) is constantly a major safety issue for the driving on roadways. It is estimated that there are over 35,000 AVCs yearly resulting in 3 to 11 deaths, over 400 personal injuries, and close to 4,000 reported property damages of $1,000 or more. This justifies the many attempts that have been tried to detect large animals on road. However, very little success has been achieved. To reduce the number of AVCs, this research used an infrared (IR) thermal imaging method to detect the presence of large animals and to track their locations so drivers could avoid AVCs. The system consists of an infrared-thermal-image grabbing and processing system and a motion control system to track the objects. By analyzing the infrared thermal images, the presence of deer in surrounding areas have been identified, and thus tracked. Since the IR thermal imaging is independent of visible light, the system can work both day and night, even in bad weather. The system can cover a circle area up to 1,000 feet in radius for the identification of an object the size of an adult human being. KW - Animal vehicle collisions KW - Animals KW - Crash avoidance systems KW - Crash injuries KW - Deer KW - Detection and identification systems KW - Fatalities KW - Infrared imagery KW - Property damage KW - Thermal imagery UR - http://www.cts.umn.edu/Publications/ResearchReports/pdfdownload.pl?id=1728 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1214572 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01446984 AU - Tribelhorn, Maria AU - Kyte, Michael AU - National Institute for Advanced Transportation Technology AU - Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Activity Development for Intersection Operations: The National Transportation Curriculum Project: Developing Activity-Based Learning Modules for the Introductory Transportation Engineering Course PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 57p AB - The goal of this work was to develop activity-based learning materials for the introductory transportation engineering course with the purpose of increasing student understanding and concept retention. These materials were to cover intersection operations from a multimodal transportation approach. The initial framework was to create a set of 4 activities, the first activity focused solely on automobile transportation, and the subsequent activities adding one additional transportation mode each. For the final work, the existing sequence of material in the textbook was used for activity development. The final work included the development of a handout for Dr. Kyte’s critical movement analysis method, a queuing systems field lab, a pedestrian and bicycle level of service lab, and a transit level of service lab. The lab activities provided an active learning experience, two focusing on non-auto modes. These activities facilitated a fundamental and broad understanding of core concepts in transportation engineering. KW - College students KW - Education and training KW - Intersections KW - Learning KW - Multimodal transportation KW - Transportation engineering UR - http://www.webs1.uidaho.edu/niatt/research/Final_Reports/KLK724_N12_01.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45900/45947/KLK724_N12_01.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1214448 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01446287 AU - Mostafavi, Ali AU - Abraham, Dulcy M AU - Purdue University AU - Indiana Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - INDOT Construction Inspection Priorities PY - 2012/05 SP - 34p AB - In the last decade, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has experienced an increase in their construction projects (e.g., INDOT’s construction spending was $789 million in 2006 and increased to $1,081.4 million in 2010); while the level of its in‐house inspection staff and resources has either remained the same or declined. There are different strategies to deal with the need for construction inspection resources and they may include strategies such as outsourcing the inspection of construction activities and using quality control and quality assurance certification programs to reduce the need for in‐process inspection. One strategy that could reduce the inspection workload is prioritizing construction activities for inspection. However, reducing the number of inspections also has risks, such as functional failures and reduced design life, if defects are not identified before the work is covered. Thus, available inspection resources should be allocated to the activities with significant risk consequences due to reduced inspection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the current inspection practices of INDOT and develop a risk‐based inspection protocol to facilitate efficient allocation of available inspection resources to minimize the risks associated with reduced inspection. First, the current inspection practices implemented by INDOT, other State Departments of Transportation, and consulting firms were identified and compared. The comparison between the inspection practices revealed that there is consistency between INDOT’s and consultants’ and other State Departments of Transportation’s inspection practices. To develop a risk‐based inspection protocol, first, the risk consequences associated with reduced inspection were identified for different transportation construction activities, based on the data collected from 20 site visits to INDOT projects. These risk consequences include short and long‐term functional failures, reduced design life, reduced safety, and increased maintenance cost. Based on data collected from 23 state Departments of Transportation, 58 engineers and inspectors from the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), and 20 inspection consultants in the Midwest, the subjective perceived probabilities associated with the occurrence of each risk consequence were encoded using fuzzy analysis. Using these subjective probabilities, the risk impacts due to reduced inspection were derived. The construction activities subsequently were prioritized based on the risk impacts associated with reduced inspection into five priority levels: high, medium‐high, medium, medium‐low, and low. The greater the risk impacts were due to reduced inspection, the higher the priority would be for inspection of that activity. The study also included identification of value added of inspection and the critical items to be watched for different activities related to transportation construction. Deliverables of this project include: an inspection protocol, an inspection staffing guide and a list of pay items whose documentation requirements need to be modified to enhance the documentation process. The inspection protocol created in this study could assist INDOT in efficient allocation of inspection resources to construction activities. KW - Construction projects KW - Fuzzy algorithms KW - Indiana Department of Transportation KW - Inspection KW - Quality assurance KW - Resource allocation KW - Risk analysis KW - Risk-based inspection KW - Strategic planning UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.5703/1288284314669 UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45800/45889/fulltext.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45800/45890/Appendix_B._Survey_Instrument.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1213819 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01446228 AU - Reynolds, H AU - Ishutkina, M AU - Johson, D AU - Jordon, R AU - Kuffner, M AU - Lokhande, K AU - Federal Aviation Administration AU - Massachusetts Institute of Technology TI - Dallas/Fort Worth Field Demonstration No. 2 (DFW)-2 Final Report for Tower Flight Data Manager (TFDM) PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 353p AB - The Tower Flight Data Manager (TFDM) is the next generation air traffic control tower (ATCT) information system. It integrates surveillance, flight data, and other sources, enabling advanced decision support tools (DSTs) to improve departure and arrival efficiency and reduce fuel burn at the airport. During a two-week demonstration in the spring of 2011, TFDM was exercised as a prototype installed at the Dallas / Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). MIT Lincoln Laboratory conducted this demonstration (termed DFW-2) for the FAA in coordination with DFW air traffic control (ATC) and the DFW airport authority. The objective of this TFDM field demonstration was to validate the operational suitability and refine production system requirements of the Tower Information Display System (TIDS) surface surveillance display and Flight Data Manager (FDM) electronic flight data display and to evaluate the first iteration of the Supervisor Display and DSTs. These objectives were met during the two-week field demonstration. Results indicated that the TIDS and FDM exhibited capabilities considered operationally suitable for the tower as an advisory system and as a primary means for control given surface surveillance that is approved for operational use. Human factors data indicated that TIDS and FDM could be beneficial. The prototype Supervisor Display and DSTs met a majority of the technical performance criteria, but fewer than half of the human factors success criteria were met. KW - Advanced automation system (Air traffic control) KW - Air traffic control KW - Aircraft operations KW - Approach control KW - Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport KW - Data displays KW - Decision support systems KW - Demonstration projects KW - Guidance systems (Aircraft) KW - Human factors engineering KW - Next Generation Air Transportation System KW - Prototypes UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1212472 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01446044 AU - Reiff, Richard AU - Walker, Russell AU - Schreiber, Patricia AU - Wilson, Nicholas AU - Thompson, Hugh AU - Transportation Technology Center, Incorporated AU - Federal Railroad Administration TI - Assessment of Rail Seat Abrasion Patterns and Environment PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 59p AB - Rail seat abrasion (RSA) of concrete ties is manifested by the loss of material under the rail seat area and, in extreme cases, results in loss of rail clip holding power, reverse rail cant, and gauge widening. RSA was measured in several curves on two railroads. The measurements encompass a range of environmental conditions and track curvature. The RSA measurements, track geometry measurements, and wheel/rail forces predicted with NUCARS® were compared to identify a correlation between wheel/rail forces and deep, wedge-shaped abrasion. RSA and wheel/rail forces were found to be related to curvature, but no clear examples were found where rail forces and RSA could be correlated to a local track geometry deviation. Comparisons were hampered by cases where RSA was measured in locations where previous repairs had been made and by other cases where very little RSA was present at the sites measured. KW - Abrasion KW - Concrete ties KW - Curved rail KW - Deterioration KW - Friction KW - Maintenance of way KW - Rail seats KW - Railroad ties KW - Railroad tracks UR - http://www.fra.dot.gov/Elib/Document/84 UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45700/45771/TR_Assessment_Rail_Seat_Abrasion_Patterns_Environment_final.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1212508 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01445994 AU - Rupnow, Tyson AU - Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development AU - Louisiana Transportation Research Center AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Evaluation of Girder Cores from the US 90 Bayou Ramos Bridge PY - 2012/05 SP - 19p AB - This technical assistance report documents the investigation conducted by the Louisiana Transportation Research Center (LTRC) of the cored concrete from girders of the US 90 Bayou Ramos Bridge near Morgan City, Louisiana. The unit weights of the cores were determined to be within the generally accepted range of portland cement concrete unit weight. The modulus of elasticity and compressive strengths were generally acceptable. The modulus of elasticity results were all within the general range of 4 to 6 million psi. The compressive strengths were acceptable with one core exhibiting low strength due to premature failure during the modulus test. The cores showed no visible signs of distress. KW - Bayou Ramos Bridge KW - Bridge decks KW - Compressive strength KW - Concrete KW - Cores (Specimens) KW - Elasticity (Mechanics) KW - Evaluation KW - Girders KW - Portland cement concrete UR - http://www.ltrc.lsu.edu/pdf/2012/tar_12_01TA_C_press.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45800/45887/tar_12_01TA_C_press.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1212660 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01445976 AU - Stringfellow, Richard AU - Rancatore, Robert AU - Tiax LLC AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Railroad Administration TI - Workstation Table Engineering Model Design, Development, Fabrication, and Testing PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 121p AB - This research effort is focused on providing a workstation table design that will reduce the risk of occupant injuries due to secondary impacts and to compartmentalize the occupants to prevent impacts with other objects and/or passengers seated across from them. The table must be capable of protecting the passengers in a seating arrangement with the table located between facing seats. Included in this study are the design, fabrication, quasi-static testing, and delivery of the table for subsequent testing in the crash energy management (CEM) full-scale test. Finite element analyses of the table components and multibody dynamic analyses of the occupant response were performed to help guide the design and predict whether the occupant injury risk for the newly designed table meets the requirements. Four tables were fabricated; two were included in the CEM full-scale train-to-train test in March 2006, and two were constructed for use in quasi-static and dynamic sled tests. To date, only the quasi-static tests and the CEM full-scale test have been performed. KW - Crash energy management KW - Crashworthiness KW - Design KW - Fabrication KW - Finite element method KW - Impact tests KW - Passenger cars KW - Prototype tests KW - Static tests KW - Workstation tables UR - http://www.fra.dot.gov/Elib/Document/85 UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45700/45774/TR_Workstation_Table_Engineering_Model_Design_Development_Fabrication_Testing_final.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1212509 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01445010 AU - Sallman, Doug AU - Flanigan, Erin AU - Jeannotte, Krista AU - Hedden, Chris AU - Morallos, Dorothy AU - Cambridge Systematics, Incorporated AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Operations Benefit/Cost Analysis Desk Reference PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 119p AB - This Desk Reference is intended to meet the needs of a wide range of practitioners looking to conduct benefit/cost (B/C) analysis of operations strategies. The guidance provided in the Desk Reference includes basic background information on B/C analysis, including basic terminology and concepts, intended to support the needs of practitioners just getting started with B/C analysis, who may be unfamiliar with the general process. Building off this primer base, the Desk Reference also describes some of the more complex analytical concepts and latest research in order to support more advanced analysts in conducting their analysis. Some of the more advanced topics include capturing the impacts of travel time reliability; assessing the synergistic effects of combining different strategies; and capturing the benefits and costs of supporting infrastructure, such as traffic surveillance and communications. This Desk Reference is supported by an Operations B/C decision support tool, called the Tool for Operations Benefit/Cost (TOPS-BC). This spreadsheet-based tool is designed to assist practitioners in conducting B/C analysis. KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Decision support systems KW - Definitions KW - Highway operations KW - Spreadsheets KW - Strategic planning KW - Traffic surveillance KW - Travel time reliability UR - http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop12028/fhwahop12028.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1212605 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01444827 AU - Taghvaeeyan, Saber AU - Sun, Zhen AU - Mott, Michael AU - Rajamani, Rajesh AU - University of Minnesota, Twin Cities AU - University of Minnesota, Twin Cities AU - Intelligent Transportation Systems Institute AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Ultra Reliable Detection of Imminent Collision for Enhanced Occupant Safety PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 93p AB - This project focuses on the use of anisotropic magnetoresisitve (AMR) sensors for detection of an imminent unavoidable collision. An analytical formulation is developed for the variation of the magnetic field around a car as a function of position. Based on magnetic field measurements using AMR sensors, the position and velocity of any other car can be estimated and an imminent collision detected just prior to collision. The developed AMR sensor system has very high refresh rates, works at very small distances down to zero meters and is highly inexpensive. A variety of experimental results are presented to demonstrate the performance of the system for both one-dimensional and two-dimensional relative motion between cars. The second part of the project conducts simulations to show the benefits of detecting an imminent collision using the developed AMR sensors. An occupant model is developed to analyze occupant motion inside a car during a frontal collision. Analytical formulations and simulations are used to show how occupant safety can be enhanced when knowledge of an imminent collision is available. KW - Automatic crash notification KW - Collision detection KW - Crash avoidance systems KW - Electromagnetic fields KW - Highway safety KW - Sensors KW - Vehicle safety UR - http://www.cts.umn.edu/Publications/ResearchReports/pdfdownload.pl?id=1744 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1212332 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01443825 AU - Rosandich, Ryan G AU - University of Minnesota, Duluth AU - University of Minnesota, Duluth AU - Intelligent Transportation Systems Institute AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Improving the Safety and Efficiency of Roadway Maintenance Phase I: Developing a Robotic Roadway Message Painter Prototype PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 20p AB - A large-scale prototype for a robotic roadway message painter was developed, built, and tested. The system is a gantry-style robot capable of painting a four-by-eight-foot area and is based on off-the-shelf linear motion components, readily available motion control hardware, and commercial operator interface software. The system is mounted on a modified trailer that can be manually rolled around for positioning or towed behind a vehicle. The system is equipped with a standard automatic paint head and airless paint pump. Software was developed for the system that enables it to paint a variety of characters and symbols on the roadway. An operator interface was also developed that allows an operator to easily select the painting operation to be conducted and to monitor and control the actual painting process. The software resides in a laptop computer that communicates with the robotic painting system in real-time using a dedicated Ethernet connection. The system was used to determine the feasibility of painting with or without stencils and to determine many design parameters for the eventual development of a commercially viable system for painting symbols and messages on roadways. It is expected that the system will eventually enable states, counties, and municipalities to improve the safety, productivity, and flexibility of their pavement marking operations. KW - Highway maintenance KW - Painting KW - Prototypes KW - Road markings KW - Robotics KW - Robots KW - Software KW - Traffic paint UR - http://www.cts.umn.edu/Publications/ResearchReports/pdfdownload.pl?id=1730 UR - http://www.its.umn.edu/Publications/ResearchReports/pdfdownload.pl?id=1730 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1211619 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01443817 AU - Kaufman, Matthew AU - Formanack, Matthew AU - Gray, Joddie AU - Weinberger, Rachel AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Contemporary Approaches to Parking Pricing: A Primer PY - 2012/05 SP - 48p AB - Technological advances offer the opportunity to effectively manage and price parking. Improvements in parking management infrastructure and tools combined with innovative thinking by politicians, transportation and parking professionals, and researchers are advancing the field of parking management. New technologies are making it possible to collect and analyze large amounts of data about parking utilization. That in turn allows cities to define clear policy goals and accurately adjust pricing to meet those goals. Better technology has also improved revenue management, provided users with more payment options, and improved enforcement while lowering associated costs. This primer discusses advances covering a broad array of parking pricing applications, available technology, preferred user accommodations, and strategies for gaining public acceptance for policy changes. Case studies from Aspen, Colorado, Washington D.C., and Seattle, Washington are also included. The information provided is meant to increase awareness of innovative approaches, help communities design strategies that are applicable to their unique needs, and encourage new innovations in the field of parking pricing. KW - Case studies KW - Parking fees KW - Pay parking KW - Policy KW - Pricing KW - Technological innovations UR - http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop12026/fhwahop12026.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1211621 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01443815 AU - Fan, Yingling AU - Chen, Qian AU - Douma, Frank AU - Liao, Chen-Fu AU - University of Minnesota, Twin Cities AU - University of Minnesota, Twin Cities AU - Intelligent Transportation Systems Institute AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Smartphone-Based Travel Experience Sampling and Behavior Intervention among Young Adults PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 101p AB - This research project aims to develop a data collection application that enables real-time tracking and reporting of the health-related impacts of travel behavior. Using computing, communication, and sensing capabilities of smartphones, an Android phone application—named UbiActive—was developed to collect real-time travel-related physical activity and psychological well-being data from phone users. The application was tested on multiple Android phones, among which Nexus S and HTC Magic were found to produce comparable physical activity outputs with the commercially available accelerometer. The application was further tested in a three-week field study for its viability for real-time data collection and behavior intervention against unhealthy travel behavior. Twenty-three young adults were recruited and randomized into intervention and control groups. Both groups were asked to install UbiActive on their phone and wear their phone on their right hip during all waking hours for three consecutive weeks. The intervention group was provided information on impacts of their travel behavior on physical activity and psychological well-being. No information was provided to the control group. After the field study, all participants were asked to complete a web-based exit survey that was comprised of questions about their general participation experience and specific concerns about the study design, application, compliance requirements, and privacy issues. Findings from the field study show that UbiActive has high potential in collecting travel-related physical activity and psychological experience data, but limited effectiveness in behavior intervention. Findings from the exit survey provide useful insights into potential improvement areas of the study and the UbiActive application. KW - Behavior modification KW - Data collection KW - Field studies KW - Health KW - Smartphones KW - Surveys KW - Travel behavior KW - Well-being KW - Young adults UR - http://www.cts.umn.edu/Publications/ResearchReports/pdfdownload.pl?id=1726 UR - http://www.its.umn.edu/Publications/ResearchReports/pdfdownload.pl?id=1726 UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55700/55755/CTS12-11_SMARTPHONE_BASED_TRAVEL.PDF UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1211620 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01383601 AU - Sargand, Shad M AU - Khoury, Issam S AU - Morrison, Jill AU - Ohio University, Athens AU - Ohio Department of Transportation AU - New York State Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Monitoring and Modeling of Pavement Response and Performance. Task B: New York. Volume 1: I490, RT9A, and I86 AC Pavement PY - 2012/05//Technical Report SP - 158p AB - This volume reports on experiments at three pavement sites in New York, I490 in Rochester, RT9A in New York City, and I86 near Angelica. I490 included jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP) sections instrumented to monitor loss of support from curling and warping during curing and early use, plus an experiment on different dowel bar and tie bar configurations. Instrumentation included linear variable displacement transducers (LVDTs) measuring displacement and vibrating wire strain gauges (VWSGs) measuring strain, stress, and temperature. Data were gathered by applying falling weight deflectometer (FWD) and with a Dipstick® and a profilometer. Environmental and response data from the embedded instrumentation were collected from construction in June 2002 through 2004, and FWD responses were measured during 2006-2011. In conclusion, evidence for loss of support resulting from both warping and built-in curling was found. Among the three dowel bar configurations, E2, which had the narrowest spacing and the smallest bar cross-sections, had test sections with the least curling and the best FWD load transfer efficiency (LTE) under negative temperature gradient (morning). All sections performed well under positive temperature gradient (afternoon), with LTE>93%. Instrumentation of a PCC section on RT9A adjacent to the Freedom Tower site in Manhattan, New York City, was installed in June 2008 to monitor the heavy construction related traffic. Instrumentation included LVDTs, VWSG, other strain gauges, and thermocouples. FWD data were collected after two months, but further data could not be collected due to restrictions accessing the site. On I86 near Angelica, a JRCP pavement was rubblized and covered with a 20 cm (8 in) asphalt pavement. A special test section substituted a perpetual pavement structure for the standard design, and included four layers ranging from 100 mm (4 in) to 40 mm (1.57 in) in thickness. The test pavement was instrumented with LVDTs, thermocouples, strain gauges, and pressure cells. FWD testing was conducted November 2006 through August 2011. After nearly five years of service, very slight distress could be observed in the standard AC pavement, and no distress was observed in the perpetual pavement section. KW - Asphalt concrete pavements KW - Concrete pavements KW - Dowel bars KW - Dynamic loads KW - Falling weight deflectometers KW - Load transfer KW - Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide KW - New York (State) KW - Pavement design KW - Pavement maintenance KW - Pavement performance KW - Perpetual pavements KW - Portland cement concrete KW - Tie bars UR - http://worldcat.org/oclc/797213287/viewonline UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45100/45173/134287_Vol1__FR.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1144249 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01383599 AU - Sargand, Shad M AU - Khoury, Issam S AU - Padilla-Llano, David AU - Ohio University, Athens AU - Ohio Department of Transportation AU - New York State Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Monitoring and Modeling of Pavement Response and Performance. Task B: New York. Volume 2: I86 PCC PY - 2012/05//Technical Report SP - 320p AB - In Cattaraugus County, New York State, Interstate 86 exhibited major distresses, and the jointed reinforced portland cement concrete pavement (JRCP) and was in need of rehabilitation by 2004. Three experimental sections were constructed in June 2006 using an unbonded overlay of jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP). In one section the existing JRCP was untreated, in another it was rubblized, and in the third section it was broken and seated (B&S). Embedded sensors monitored strain, temperature, and displacement responses. The research effort included periodic monitoring of stress and strains due to environmental loads and measurement of responses induced by a falling weight deflectometer (FWD) to account for dynamic loads. Results of this study suggest that thermal gradients in the concrete slabs induce highest vertical displacements (curling), strains, and stresses in the untreated section. From dynamic loads, the largest deflections and strains are induced in the rubblized and B&S sections, while the untreated section exhibits the least severe dynamic response. Environmental strain responses were typically more critical near the top surface of the concrete, often in tension, suggesting probable top-down cracking mechanisms. This research improves the understanding of the physical effects of these fracturing techniques on unbonded overlays through a fully monitored investigation using in-situ instrumentation. KW - Comminution KW - Concrete overlays KW - Crack and seat treatment KW - Dynamic loads KW - Falling weight deflectometers KW - New York (State) KW - Pavement design KW - Pavement maintenance KW - Pavement performance KW - Perpetual pavements KW - Portland cement concrete KW - Reinforced concrete pavements UR - http://worldcat.org/oclc/797213287/viewonline UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45100/45174/134287_Vol2__FR.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1144257 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01383598 AU - Sargand, Shad M AU - Khoury, Issam S AU - Hatton, Drew AU - Ohio University, Athens AU - Ohio Department of Transportation AU - New York State Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Monitoring and Modeling of Pavement Response and Performance. Task B: New York. Volume 3: I90 PY - 2012/05//Technical Report SP - 186p AB - This research presents the evaluation and comparison of two Portland-cement concrete (PCC) pavement test sections with cement-treated permeable bases (CTPB) and dense-graded aggregate bases (DGAB) on the Interstate 90 Thruway in New York. Two instrumented test sections were constructed to assess rigid pavement performance with CTPB compared to DGAB. The first test section had a DGAB layer only, while the second section had a CTPB layer above the DGAB layer. Continual environmental data were collected and dynamic testing was conducted to evaluate the load response of each test section. The results from the environmental monitoring show that the CTPB section had higher strains and began to experience higher edge deflections after a year of service. The moisture probes indicated the CTPB did not affect subgrade moisture content. Dynamic truck load tests indicated the CTPB section had higher mid-slab strains and greater transverse joint deflections. The higher strains and deflections in the environmental and dynamic tests were attributed to the rigid CTPB layer, which caused a loss of support at the slab edges. This study found there were no benefits from the CTPB, and that the rigid base layer had a negative impact on early-age pavement performance. KW - Base course (Pavements) KW - Cement treated bases KW - Concrete pavements KW - Deflection tests KW - Dense graded aggregates KW - Dynamic loads KW - Load tests KW - New York (State) KW - Pavement design KW - Pavement maintenance KW - Pavement performance KW - Permeability KW - Perpetual pavements KW - Portland cement concrete KW - Strain (Mechanics) UR - http://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/Planning/SPR/Research/reportsandplans/Reports/2012/Pavements/134287_Vol3_FR.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45100/45175/134287_Vol3_FR.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1144259 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01383589 AU - Barfuss, Steven L. AU - Jensen, Austin AU - Clemens, Shannon AU - Utah State University, Logan AU - Utah Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Evaluation and Development of Unmanned Aircraft (UAV) for UDOT Needs PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 49p AB - This research involved the use of high-resolution aerial photography obtained from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to aid the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) in monitoring and documenting State Roadway structures and associated issues. Using geo-referenced UAV high resolution aerial photographic imagery, the project documented the before, during and after stages of the Southern Parkway construction near the new Saint George International airport, in addition to photographing and classifying wetland plant species in the Utah Lake wetland mitigation bank on the North East corner of Utah Lake. KW - Aerial photography KW - Before and after studies KW - Drone aircraft KW - Georeferencing KW - High resolution digital photography KW - Plants KW - Road construction KW - Saint George (Utah) KW - Utah Lake KW - Wetlands UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45600/45612/UT-12.08_UAV_report_July_2012.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1147966 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01383580 AU - Khattak, Aemal AU - Thompson, Eric AU - Mid-America Transportation Center AU - Nebraska Department of Roads AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Development of a Methodology for Assessment of Crash Costs at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings in Nebraska PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 43p AB - An accurate measure of crash costs is required to support effective decision-making about transportation investments. In particular, underinvestment will occur if measurement fails to capture the full cost of crashes. Such mis-measurement and underinvestment may be occurring in the case of crashes at highway-rail grade crossings (HRGCs). HRGC crash costs can be substantial because of the severity of crashes. However, another important potential cost is the disruption to the transportation and logistics system. Existing methodologies capture the first set of costs but often fail to fully capture the second set. This research provides a standardized methodology for assessing the expected annual crash costs at HRGCs in Nebraska, and the potential benefits from removing and replacing HRGC sites, for example, with an overhead bridge. Avoided crash costs are the primary benefit of safety improvements but logistics costs savings also are identified. Throughout the report, we trace a scenario using traffic conditions at the mean at-grade highway-rail crossing crash. We find that the cost of a crash, if it did occur, would be $805,675. The lifetime benefit of removing an at-grade intersection and replacing it with an overhead bridge or an underpass would be $235,836 given the traffic conditions at the mean Nebraska HRGC crash site. Given the relatively low traffic volumes found in many parts of Nebraska, at the mean crash site the injuries and deaths associated with crashes are the primary cost, with logistics costs accounting for a small share of costs (though exceeding the share of operating costs for trucks and rail). Naturally, benefits would vary given different traffic condition, with benefits rising if the number of motor vehicles and trains using a highway-rail at grade crossing increases. More generally, in this project the authors developed a spreadsheet which can be used to calculate the economic costs of individual crashes based on the average annual daily traffic (AADT) and detour time on the impacted roadway and train traffic and length of delay on the railway. This spreadsheet is available for simulation purposes and can be paired with information on the likelihood of crashes to determine the benefits of improving the safety of at-grade rail-highway intersections. KW - Accident costs KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Crash data KW - Logistics KW - Methodology KW - Nebraska KW - Railroad grade crossings KW - Replacement costs KW - Traffic crashes UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45700/45734/Khattak_422_Crash_Costs_Combined_FINAL.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1148241 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01383576 AU - Morton, Tom AU - Woodward Communications AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - NDE Virtual Laboratory Development Workshop Summary PY - 2012/05//Summary Report SP - 18p AB - On December 19, 2011, at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC) in McLean, VA, the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Exploratory Advanced Research (EAR) Program convened a 1-day workshop to consider the value of and process for developing a national virtual laboratory for nondestructive evaluation (NDE) for highway structures. A national virtual laboratory could include test and sample protocols to allow comparison and validation of research done at different locations, research data and metadata to allow future researchers and students to analyze or re-examine results, and analysis and visualization tools to aid in examining and reporting research data. Previously, FHWA’s EAR Program sponsored a National Research Council Associate to conduct a project, “NDE for corrosion detection in reinforced concrete structures incorporating time-resolved thermography combined with three-dimensional (3-D) microwave imaging” at TFHRC’s NDE Laboratory. The EAR Program then supported a workshop addressing the use of NDE tools at the Transportation Research Board’s 2011 Annual Meeting. The December 19th workshop was held to advance the findings from these efforts regarding an NDE Virtual Laboratory. KW - Bridges KW - Highway structures KW - Laboratories KW - Nondestructive tests KW - Research KW - Virtual laboratory KW - Workshops UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/advancedresearch/pubs/12052/12052.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1148243 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01383560 AU - Cramer, Patricia AU - Utah State University, Logan AU - Utah Department of Transportation AU - Utah Division of Wildlife Resources AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Determining Wildlife Use of Wildlife Crossing Structures under Different Scenarios PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 181p AB - This research evaluated Utah's wildlife crossing structures to help Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources assess crossing efficacy. In this study, remote motion-sensed cameras were used at 14 designated wildlife crossing culverts and bridges, and 21 existing culverts and bridges built for other purposes. Over three years (2008-2011), through June 2011, the 35 cameras recorded 23,957 mule deer passages through designated wildlife crossings, and 1,093 passages under existing culverts and bridges. The results support the statements: 1) mule deer will use bridges to pass under Utah highways, and the bridged overpass to pass over Interstate 15; 2) mule deer prefer shorter culverts, mule deer rates of repellency increased with culvert length, wildlife crossing culverts should be less than 120 ft (36.5 m) long ; 3) culvert width, as animals pass under the road, is more important to mule deer than culvert height, they prefer wider spaces; 4) mule deer, elk, and moose will rarely to never use existing concrete box culverts under interstates unless wildlife fencing (8 ft, 2.4 m high) is present, but once wildlife fencing is present, will only use these structures in limited numbers; 5) all US 6 and Interstate-70 wildlife crossing bridges, culverts, and arch bridges passed mule deer; 6) elk rarely used culverts and bridge structures, it is extremely difficult to build wildlife crossing structures for elk passage; and 7) overall wildlife crossings are working for mule deer. Future crossings that are predicted to work best should be short in length, and wide in span. KW - Culverts KW - Elk KW - Fences KW - Habitat (Ecology) KW - Highway bridges KW - Mule deer KW - Utah KW - Wildlife crossings UR - http://utah.ptfs.com/awweb/awarchive?type=file&item=54671 UR - http://www.udot.utah.gov/main//uconowner.gf?n=10315521671291686 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1147953 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01383551 AU - Hearn, George AU - University of Colorado, Boulder AU - Colorado Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Deterioration and Cost Information for Bridge Management PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 354p AB - This study applies contract bid tabulations and element‐level condition records to develop element‐level actions, costs for actions, transition probabilities for models of deterioration of bridge elements, and transition probabilities for improvements to elements due to actions. The information on actions, costs, and transition probabilities is input to a Pontis BMS bridge database. The study uses transition probabilities for element deterioration to compute the number of years to possible loss of safety in bridges, and to compute the number of years for inspection intervals. It examines variations in costs of actions and deterioration of elements among Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) regions. A set of software applications was developed to handle bid tabulations, compute costs of actions, compute transition probabilities, and mediate the steps needed for movement of data into and out of Pontis BMS. An implementation plan is included with suggestions regarding: merging the Pontis bridge database with CDOT’s OnSys bridge database; developing procedures for element‐level tracking of repair and rehabilitation work on in‐service bridges; developing tools outside of Pontis for decision support for bridge projects. KW - Bridge maintenance KW - Bridge management systems KW - Colorado KW - Costs KW - Deterioration KW - Highway bridges KW - Pontis (Computer program) KW - Preservation KW - Software UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1147958 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01380451 AU - Bayomy, Fouad AU - El-Badawy, Sherif M AU - Awed, Ahmed AU - National Institute for Advanced Transportation Technology AU - Idaho Transportation Department AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Implementation of the MEPDG for Flexible Pavements in Idaho PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 375p AB - This study was conducted to assist the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) in the implementation of the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) for flexible pavements. The main research work in this study focused on establishing a materials, traffic, and climatic database for Idaho MEPDG implementation. A comprehensive database covering all hierarchical input levels required by MEPDG for hot-mix-asphalt (HMA) and binders typically used in Idaho was established. The influence of the binder characterization input level on the accuracy of MEPDG predicted dynamic modulus (E*) was investigated. The prediction accuracy of the NCHRP 1-37A viscosity-based Witczak Model, NCHRP 1-40D-binder shear modulus (G*) based Witczak model, Hirsch model, and Gyratory Stability (GS) based Idaho model was also investigated. MEPDG Levels 2 and 3 inputs for Idaho unbound materials and subgrade soils were developed. For Level 2 subgrade material characterization, two models were developed. First, a simple R-value regression model as a function of the soil plasticity index and percent passing No. 200 sieve was developed based on a historical database of R-values at ITD. Second, a resilient modulus (Mr) predictive model based on the estimated R-value of the soil and laboratory measured Mr values, collected from literature, was developed. For Level 3 unbound granular materials and subgrade soils, typical default average values and ranges for R-value, plasticity index (PI), and liquid limit (LL) were developed using ITD historical data. For MEPDG traffic characterization, classification and weight data from 25 weigh-in-motion (WIM) sites in Idaho were analyzed. Site-specific (Level 1) axle load spectra (ALS), traffic adjustment factors, and number of axles per truck class were established. Statewide and regional ALS factors were also developed. The impact of the traffic input level on MEPDG predicted performance was studied. Sensitivity of MEPDG predicted performance in terms of cracking, rutting, and smoothness to key input parameters was conducted as part of this study. MEPDG recommended design reliability levels and criteria were also investigated. Finally, a plan for local calibration and validation of MEPDG distress/smoothness prediction models for Idaho conditions was established. KW - Databases KW - Fatigue (Mechanics) KW - Flexible pavements KW - Idaho KW - Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide KW - Pavement performance KW - Resilient modulus KW - Rutting UR - http://www.itd.idaho.gov/highways/research/archived/reports/RP193Final.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45100/45138/RP193Final.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1147512 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01380421 AU - Porter, J David AU - Kim, David S AU - Park, SeJoon AU - Saeedi, Amirali AU - Magana, Mario E AU - Oregon State University, Corvallis AU - Oregon State University, Corvallis AU - Oregon Transportation Research and Education Consortium AU - Oregon Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Wireless Data Collection System for Travel Time Estimation and Traffic Performance Evaluation PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 127p AB - This report presents the results of the third and final research and development project of an implementable wireless travel time data collection system. Utilizing Bluetooth wireless technology as a platform, the prior projects focused on data collection hardware and network communication implementation. In this project the processing and synthesis of collected data was addressed. Results and procedures that address data filtering, travel time sample calculation, calculation of travel time statistics, travel time forecasting are described. Results for the use of collected data to estimate intersection performance are presented, as are the design and requirements for an automated travel time data collection system. The report includes a users’ manual. KW - Bluetooth technology KW - Data collection KW - Data filtering KW - Traffic estimation KW - Traffic forecasting KW - Travel time UR - http://cms.oregon.gov/ODOT/TD/TP_RES/docs/reports/2012/SPR737_Wireless.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1147534 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01379982 AU - Pande, Anurag AU - Nuworsoo, Cornelius AU - Shew, Cameron AU - San Jose State University AU - California Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Proactive Assessment of Accident Risk to Improve Safety on a System of Freeways PY - 2012/05 SP - 85p AB - Real-time crash risk-assessment models are developed and evaluated for four freeway corridors. Crash data for these freeway segments for the 16-month period from January 2010 through April 2011 are used to link historical crash occurrences with real-time traffic patterns observed through loop-detector data. The crash risk-assessment models are based on a binary classification approach (crash and non-crash outcomes), with traffic parameters measured at surrounding vehicle detection station (VDS) locations as the independent variables. The analysis techniques used in this study are logistic regression and classification trees. It was found that the predictive model derived from one freeway can be readily applied to other freeways, although the classification performance decreases. The models that transfer best to other roadways were determined to be those that use the least number of VDSs–that is, those that use one upstream or downstream station rather than two or three. The classification accuracy of the models is discussed in terms of how the models can be used for real-time crash risk assessment. The models can be applied to developing and testing variable speed limits (VSLs) and ramp-metering strategies that proactively attempt to reduce crash risk. KW - Classification KW - Crash risk forecasting KW - Data mining KW - Logistic regression analysis KW - Loop detectors UR - http://transweb.sjsu.edu/PDFs/research/1006-freeway-accident-risk-safety-improvement.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1147834 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01379832 AU - Chavel, Brandon W AU - Leshko, Brian J AU - HDR Engineering, Incorporated AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Primer for the Inspection and Strength Evaluation of Suspension Bridge Cables PY - 2012/05//Technical Report SP - 128p AB - This Primer is intended to be a practical supplement to NCHRP Report 534, "Guidelines for Inspection and Strength Evaluation of Suspension Bridge Parallel Wire Cables," and FHWA Report No. FHWA-PD-96-001, titled "Recording and Coding Guide for the Structure Inventory and Appraisal of the Nation’s Bridges." This Primer will serve as an initial resource for those involved in the inspection, metallurgical testing, and strength evaluation of suspension bridge cables in addition to providing necessary documentation for recording performed inspections, testing, and strength evaluations. Furthermore, this document is intended to provide field inspectors, technicians, and/or engineers with the necessary forms and information they need to perform an inspection. KW - Bridge cables KW - Forms (Documents) KW - Inspection KW - Materials tests KW - Metallography KW - Strength of materials KW - Suspension bridges UR - https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/pubs/if11045.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1147529 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01379787 AU - Cable, James K AU - Iowa State University, Ames AU - Iowa Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Concrete Overlay Field Application Program: Iowa Task Report: US 18 Concrete Overlay Construction Under Traffic PY - 2012/05//Task Report SP - 124p AB - The National Concrete Pavement Technology Center, Iowa Department of Transportation, and Federal Highway Administration set out to demonstrate and document the design and construction of portland cement concrete (PCC) overlays on two-lane roadways while maintaining two-way traffic. An 18.82 mile project was selected for 2011 construction in northeast Iowa on US 18 between Fredericksburg and West Union. This report documents planning, design, and construction of the project and lessons learned. The work included the addition of subdrains, full-depth patching, bridge approach replacement, and drainage structural repair and cleaning prior to overlay construction. The paving involved surface preparation by milling to grade and the placement of a 4.5 in. PCC overlay and 4 ft of widening to the existing pavement. In addition, the report makes recommendations on ways to improve the process for future concrete overlays. KW - Concrete overlays KW - Construction management KW - Iowa KW - Lessons learned KW - Planning and design KW - Rehabilitation (Maintenance) KW - Two lane highways KW - Work zone traffic control UR - http://www.intrans.iastate.edu/research/documents/research-reports/US_18_overlay_construction_web.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1147413 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01379715 AU - Fischer, Jacob AU - Krzmarzick, Adam AU - Menon, Arvind AU - Shankwitz, Craig AU - University of Minnesota, Twin Cities AU - Intelligent Transportation Systems Institute AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Performance Analysis of Squad Car Lighting, Retro-reflective Markings, and Paint Treatments to Improve Safety at Roadside Traffic Stops PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 35p AB - In the United States, more police officers are killed in collisions at roadside stops than through felonious acts. Causal factors that affect police safety at roadside stops include officer conspicuity, squad car conspicuity, weather conditions, and the attention and fatigue level of the traveling public. Described herein is a research project that provides insight and guidelines that may ultimately improve officer safety at roadside stops. The project is designed to modify an existing sensor-based traffic monitoring system so that it serves as a test bed to evaluate the retro-reflector, lighting, and paint treatments of an emergency vehicle to determine whether particular combinations produce improved “move over” behavior of oncoming traffic. This is done using automated data analysis software built specifically for this project. Tests are performed at a fully instrumented rural intersection. After mimicking a traffic stop where a patrol vehicle is placed at this intersection, the experimenter logs onto a website and enters the time when the test took place. Analysis software draws results from the data. The results are e-mailed to the experimenters, who devise their own test regimes, following the guidelines presented herein, and draw their own conclusions. A second system was built to provide a more portable option for testing in urban areas. This system consists of two freestanding radar boxes with wireless communication, as well as one netbook computer. Test procedures and results are analogous to the original system. Additional calibration is automatically performed to account for the variable position of the radars. KW - Automobile drivers KW - Behavior modification KW - Move over law KW - Occupational safety KW - Paint KW - Police KW - Police vehicles KW - Retroreflectors KW - Test procedures KW - Vehicle lighting KW - Visibility UR - http://www.cts.umn.edu/Publications/ResearchReports/pdfdownload.pl?id=1724 UR - http://www.its.umn.edu/Publications/ResearchReports/pdfdownload.pl?id=1724 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1146853 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01379207 AU - Nabors, Dan AU - Goughnour, Elissa AU - Thomas, Libby AU - DeSantis, William AU - Sawyer, Michael AU - Moriarty, Kevin AU - Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Incorporated AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Bicycle Road Safety Audit Guidelines and Prompt Lists PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 87p AB - Road Safety Audits (RSAs) are a formal safety examination of an existing or future roadway or off‐road facility and are conducted by an independent, experienced, multidisciplinary team. The purpose of the Bicycle Road Safety Audit Guidelines and Prompt Lists is to provide transportation agencies and RSA teams with a better understanding of the safety of cyclists in the transportation system when conducting an RSA. These Guidelines present the RSA team with an overview of basic principles of the safety of cyclists and potential issues affecting cyclists. They also provide information on how to conduct an RSA and effectively assess the safety of cyclists. Prompt lists describe safety considerations when conducting a cyclist‐specific RSA. These Guidelines will help RSA teams evaluate and suggest a multimodal approach to safety by improving the safety of cyclists and all roadway users. KW - Bicycle safety KW - Cyclists KW - Guidelines KW - Highway safety KW - Safety audits KW - Safety procedures UR - http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/ped_bike/tools_solve/fhwasa12018/fhwasa12018.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1146817 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01379187 AU - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration TI - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration 2012-2016 Strategic Plan PY - 2012/05 SP - 28p AB - The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA or Agency) was established within the Department of Transportation (DOT) on January 1, 2000, pursuant to the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act (MCSIA) of 1999 (Public Law 106–159). Prior to this legislation, motor carrier safety responsibilities were under the jurisdiction of the Federal Highway Administration. FMCSA resources and activities contribute to and support its mission of promoting safe commercial motor vehicles (CMV) operations and reducing large truck and bus crashes, injuries, and fatalities. The Agency will accomplish its mission through education, regulation, enforcement, research, and innovative technology, thereby achieving a safer transportation environment. Additionally, FMCSA is responsible for ensuring that commercial vehicles comply with all Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) and Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs). Further, to accomplish these activities effectively, FMCSA is expected to work closely with Federal, State, and local enforcement agencies, the motor carrier industry, highway safety organizations, and the public. This report presents a strategic plan for FMCSA, for the next 4 years. KW - Commercial vehicles KW - Countermeasures KW - Motor carrier safety KW - Motor carriers KW - Regulation KW - Strategic planning KW - Traffic safety education KW - Trucking safety KW - U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration UR - http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/FMCSA_StrategicPlan_2012-2016.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1146710 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01379174 AU - Panero, Marta AU - Shin, Hyeon-Shic AU - Zedrin, Allen AU - Zimmerman, Samuel AU - New York University, New York AU - National Association of City Transportation Officials AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Peer-to-Peer Information Exchange on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and Bus Priority Best Practices PY - 2012/05 SP - 109p AB - The purpose of this effort was to foster a dialogue among peers at transportation and planning agencies about their experiences with promoting public transit and, in particular, the challenges they face related to Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects, as well as the solutions they have developed in response. Agencies from dozens of large cities around the United States participated at three peer-to-peer exchanges in New York City, Los Angeles, and Cleveland. The facilitated discussions were structured to address the unique barriers to BRT implementation on the streets of dense and/or highly-congested large urban centers. Three major themes were the focus of the workshops: Network, Route and Street Design; Traffic Operations; and Building Political, Interagency and Stakeholder Support—BRT as a Driver of Economic Development. The results of the workshops make clear that better public transportation in general and BRT in particular can be cost-effective and useful tools for improving transportation and the environment and for restoring the livability of America’s large cities. KW - Best practices KW - Bus priority KW - Bus rapid transit KW - Large cities KW - Peer-to-peer communication KW - Urban transit UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0009.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55400/55495/FTA_Report_No._0009.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1146716 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01378871 AU - Ha, Soojun AU - Yeon, Jungheum AU - Won, Moon C AU - Jung, Youn Su AU - Zollinger, Dan G AU - Texas Tech University, Lubbock AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - User’s Guide for TxCRCP-ME Design Software: Volume I - User's Guide and Volume II - Software Architecture PY - 2012/05 SP - 87p AB - Volume I, the user's manual, is organized to help users get accustomed to the operation modules of TxCRCP-ME, the structural design software for continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP). An elaborate three-dimensional finite element analysis was conducted to identify the mechanisms of punchout distress in CRCP, and the critical component that may cause the punchout distress was mechanistically evaluated. A full factorial parametric study was performed for significant input variables to compile the database of the analysis results. A program was written using the 2007 version of Microsoft Excel to perform the analysis of the pavement system for given inputs in estimating the frequency of punchouts, the primary structural distress in CRCP. The conversion from mechanistic structural responses to pavement distress is achieved by a transfer function determined empirically, utilizing data collected from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) rigid pavement database project. The final results of the software are presented in the form of charts and tables. Volume II, the software architecture, provides more detailed information on how the program was assembled. KW - Computer architecture KW - Computer program documentation KW - Continuously reinforced concrete pavements KW - Mechanistic-empirical pavement design KW - Pavement design KW - Pavement distress KW - Software KW - TxCRCP-ME (Computer software) UR - http://www.depts.ttu.edu/techmrtweb/Reports/Products/0-5832-P3.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1146608 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01376420 AU - Coifman, Benjamin AU - Lee, Ho AU - Kim, Seoungbum AU - Ohio State University, Columbus AU - Ohio Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Validating the Performance of Vehicle Classification Stations PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 99p AB - Vehicle classification is used in many transportation applications, e.g., infrastructure management and planning. Typical of most developed countries, every state in the US maintains a network of vehicle classification stations to explicitly sort vehicles into several classes based on observable features, e.g., length, number of axles, axle spacing, etc. Periodic performance monitoring is necessary to ensure the quality of collected data; however, such testing has been prohibitively labor intensive to do as thoroughly as needed. To address these challenges, this study examined three interrelated facets of vehicle classification performance monitoring. First, the authors manually evaluate the performance of vehicle classification station on a per-vehicle basis. Second they develop a portable LIDAR (light detection and ranging) based vehicle classification system that can be rapidly deployed, and third they use the LIDAR based system to automate the manual validation done in the first part using the tools from the second part. In the first part the authors examined over 18,000 vehicles, at several stations and found good performance overall, but performance for trucks was far worse than passenger vehicles. About a third of the errors were fixed by modifying the classification decision tree, the remaining two thirds of the errors are unavoidable because different classes have overlapping axle spacings or lengths (e.g., passenger vehicles and trucks, or commuter cars and motorcycles). All subsequent uses of the classification data must accommodate this unavoidable blurring. Next, they developed a side-fire LIDAR based classification system that does not require any calibration in the field. Finally, they developed a process to use the LIDAR system (or another temporary vehicle classification system) deployed concurrent to a permanent classification station to semi-automate the manual validation. The automated process does the bulk of the work, typically taking a user only a few minutes to validate all of the exceptions from all lanes over an hour of data. The authors found wide variance in performance from one station to the next. Since these errors are a function of the specific station, there would be benefit in the short term to leverage the LIDAR based system to evaluate the performance of many other classification stations to catch systematic errors that bias classification performance. KW - Automatic vehicle classification KW - Highway traffic KW - Laser radar KW - Performance measurement KW - Traffic surveillance KW - Vehicle detectors UR - http://worldcat.org/oclc/798922401/viewonline UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45100/45123/134516_FR.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1144104 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01376386 AU - Excalibur Associates, Incorporated AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Considering Security and Emergency Management in the Planning of Transportation Projects: A Guide for Planners of New Transportation Projects PY - 2012/05 SP - 34p AB - This guide has been developed to increase the awareness of the transportation infrastructure project community, especially those individuals working for a State Department of Transportation (DOT) or a regional Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), about security and emergency management. The intended primary audience is those individuals responsible for developing new highway-related infrastructure projects. Security and emergency management have some basic similarities. While security is normally considered in the realm of prevention and protection related to man-made incidents, when steps are taken to reduce the impact of such incidents on transportation infrastructure, such measures may also act to mitigate the effects of a natural disaster. Emergency management generally includes preparedness, and the sets of steps undertaken when a government or organization responds to and recovers from a natural or man-made incident. Project planners and their partners should consider an all-hazards approach in their planning efforts because security and emergency management concepts and measures complement each other. This guide provides a rationale for the consideration of security and emergency management measures when planning transportation infrastructure projects; identifies potential partners for project planners; provides examples of these measures, but cannot, in the scope of this guide, identify them all; discusses when to incorporate the measures into the planning process; and provides a checklist for project planners to guide them through the initial phase of getting partners on board. KW - Disaster preparedness KW - Emergency management KW - Handbooks KW - Highway projects KW - Infrastructure KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Programming (Planning) KW - Security KW - State departments of transportation UR - http://www.planning.dot.gov/documents/ConsideringSecurityAndEM.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1144139 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01376339 AU - van Schalkwyk, I AU - Wemple, E A AU - Neuman, T R AU - Cambridge Systematics, Inc. AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Integrating the HSM into the Highway Project Development Process PY - 2012/05 SP - 42p AB - This guide provides examples of opportunities for integrating the AASHTO Highway Safety Manual into the project development process. This includes integrating methods from the Highway Safety Manual into planning, alternatives development and analysis, design, operations, and maintenance. The guide provides a description of each of these steps in the project development process, and then provides a discussion of the methods from the Highway Safety Manual, and in some cases other resources, that support these steps. The application of safety analysis tools such as the Integrated Highway Safety Design Model, SafetyAnalyst, the CMF Clearinghouse, and example spreadsheet tools are discussed. Resources from FHWA and NCHRP are also presented. The purpose of this guide is to provide the practitioners with examples and ideas for integrating safety performance measures into the project development process. KW - Guidelines KW - Highway safety KW - Highway Safety Manual KW - Planning stages KW - Programming (Planning) KW - Project development process KW - Project management KW - Safety factors KW - Transportation planning UR - http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/hsm/hsm_integration/hsm_integration.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1144066 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01376328 AU - Overman, John H AU - Texas Transportation Institute AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Texas RPO Workshop Implementation Project Summary PY - 2012/05//Technical Report SP - 32p AB - This report documents rural planning organization (RPO) workshops conducted throughout Texas. An RPO is a voluntary organization created and governed by locally elected officials responsible for transportation decisions at the local level. RPOs address rural transportation planning priorities and provide recommendations to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for areas outside the boundaries of a metropolitan planning organization (MPO). More than 145 community leaders participated in the workshops, including county judges, county commissioners, and mayors and representatives from TxDOT Districts, cities, MPOs, and councils of government. Since the RPO project was initiated, the number of RPOs in Texas has grown from four to 14. Additional RPOs are expected to organize and form in the next few years. The RPO workshops involved both new and existing RPOs throughout Texas. KW - Decision making KW - Local government KW - Rural areas KW - Rural planning organizations KW - Texas KW - Transportation planning KW - Workshops UR - http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/5-6483-01-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1144126 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01376250 AU - Phares, Brent AU - Hosteng, Travis AU - Iowa State University, Ames AU - Iowa State University, Ames AU - Iowa Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Wind Monitoring of the Saylorville and Red Rock Reservoir Bridges with Remote, Cellular-Based Notifications PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 25p AB - Following a high wind event on January 24, 2006, at least five people claimed to have seen or felt the superstructure of the Saylorville Reservoir Bridge in central Iowa moving both vertically and laterally. Since that time, the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) contracted with the Bridge Engineering Center at Iowa State University to design and install a monitoring system capable of providing notification of the occurrence of subsequent high wind events. In subsequent years, a similar system was installed on the Red Rock Reservoir Bridge to provide the same wind monitoring capabilities and notifications to the Iowa DOT. The objectives of the system development and implementation are to notify personnel when the wind speed reaches a predetermined threshold such that the bridge can be closed for the safety of the public, correlate structural response with wind-induced response, and gather historical wind data at these structures for future assessments. This report describes the two monitoring systems, their components, upgrades, functionality, and limitations, and results from one year of wind data collection at both bridges. KW - Bridge superstructures KW - Bridges KW - Iowa KW - Monitoring KW - Motion KW - Safety KW - Wind UR - http://www.intrans.iastate.edu/research/documents/research-reports/bridge_wind_monitoring_w_cvr3.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1143993 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01376248 AU - Moulthrop, James S AU - Hughes, Charles S AU - Weed, Richard M AU - Burati, James L AU - Fugro Consultants, Inc. AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Evaluation of State Quality Assurance Program Effectiveness PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 134p AB - In early 2008, the Federal Highway Administration issued a task order under the Advanced Quality Systems Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity Contract for a contractor to quantify the effectiveness of State quality assurance (QA) programs. The objective of the study was to develop, apply, and make recommendations for the use of a procedure that transportation departments could use to quantify and improve the effectiveness of existing quality assurance programs. Based on the knowledge and experience of the research team, four State highway agencies (SHAs) were chosen to participate. An introductory project meeting was held in December 2008, but due to personnel problems, only three agencies participated. The goal of the meeting was to discuss the objectives and scope of the project with State representatives and request their input. The three SHAs agreed to provide QA data from construction projects in their State for the team to analyze. Because sufficient data were not available to accomplish the original task, the scope was modified to use an analysis of acceptance procedures included in the agencies’ specifications instead of using actual QA data. In summary, four SHA construction specifications were selected for analysis from three SHAs, two for hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavements and two for portland cement concrete (PCC) pavements. The study shows that either the computer program SPECRISK or computer simulation can be used to analyze the statistical risks of most, if not all, specifications. Both HMA pavement specifications and one of the PCC pavement specifications were amenable to analysis by SPECRISK because they are based on percent within limits as the statistical quality measure. The remaining PCC pavement specification was based on averages and had to be analyzed by computer simulation. Probabilistic Optimization for Profit (Prob.O.Prof) was one of the software programs anticipated to be useful in the analysis. However, it required data that were not available and thus could not be used in the analyses. The report includes analysis of the specifications, particularly the risks involved and recommendations for improving areas that are considered unclear or statistically invalid. KW - Acceptance tests KW - Asphalt pavements KW - Concrete pavements KW - Evaluation KW - Hot mix asphalt KW - Paving KW - Portland cement concrete KW - Quality assurance KW - State highway departments UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/infrastructure/12027/12027.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1143927 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01376240 AU - Guo, Junke AU - Suaznabar, Oscar AU - Shan, Haoyin AU - Shen, Jerry AU - Genex Systems, LLC AU - University of Nebraska, Lincoln AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Pier Scour in Clear-Water Conditions with Non-Uniform Bed Materials PY - 2012/05//Laboratory Report SP - 66p AB - Pier scour design in the United States is currently accomplished through application of the Colorado State University (CSU) equation. Since the Federal Highway Administration recommended the CSU equation in 2001, substantial advances have been made in the understanding of pier scour processes. This report explains a new formulation for describing scour processes and proposes a new equation for pier scour design. A critical review of selected studies is summarized. A simplified scour mechanism is proposed in terms of a pressure gradient resulting from the flow-structure, flow-sediment, and sediment-structure interactions. An equilibrium scour depth equation is proposed based on this understanding of the scour mechanism and is validated and refined by a combination of laboratory and field data. The proposed equation is primarily applicable to clear-water scour conditions with non-uniform coarse bed materials. KW - Bridge design KW - Bridge piers KW - Channel flow KW - Flow equations KW - Scour KW - Sediments KW - Subgrade materials UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/infrastructure/hydraulics/12022/12022.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/46000/46000/46077/Pier_scour_in_clear-water_conditions.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1143991 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01376184 AU - Desorcie, Felicia AU - Jiang, Ruoxin AU - Kelly, Pete AU - Larson, Shawn AU - Rasulo, Marcus AU - Rivera, Joshua AU - Wood, Hidi AU - Texas Transportation Institute AU - Southwest Region University Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Compendium of Student Papers: 2011 Undergraduate Transportation Scholars Program PY - 2012/05 SP - 179p AB - This report is a compilation of research papers written by students participating in the 2011 Undergraduate Transportation Scholars Program. The 10-week summer program, now in its 21st year, provides undergraduate students in Civil Engineering the opportunity to learn about transportation engineering through participating in sponsored transportation research projects. The program design allows students to interact directly with a Texas A&M University faculty member or Texas Transportation Institute researcher in developing a research proposal, conducting valid research, and documenting the research results through oral presentations and research papers. The papers in this compendium report on the following topics, respectively: 1) evaluating the impact of nighttime work zone lighting characteristics on motorists; 2) late night roadway visibility; 3) investigation of the use and pricing of the I-15 express lanes in San Diego; 4) intercity passenger rail access to airports: a case study at the Milwaukee airport; 5) development of overhead guide sign background complexity assessment tool; 6) identifying pavement preservation treatments suitable for performance-related specifications; and 7) arsenic content and retroreflectivity of glass beads used in pavement markings. KW - Airport access KW - Arsenic KW - Background (Traffic signs) KW - Case studies KW - Express lanes KW - Glass beads KW - High occupancy toll lanes KW - Intercity passenger rail KW - Lighting KW - Night visibility KW - Overhead traffic signs KW - Pavement preservation KW - Performance based specifications KW - Preventive maintenance KW - Retroreflectivity KW - Road markings KW - Road pricing KW - Work zones UR - http://swutc.tamu.edu/publications/technicalreports/compendiums/476660-00003-4.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1144011 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01376180 AU - Storey, Beverly AU - Foster, Derrold AU - Johnson, Jeremy AU - McFalls, Jett AU - Texas Transportation Institute AU - Southwest Region University Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Development and Validation of a Testing Protocol for Carbon Sequestration Using a Controlled Environment PY - 2012/05//Technical Report SP - 46p AB - Carbon footprints, carbon credits and associated carbon sequestration techniques are rapidly becoming part of how environmental mitigation business is conducted, not only in Texas but globally. Terrestrial carbon sequestration is the general term used for the capture and long-term storage of carbon dioxide. For a transportation facility, this occurs through the natural processes of the roadside vegetation and soil. Texas has a state-maintained highway system of approximately 80,000 linear miles of roadway with more than 1.1 million acres of right-of-way, not including the street systems of cities, towns and local communities. The majority of these roadways have supporting vegetation within their rights-of-way that usually consists of various combinations of grasses, shrubs and trees. Roadside carbon sequestration measurement practices typically rely on modeling and in-situ measurements. This project conducted initial testing to develop a method for quantifying plant and soil carbon sequestration capabilities under the controlled conditions of the Texas Transportation Institute’s Environmental and Emissions Research Facility (EERF). Plants and soil were subjected to heavy-duty truck emissions over a six week period. Samples were analyzed for changes in carbon and nitrogen content over time. Due to the plant injury that occurred during testing, the sequestration capabilities of these plant materials and soils were inconclusive. A comparison of samples taken over the course of the study indicated that the desired results may have been accomplished had the initial exposure in the EERF been reduced to a more moderate level. Modifications to this technique for future research on specific soils and plant materials may help identify plant and soil combinations to maximize roadside carbon sequestration. KW - Carbon credits KW - Carbon dioxide KW - Carbon sequestration KW - Greenhouse gases KW - Measurement KW - Roadside flora KW - Test facilities KW - Texas KW - Vegetation UR - http://swutc.tamu.edu/publications/technicalreports/476660-00028-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1144013 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01376091 AU - Tang, Hua AU - Li, Peng AU - University of Minnesota, Duluth AU - University of Minnesota, Duluth AU - Intelligent Transportation Systems Institute AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Development of a New Tracking System Based on CMOS Vision Processor Hardware, Phase II Prototype Demonstration PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 38p AB - Intelligent transportation systems depend on being able to track vehicle operations and collect accurate traffic data. This project targets a hardware-based video detection system for real-time vehicle detection. To allow real-time detection, customized hardware implementation of the system is targeted instead on the traditional computer-based implementation of the system. The system includes four main processing steps. First, a camera is used to capture images. Second, the captured images are segmented using the Mixture-of-Gaussian algorithm. Without sacrificing the segmentation accuracy, researchers modified the Mixture-of-Gaussian algorithm to allow more efficient and economical hardware implementation in terms of design overhead and hardware resources. Third, the segmentation regions are extracted and validated as the objects of interests. In the last step, the validation result will be wirelessly transmitted to a variable message sign, which displays necessary traffic information. Since the system design includes integration of diverse devices, the video design kit from Xilinx is used. Such a hardware-based vehicle detection system has been tested with practical videos of traffic scenes. KW - Algorithms KW - Cameras KW - Implementation KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Real time information KW - Traffic data KW - Wireless communication systems UR - http://www.cts.umn.edu/Publications/ResearchReports/pdfdownload.pl?id=1710 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1142114 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01376085 AU - Federal Aviation Administration TI - General Aviation Airports: A National Asset PY - 2012/05 SP - 34p AB - In cooperation with the greater aviation community, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conducted this 18-month review of 2,952 general aviation airports (for the purpose of this report, these landing facilities include mostly airports, but also some heliports and seaplane bases). The report documents many important aeronautical functions that are economically and effectively supported at these general aviation airports. These range from emergency preparedness and response to the direct transportation of people and freight and commercial applications such as agricultural spraying, aerial surveying, and energy exploration. The authors divided the general aviation airports into four categories based on existing activity measures such as the number and types of based aircraft (i.e., aircraft that are stored at an airport), as well as the volume and types of flights. The four new categories are national, regional, local, and basic. Future development of general aviation airports included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) will continue to be based on eligible and justified needs and priorities, with these new categories providing a more consistent framework within which to evaluate proposed projects. Future NPIAS reports, starting with the FY 2013-2017 report to be issued later this year, will incorporate the new categories developed in this report. The report also raised some important investment and regulatory questions that require further investigation, including: whether current or amended part 139 regulations (i.e., the FAA airport operating certificates) should be extended to the higher-activity general aviation airports; how facility requirements should vary among airports in the new general aviation categories; how Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds can be used most effectively; and whether all general aviation airports be held to the same grant assurances as other airports. KW - Airports KW - General aviation airports KW - Types of airports UR - http://www.faa.gov/airports/planning_capacity/ga_study/ UR - http://www.faa.gov/airports/planning_capacity/ga_study/media/2012AssetReport.pdf UR - http://www.faa.gov/airports/planning_capacity/ga_study/media/2012AssetReportAppA.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1142354 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01376076 AU - Cetin, Mecit AU - Monsere, Christopher M AU - Portland State University AU - Old Dominion University AU - Oregon Transportation Research and Education Consortium AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Exploratory Methods for Truck Re-Identification in a Statewide Network Based on Axle Weight and Axle Spacing Data to Enhance Freight Metrics: Phase II PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 52p AB - Vehicle re-identification methods can be used to anonymously match vehicles crossing two different locations based on vehicle attribute data. This research builds upon a previous study and investigates different methods for solving the re-identification problem and explores some of the factors that impact the accuracy of the results. To support this work, archived data from weigh-in-motion (WIM) stations in Oregon are used for developing, calibrating, and testing vehicle re-identification algorithms. In addition to the Bayesian approach developed by the researchers in the previous study, a neural network model is developed for solving the re-identification problem. The results from the testing datasets showed that both methods can be effective in solving the re-identification problem while the Bayesian method yields more accurate results. A comprehensive analysis is performed to investigate the key factors impacting the accuracy of the results. The analyses are performed by employing the Bayesian algorithm to match commercial vehicles that cross upstream and downstream pairs of WIM sites that are separated by long distances ranging from 70 to 214 miles. Data from 14 different pairs of WIM sites are used to evaluate how matching accuracy is impacted by various factors such as the distance between two sites, travel time variability, truck volumes, and sensor accuracy or consistency of measurements. After running the vehicle re-identification algorithm for each one of these 14 pairs of sites, the matching error rates are reported. The results from the testing datasets showed a large variation in terms of accuracy. It is found that sensor accuracy and volumes have the greatest impacts on matching accuracy whereas the distance alone does not have a significant impact. Overall, for estimating travel times and origin-destination flows between two WIM sites, the methods developed in this project can be used to effectively match commercial vehicles crossing two data collection sites that are separated by long distances. KW - Accuracy KW - Automatic vehicle identification KW - Axle spacing KW - Axle weight KW - Bayesian analysis KW - Commercial vehicles KW - Freight transportation KW - Oregon KW - Origin and destination KW - Travel time KW - Trucks KW - Vehicle reidentification KW - Weigh in motion UR - http://otrec.us/main/document.php?doc_id=1123 UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44700/44733/OTREC-RR-12-04_Final.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1142335 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01375844 AU - Tuan, Christopher Y AU - Gerbino-Bevins, Barbara AU - Mid-America Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Improving the Freight Transportation Roadway System during Snow Events: A Performance Evaluation of Deicing Chemicals PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 139p AB - The ability of state DOTs to adequately clear roadways during winter weather conditions is critical for a safe and effective freight transportation system. Variables affecting winter maintenance operations include the type of precipitation, air and pavement temperature, traffic, wind, time of day, day of week, and maintenance equipment. The main objective of this study is to identify the best practices for normal deicing operations, based on the performance rating of deicing chemicals. Optimum deicer/brine ratios and the associated application rates will be determined for various weather conditions. The best practices will ensure effective deicing operation and economical use of deicing chemicals. Common deicing chemicals include sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, calcium magnesium acetate, potassium acetate, potassium formate and carbohydrate–based (corn or beet) deicer solution. Deicers take the form of pellets or liquids. Liquid deicers are commonly used for prewetting road salt or other chemicals, or they are used as liquid solution. Several laboratory tests for deicer performance evaluation have been developed. However, none of these tests have been correlated with field performance data nor have they provided standardized results to ensure an acceptable performance in the field. Nebraska will serve as the test bed for this study although the results can be generalized to other locations. This is an ideal test site because a large quantity of automatic vehicle location (AVL) system data from NDOR plow trucks will be available. The AVL data includes truck location with GPS coordinates and time stamps. In addition, the snow plow trucks are equipped with digital cameras, which take snapshots of the roadway. These onboard systems will also provide real-time surface temperatures, air temperatures, wind speed, deicer application rates, and roadway conditions. The field data will be available for correlation analysis with the data from laboratory testing through the use of a Maintenance Decision Support System (MDSS). The correlations between the field deicing performance and the laboratory testing are crucial for the development of the best practices using competing deicing products for a variety of weather conditions. The end result will be clearer roads during snow events, which will lead to a safer and more efficient freight and passenger roadway system. KW - Automatic vehicle location KW - Decision support systems KW - Deicing chemicals KW - Freight transportation KW - Nebraska KW - Performance measurement KW - Snow and ice control KW - Winter maintenance UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45200/45245/Tuan_ImprovingTheFreightTransportationRoadwaySystemDuringSnow_FINAL_COMBINED.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1143106 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01375507 AU - Pande, Anurag AU - Edwards, Frances AU - Yu, Joseph AU - San Jose State University AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - A Framework for Developing and Integrating Effective Routing Strategies Within the Emergency Management Decision-Support System PY - 2012/05 SP - 116p AB - This report describes the modeling, calibration, and validation of a VISSIM traffic-flow simulation of the San José, California, downtown network and examines various evacuation scenarios and first responder routings to assess strategies that would be effective in the event of a no-notice disaster. The modeled network required a large amount of data on network geometry, signal timings, signal coordination schemes, and turning movement volumes. Turning movement counts at intersections were used to validate the network with the empirical formula-based measure known as the GEH statistic. Once the base network was tested and validated, various scenarios were modeled to estimate evacuation and emergency vehicle arrival times. Based on these scenarios, a variety of emergency plans for San José’s downtown traffic circulation were tested and validated. The model could be used to evaluate scenarios in other communities by entering their community-specific data. KW - Advanced driver information systems KW - Decision support systems KW - Emergency management KW - Evacuation KW - Network analysis (Planning) KW - San Jose (California) KW - Traffic models KW - Traffic simulation KW - Turning traffic KW - VISSIM (Computer model) UR - http://transweb.sjsu.edu/PDFs/research/2901-routing-strategies-emergency-management-decision-support-system.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1139724 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01375504 AU - Pyeon, Jae-Ho AU - Lee, E B AU - Park, Taeho AU - Ellis, Ralph D AU - San Jose State University AU - California Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Cost Estimate Modeling of Transportation Management Plans for Highway Projects PY - 2012/05 SP - 52p AB - Using well-developed Transportation Management Plan (TMP) strategies, work zone safety and mobility can be enhanced while road user costs can be minimized. No tools or systematic modeling methods are available to assist agency engineers with TMP cost estimating. This research included reviewing TMP reports for recent California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) projects regarding state-of-the-art TMP practices and input from the district TMP traffic engineers. The researchers collected Caltrans highway project data regarding TMP cost estimating. Then, using Construction Analysis for Pavement Rehabilitation Strategies (CA4PRS) software, the researchers performed case studies. Based on the CA4PRS outcomes of the case studies, a TMP strategy selection and cost estimate (STELCE) model for Caltrans highway projects was proposed. To validate the proposed model, the research demonstrated an application for selecting TMP strategies and estimating TMP costs. Regarding the model’s limitation, the proposed TMP STELCE model was developed based on Caltrans TMP practices and strategies. Therefore, other STAs might require adjustments and modifications, reflecting their TMP processes, before adopting this model. A more detailed step-by-step TMP strategy selection and cost estimate process should be included in the TMP guidelines to improve the accuracy of TMP cost estimates. KW - Accuracy KW - CA4PRS (Computer model) KW - California Department of Transportation KW - Case studies KW - Cost estimating KW - Highway traffic control KW - Mathematical models KW - Reconstruction KW - Rehabilitation (Maintenance) KW - Work zones UR - http://transweb.sjsu.edu/PDFs/research/1007-cost-estimate-modeling-transportation-management-highway-projects.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1139721 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01375332 AU - Puppala, Anand J AU - Archeewa, Ekarut AU - Saride, Sireesh AU - Nazarian, Soheil AU - Hoyos, Laureano AU - University of Texas, Arlington AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Recommendations for Design, Construction, and Maintenance of Bridge Approach Slabs PY - 2012/05//Technical Report SP - 386p AB - Settlement and heave related movements of bridge approach slabs relative to bridge decks create a bump in the roadway. Several problems arise from these bumps, which include poor riding conditions, potential vehicle damage, loss of vehicle control causing injuries or even casualities, lowered perception of the department’s road works, increased maintenance works, and constant delays to rehabilitate the distressed lanes. All these make this bump problem a major maintenance problem in Texas. Several mitigation methods have been employed, and the results are not always satisfactory. In the present research, two treatment methods were investigated for controlling settlements of approach slabs of new bridge construction. Researchers from the University of Texas at Arlington and the University of Texas at El Paso performed two phases to accomplish these studies. During the first phase, the documented information that covers various methods used so far for approach slab settlement mitigation technologies was compiled and presented. The second and final phase focused on field evaluation studies of deep soil mixing and lightweight embankment fill treatment methods in reducing settlements. A few other technologies were also evaluated for reducing settlements of existing bridge approach slabs. Both design and construction specifications of the new methods that provided effective treatments in field conditions are presented. KW - Bridge approaches KW - Construction management KW - Deep soil mixing KW - Design practices KW - Embankments KW - Field studies KW - Fills KW - Lightweight materials KW - Literature reviews KW - Maintenance practices KW - Settlement (Structures) KW - Specifications KW - Texas UR - http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6022-2.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45100/45156/0-6022-2.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1143103 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01375254 AU - Keating, Peter B AU - Christian, Lee C AU - Texas Transportation Institute AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Effects of Bending and Heat on the Ductility and Fracture Toughness of Flange Plate PY - 2012/05//Technical Report SP - 94p AB - Bridge fabricators for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) have occasionally experienced the formation of cracks in flange plate during bending operations, particularly when heat is applied. Bending the flange plate is necessary for certain details used in the fabrication of steel highway girders such as dapped end details. Heat is sometimes used to assist in the bending operation, particularly to help reduce the forces required to bend the plate. This report documents the findings of a TxDOT-sponsored research project that investigated the possible causes of the cracking and developed recommendations to prevent the occurrence of such cracking. The research project investigated the cracking problem using both experimental and analytical studies. The experimental study involved the use of small tensile specimens loaded to different strain levels under varying temperature conditions. Strain levels up to 15 percent were investigated. Temperature conditions included testing at room temperature, 450ºF, and 1150ºF. The results showed that strain levels above 10 percent generally reduced the ductility and fracture toughness of the plate. Additionally, it was found that the application of heat during the bending process significantly reduced ductility and was the major contributor to the formation of cracks. A finite element study of the heating process was used to extend the results for the experimental study. As a secondary study, the fatigue behavior of non-loaded bolted connection details was investigated along with the influence of plate thickness. These details occur when gusset plates are bolted to flanges of girders. Unlike flange or web splices where the load must transfer out of the main member, the load in these details passes through the main plate, resulting in higher stresses around the bolt holes. Pre-tensioning the bolts normally shields the bolt holes from fatigue damage due to the resulting compressive stress field. This study found that for plate thicknesses greater than 1.0 inch, a reduction in fatigue strength was warranted. KW - Bending KW - Bolted connections KW - Cracking KW - Ductility KW - Fatigue strength KW - Fracture properties KW - Girders KW - Heating KW - Steel plates KW - Strain (Mechanics) KW - Temperature KW - Texas KW - Thickness UR - http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-4624-2.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1142375 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01375249 AU - Beaty, Curtis AU - Lieu, Henry AU - University Transportation Center for Mobility AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Development of an Early-Stage Toll Revenue Estimation Model PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 54p AB - With agencies and states increasingly considering tolls as a means to finance transportation infrastructure, there is an increasing need to quickly assess the feasibility of potential tolling projects. In the early stages of a project when an agency—either public or private—merely wants to see the possibility of future traffic and tolled revenues, there still exists a need for a tool to capture basic assumptions and perform preliminary forecasting calculations to see if a project even warrants further examination as a toll road. Both as an early screening tool and as a continuing reasonableness test, this early-stage toll revenue estimation model will allow a user to simultaneously examine the interaction of multiple tolling variables and traffic scenarios so that agencies can make more informed decisions. The authors develop a stand-alone, spreadsheet-based model that prepares early-stage traffic and toll revenue estimates. The model allows users to examine a potential tolled project as a single phase or multiple phases—up to three—then examine the results individually or cumulatively. KW - Decision making KW - Feasibility analysis KW - Financing KW - Forecasting KW - Highway projects KW - Mathematical models KW - Toll roads KW - Tolls UR - http://utcm.tamu.edu/publications/final_reports/Beaty_09-22-02.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1142363 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01375245 AU - Sebesta, Stephen AU - Scullion, Tom AU - Taylor, Ross AU - Frazier, James AU - Texas Transportation Institute AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Alternative Methods of Flexible Base Compaction Acceptance PY - 2012/05//Technical Report SP - 94p AB - In the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), flexible base construction is governed by a series of stockpile and field tests. A series of concerns with these existing methods, along with some premature failures in the field, led to this project investigating the current system of flexible base acceptance. Specifically, concerns over the lack of moisture control during compaction, and the lack of stiffness or modulus parameters in the field testing stage, led to this project that investigated new mechanistic-based methods for flexible base acceptance. This report summarizes the concerns expressed with the current TxDOT methods, presents approaches some TxDOT districts have taken to overcome problems, and summarizes the current status of other agencies’ efforts at mechanistic-based acceptance for flexible base. Next, this report presents results and findings from a full-scale compaction experiment, where a Grade 1 and Grade 2 flexible base were placed and tested with new non-density based devices. The results to date indicate acceptance with nondensity based devices should be feasible. Additionally, the results indicate that flexible bases should not be worked significantly wet of optimum, because when the base is worked in that manner inferior mechanical properties result even though high density is achieved. To guide the second year’s work, possible approaches for non-density based acceptance, and a field test plan, are outlined. KW - Acceptance tests KW - Base course (Pavements) KW - Compaction KW - Flexible pavements KW - Moisture content KW - Road construction KW - Stiffness KW - Texas UR - http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6587-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1142374 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01374587 AU - Greenwell, Nathan K AU - National Center for Statistics and Analysis AU - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration TI - Evaluation of the Enhancing Vehicle-to-Vehicle Crash Compatibility Agreement: Effectiveness of the Primary and Secondary Energy-Absorbing Structures on Pickup Trucks and SUVs PY - 2012/05//NHTSA Technical Report SP - 20p AB - The Enhancing Vehicle-to-Vehicle Crash Compatibility Agreement (EVC) was established in 2003 as a voluntary measure to reduce occupant fatalities of passenger cars in crashes with light trucks and vans, including pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), minivans, and full-size vans, generically abbreviated as LTVs. Manufacturers agreed upon voluntary standards for LTVs to reduce the height mismatches between these LTVs and passenger cars. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistically compared car-occupant fatality risk in crashes with pickup trucks and SUVs, referred throughout the report as light trucks, built just before and just after self-certification to the agreement based on the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and Polk data from 2002 to 2010. Overall, there was a statistically significant 8-percent reduction in car-occupant fatalities of passenger cars after light trucks self-certified to the agreement. However, for pickup trucks and SUVs separately, the effectiveness is inconsistent. Pickup trucks experienced a non-significant increase of 5-percent likelihood of occupant fatalities of passenger cars, while SUVs were associated with a significant 17-percent reduction. Furthermore, a supplementary non-parametric analysis does not show fatality reduction for significantly more than 50 percent of the makes and models. Overall, these results provide some evidence that the EVC has reduced fatalities but are not sufficiently strong to permit an unequivocal conclusion that it has been effective in reducing fatality risk to car occupants. KW - Automobiles KW - Before and after studies KW - Enhancing Vehicle-to-Vehicle Crash Compatibility Agreement KW - Fatalities KW - Fatality Analysis Reporting System KW - Light trucks KW - Minivans KW - Pickup trucks KW - Self-certification KW - Sport utility vehicles KW - Statistical analysis KW - Vans UR - http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811621.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1142316 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01374585 AU - National Center for Statistics and Analysis TI - Traffic Safety Facts 2010 Data: Occupant Protection PY - 2012/05 SP - 7p AB - In 2010, 22,187 occupants of passenger vehicles (passenger cars, pickup trucks, vans, and sport utility vehicles) died in motor vehicle traffic crashes. Of the 22,187 total occupants killed, 9,934 were restrained. Restraint use was not known for 1,706 occupants. Looking at only occupants where the restraint status was known 51% were unrestrained at the time of the crash. Seat belt use in 2010 reached 85 percent, up from 84 percent in 2009. This result is from the National Occupant Protection Use Survey (NOPUS), which is the only survey that provides nationwide probability-based observed data on seat belt use in the United States. The proportion of unrestrained passenger vehicle occupants killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes has decreased from 2001 to 2010. Among passenger vehicle occupants killed, when restraint use was known, the percentage of unrestrained deaths decreased by 8 percentage points from 59 percent in 2001 to 51 percent in 2010. Further statistics on occupant protection are included in this report that take into account age, gender, seating position, vehicle type, seat belt use, child restraint use, and frontal air bags. Also included is a section on restraint use laws. KW - Age groups KW - Air bags KW - Child restraint systems KW - Fatalities KW - Gender KW - Primary enforcement laws KW - Seat belt use KW - Seat belt use laws KW - Seat belts KW - Seating position KW - Traffic crashes KW - Vehicle classification UR - http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811619.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1142317 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01374496 AU - Barbeau, Sean J AU - Tran, Khoa AU - Hillsman, Edward L AU - National Center for Transit Research AU - Florida Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Development of a Regional Public Transportation GIS Architecture and Data Model PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 49p AB - Coordinated data sharing is important for government jurisdictions that overlap the same geographic area. For efficient planning and operations purposes, each jurisdiction should have knowledge of the other organizations’ activities that may affect them. Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District 7 (D7) has identified the need to obtain and view spatial data from many public transportation agencies within FDOT D7 and across the West Central Florida region. This ability will greatly increase the efficiency of FDOT D7 employees that use public transportation information in their workflows. Furthermore, it will assist the regional public transportation planning efforts in FDOT D7. Past efforts for intra-regional data sharing have included the manual transmission of datasets via email or File Transfer Protocol. However, manual data sharing is difficult to sustain at a high frequency due to the manual effort involved in collecting, formatting, sending, receiving, and processing the data. Additionally, each dataset may be in a different format, which makes comparison and coordination among agency datasets difficult and time-consuming. If the perceived effort to exchange data is too great, old and outdated datasets may be used in place of new data, even if new data are available. The research team, along with feedback from FDOT D7 and the transit agencies in its region, successfully developed and demonstrated a prototype software system that is able to automatically retrieve General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS)-based datasets (describing transit stops, routes, and schedules) from local transit agency websites and store them in the FDOT D7 enterprise geodatabase. Additionally, a Web application was developed to visualize and query transit data alongside FDOT D7 data. The resulting Web application is capable of showing multimodal data for the regional transportation systems that is always based on the most recent data available from the transit agency. Challenges encountered in this project included working with proprietary Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) software that has limited examples and documentation and coordinating with transit agencies that are in various stages of collecting and maintaining their bus stop inventory data. Next steps for this project are the deployment of the system to FDOT D7 staff as well as replication of this system to other districts, such as FDOT District 1. Tools exist to assist transit agencies in developing an accurate bus stop inventory and in creating and maintaining GTFS datasets. Increasing the awareness and expertise of agencies in the use of these tools will be useful for deploying this system with data from additional agencies. KW - Computer architecture KW - Data files KW - Data sharing KW - General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) KW - Geodatabases KW - Geographic information systems KW - Public transit KW - Regional transportation KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transportation planning KW - Web applications UR - http://www.fdot.gov/research/Completed_Proj/Summary_PTO/FDOT_BDK85_977-29_rpt.pdf UR - http://www.nctr.usf.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/77935.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44700/44751/77935.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1142138 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01374495 AU - Tang, Hua AU - Dinh, Hai AU - University of Minnesota, Duluth AU - Intelligent Transportation Systems Institute AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - A Tracking-Based Traffic Performance Measurement System for Roundabouts and Intersections PY - 2012/05//Final Report SP - 62p AB - Automatic traffic data collection can significantly save labor work and cost compared to manual data collection. The collected traffic data are necessary for traffic simulation and modeling, performance evaluation of the traffic scene, and eventually (re)design of the traffic scene. However, automatic traffic data collection has been one of the challenges in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). This project presents the development of a single camera-based video system for automatic traffic data collection for roundabouts and intersections. The system targets roundabouts and intersections because no mature data collection systems exist for these traffic scenes yet in contrast to highway scenes. The developed system has mainly processing modules. First, the camera is calibrated for the traffic scene of interest and a novel circle-based calibration algorithm is proposed for roundabouts. Second, the system tracks vehicles from the video by incorporating powerful imaging processing techniques and tracking algorithms. Finally, the resulting vehicle trajectories from vehicle tracking are analyzed to extract the interested traffic data, which includes vehicle volume, vehicle speed (including acceleration/de-acceleration behavior), travel time, rejected gaps, accepted gaps, follow-up time and lane use. Practical tests of the developed system show that it can reliably track vehicles and provide reasonably accurate traffic data in most cases. KW - Algorithms KW - Automatic data collection systems KW - Image processing KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Intersections KW - Performance measurement KW - Roundabouts KW - Traffic data KW - Traffic surveillance KW - Vehicle trajectories KW - Video cameras UR - http://www.cts.umn.edu/Publications/ResearchReports/pdfdownload.pl?id=1718 UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55700/55754/CTS12-10_TRACKING.PDF UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1142141 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01374459 AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - American Traffic Safety Services Association AU - American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) AU - Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) TI - Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, 2009 Edition Including Revision1 and Revision 2 PY - 2012/05 SP - 862p AB - The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is approved by the Federal Highway Administration as the National Standard in accordance with Title 23 U.S. Code, Sections 109(d), 114(a), 217, 315, and 204(a), 23CFR 655, and 49 CFR 1.48(b)(8), 1.48(b)(33), and 1.48(c)(2). The MUTCD is presented in six parts: (1) General; (2) Signs; (3) Markings; (4) Highway Traffic Signals; (5) Traffic Control Devices for Low-Volume Roads; (6) Temporary Traffic Control; (7) Traffic Control for School Areas; (8) Traffic Control for Railroad and Light Rail Transit Grade Crossings; and (9) Traffic Control for Bicycle Facilities. There are two appendices: (1A) Congressional Legislation; and (2A) Metric Conversions. An index is provided. This is the official edition of the MUTCD as of May 2012, incorporating revision numbers 1 and 2. KW - Bicycle facilities KW - Highway traffic control KW - Light rail transit grade crossings KW - Low volume roads KW - Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices KW - Railroad grade crossings KW - Road markings KW - Schools KW - Temporary traffic control devices KW - Traffic control devices KW - Traffic signals KW - Traffic signs UR - http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/kno_2009r1r2.htm UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1142081 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01374448 AU - Morgan, Curtis A AU - Protopapas, Annie AU - Warner, Jeffery E AU - Carlson, Todd B AU - Huang, Jun AU - Li, Ying AU - Olson, Leslie E AU - Texas Transportation Institute AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Identification of Priority Rail Projects for Texas - Initial Methodology/User Manual and Guidebook PY - 2012/05//Technical Report SP - 110p AB - This project developed a system of evaluative tools for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to prioritize its investments in rail-related projects on a statewide basis. This work is meant to ensure that the limited available funding for rail projects is applied in the most beneficial and efficient manner and is focused upon addressing TxDOT’s strategic goals. From the findings, researchers recommend a transparent methodology for evaluating proposed rail projects and establishing an initial process through which rail-related investments can periodically be re-evaluated. Existing project ranking tools were examined and assessed in order to determine opportunities for direct application or adaptation toward TxDOT uses and objectives. A set of performance-based criteria for TxDOT-funded rail projects were developed in the course of the project and adopted into the 2010 Texas Rail Plan. A guidebook to assist local and regional planners in routinely executing the methodology with an example case study project evaluation is also included in the report. Further refinement of the prioritization process will take place under TxDOT’s Short Term Rail development process in accordance with the Texas Rail Plan. KW - Case studies KW - Evaluation KW - Financing KW - Handbooks KW - Investments KW - Projects KW - Railroads KW - Strategic planning KW - Texas UR - http://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth281740/m2/1/high_res_d/txca-0037.pdf UR - http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6467-1.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44700/44753/0-6467-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1142083 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01573248 TI - Creation of Long-Term Bridge Performance (LTBP) Bridge Portal: A Web-based Application with Advanced Visualization and Analysis Tools AB - This project is the development and implementation of the long-term bridge performance (LTBP) bridge portal. The project also involves moving the current Web site to an internal Federal Highway Administration server. KW - Bridges KW - Computer online services KW - Data analysis KW - Data collection KW - Data quality KW - Long-Term Bridge Performance Program KW - Visualization KW - Websites (Information retrieval) UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1366318 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01456901 AU - Stansbury, John AU - Moussavi, Massoum AU - Zhang, Tian AU - University of Nebraska, Lincoln AU - Nebraska Department of Roads AU - Mid-America Transportation Center AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Feasibility of Integrating Natural and Constructed Wetlands in Roadway Drainage System Design PY - 2012/04/30/Final Report SP - 349p AB - Stormwater from roadways could have negative effects on the environment and aquatic ecosystems. Typical highway runoff pollutants include solids; heavy metals, particularly cadmium, copper, and zinc; petroleum hydrocarbons; gasoline constituents; polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); oxygen demanding compounds measured as chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD); and road salts. Roadway runoff falls under the legislation of the Clean Water Act (CWA) via the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). CWA regulates discharge of nonpoint source pollutants, such as roadway runoff, by issuing permits to public entities which manage Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s). The objectives of volume I of this research were to characterize the pollutants in roadway runoff and determine the effectiveness of the existing stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) at the study site. To accomplish these objectives, eleven rainfall events were sampled from November 2008 through November 2010. The objective of volume II was to fulfill the Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR) permitting requirement of creating a design guide for BMPs to remediate roadway runoff in Nebraska. BMPs which were most applicable to treating roadway runoff were those which removed 80% of the total solid load in the runoff, reduced metal concentrations to below acute toxicity levels, had low maintenance burden, were cost effective, did not pose a safety hazard to motorists, could be implemented within the right-of-way, did not negatively impact the road subgrade, and were aesthetically pleasing. The BMPs which best fit these criteria were vegetated filter strips, vegetated swales, bioretention, sand filters, and horizontal filter trenches. In this study fact sheets and design guides were compiled for each of these BMPs. The fact sheet provides background on the BMP including cost considerations, siting constraints, and predicted maintenance requirements. The design guide provides the process for sizing the BMP, design criteria the BMP must meet, and a design example which goes through the design process for a hypothetical application. KW - Best practices KW - Design standards KW - Drainage KW - Nebraska KW - Pollutants KW - Runoff KW - Wetlands UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1224017 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01563744 TI - Next-Generation Transportation Construction Management AB - The Transportation Construction Management (TCM's) Group's objectives have been and will remain focused in three broad areas: (1) Efficiency - Improve the efficiency of the delivery of transportation projects through the use of appropriate project delivery methods, contracting methods and contract management provisions, new technology, new communication and documentation practices, etc., (2) Quality - Improve the quality of construction through the use of advanced construction management tools, practices, and performance measures and (3) Improve risk management procedures. KW - Best practices KW - Construction management KW - Information exchange KW - Performance measurement KW - Project delivery methods KW - Risk management KW - Technological innovations UR - http://www.pooledfund.org/Details/Study/489 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1354926 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01555377 AU - Federal Aviation Administration TI - NextGen Environmental Management System Framework and Collaboration: Pilot Study Summary Report Denver International Airport (DEN) PY - 2012/04/26 SP - 14p AB - The Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) Environmental Management System (EMS) Framework and Collaboration Pilot Study aims to foster collaboration between the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and aviation’s principal stakeholders (e.g., Air Carriers, Airports, Manufacturers, Local Community). It aims to further define their role in NextGen EMS Framework and Collaboration and identify opportunities to address environmental challenges. The objective of this pilot study is to evaluate which environmental issues have the potential to constrain the mobility of the aviation system and the possible effects of future technology and operational changes. Pilot study information is used to develop NextGen EMS Framework and Collaboration approaches and tools that will help stakeholders identify strategic environmental issues, address these issues, and track improvements. The Denver International Airport (DEN) Master Plan Update Studies Phase II Baseline Activity Projections report was used for the operational forecast for this study. For the DEN Pilot Study, 2010 was chosen as the base year. Through a 10-step technical approach, data were collected and analyzed to establish baselines for air quality, climate, energy, and noise. Using forecast data, and assuming no NextGen technologies and operations were incorporated, future scenarios were then calculated for each aspect to identify environmental issues that could constrain NextGen implementation. Next, several new technology and operational concepts were evaluated to determine those that could mitigate the environmental impacts. KW - Air quality KW - Airports KW - Climate KW - Denver International Airport KW - Energy consumption KW - Environmental impacts KW - Environmental Management Systems (EMS) KW - Forecasting KW - Next Generation Air Transportation System KW - Noise KW - Pilot studies UR - http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/apl/research/environmental_policy/media/NextGen_EMS_Denver_Pilot_Study_Report_April%202012_Final.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1344283 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01467686 TI - Watershed Modeling System License Renewal Agreement AB - The Watershed Modeling System (WMS) is being used by many state departments of transportation (DOTs) to take advantage of the ever growing amount of terrain and land use data being made available to them from web based and other sources to develop accurate and reproducible hydrologic models. WMS also drastically reduces the amount of time needed to perform complicated hydrologic watershed analysis that are prepared using common hydrologic models. Use of the program saves Federal and State DOTs time and money in preparing reliable hydrologic analyses. The objective of these pooled funds is to renew the WMS license agreement for another five years and continue to provide licenses of the software to all Federal and State Department of Transportation employees. KW - Analysis KW - Hydrologic computer models KW - License agreements KW - Software KW - State departments of transportation KW - Watersheds UR - http://www.pooledfund.org/Details/Study/494 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1235922 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01376100 AU - Sullivan, James AU - Novak, David AU - Aultman-Hall, Lisa AU - University of Vermont, Burlington AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Identifying Network Representation Issues with the Network Trip Robustness PY - 2012/04/23 SP - 18p AB - This study evaluates the effects of road-network representation on the application of the Network Robustness Index (NRI), using the Chittenden County Regional Transportation Model. The focus of this study was the tendency for minor and local roads to provide significant robustness gains as they offer critical alternative routes during disruption events. The overall conclusion of this report is that the application of the NRI and the Network Trip Robustness (NTR) can be used to identify these links, and test their significance. By examining the change in NTR that occurs when a previously omitted link is added to the network reveals its significance. In this study, a set of 23 links were identified qualitatively in Chittenden County which are currently not included in the region’s transportation model but may be significant. These 23 links were tested qualitatively and a total of 12 were found to be significant. Based on these findings, future applications of the regional model (CCMPO, 2008) should consider the influence of these links to overall network dynamics. If possible, these links should be included in the network representation for all analyses going forward. The results of this study also have general implications for travel demand models which are increasingly being used to help decision makers with a wide range of critical policy questions. Sophisticated models exist only for large urban areas, and often these models do not include secondary roads required to study relevant policy issues such as robustness and resiliency. Statewide models are often characterized by the use of very large Transportation Analysis Zones (TAZs) which can preclude effective evaluation of detailed road networks. The aggregation of links in a transportation network can have some unintended consequences. This study suggests it is timely to investigate ways of generating model networks that consider the full functional connectivity of the highway system. KW - Chittenden County (Vermont) KW - Network Robustness Index KW - Networks KW - Road networks KW - Roads KW - Secondary roads KW - Traffic network disruption UR - http://www.uvm.edu/~transctr/research/trc_reports/UVM-TRC-12-004.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44700/44731/UVM-TRC-12-004.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1142122 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01465770 TI - Structural Improvement of Flexible Pavements Using Geosynthetics for Base Course Reinforcements AB - The objective of this project is to determine whether geosynthetics (geogrids and geotextiles) can be used to increase the structural capacity of pavements typically constructed by state departments of transportation (DOTs). To measure in situ stress/strain response of the reinforced material for use in current or future pavement design processes. To determine whether geosynthetics can be used to increase the service life of pavements typically constructed by state DOTs. To compare the performance of base course reinforced pavements subjected to traffic loading during non-frost periods with performance during thaw. KW - Base course (Pavements) KW - Flexible pavements KW - Geogrids KW - Geosynthetics KW - Geotextiles KW - Pavement design KW - Service life UR - http://www.pooledfund.org/Details/Study/126 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1234004 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01566742 TI - Imaging Tools for Evaluation of Gusset Plate Connections in Steel Truss Bridges AB - There are four main objectives of the proposed research: (1) Develop methods to collect dimensional gusset plate connection information including surface geometry and out-of-plane deformations on in-service gusset plates. (2) Develop methods to automate identification and optimization of reference target points. Develop methods to automate extraction of gusset plate edge locations, fastener locations and their corresponding member affiliations, and member orientations. (3) Develop finite element modeling and analysis techniques to directly rate gusset plates using extracted digital image data as the input source. (4) Develop software tools to manage and organize images and image data to enhance bridge management and allow identification of condition changes over time. KW - Bridge management systems KW - Deformation KW - Finite element method KW - Gusset plates KW - Imaging systems KW - Steel bridges KW - Truss bridges UR - http://www.pooledfund.org/Details/Study/488 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1358398 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01376428 AU - Department of Transportation AU - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration TI - Timely and Targeted FMCSA Action Is Needed To Fully Address National Transportation Safety Board Recommendations for Improving Passenger Carrier Oversight PY - 2012/04/17 SP - 28p AB - In recent years, several fatal motorcoach accidents focused national attention on passenger carrier safety and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) oversight of more than 3,000 passenger carrier companies that operate millions of trips per year. Following a January 2008, motorcoach accident near Victoria, Texas, in which 1 passenger was killed and 47 others were injured, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) identified weaknesses in Federal oversight of passenger carriers. NTSB cited concerns with FMCSA’s process for vetting passenger carriers and detecting reincarnating carriers—carriers that attempt to operate as a different entity in an effort to evade enforcement action, out-of-service orders, or both. NTSB also highlighted issues with how the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and FMCSA oversee passenger carrier compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). In its final report on the Victoria crash, NTSB made a series of recommendations to improve Federal oversight of passenger carriers. In particular, NTSB recommended that FMCSA review multiple years of applications for Federal operating authority to identify reincarnated carriers, issue new rules to strengthen its capabilities to oversee the passenger carrier industry, and enhance its oversight efforts related to enforcing FMVSS. Based on congressional concerns about the actions FMCSA has taken to address NTSB’s recommendations, the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (OIG) initiated this audit to assess FMCSA’s efforts to (1) detect and deter reincarnated motor carriers; (2) revise regulations, implement new rulemakings, or obtain increased statutory authority to strengthen passenger carrier safety; and (3) better identify and track passenger carriers whose vehicles do not comply with FMVSS. Even before NTSB made its recommendations related to the Victoria crash, FMCSA had a vetting process in place to detect reincarnating passenger carriers by reviewing applicants for operating authority. FMCSA responded to NTSB’s recommendations by applying this vetting process to all passenger carriers that obtained operating authority since 2003. However, FMCSA still does not have an efficient screening tool as part of the vetting process to help it focus limited investigative resources on the highest risk applicants—instead of reviewing all applications as it does now. FMCSA has begun work on two new rules to address the oversight concerns on passenger carrier leases and revocation of reincarnated carrier operating authority. In November 2011, FMCSA published a schedule for developing a leasing rule for passenger carriers, but does not expect to release it as a proposed rule as NTSB recommended, until June 2012. Until this rule is finalized, passenger carriers, such as the one involved in the Victoria crash, may be able to circumvent FMCSA oversight by establishing a lease agreement with another carrier and conducting business using the other carrier’s operating authority. FMCSA and NHTSA have not implemented NTSB’s recommendations on developing the capability to better identify and track passenger carriers whose vehicles do not comply with FMVSS. KW - Bus crashes KW - Bus lines KW - Buses KW - Compliance KW - Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards KW - High risk motor carriers KW - Motor carrier safety KW - Oversight KW - Regulations KW - Reincarnating carriers KW - U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration KW - U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration KW - U.S. National Transportation Safety Board UR - http://www.oig.dot.gov/sites/dot/files/FMCSA%20Response%20to%20NTSB%20Recommendations%20on%20Passenger%20Carrier%20Oversight%5E04-17-12.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1144121 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01376075 AU - Flynn, Brian S AU - Dana, Greg S AU - Sears, Justine AU - Aultman-Hall, Lisa AU - University of Vermont, Burlington AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Weather Factor Impacts on Commuting to Work by Bicycle PY - 2012/04/17 SP - 22p AB - The primary objective of this study was to describe the impact of specific weather conditions on daily use of bicycles for travel to work among a panel of working adults who commute by bicycle two or more miles each way. A large proportion of recruited participants provided adequate information for modeling purposes. The characteristics of participants included in the data analyses and the weather conditions recorded on study days across ten months provided good range of variation. Several weather factors had independent effects on the odds of commuting by bicycle to work among a diverse panel of adults who bike to work at least occasionally. Precipitation, temperature, wind speed, and snow depth measured in the morning commuting hours were significantly associated with bicycle commuting. These results may be useful for modeling bicycle commuting levels and for exploring methods to mitigate adverse effects of weather on bicycle commuting or to encourage greater use in more favorable conditions. KW - Bicycle commuting KW - Cyclists KW - Mode choice KW - Seasons KW - Weather UR - http://www.uvm.edu/~transctr/research/trc_reports/UVM-TRC-12-006.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44700/44732/UVM-TRC-12-006.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1142121 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01483905 AU - Veal, Matthew W AU - Mayer, Michelle L AU - North Carolina State University, Raleigh AU - North Carolina Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Assessment of Bioenergy Crop Production Along North Carolina Right-of-Ways PY - 2012/04/13/Final Report SP - 78p AB - The production of flowering oilseeds along highway right-of-ways provides land managers with a unique opportunity to meet safety and vegetation management objectives while providing enhanced roadside aesthetics for motorists. Additionally, these operations provide an economically valuable grain commodity that can either be used to offset the management costs or provide a feedstock that can be used in the biodiesel production process. This two-year research effort, sponsored by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) investigated the cultivation of oilseed crops along North Carolina highway rights-of-way (ROWs) which would ultimately be destined for conversion to biodiesel and use in their fleet of motor vehicles. To achieve this goal, objectives were established to (1) evaluate oilseed crop requirements and eligibility for production based on North Carolina’s climatic conditions and highway rights-of-way characteristics; (2) perform a series of plot trials to select an optimal tillage method (3) develop a geographic information system (GIS) program to quantify and map eligible NCDOT highway ROW acreage. Results of this study showed that canola and sunflowers are the most eligible oilseeds for production along highway right-of-ways in North Carolina. Both crops generated grain yields similar to yields produced in traditional agronomic settings. Additionally, no-till establishment produced yields similar to plots established with clean, conventional tillage systems. Based on GIS analysis, 14,962 mi (24,079 km) of eligible ROW was identified in North Carolina. KW - Agricultural products KW - Alternate fuels KW - Biodiesel fuels KW - Climate KW - Crops KW - Mapping KW - North Carolina KW - Oilseeds KW - Right of way (Land) UR - http://www.ncdot.gov/doh/preconstruct/tpb/research/download/2009-19FinalReport.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1252513 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01380479 AU - Misener, Jim AU - Frank, Larry AU - Jeffers, Dan AU - Booz Allen Hamilton AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Communications Data Delivery System Analysis. Public Workshop Read-Ahead Document PY - 2012/04/09 SP - 23p AB - This document presents an overview of work conducted to date around development and analysis of communications data delivery systems for supporting transactions in the connected vehicle environment. It presents the results of technical analysis of communications needs and the ability of alternative communications media to support these needs. It also describes the next stage of analysis planned, which will include additional technical and commercial analysis around specific scenarios. KW - Communications KW - Data communications KW - Delivery systems KW - Intelligent vehicles KW - Technical assistance KW - Workshops UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45500/45597/FHWA-JPO-12-039_CDDS_Read_Ahead_40912_v3_2_Final.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1147986 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01383597 AU - Department of Transportation TI - Lessons Learned From ARRA: Improved FHWA Oversight Can Enhance States' Use of Federal-Aid Funds PY - 2012/04/05 SP - 32p AB - The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) added roughly $27 billion to the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) budget—a 67-percent, one-time increase for State highway construction and improvement projects. FHWA’s ARRA projects were awarded using the same policies, procedures, and practices used to award its other Federal-aid projects. ARRA projects are also subject to additional requirements. For example, ARRA mandates that funds be obligated 19 months after enactment, requires enhanced oversight of ARRA-funded contracts, and emphasizes the use of competitive procedures. Effective competition is key to ensuring the Federal Government and States maximize the use of Federal-aid funds. It can save money, improve contractor performance, curb fraud, and promote accountability for results. Although States have the right to select projects for Federal funding, FHWA is responsible for effective stewardship of all Federal highways programs. This includes overseeing State Departments of Transportation’s (State DOT) use of Federal-aid funds and providing assurance that these funds are expended in a manner effective in securing competition. However, over the past 2 years, weaknesses have been identified in FHWA’s oversight of State contracting practices. ARRA’s significant funding infusion and abbreviated spending timeframes further challenged FHWA’s oversight of States’ use of Federal highway funds—substantially increasing the risk of fraud, waste, and abuse. Given FHWA’s responsibility for effective stewardship of the $40 billion Federal-aid program, this audit was initiated to (1) examine the level of competition for State DOT awarded ARRA contracts, (2) evaluate FHWA policies and guidance for awarding Federal-aid contracts, and (3) assess FHWA’s oversight of State DOT contracting practices. KW - American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 KW - Competition KW - Contracting KW - Contracts KW - Federal aid KW - Government funding KW - Oversight KW - Road construction KW - U.S. Federal Highway Administration UR - http://www.oig.dot.gov/sites/dot/files/FHWA%20ARRA%20Audit%20Report%5E4-5-12.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1144215 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01380505 AU - Garcia, Dominie AU - Waite, Andrea AU - Walsh, Richard AU - Sheppard, Blake AU - Frank, Larry AU - Jeffers, Dan AU - Booz Allen Hamilton AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Certificate Management Entities for Connected Vehicle Environment. Public Workshop Read-Ahead Document PY - 2012/04/05 SP - 16p AB - This document presents an overview of work conducted to date around development and analysis of organizational and operational models for certificate management in the connected vehicle environment. Functions, organizational models, technical background, and approach to cost estimation are all included. KW - Cost estimating KW - Intelligent vehicles KW - Management and organization KW - Vehicle to infrastructure communications KW - Vehicle to vehicle communications KW - Workshops UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45500/45598/FHWA-JPO-12-038_CME_Read_Ahead_040512_VBriggs_Final.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1147985 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01450878 AU - Connor, Billy AU - Collins, Rodney AU - Alaska University Transportation Center AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Stabilization of Horseshoe Lake Road using Geofibers and Soil-Sement® PY - 2012/04/03/Final Report SP - 38p AB - One solution to reducing the cost of importing gravel in areas where available soils are predominately silts and sands is to stabilize the local soils with geofibers and synthetic fluids. There have been several studies which have evaluated improvements in soil strength using geofibers. Laboratory work at the Alaska University Transportation Center has shown that the use of geofibers in combination with synthetic fluids has the potential to stabilize silts and sands, making them usable for roadway and airport construction. A 500 ft test section was constructed on Horseshoe Lake Road, near Wasilla, Alaska. The test section was comprised of 250 ft using six inches of geofiber and Soil-Sement® and 250 ft using twelve inches of geofiber and Soil-Sement®. The test section was monitored over 16 months for performance and soil strength. Overall the test section has performed well. KW - Alaska KW - Field tests KW - Geofibers KW - Sandy soils KW - Silts KW - Soil stabilization KW - Stabilizers KW - Strength of materials KW - Synthetic fluids UR - http://ine.uaf.edu/autc/files/2012/04/Conner-Collins-Horseshoe-Lake-S12609.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/46000/46100/46190/Conner-Collins-Horseshoe-Lake-S12609.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1218220 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01518992 AU - Chapman, Michael AU - Drobot, Sheldon AU - University Corporation for Atmospheric Research AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - The Vision for Use of Connected Vehicle Data in Practical Road Weather Applications PY - 2012/04/01/Final Report SP - 26p AB - With funding and support from the United States Department of Transportation Research and Innovative Technology Administration (USDOT RITA) and direction from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Road Weather Management Program, National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) is developing a Vehicle Data Translator (VDT) software system that incorporates vehicle-based measurements of the road and surrounding atmosphere with other weather data sources. The purpose of this document is to provide a short overview of the VDT software, a description of several possible applications for key potential end-users of the VDT, and a description of the data standards that are required in order for the mobile weather data to be useful for various road weather impact applications. KW - Data collection KW - Data communications KW - ITS program applications KW - Mobile communication systems KW - Road weather information systems KW - Software KW - Vehicle Data Translator KW - Weather conditions UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/48000/48300/48370/1A82B8A8.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1302265 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01473284 AU - Rahai, Hamid R AU - Sciortino, Antonella AU - METRANS Transportation Center AU - California Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - The Effects of Distortion on Trajectory of Diesel Particulate Matter (PM) from Mobile Sources PY - 2012/04/01 SP - 20p AB - Laboratory and field measurements were performed to understand the effects of local urban aerodynamics on particulate matter (PM) concentration. For the laboratory experiments, an open-circuit wind tunnel along with exhaust from a small diesel engine were used. The field measurements were performed along the Alameda Corridor railroad under the bridge adjacent to the control room at the location where distortion due to the building structure was present. Results indicate that the PM concentration is a function of the local wind speed and direction and the blockage effect. KW - Aerodynamic force KW - Alameda Corridor KW - Atmospheric diffusion KW - Diesel engine exhaust gases KW - Particulates KW - Velocity UR - http://www.metrans.org/sites/default/files/research-project/10-20_Rahai-Scortino_final_0_0.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1225232 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01467823 TI - Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Deteriorated Concrete Bridge Components AB - Corrosion of steel bars in reinforced concrete structures is a major durability problem for bridges constructed in the New York State (NYS). The heavy use of deicing salt compounds this problem. Corrosion of steel bars results in loss of steel cross section, deterioration of bond between concrete and reinforcing bars, and more important, in most cases, it results in unsymmetrical concrete section that is susceptible to shear stresses produced by torsion. Though earthquake frequency of occurrence and the expected ground accelerations in NYS is less than in western states, the potential for earthquake damage in or around NYS is still very real. Given the level of deterioration in many reinforced concrete bridges in NYS, they are considered very vulnerable to major damage during a moderate seismic event. There is an urgent need for proper detailed guide for analysis of deteriorated reinforced concrete bridge components that could assist structural engineers estimate the reserved strength of deteriorated bridges, and design cost-effective methods for retrofit. Proper evaluation and retrofit of existing deteriorated reinforced concrete bridges will limited the collapse of bridge during moderate seismic events in NYS and the surrounding states, and consequently save people's lives. The proposed project will evaluate the seismic response of typical deteriorated reinforced concrete bridges constructed in NYS. In addition, it will offer a guideline for seismic retrofit of deteriorated reinforced concrete bridge components. KW - Concrete bridges KW - Corrosion KW - Deterioration KW - New York (State) KW - Retrofitting KW - Seismicity KW - Shear stress KW - Torsion UR - http://www.utrc2.org/research/projects/seismic-evaluation-of-concrete-bridge-components UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1236059 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01466560 TI - INVEST Marketing Support AB - The objective of this task order is to provide marketing, communications and branding services to develop a comprehensive communications strategy and successfully market and increase interest in the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA's) Sustainable Highways Initiative and Self-Evaluation Tool (INVEST) across state and local transportation agencies and other potential users. KW - Communication systems KW - Initiatives KW - Local transportation KW - Marketing KW - Self evaluation KW - Sustainable development KW - Sustainable transportation UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1234795 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01579617 AU - Chambers, Matthew AU - Liu, Mindy AU - Moore, Chip AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Drunk Driving by the Numbers PY - 2012/04 SP - 3p AB - This document includes statistics related to drunk driving in the United States from 2001-2010. It also includes a section on alcohol usage in the transportation workplace. Figures include: Number and Percent of Alcohol Related Versus Nonalcohol Related Highway Vehicle Fatalities; Number and Percent of Highway Vehicle Fatalities Involving Alcohol by Person Type; and Alcohol Related Versus Nonalcohol Related Recreational Boating Fatalities KW - Alcohol use KW - Boating KW - Drunk driving KW - Employees KW - Fatalities KW - Traffic crashes KW - Trend (Statistics) KW - United States UR - http://www.rita.dot.gov/bts/sites/rita.dot.gov.bts/files/publications/by_the_numbers/drunk_driving/index.html UR - http://www.rita.dot.gov/bts/sites/rita.dot.gov.bts/files/publications/by_the_numbers/drunk_driving/pdf/entire.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1371949 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01547506 AU - Dennis, Norman D AU - Wilson, Andrew AU - Mack Blackwell National Rural Transportation Center AU - Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Determination of Pavement Thickness Using Spectral Analysis of Surface Waves PY - 2012/04 SP - 304p AB - This study was conducted to create an operational and efficient field unit and data acquisition program that enables field technicians to conduct spectral analysis of surface waves (SASW) testing with limited training. As a part of this study, a computer program was developed that provides a partially automated conversion process to drastically reduce the amount of time required to reduce data and provide an accurate solution for the determination of pavement strata thickness. This was accomplished by modifying an existing SASW system so that it would act as a single integrated unit rather than a collection of components that must be placed and monitored independently. The unit was tested on various pavement sections in the state of Arkansas, where pavement thicknesses were known. The collected data were analyzed using the newly developed data reduction program, as well as a more theoretically based program from the University of Texas at El Paso. The product of this analysis was an estimation of pavement strata thickness, based on relative values of phase velocity. The overall intent of this study is to provide the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) with a system that can rapidly predict pavement thickness under a variety of conditions without the need for destructive testing. At a minimum this device can be used in conjunction with the existing falling weight deflectometer (FWD) testing to avoid the requirement for pavement coring. Ultimately, this device may be able to completely replace the FWD system as a method to obtain both modulus and layer thickness of a pavement system. KW - Computer programs KW - Data analysis KW - Data collection KW - Pavement design KW - Spectral analysis of surface waves KW - Thickness UR - http://www.arkansastrc.com/MBTC%20REPORTS/MBTC%202074.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1334559 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01531076 AU - Scheffey, Joseph L AU - Darwin, Robert L AU - Hunt, Sean AU - Hughes Associates, Incorporated AU - Federal Aviation Administration TI - A Technical Review of Methodologies for Calculating Firefighting Agent Quantities Needed to Combat Aircraft Crash Fires PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 168p AB - The current method for determining required firefighting agent quantities at an airport is based on the concept of a “critical area” rectangular box defined by the aircraft length and fuselage width. Aircraft size and construction materials have evolved to an extent that the concepts of critical area, which consists of Theoretical Critical Area and Practical Critical Area need to be studied to ensure they are still valid methodologies for determining the firefighting agent requirements for airports. This analysis addressed various factors in assessing current aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) agent requirements. These factors included the historical development of the existing methods and the recent fire-related loss history. The recent loss history includes the effectiveness of the ARFF response and a fire hazard analysis for threats to occupants in an aircraft and those who have escaped the aircraft. The National Fire Protection Association 403 methodology was found to be acceptable and appropriate for establishing agent quantities. KW - Air transportation crashes KW - Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting KW - Fire extinguishing agents KW - Fire fighting KW - Hazards and emergency operations KW - National Fire Protection Association KW - Planning methods KW - Vehicle fires KW - Vehicle occupant rescue UR - http://www.tc.faa.gov/its/worldpac/techrpt/ar11-29.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1313494 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01518944 AU - Severson, Kristine AU - Tyrell, David TI - Comparison of Interior Crashworthiness Observed in Passenger Train Accidents and 8G Dynamic Seat Sled Tests PY - 2012/04 SP - 11p AB - The Office of Research and Development of the Federal Railroad Administration conducts engineering research to address protection of passengers and crew during train accidents. This research includes accident investigations and dynamic seat testing to assess occupant injury during simulated accident conditions. Observations from selected accident investigations are compared with dynamic seat test results, based on the requirements in the Standard for Passenger Seats in Passenger Rail Cars, APTA-SS-C&S-99-016, referred to simply as the Seat Standard. The Seat Standard requires sled testing of rail passenger seats to demonstrate that seats provide a minimum level of crashworthiness in the event of an accident. The interior crashworthiness comparisons between accidents and seat tests are based on the deceleration time history (crash pulse), damage to seats and/or tables, injury type and severity, and occupant kinematics. These comparisons have been made to assess the degree to which current test practice produces injury measurements and interior fixture damage that are consistent with the injuries and equipment damage observed in accidents. U1 - ASME/ASCE/IEEE 2012 Joint Rail ConferenceAmerican Society of Mechanical EngineersAmerican Society of Civil EngineersIEEEPhiladelphia,Pennsylvania,United States StartDate:20120416 EndDate:20120418 Sponsors:American Society of Mechanical Engineers, American Society of Civil Engineers, IEEE KW - Crash injuries KW - Crash investigation KW - Crash victim simulation KW - Crashworthiness KW - Passenger trains KW - Railroad crashes KW - Seats KW - Sled tests KW - Vehicle occupants UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/50000/50900/50981/JRC2012-74154.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1302151 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01518883 AU - Muhlanger, Michelle P AU - Severson, Kristine AU - Perlman, Benjamin AU - Prabhakaran, Anand AU - Singh, Som P AU - Vithani, Anand R AU - Volpe National Transportation Systems Center TI - Prototype Design of an Engineer Collision Protection System PY - 2012/04 SP - 11p AB - This research program was sponsored by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Office of Research and Development in support of the advancement of improved safety standards for passenger rail vehicles. In a train collision, the cab or locomotive engineer is in a vulnerable position at the leading end of the vehicle. As cars with increased crashworthiness are introduced into service, there is a greater potential to preserve the space occupied by the engineer following an accident. When sufficient survival space is preserved, the next objective is to protect the engineer from the forces and accelerations associated with secondary impacts between the engineer and the control cab. Given the hard surfaces and protruding knobs in a control cab, even a low speed collision can result in large, concentrated forces acting upon the engineer. Researchers have designed a passive (i.e., requiring no action by the operator) interior protection system for cab car and locomotive engineers. This paper discusses the prototype design, including background research, baseline definition and prototype development. The initial prototype design is analyzed using computer models. The components are tested to verify and improve the computer models. The test and analysis results are presented. U1 - ASME/ASCE/IEEE 2012 Joint Rail ConferenceAmerican Society of Mechanical EngineersAmerican Society of Civil EngineersIEEEPhiladelphia,Pennsylvania,United States StartDate:20120416 EndDate:20120418 Sponsors:American Society of Mechanical Engineers, American Society of Civil Engineers, IEEE KW - Cabs (Vehicle compartments) KW - Computer models KW - Locomotive engineers KW - Occupant protection devices KW - Prototypes KW - Railroad crashes UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/50000/50900/50982/JRC2012-74073.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1302155 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01496735 AU - Zevenbergen, L W AU - Arneson, L A AU - Hunt, J H AU - Miller, A C AU - Ayres Associates, Incorporated AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - National Highway Institute TI - Hydraulic Design of Safe Bridges PY - 2012/04 SP - 280p AB - This document provides technical information and guidance on the hydraulic analysis and design of bridges. The goal is to provide information such that bridges can be designed as safely as possible while optimizing costs and limiting impacts to property and the environment. Many significant aspects of bridge hydraulic design are discussed. These include regulatory topics, specific approaches for bridge hydraulic modeling, hydraulic model selection, bridge design impacts on scour and stream instability, and sediment transport. KW - Bridge design KW - Channel flow KW - Hydraulics KW - Mathematical models KW - Regulations KW - Scour KW - Sediments UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/engineering/hydraulics/pubs/hif12018.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1265595 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01493308 AU - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Long Range Transportation Plan for Fish and Wildlife Service Lands in Region 1 PY - 2012/04//Final Version SP - 74p AB - Transportation infrastructure provides critical links and resources in connecting people with nature on all U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands, specifically, at national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries. To this end the Service seeks to optimize transportation funding decisions and leverage its transportation dollars wisely, for the next 20 years and beyond. As defined by the Region 1 core planning team, the primary goals of this long range transportation plan are to: (1) Ensure that the transportation program helps to conserve and enhance fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats. (2) Provide a safe and reliable transportation network to and within Service lands. (3) Develop and maintain a transportation network that welcomes and orients visitors. (4) „Integrate transportation planning into Service plans and processes. (5) Develop partnerships to leverage resources and develop integrated transportation solutions. (6) Adopt and promote sustainable transportation practices. KW - Conservation KW - Long range planning KW - Sustainable transportation KW - Transportation planning KW - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service UR - http://www.fws.gov/pacific/planning/main/docs/Transportation/LRTPFinal.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1262484 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01486727 AU - Chang, Chin AU - METRANS Transportation Center AU - California Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Development of Fiber-Optic Sensor Network for Transportation Infrastructure Monitoring PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 43p AB - Fiber-optic sensing technology is capable of offering superior performance to the transducer technology typically used for sensing in long-span bridge structural health monitoring. Comprehensive performance evaluation for point and distributed fiber optic sensors were conducted. In the research effort, validation of point and distributed fiber optic sensors is achieved through laboratory and field tests. The fiber-optic sensors provide accuracy and long-term stability. KW - Fiber optics KW - Sensors KW - Structural health monitoring UR - http://www.metrans.org/sites/default/files/research-project/10-14_Chang_final_0_0.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1247847 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01480989 AU - Papanicolaou, A N Thanos AU - Admiraal, David M AU - Wilson, Christopher AU - Kephart, Clark AU - Mid-America Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Monitoring the Effects of Knickpoint Erosion on Bridge Pier and Abutment Structural Damage Due to Scour PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 63p AB - The goal of this study was to conduct a field-oriented evaluation, coupled with advanced laboratory techniques, of channel degradation in a stream of the Deep Loess Region of western Iowa, namely Mud Creek. The Midwestern United States is an ideal place for such a study considering that ~$1 Billion of infrastructure and farmland has been lost recently to channel degradation. A common form of channel degradation in this region is associated with the formation of knickpoints, which naturally manifest as short waterfalls within the channel that migrate upstream. As flow plunges over a knickpoint face, scouring of the downstream bed creates a plunge pool. This downcutting increases bank height, facilitating bank failure, stream widening, and damage to critical bridge infrastructure. The authors conducted a state-of-the-art geotechnical analysis of the sediments from the knickpoint face, plunge pool, and adjacent stream banks to determine the areas of the streambed near the bridge infrastructure that favor knickpoint propagation. Soil characterization using particle size distributions and Gamma Spectroscopy identified a stratigraphic discontinuity at the elevation where the knickpoint forms. An automated surveillance camera was established to monitor the location of the knickpoint face relative to a fixed datum and provide a first-order approximation of its migration rate, which was approximately 0.9 m over a 248-day study period. Surveys conducted of the stream reach also facilitated information about knickpoint migration. Flow measurements using Large-scale Particle Image Velocimetry were conducted during the study to understand the hydrodynamic conditions at the site. The results of this research will assist local and federal transportation agencies in better understanding the following: (1) principal geotechnical and hydrodynamic factors that control knickpoint propagation, (2) identify necessary data for extraction and analysis to predict knickpoint formation, (3) provide mitigation measures such as grade control structures (e.g., sheet-pile weirs, bank stabilization measures) near bridge crossings to control the propagation of knickpoints and prevent further damage to downstream infrastructure. KW - Bridge abutments KW - Bridge piers KW - Channel flow KW - Geotechnical engineering KW - Iowa KW - Knickpoints KW - Scour KW - Structural analysis UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1249572 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01478347 AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - 2011 FHWA Infrastructure Research and Technology Strategic Plan PY - 2012/04 SP - 22p AB - This overarching Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Research and Technology (R&T) infrastructure strategic plan and its supporting roadmap will guide Infrastructure R&T efforts for the next 5 years and beyond. The plan will provide a comprehensive focus and direction across organizational boundaries and assist in prioritizing program initiatives, allocating resources, and improving the processes relative to how FHWA staff work together to achieve FHWA’s mission in the future. The strategic plan and roadmap will recognize the inter-relationships and interdependencies among the different infrastructure disciplines and provide a framework for collaboration across disciplines and with other FHWA programs. KW - Infrastructure KW - Interagency relations KW - Research KW - Resource allocation KW - Strategic planning KW - Technology KW - U.S. Federal Highway Administration UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/infrastructure/12043/12043.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1246781 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01475823 AU - Newton, Diane AU - Cassady, Jim AU - Hovde, Al AU - Schaefer, Ron AU - Veile, Al AU - Fredman, Bob AU - Science Applications International Corporation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Electronic Freight Management Case Studies: A Summary of Results PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 119p AB - The Electronic Freight Management (EFM) initiative is a U.S. Department of Transportation-sponsored project that applies Web technologies that improve data and message transmissions between supply chain partners. The EFM implementation case studies contained in this document examine the degree to which the EFM applications can improve the operational efficiency within intermodal supply chains. Each case study documents the cost-effectiveness, long-term viability, and sustainability of the EFM package, as it was modified and implemented within the supply chain. The case studies also detail the environment into which the EFM package was being deployed, capturing the implementation parameters that were put in place to operate the package successfully, and assess implementation benefits in terms of business process cost savings and return on investment to the participating organizations. KW - Case studies KW - Data communications KW - Economic impacts KW - Electronic freight management KW - Freight traffic KW - Implementation KW - Information technology KW - Operations KW - Supply chain management UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/46000/46000/46059/EFM_Case_Study_Final_Report_Combined_v5.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1244578 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01472087 AU - METRANS Transportation Center AU - California Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Reduction of Construction Project Risks to Pedestrians, Drivers, and Transit Passengers through Analysis of Historical Accident Records PY - 2012/04 SP - 131p AB - A methodology using the Pareto Principle and an accident chain analysis to analyze historical accident records is introduced with the objective of forming new construction project workplace safety recommendations to reduce risks to pedestrians, drivers, and transit passengers. Potential accident chain scenarios based on the analysis are also developed as a tool to communicate accident mechanisms. KW - California KW - Crash analysis KW - Crash data KW - Methodology KW - Risk management KW - Work zone safety UR - http://www.metrans.org/sites/default/files/research-project/04-09_Kuprenas_final_0_0.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1218682 ER - TY - SER AN - 01470186 JO - TRAFFIC TECH PB - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration TI - Pedal Error Crashes PY - 2012/04 SP - 2p AB - This project examined the prevalence of crashes in which the driver pressed the accelerator pedal when he or she intended to press the brake pedal, and the characteristics associated with these crashes. Technical literature published between 1980 and 2009 included few studies regarding pedal application errors. Studies conducted using driving simulators identified two predictors of pedal errors: increased driver age and impairments in drivers’ executive function as measured by clinical tests of cognitive functioning. KW - Age KW - Cognition KW - Driver errors KW - Driving simulators KW - Highway safety KW - Pedals KW - Traffic crashes UR - http://www.nhtsa.gov/staticfiles/traffic_tech/811605.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1237163 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01469988 AU - Nebraska Department of Roads AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - 2011 Continuous Traffic Count Data and Traffic Characteristics on Nebraska Streets and Highways PY - 2012/04 SP - 292p AB - The Nebraska Department of Roads, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, collected and analyzed data at 61 continuous traffic count locations in 2011. Of these 61 locations, 38 are on rural state and federal highways, 8 on low volume rural roads, 2 on city streets in Grand Island, 3 on city streets in Lincoln, 7 on city streets in Omaha, 1 on the Interstate in South Sioux City, 1 on a city street in Scottsbluff, and 1 on a city street in Holdrege. Most of the machines have been converted to collect data on vehicle type, not just volume. As a result, continuous classification data is available at the majority of the stations. Short-term manual vehicle classification data was collected during 2011 at many of the remaining permanent continuous traffic counters. Severe flooding on the Missouri River from May to November caused disruption to the normal traffic pattern at the following stations: 4, 6, 12, 30, 32, 33, 41, 59, 63, 64, and 65. A traffic counter detects each passing vehicle and records hourly totals electronically. This information is retrieved periodically over the telephone lines by the Planning and Project Development Division of the Nebraska Department of Roads. Here the information is processed into Average Daily Traffic (ADT) figures. Some of the uses of these ADT values are determination of design standards, classification of highways, development of improvement programs and safety programs. Another important use of the information provided by these permanent traffic counters is to adjust many statewide 24- and 48-hour machine counts and 8-hour manual counts to annual average daily traffic volumes. KW - Average daily traffic KW - Nebraska KW - Traffic counts KW - Traffic data KW - Traffic volume KW - Vehicle classification UR - http://nlc1.nlc.state.ne.us/epubs/R6000/S009-2011.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1237146 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01469966 AU - Papanicolaou, A N Thanos AU - Tsakiris, Achilleas AU - Mid-America Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Use of Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) Sensors for Performing Automated Bridge Pier Structural Damage Detection and Scour Monitoring PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 14p AB - The goal of this study was to evaluate the performance of Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors able to detect impacts with different frequencies on a bridge pier. The FBG technology was evaluated under controlled conditions in a laboratory flume set-up to mimic the flow, sediment, and design characteristics of a pier structure. The system was calibrated using site-specific properties to relate strain to a known magnitude force for different bridge pier designs, different scour depths, and structural impacts. The FBGs proved a reliable measure of strain and displacement for key components of bridge structures, such as piers, during varying flow magnitudes. Additionally, the FBGs were used to assess the impacts of different flow-altering countermeasures on the displacement of a bridge structure. Sacrificial piers that were approximately three pier diameters from the bridge proved to minimize the strain at the top end of the pier significantly. Practical guidelines were developed on how the FBGs can be used to provide real time state awareness information for making decisions on down time, repair cost, and functionality of bridges. The research will pave the way for inexpensive, bridge automated monitoring, while providing an open framework to expedite the development of similar systems for other critical infrastructure, such as roads, highways, dams, levees, and prevent catastrophic events such as the Minnesota bridge collapse in 2007. KW - Bridge piers KW - Bridges KW - Fiber Bragg grating sensors KW - Flaw detection KW - Scour KW - Sensors KW - Structural health monitoring UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/46000/46600/46671/Papanicolaou_472_Use_of_Fiber_Bragg_Grating_FINAL_COMBINED.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1225858 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01469609 AU - Brewer, Wilson B AU - Alexander, Nancy AU - Langston University AU - Oklahoma Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Development of Best Practices Program for a Collaboration of Minority Truckers PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 80p AB - The Oklahoma Minority Trucking Cooperative Incorporated (OMTC) is the first service cooperative in the state of Oklahoma. As a result of this collaborative effort between the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Langston University (LU), this new cooperative of minority truckers has been empowered to enter and thrive in the mainstream transportation industry. Local elected officials, members of the new cooperative and the minority business community tell us that the formation of this new cooperative sends a strong message that ODOT is committed to an all-inclusive supplier base. A few of the LUBCT’s accomplishments in this effort include: (1) Promoting and substantially increasing the awareness of ODOT in its role, function and support of African American, Asian, Hispanic and Native American owned businesses. Providing unique and alternative custom training seminars to Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE’s) e.g. bidding, estimating, record keeping and workman’s compensation which complemented the mission of the ODOT External Office of Civil Rights. (2) Offering one on one management and technical assistance to firms already certified as DBE’s and certifying the OMTC as a DBE company. (3) Referring new business to the External Office of Civil Rights for DBE Certification. KW - Certification KW - Cooperatives KW - Disadvantaged business enterprises KW - Management KW - Oklahoma KW - Technical assistance KW - Training programs KW - Truck drivers UR - http://www.okladot.state.ok.us/hqdiv/p-r-div/spr-rip/library/reports/rad_spr2-i2217-fy2011-rpt-final-brewer.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1237827 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01466777 TI - Automated Track Inspection Pilot Project AB - The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), through New York City Transit (NYCT), in partnership with Plasser American Corporation (PAC) of Chesapeake, Virginia, will demonstrate advanced track inspection technologies that limit the track inspector's exposure to rail rightof- way, enhance the quality of inspection, and potentially reduce operating costs. NYCT's Track Inspection Car TCG4 is equipped with right-of-way, rail view, and gauge-side view video systems. This project will add new video inspection systems providing field-side view of the running rails and the power rail (third rail) to complete the spectrum of measurements and visual inspection of major track components. This research will also enhance and modify the existing software to provide the proper identification, reporting, and comparison tools for the defects found by any of the on-board video systems. NYCT will perform a Vehicle-Based Visual Track Inspection Pilot Project using the TGC4 on a portion of NYCT's Flushing Line (#7 train service). NYCT will prepare a report documenting the results of the Vehicle-Based Visual Track Inspection System as used in the Pilot Project as well as its possible shortcomings, need for any improvements or system enhancements, preliminary conclusions, and additional issues that need to be resolved for future implementation of a larger rollout of the Vehicle-Based Visual Track Inspection Program. KW - Automation KW - Inspection cars KW - Maintenance of way KW - Operating costs KW - Transit safety KW - Video technology UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1235012 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01453880 AU - Min, Hokey AU - Dutta, Utpal AU - Michigan Ohio University Transportation Center AU - Bowling Green State University AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Developing TranslinkeD Corridor Investment Strategies and Assessing Their Socio-Economic Impacts on the Detroit Metropolitan Area and the Northwest Ohio Regional Community PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 27p AB - Due to mounting fiscal pressures over the last few years, the federal government as well as many state and municipal governments in the United States (U.S.) have had to reexamine their transportation policies and projects such as the TranslinkeD program in the Detroit metropolitan area which seeks to “link” new economic growth with infrastructure, logistics, and distribution development. Tax increases and/or spending cuts which aim to trim budget deficits are currently major preoccupations of most policy makers and legislative bodies. With regard to the task of building new or rehabilitating bridges, highways, and toll gates, cost-benefit analysis and economic impact studies are often undertaken by various government entities to rank and prioritize spending in the hopes of maximizing fiscal efficiency and road usage benefits. Since much of highway construction and maintenance expenditures is absorbed by state governments, it is mostly up to state policy makers to decide transportation priorities. However, no research to date has been conducted to evaluate the comparative efficiency of state road provisions to commuters and shippers which often affect the state government’s budgetary allocation and spending plans. This report is one of the first to assess and rank the comparative efficiency of all 50 states in the U.S. by using data envelopment analysis and then explain variations in efficiency ratings by using Tobit regression analysis. KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Detroit (Michigan) KW - Economic growth KW - Economic impacts KW - Highway maintenance KW - Investments KW - Road construction KW - Strategic planning UR - http://mioh-utc.udmercy.edu/research/sc-41/pdf/MIOH_UTC_SC41_2012-Final_Rpt_Developing_TranslinkeD_Corridor_Investment_etc.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/46000/46200/46266/MIOH_UTC_SC41_2012-Final_Rpt_Developing_TranslinkeD_Corridor_Investment_etc.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1218698 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01449532 AU - McCullouch, Bob AU - Purdue University AU - Indiana Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - INDOT Technical Training Plan PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 19p AB - The study provides the background documents necessary for the development of a Technical Training Plan and makes recommendations for the content and structure of such a plan for the District Operations, Operations, Capital Program Management, and Engineering Services and Design Support Divisions. The product of the study is a web‐based tool for employees that provides training resource information by job category. The resources are grouped into three categories: in‐house training, training available through outside vendors or third party, and higher education resources. Recommendations specific to the Technical Training Plan include incorporating technical training requirements in the position descriptions currently being revised; re‐surveying employees and supervisors to ascertain employee training needs to ensure that the technical training requirements are appropriate; incorporating the list and schedule of Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) training programs in the State Personnel Department’s PeopleSoft system; establishing a readily accessible, centralized record management system for professional engineers to maintain their professional development hours (PDH) records; and broader circulation of INDOT’s Educational and Licensing Assistance Program (ELAP) to its employees. KW - Continuing education KW - Employee assistance programs KW - Indiana Department of Transportation KW - Personnel development KW - Training KW - Web-based training UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.5703/1288284314668 UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/46000/46000/46092/Technical_Summary.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1215931 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01449503 AU - Guo, Jessica Y AU - Gong, Qi AU - National Center for Freight and Infrastructure Research and Education (CFIRE) AU - Wisconsin Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Understanding and Modeling Freight Stakeholder Behavior PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 76p AB - This project developed a conceptual model of private-sector freight stakeholder decisions and interactions for forecasting freight demands in response to key policy variables. Using East Central Wisconsin as a study area, empirical models were developed for selected elements of this conceptual model that are fundamentally significant to the production/attraction, spatial distribution, and modal split of freight movements. The empirical results formulated the recommendations to the East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (ECWRPC) on freight planning and demand model enhancement. KW - Behavioral models KW - Demand KW - Freight demand modeling KW - Freight traffic KW - Freight transportation KW - Stakeholders KW - Wisconsin UR - http://wisdotresearch.wi.gov/wp-content/uploads/WisDOT-Policy-Research-0092-09-22-final-report.pdf UR - http://www.wistrans.org/cfire/documents/FR_0206.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/46000/46100/46140/WisDOT-Policy-Research-0092-09-22-final-report.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/46000/46500/46556/FR_0206.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1215917 ER - TY - CONF AN - 01447146 AU - Gonder, Jeffrey AU - Burton, Evan AU - Murakami, Elaine AU - National Renewable Energy Laboratory AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Establishing a Secure Data Center with Remote Access PY - 2012/04 SP - 12p AB - Access to existing travel data is critical for many analysis efforts that lack the time or resources to support detailed data collection. High-resolution data sets provide particular value, but also present a challenge for preserving the anonymity of the original survey participants. To address the dilemma of providing data access while preserving privacy, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the U.S. Department of Transportation have launched the Transportation Secure Data Center (TSDC). TSDC data sets include those from regional travel surveys and studies that increasingly use global positioning system devices. Data provided by different collecting agencies vary with respect to formatting, elements included, and level of processing conducted in support of the original purpose. The TSDC relies on a number of geospatial and other analysis tools to ensure data quality and to generate useful information outputs. TSDC users can access the processed data in two different ways. The first is by downloading summary results and second-by-second vehicle speed profiles (with latitude/longitude information removed) from a publicly accessible website. The second method involves applying for a remote connection account to a controlled-access environment where spatial analysis can be conducted, but raw data cannot be removed. The TSDC website is http://www.nrel.gov/vehiclesandfuels/secure_transportation_data.html. U1 - 2012 Federal Committee on Statistical Methodology (FCSM) Research ConferenceWashington,DC,United States StartDate:20120110 EndDate:20120112 KW - Data collection KW - Data sharing KW - Global Positioning System KW - Privacy KW - Surveys KW - Transportation Secure Data Center KW - Travel behavior KW - Travel surveys UR - http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy12osti/54835.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1214520 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01446917 AU - Ostheimer, Chad J AU - U.S. Geological Survey AU - Ohio Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Development of a Flood-Warning System and Flood-Inundation Mapping in Licking County, Ohio PY - 2012/04//Draft Report SP - 26p AB - Digital flood-inundation maps for selected reaches of South Fork Licking River, Raccoon Creek, North Fork Licking River, and the Licking River in Licking County, Ohio, were created by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Ohio Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration; Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District; U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service; and the City of Newark and Village of Granville, Ohio. The inundation maps depict estimates of the areal extent of flooding corresponding to water levels (stages) at the following USGS streamgages: South Fork Licking River at Heath, Ohio (03145173); Raccoon Creek below Wilson Street at Newark, Ohio (03145534); North Fork Licking River at East Main Street at Newark, Ohio (03146402); and Licking River near Newark, Ohio (03146500). The maps were provided to the National Weather Service (NWS) for incorporation into a Web-based flood-warning system that can be used in conjunction with NWS flood-forecast data to show areas of predicted flood inundation associated with forecasted flood-peak stages. As part of the flood-warning streamflow network, the USGS re-installed one streamgage on North Fork Licking River, and added three new streamgages, one each on North Fork Licking River, South Fork Licking River, and Raccoon Creek. Additionally, the USGS upgraded a lake-level gage on Buckeye Lake. Data from the streamgages and lake-level gage can be used by emergency-management personnel, in conjunction with the flood-inundation maps, to help determine a course of action when flooding is imminent. Flood profiles for selected reaches were prepared by calibrating steady-state step-backwater models to selected, established streamgage rating curves. The step-backwater models then were used to determine water-surface-elevation profiles for up to 10 flood stages at a streamgage with corresponding streamflows ranging from approximately the 50 to 0.2-percent chance annual-exceedance probabilities for each of the 4 streamgages that correspond to the flood-inundation maps. The computed flood profiles were used in combination with digital elevation data to delineate flood-inundation areas. Maps of Licking County showing flood-inundation areas overlain on digital orthophotographs are presented for the selected floods. The USGS also developed an unsteady-flow model for a reach of South Fork Licking River for use by the NWS to enhance their ability to provide advanced flood warning in the region north of Buckeye Lake, Ohio. The unsteady-flow model was calibrated based on data from four flooding events that occurred from June 2008 to December 2011. Model calibration was approximate due to the fact that there were unmeasured inflows to the river that were not able to be considered during the calibration. Information on unmeasured inflow derived from NWS hydrologic models and additional flood-event data could enable the NWS to further refine the unsteady-flow model. KW - Alert systems KW - Digital mapping KW - Flood protection KW - Floods KW - Hydraulic computer models KW - Hydrologic computer models KW - Inundation KW - Measurement of specific phenomena KW - Ohio KW - Stream gages KW - Warning systems UR - http://permanent.access.gpo.gov/gpo30449/sir2012-5137_082212.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45900/45940/134517_FR.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1214372 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01446052 AU - Thomas, F Dennis AU - Blomberg, Richard D AU - Fisher, Donald L AU - Dunlap and Associates, Incorporated AU - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration TI - A Fresh Look at Driver Education in America PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 96p AB - The objectives of this study were to: identify and review current driver education and training programs in use nationally and internationally; identify best teaching practices for teenagers; examine the optimal sequencing for the presentation of safe driving skills in the classroom and behind-the-wheel training; and assess whether a new approach to driver education would be beneficial. These objectives were accomplished using a survey of the driver education rules and practices in the 50 States performed by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) and Driver Education and Training Administrators (DETA); literature reviews of research on teen crashes, the best teaching methodologies for teenagers, and injury prevention strategies for teens; and an expert panel analysis that compared current teaching practices with identified best practices, combining driver training with graduated driver licensing (GDL) systems. Twenty-three states require driver education for all drivers under the age of 18; in 35 states a teen can obtain an unrestricted license before 18 whether or not he/she takes driver education. In 25 states, a teen who takes driver education can get an unrestricted license at a younger age. At least 18 states offer some benefit (waiving practice driving requirements, knowledge tests, road tests, or younger licensure) if a teen takes driver education. Twelve states said they developed specific curriculum guides for their driver education programs to use. Only 13 of 40 responding states were able to indicate how many teen drivers who received their first licenses in 2006 had taken driver education. Most of the states had both high school and commercial programs in operation; a few accept only one type. Six states accepted Internet driver education and 3 states accepted parent-taught driver education. The great majority of driver education programs include 30 hours of classroom instruction although the lowest number is 8 hours and the highest number is 56 hours. Oversight varies widely among states and often involves multiple agencies if more than one form of driver education is acceptable. The key findings were: driver education appears to do a good job in preparing students to pass state licensing examinations; the expectation that driver education by itself will lead to a decreased teen crash rate is unrealistic; GDL has shown evidence of a significant safety benefit and may benefit from greater parental involvement; expanding driver education training beyond the current classroom and behind-the-wheel training by integrating it with graduated driver licensing may have increased traffic safety benefits for young drivers; and an expanded driver education system would start preparing future drivers at an earlier age and encompass more stringent testing than is characteristic of current driver licensing practices. KW - Best practices KW - Driver education KW - Driver training KW - Graduated licensing KW - Highway safety KW - Literature reviews KW - Surveys KW - Teenage drivers KW - United States UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45700/45711/811543.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1213596 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01446042 AU - Zhang, Lin AU - Morallos, Dorothy AU - Jeannotte, Krista AU - Strasser, Jennifer AU - Cambridge Systematics, Incorporated AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Traffic Analysis Toolbox Volume XII: Work Zone Traffic Analysis – Applications and Decision Framework PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 328p AB - Work Zone Traffic Analysis (WZTA) is the process of evaluating and determining the safety and mobility impacts within a construction, maintenance, or rehabilitation project. Establishing a procedure for analyzing work zone mobility and safety impacts aids agencies in the planning, decision-making, design, and financial aspects of the project. This report provides guidance on WZTA applications and presents the steps involved in the application of maintenance of traffic alternatives analysis (MOTAA) and decision framework. It contains step-by-step guidance to assist the analyst in determining the most suitable tools to perform the work zone analysis and presents a procedure for developing and applying models to work zone analysis. To illustrate the MOTAA process and decision framework contained in this guidebook, a variety of WZTA case studies are presented to demonstrate a diverse set of MOTAA applications. KW - Alternatives analysis KW - Case studies KW - Mobility KW - Traffic analysis KW - Traffic models KW - Work zone safety KW - Work zone traffic control KW - Work zones UR - http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop12009/fhwahop12009.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1212653 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01446021 AU - Gertler, Judith AU - Hursh, Steven AU - Fanzone, Joseph AU - Raslear, Thomas AU - QinetiQ North America, Technology Solutions Group AU - Institutes for Behavior Resources AU - Federal Railroad Administration TI - Validation of FAST Model Sleep Estimates with Actigraph Measured Sleep in Locomotive Engineers PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 29p AB - This report presents the results of a study to validate the AutoSleep sleep prediction algorithm, which is a component of the Fatigue Avoidance Scheduling Tool (FAST). Researchers collected work and sleep data from 41 locomotive engineers by using actigraphy and daily log books and compared these data with AutoSleep predictions developed according to the log-book–recorded work periods. Comparison of the actigraphy data with model predictions on a minute-by-minute basis found an overall agreement between the two 87 percent of the time. Application of Signal Detection Theory to the data indicates that AutoSleep is biased toward underestimating daily sleep. These findings validate the sleep prediction algorithm of FAST and validate its utility for assessing fatigue risk created by typical railroad schedules. KW - Algorithms KW - Fatigue (Physiological condition) KW - Fatigue Avoidance Scheduling Tool (FAST) KW - Locomotive engineers KW - Mathematical prediction KW - Railroad trains KW - Signal detection theory KW - Sleep KW - Sleep prediction algorithm KW - Validation UR - http://www.fra.dot.gov/Elib/Document/86 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1212510 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01444819 AU - Chang, Chin AU - California State University, Long Beach AU - METRANS Transportation Center AU - California Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Development of Fiber-Optic Sensor Networks for Transportation Infrastructure PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 51p AB - This project addressed the monitoring and management of transportation infrastructural health through the use of fiber-optic sensing technology. It demonstrates that the fiber-optic sensing technology is capable of offering superior performance and extensive capability to structural heath monitoring applications. Comprehensive performance evaluation for point and distributed fiber optic sensors aiming at the application for the long-span transportation infrastructural monitoring were conducted. In the research effort, validation of point and distributed fiber optic sensors is achieved through laboratory and field tests. A structural health monitoring system using a quasi-distributed sensor network and distributed sensors will be designed based on the results of this field test. The research team plans to collaborate with Caltrans engineers to conduct a field deployment test within the Southern California transportation infrastructure. The field-test data will be reviewed and analysed to obtain important information to justify fiber-optic sensing technology for future system installation. The prototype deployed in the selected section of the transportation infrastructure will continue to collect structural information for technology and design validation. A system design utilizing a fiber-optic sensor network used in the monitoring and management of transportation infrastructures will be proposed as the end of the research effort. KW - Bridge management systems KW - California KW - Fiber optic sensors KW - Fiber optics KW - Field tests KW - Infrastructure KW - Long span bridges KW - Monitoring KW - Structural analysis KW - Structural health monitoring UR - http://www.metrans.org/research/10-14-development-fiber-optic-sensor-networks-transportation-infrastructure-monitoring UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1212346 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01444747 AU - McDaniel, Rebecca S AU - Shah, Ayesha AU - Purdue University AU - Indiana Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Maximizing the Use of Local Materials in HMA Surfaces PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 52p AB - One approach to reducing initial construction costs is to maximize the use of locally available aggregates. The main concern with using locally available carbonate aggregates, however, is that they tend to polish under traffic and provide inadequate friction. Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) specifications for asphalt surface mixes, especially for high volume traffic, require high friction aggregates like steel slag, blast furnace slag or sandstone, which are more resistant to polishing. These premium aggregates are not readily available in all parts of the state, requiring long haul distances from limited sources in Indiana or out of state. The study summarized here was conducted to investigate the feasibility of using greater quantities of local, less polish resistant aggregates, specifically limestones, in asphalt surfaces when blended with high friction aggregates. Samples of blends of various quantities of polish-susceptible aggregates with high friction aggregates were prepared, polished to simulate the action of traffic, and tested in the laboratory for their frictional properties. The variables considered include mix type [hot mix asphalt (HMA) and Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA)], coarse aggregate type (two polish-susceptible aggregates blended with steel furnace slag, blast furnace slag and sandstone), polish-susceptible aggregate content, and amount of limestone fine aggregate (in HMA). The results of this study demonstrate that local, polish susceptible aggregates can be used to replace the high quality friction aggregates in HMA and SMA surface mixtures without detrimental effect on friction. In addition, the laboratory evaluation procedures used in this study could be implemented as a screening test for new materials or new types of mixtures. Such a screening test would allow contractors, material suppliers and INDOT to ascertain whether a material warrants further investigation before the effort and funds are invested in construction of a field trial. KW - Asphalt mixtures KW - Friction KW - Hot mix asphalt KW - Indiana KW - Laboratory tests KW - Limestone aggregates KW - Local materials KW - Polishing (Aggregates) KW - Sandstones KW - Stone matrix asphalt UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.5703/1288284314667 UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45600/45699/fulltext2.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1148441 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01396836 AU - Hartshorn, Sophie AU - Lamm, Christopher AU - Cambridge Systematics, Incorporated AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - FHWA Freight and Land Use Handbook PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 138p AB - The goal of this "Freight and Land Use Handbook" is to provide transportation and land use planning practitioners in the public and private sectors with the tools and resources to properly assess the impacts of land use decisions on freight movement, as well as the impacts of freight development and growth on land use planning goals. The handbook identifies freight-related land use issues, key considerations, and available resources. Throughout the handbook, examples and case studies from a range of urban and rural areas across the country are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of these techniques. KW - Case studies KW - Freight transportation KW - Handbooks KW - Impact studies KW - Land use planning KW - Rural areas KW - Urban areas UR - http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop12006/fhwahop12006.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1143901 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01396835 AU - Margiotta, Richard A AU - Spiller, Neil C AU - Cambridge Systematics, Incorporated AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Recurring Traffic Bottlenecks: A Primer: Focus on Low-Cost Operational Improvements PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 49p AB - While many of the nation's bottlenecks are addressed through costly major construction projects (i.e. "megaprojects") or costly transportation alternative solutions [e.g., High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) or High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes, dynamic pricing, investments in transit alternatives, parking and commuter incentive programs, et al.] there is a significant opportunity for the application of operational and low-cost "fixes" at spot-specific locations. This Primer is the signature product of the Localized Bottleneck Reduction (LBR) Program, which is administered out of the Office of Operations, Office of Transportation Management, at FHWA HQ in Washington, D.C. The LBR program is focused on relieving recurring congestion chokepoints (as opposed to nonrecurring congestion causes) and the operational influences that cause them. Widening, lengthening, retiming, metering, or bypassing these problem areas to unclog them can often be done with lower cost, less intensive "footprint" means than traditionally waiting for a complete facility rebuild or an out-year project. In much the same way that transportation agencies might have an annualized safety-spot improvement program, e.g., a "top 10 list" of high accident locations, so too should they have an annualized congestion-spot program. If the ultimate fix need be a complete facility overhaul, then so be it; but an agency needn't limit itself to only "building our way out of congestion." KW - Bottlenecks KW - Highway operations KW - Improvements KW - Low cost KW - Ramp metering KW - Traffic congestion KW - Weaving traffic UR - http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop12012/fhwahop12012.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1143911 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01383568 AU - Rasband, Eric AU - Forbush, Taylor AU - Ash, Kelly AU - Utah Department of Transportation AU - Horrocks Engineers AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - UDOT Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) Observations & Experience PY - 2012/04 SP - 37p AB - This report presents the results of a functionality evaluation, by the I-15 Utah County Corridor Expansion (CORE) traffic team, of the first Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) in Utah, located at the intersection of American Fork Main Street (Pioneer Crossing) and I-15. The Pioneer Crossing DDI was opened to traffic in August 2010. This evaluation incorporates a review of population trends, traffic patterns, detoured traffic, and design features to understand how this new interchange operates for the traveling public. In general, this evaluation determined that the application of a new-construction DDI at this location resulted in better than expected traffic operation. Since the completion of the Pioneer Crossing DDI analysis, three other DDIs have been opened to traffic within Utah with differing site conditions and geometric provisions. Two of the DDIs were retrofits of previous conventional Diamond Interchanges. One was a new construction completed for the I-15 CORE project. The other three installations have added valuable insight to the traffic characteristics that influence the DDI design so that future DDIs can be even more successful. An observational study was completed at each of the new DDIs in Utah, and key characteristics were recognized for working well or not working well with the DDI design. These characteristics and conclusions from the study of the four DDIs currently in Utah are provided as lessons learned for use on future projects. Overall, the four DDIs have proven effective as viable interchange options at these locations. KW - Design KW - Diamond interchanges KW - Diverging diamond interchanges KW - Highway operations KW - Highway traffic control KW - Interstate 15 KW - Interstate highways KW - Population growth KW - Retrofitting KW - Travel patterns KW - Utah UR - http://utah.ptfs.com/awweb/awarchive?type=file&item=55020 UR - http://www.udot.utah.gov/main//uconowner.gf?n=10172614219775523 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1147954 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01383566 AU - Rollins, Kyle M AU - Smith, Gabriel M AU - Brigham Young University AU - Utah Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Reduction in Wick Drain Effectiveness with Drain Spacing for Utah Silts and Clays PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 129p AB - Although decreasing the spacing of vertical drains usually decreases the time for consolidation, previous field tests have shown that there is a “critical” drain spacing for which tighter spacing does not decrease the time for consolidation. This critical spacing is thought to be due to disturbance effects from installation of the drains. Installation disturbance is thought to depend on soil layering (uniform vs. layered) as well as mandrel and anchor geometry. Installation disturbance can be modeled using a smear zone or by using a back-calculated consolidation coefficient (Ch/Cv) ratio. To validate these design methods and assess the importance of soil layer and mandrel geometry on drain effectiveness, full-scale field tests were conducted at Mountain View Corridor in Lehi, Utah. Tests were performed for triangular drain spacings of 5.8, 5.0, 4.0 and 3.0 ft with both rebar or plate anchors. Test results showed that installation disturbance is less important for thick clay layers than for thin interbedded clay and silt layers. Disturbance was found to be a function of drain spacing divided by mandrel-anchor diameter. Results also showed that the rebar anchor caused about twice the disturbance of the plate anchor. Using the smear zone model, with a Ch/Cv ratio of 1.25 and ds of 3.07 times dm, the time rate of settlement was reasonably well predicted, while the back-calculated Ch/Cv ratio, with no smear zone, also predicted the time rate reasonably well. KW - Anchors (Structural connectors) KW - Field tests KW - Installation KW - Mandrels KW - Measures of effectiveness KW - Road construction KW - Sensitive clays KW - Silts KW - Smear zone (Disturbed soil) KW - Spacing KW - Utah KW - Vertical drains KW - Wick drains UR - http://utah.ptfs.com/awweb/awarchive?type=file&item=53861 UR - http://www.udot.utah.gov/main/uconowner.gf?n=9626407201510142 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1147955 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01380495 AU - Bunch, James AU - Shah, Vaishali AU - Burnier, Carolina AU - Hicks, Drennan AU - Hatcher, Greg AU - Greer, Liz AU - Ball, William AU - Fender, Katie AU - Noblis AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Review of Existing Literature and Deployment Tracking Surveys: Decision Factors Influencing ITS Adoption PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 90p AB - Intelligent transportation system (ITS) is at cross-roads with deployment of first generation ITS technologies “at a saturation point” for mature ITS applications, especially in the large metropolitan areas across the United States. Understanding the motivating factors for adopting a technology that supports multimodal operations and for continuing its use and increasing deployment is therefore critical for the continued evolution and deployment of the next generation of ITS and especially for moving to a connected vehicle and multi-modal information and coordinated operations system envisioned for the future. The purpose of this report is to provide a foundation that captures the state of knowledge for motivating factors influencing ITS adoption, maintenance, and growth. This report highlights the issues and insights that could be drawn from the previous funded research and additional sources, and the questions, gaps, and needs that remain. This foundation, or benchmark of knowledge, will be used to help direct and focus the subsequent tasks of the Longitudinal Study of ITS Implementation. Analysis of the theory of innovation presented a number of implications for successful adoption and diffusion of new ITS technologies: (1) Innovators/Early Adopters do not necessarily make good references or examples to convince the early majority to adopt a technology, because they are not considered “peers” by the majority of adopters. (2) As the technology matures and is mainstreamed, the focus of the design should change from technology centered to consumer/needs centered products. ITS that may appeal to pioneers and large systems may not be attractive to (or needed by) smaller agencies. (3) Peer networks and social systems along with their communication channels are very important when promoting imitator-driven technology adoption. KW - Deployment KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Intelligent vehicles KW - Multimodal transportation KW - Technology UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45600/45616/FHWA-JPO-12-043_v2_Final_508.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1147992 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01380486 AU - Henault, John W AU - Connecticut Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Assessing ConnDOT's Portland Cement Concrete Testing Methods Phase II PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 31p AB - This report presents a description of efforts to disseminate findings from the Phase I study (SPR-2244), provides examples of applied maturity testing and temperature monitoring in Connecticut, reviews several State Highway Agency protocols for using the method, and presents recommendations for future use in Connecticut. KW - Concrete maturity method KW - Connecticut KW - Mass concrete KW - Portland cement concrete KW - Temperature measurement KW - Testing UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44700/44728/CT-2252-F-12-3.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1146863 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01380283 AU - Sharma, Anuj AU - Rilett, Laurence AU - Wu, Zifeng AU - Wang, Shefang AU - University of Nebraska, Lincoln AU - Nebraska Department of Roads AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Speed Limit Recommendation in Vicinity of Signalized, High-Speed Intersection PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 125p AB - The authors evaluated the traffic operations and safety effects of 5 mph and 10 mph speed limit reductions in the vicinity of high-speed, signalized intersections with advance warning flashers (AWF). Traffic operational effects of the reduced speed limits were analyzed for seven high-speed, signalized intersections with AWF using the Quantile regression model and Seemingly Unrelated Regression Estimation (SURE). Change of speed limit from 60 mph to 55 mph did not lead to any statistically significant reduction in 15th, 50th, or 85th percentile. The reduction from 65 mph to 55 mph hour led to a 4.6 mph reduction in 85th percentile speed; also, the speed dispersion based on inter-percentile range between 15th and 85th percentiles was reduced by 1.8 mph. About the mean and standard deviation of speed estimated by SURE, the only statistically significant impact is from the speed limit reduction of 10 mph from 65 mph, which reduced the mean speed of vehicles by 3.8 mph at the significance level of 95%. In the safety effect study, a crash analysis based on 56 approaches from 28 intersections was performed. The 10 mph speed limit reduction from 65 to 55 mph was found to reduce, on an average, 0.4 crashes per approach per year with 90% percent level of confidence while the 5 mph reductions in the dataset was found to reduce, on an average, 0.6 crashes per approach per year with 95% significance level. Also, the studied approaches with 10 mph reduction were found to have a lower probability of possible injury crashes and a higher probability of property damage crashes with a 90% level of confidence. The 5 mph reductions in this dataset did not show any significant effect on reducing crash severity. It was also found that lower speed limits in vicinity of the signalized intersection reduced the probability of fatal and injury crashes. KW - 55 mph speed limit KW - 65 mph speed limit KW - 85th percentile speed KW - Countermeasures KW - Crash rates KW - Highway safety KW - Signalized intersections KW - Speed limits KW - Traffic crashes KW - Traffic speed UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45600/45688/Sharma_SpeedLimitRecommendations_FINAL.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1147993 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01379983 AU - Nixon, Hilary AU - DeLuca, Cathy AU - San Jose State University AU - California Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - An Examination of Women’s Representation and Participation in Bicycle Advisory Committees in California PY - 2012/04 SP - 118p AB - This study examines women’s membership levels in and experiences serving on California bicycle advisory committees and bicycle/pedestrian advisory committees and some of the barriers to participation faced by female cyclists. A survey of 42 committees revealed that women make up approximately 24% of members on an average bicycle (and pedestrian) advisory committee in California. Through focus group interviews with 24 women currently serving on BACs, several common themes emerged. Women on these committees are more likely than men to bring up women’s and children’s issues, and some aspects of the committees themselves may serve as barriers for women to become more involved. An online survey of 565 women cyclists in California provided insight regarding some of the common barriers for not becoming involved with a BAC:time; perceived lack of qualifications; lack of information about the committee; family and household responsibilities; and lack of interest. Recommendations to increase women’s representation on BACs include education about the committee; targeted recruitment efforts; and policy and procedural changes. KW - Advisory groups KW - California KW - Cyclists KW - Females KW - Pedestrians KW - Public participation UR - http://transweb.sjsu.edu/PDFs/research/1034-womens-representation-california-bicycle-advisory-committees.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1139672 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01379709 AU - Martinez, Mark AU - Louisiana Transportation Research Center AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Implementation of Warranties in State Contracts for Highway Construction PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 244p AB - In 1997, The Louisiana House of Representatives passed Bill Number 1698, which addresses warranties in state contracts for highway construction. This bill stated that every contract for the construction of or improvements to highways will include a warranty by the contractor as to the quality of materials and workmanship for duration of three years. The House has asked the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate the purpose of warranties and submit such to the Joint Legislative Committee on Transportation, Highways, and Public Works for approval. In response, Louisiana DOTD formed a committee to supervise the development of warranties made up of representatives from Louisiana DOTD, FHWA, and contractor organizations so as to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of warranties and to look at its impact on contracts and construction for highways in Louisiana. The purpose of the warranty is principally to ensure that Louisiana DOTD has an assurance from the contractor on highway projects that constructed items shall be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a three-year period from the project initial acceptance date. But, there is also an obligation on the part of Louisiana DOTD to ensure that contractors are treated fairly. This paper summarizes the efforts taken by the Department to meet the legislative directive to develop a warranties program for Louisiana that fulfills the legislative requirement and which also obeys federal regulations put in-place to ensure that contractors are treated fairly. KW - Implementation KW - Louisiana KW - Quality assurance KW - Road construction KW - Warranty UR - http://www.ltrc.lsu.edu/pdf/2012/fr_490.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45600/45663/fr_490.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1147334 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01379708 AU - Wu, Zhong AU - King, Bill AU - Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge AU - Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Development of Surface Friction Guidelines for LADOTD PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 113p AB - The main objective of this study was to develop a Louisiana pavement surface friction guideline that considers polished stone value (PSV) and mixture type alike in terms of both micro- and macro-surface textures. The polishing and texture properties of aggregates were characterized using the British Pendulum, Micro-Deval and Aggregate Imaging System (AIMS). Asphalt mixture slabs were fabricated with different combinations of two aggregate sources (sandstone and limestone) and four mixture types and polished by a three-wheel accelerated polishing device developed by the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT). The surface frictional characteristics of each slab were measured by Dynamic Friction Tester (DFT) and Circular Texture Meter (CTM) at various pre-determined polishing cycles. In addition, an inventory dataset of field friction number (FN) measurements was obtained from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development's (LADOTD’s) Materials Laboratory and analyzed in this study to determine the effects of traffic loading, aggregate and mixture types on the measured FN values. The laboratory results indicated that the accelerated polishing device used in this study performed just as expected, i.e., as the polishing cycle increases, the measured frictional property of testing slab surface decreases. It was found that the DFT measurements were fairly sensitive to the coarse aggregate types (related to micro-texture) used in mix design, but were not very sensitive to different mix types or aggregate gradations (related to macro-texture). The analysis of CTM measured Mean Profile Depth (MPD) results confirmed a strong relationship between MPD and mixture type, indicating MPD does reflect well of surface macro-texture. Because friction resistance of an asphalt mixture should account for both micro- and macro-texture, the International Friction Index (IFI) friction numbers, the F(60), were determined based on an IFI model using measured DF20 (the DFT measurement at a friction speed of 20 mi/hr) and MPD values for each slab tested. Further analysis of F(60) results generally indicated that an open-graded friction coarse (OGFC) mix type considered in this study had the highest friction resistance due to its largest surface macro-texture (or MPD values), followed by the stone matrix asphalt (SMA) mix type, and then by the two Superpave mix types considered (a 19-mm Superpave Level-II mix, a 12.5-mm Superpave Level-II mix). The F(60) results also indicated that a selected sandstone type (AB13) with a high polishing resistance (PSV>37) performed significantly better in terms of mixture friction resistance than a selected limestone (AA50) with a PSV of 31. Mixtures using an aggregate blend of 30 percent of selected sandstone and 70 percent of the limestone tended to have a better surface friction resistance than those with 100 percent of the limestone. This observation demonstrates that blending of low and high friction aggregates together can possibly produce an asphalt mixture with an adequate field friction resistance. The analysis has led to the development of a set of prediction models of mixture frictional properties, and a laboratory mix design procedure that addresses the surface friction resistance of an asphalt mixture in terms of both micro- and macro-surface textures. The developed frictional mix design procedure allows estimating a friction-demand based, design SN value for an asphalt mixture during the mix design stage. KW - Aggregates KW - Asphalt mixtures KW - Friction KW - Friction number KW - Guidelines KW - International Friction Index KW - Limestone aggregates KW - Macrotexture KW - Microtexture KW - Mix design KW - Open graded aggregates KW - Polished stone value test KW - Polishing (Aggregates) KW - Sandstones KW - Stone matrix asphalt KW - Superpave KW - Surface course (Pavements) UR - http://www.ltrc.lsu.edu/pdf/2012/fr_485.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45600/45659/fr_485.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1147326 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01379197 AU - National Center for Statistics and Analysis TI - Traffic Safety Facts 2010 Data: State Alcohol-Impaired Driving Estimates PY - 2012/04 SP - 12p AB - The data in this report provide estimates of alcohol involvement in fatal crashes for the United States and individually for the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico (not included in the national totals) in 2010. For a comparison, data from 10 years ago (2001) are also presented. These estimates are based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA’s) Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). Unfortunately, known blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test results are not available for all drivers involved in fatal crashes. Missing data can result for a number of reasons, the most frequent of which is that people are not always tested for alcohol. To address the missing data issue, NHTSA uses a statistical model called “multiple imputation” to estimate the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of the driver at the time of the crash. The statistical model is based on important characteristics of the crash including crash factors (e.g., time of day, day of week, type of crash, location); vehicle factors (e.g., vehicle type and role in the crash); and person factors (e.g., age, sex, restraint use, previous driving violations); and most importantly, the subjective assessment of the police officer at the scene of the crash as to whether alcohol was involved or not. The statistical model was developed using all available known data in the aggregate (that is, at the national level) and applied to each individual driver and nonoccupant with an unknown BAC test result. However, the estimates presented in this fact sheet focus on driver alcohol involvement only. KW - Blood alcohol levels KW - Drunk driving KW - Estimates KW - Fatalities KW - Fatality Analysis Reporting System KW - Missing data KW - Multiple imputation (Statistics) KW - States KW - Statistics KW - Tables (Data) KW - Trend (Statistics) KW - United States UR - http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811612.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1146784 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01379191 AU - American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) AU - Associated General Contractors of America AU - American Road & Transportation Builders Association AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Construction Peer Network: A Guide to Collecting and Sharing Information to Improve Highway Construction Practices PY - 2012/04 SP - 39p AB - The United States spends billions each year to construct and maintain our world class highways, yet the Construction Peer Network (CPN) appears to be one of the first efforts to take a comprehensive look at State DOT delivery processes, along with partner contributions, to seek out those that have proven most effective. The CPN provides a structured approach for capturing and sharing exemplary construction delivery practices (generally those after contract award), which should provide a significant return on investment when implemented. FHWA partnered with AASHTO, along with its member State DOTs, AGC, and ARTBA to create the CPN. The CPN’s basic objective is to improve the quality of construction and the delivery of highway projects brought about as construction professionals share successful practices and innovations among their peers. The partners’ vision is to facilitate and encourage widespread deployment of such practices across the nation. Ultimately, the goal of the CPN is faster, more cost-effective construction of highway projects to benefit the American public and the nation’s economy. The CPN process involves two steps: 1) gathering State practices using a Program Information Tool (PI Tool) and 2) sharing those seen as having a high return on investment at Regional Peer Exchanges. These steps are discussed in more detail later in this document. Participation is voluntary. KW - Best practices KW - Construction management KW - Data collection KW - Data sharing KW - Peer groups KW - Questionnaires KW - Road construction KW - State departments of transportation UR - http://construction.transportation.org/Documents/CPN%20User%20Guide%20and%20PI%20Tool.v3.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1146699 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01379186 AU - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration TI - Traffic Safety Facts 2010 Data: Alcohol-Impaired Driving PY - 2012/04 SP - 6p AB - Drivers are considered to be alcohol-impaired when their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or higher. Thus, any fatal crash involving a driver with a BAC of .08 or higher is considered to be an alcohol- impaired-driving crash, and fatalities occurring in those crashes are considered to be alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities. The term “driver” refers to the operator of any motor vehicle, including a motorcycle. Estimates of alcohol-impaired driving are generated using BAC values reported to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and imputed BAC values when they are not reported. The term “alcohol-impaired” does not indicate that a crash or a fatality was caused by alcohol impairment. In 2010, 10,228 people were killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes. These alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities accounted for 31 percent of the total motor vehicle traffic fatalities in the United States. Traffic fatalities in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes decreased by 4.9 percent from 10,759 in 2009 to 10,228 in 2010. The alcohol-impaired-driving fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) decreased to 0.34 in 2010 from 0.36 in 2009. The alcohol-impaired-driving fatality rate in the past 10 years has declined by 29 percent from 0.48 in 2001 to 0.34 in 2010. An average of one alcohol-impaired-driving fatality occurred every 51 minutes in 2010. In 2010, all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico had by law created a threshold making it illegal per se to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher. Of the 10,228 people who died in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes in 2010, 6,627 (65%) were drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher. The remaining fatalities consisted of 2,872 (28%) motor vehicle occupants and 729 (7%) nonoccupants. KW - Blood alcohol levels KW - Drunk drivers KW - Drunk driving KW - Fatalities KW - Impaired drivers KW - Per se laws KW - Traffic crashes KW - Traffic safety UR - http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811606.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1144223 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01379150 AU - Mattson, Jeremy AU - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute AU - North Dakota State University, Fargo AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Use of Alternative Fuels and Hybrid Vehicles by Small Urban and Rural Transit Systems PY - 2012/04 SP - 105p AB - A survey was conducted of small urban and rural transit agencies regarding their use of alternative fuels and hybrid vehicles. Responses were received from 115 transit providers across the country, including 31 that use biodiesel, eight that use E85, 10 that use compressed natural gas (CNG), four that use propane, and 24 that own hybrid-electric vehicles. Larger agencies and those operating in urban areas tend to be more likely to adopt alternatives than smaller, rural providers. Improving public perception, reducing emissions, and reducing operating costs tend to be the greatest motivating factors for adopting these alternatives, in addition to political directives and incentives. Concerns about infrastructure development and costs, vehicle costs, maintenance, and fuel supply are the greatest deterrents to adoption. Those agencies that have adopted alternative fuels or hybrids have been mostly satisfied with their experience, but some problems were identified. An analysis of satisfaction with biodiesel indicates that agencies with a larger fleet size and those that have committed a larger percentage of their fleet to biodiesel have been more satisfied with the fuel. Findings provide useful information to transit operators considering adoption of alternative fuels and hybrids and to policy makers considering policies on alternative fuels and hybrids. KW - Alternate fuels KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Biodiesel fuels KW - Compressed natural gas KW - Ethanol KW - Hybrid vehicles KW - Propane KW - Rural transit KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Urban transit UR - http://www.ugpti.org/pubs/pdf/DP250.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1144218 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01379145 AU - Federal Railroad Administration TI - Guidance on Pedestrian Crossing Safety at or Near Passenger Stations PY - 2012/04 SP - 30p AB - This document, presented by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), is intended as guidance to railroads on strategies and methods to help prevent pedestrian accidents, incidents, injuries, and fatalities at or near passenger stations. The presence of pedestrians within station areas and moving toward or across tracks to access station platforms can create numerous potential conflict areas where pedestrian movement must be restricted once an approaching train is detected. The document provides illustrative examples of pedestrian safety concepts. Strategies and methods discussed include: providing audible warning of approaching trains to the pedestrians at railroad passenger stations; (2) using signs, signals, or other visual devices to warn pedestrians of approaching trains; (3) installing infrastructure at pedestrian crossings to improve the safety of pedestrians crossing railroad tracks; and (4) installing fences to prohibit access to railroad tracks. The FRA also recommends that passenger rail operators use risk-based proactive hazard analysis methods to evaluate the risk associated with the movement of pedestrians at or near passenger stations, in light of the history of tragic incidents that have resulted in serious pedestrian injuries and fatalities. KW - Audible warning devices KW - Crosswalks KW - Hazard analysis KW - Passenger trains KW - Pedestrian safety KW - Railroad grade crossings KW - Railroad stations KW - Warning signals KW - Warning signs UR - http://www.walkinginfo.org/library/details.cfm?id=4758 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1144216 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01379009 AU - Aultman-Hall, Lisa AU - Sears, Justine AU - Dowds, Jonathan AU - Hines, Paul AU - University of Vermont, Burlington AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Spatial Analysis of Travel Demand and Accessibility in Vermont: Where will EVs work? PY - 2012/04 SP - 35p AB - The suitability and charging requirements of electric vehicles (EVs) may differ in rural areas, where the electrical grid may be less robust and daily vehicle miles traveled (VMT) higher. Although other studies have examined issues of regional power requirements of EVs, none have done so in conjunction with the spatial considerations of travel demand and accessibility. The authors use three datasets to forecast the future spatial distribution of EVs, as well as to assess these vehicles’ ability to meet current daily travel demand: the National Household Travel Survey (NHTS), geocoded Vermont vehicle fleet data, and an E911 geocoded dataset of every building statewide. The authors consider spatial patterns in existing daily travel and home-based tours to consider EV charging locations, as well as area-types that are unsuited for widespread electric vehicle adoption. The authors also consider how built environment attributes, including residential and commercial density and retail accessibility, affect travel demand and thus future EV energy requirements. The authors found that existing hybrid vehicles were more likely to be located near other hybrids than conventional vehicles were. This clustering of current hybrid vehicles, in both urban and rural areas, suggests that the distribution of future EVs may also be clustered. The analysis suggests that between 69 and 84% of the state’s vehicles could be replaced by a 40-mile range EV, and 96-99% could be replaced by a 100-mile EV, depending on the availability of workplace charging. The authors did not find a strong relationship between land-use and travel demand, perhaps due to the low number of urban data points, the highly variable nature of rural travel, and the limitations of using a one-day travel log dataset. The results suggest EVs are a viable option to serve existing travel demand by rural residents but may require special consideration for power supply and vehicle charging infrastructure. KW - Accessibility KW - Electric vehicle charging KW - Electric vehicles KW - Rural areas KW - Spatial analysis KW - Travel demand KW - Vehicle miles traveled KW - Vermont UR - http://www.uvm.edu/~transctr/research/trc_reports/UVM-TRC-12-007.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45200/45211/UVM-TRC-12-007.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1146641 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01376441 AU - Clevenger, Kyle AU - Colello, Karen AU - Quirus, Jeannette AU - McCormick Taylor Incorporated AU - Pennsylvania Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Retroreflectivity of Existing Signs in Pennsylvania PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 69p AB - The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Bureau of Highway Safety and Traffic Engineering initiated this research effort in response to the release of the new 2009 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) which mandates that all states shall have a sign maintenance method designed to maintain traffic sign retroreflectivity at or above the established minimum levels in place by January 2012. The goal of this research effort was to collect and analyze sign retroreflectivity measurements on a subset of PennDOT owned and maintained signs throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in order to better understand the potential service life of signs with regard to nighttime visibility in Pennsylvania. As PennDOT implements its sign management system, with respect to compliance with the minimum retroreflectivity levels, the findings of this research will assist PennDOT in better determining when signs may need replacing. Retroreflectivity levels were measured on a sample of 1,000 traffic signs using a DELTA Light and Optics RetroSign 4500 retroreflectometer. In order to obtain regional variety, an equal portion of signs (one third in each county) were measured in Lackawanna, Lehigh and Lancaster counties to represent the northern, central and southern tiers of the state. The number of yellow warning signs, white regulatory signs, green directional signs and red Stop, Yield, Do Not Enter and Wrong Way signs to be measured was determined using the proportion of each sign color’s overall population in the state. PennDOT’s current standard specifications for reflective sheeting require the use of Type III or Type IV sheeting for post-mounted sign installations and the sign sheeting manufacturer warranties are typically 10 years; therefore the data collection efforts were limited to Type III signs aged 10 years or older. The study recommends an expected sign life of 15 years for yellow, white, red and green signs in Pennsylvania. KW - Maintenance KW - Pennsylvania KW - Retroreflectivity KW - Service life KW - Traffic signs UR - ftp://ftp.dot.state.pa.us/public/pdf/BPR_PDF_FILES/Documents/Research/Complete%20Projects/Smart%20Transportation%20Solutions/Retroreflectivity%20of%20Existing%20Signs.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1144183 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01376435 AU - Schall, James D AU - Thompson, Philip L AU - Zerges, Steve M AU - Kilgore, Roger T AU - Morris, Johnny L AU - Ayres Associates, Incorporated AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - National Highway Institute TI - Hydraulic Design of Highway Culverts, Third Edition PY - 2012/04//Third Edition SP - 323p AB - Hydraulic Design Series Number 5 (HDS 5) originally merged culvert design information contained in Hydraulic Engineering Circulars (HEC) 5, 10, and 13 with other related hydrologic, storage routing and special culvert design information. This third edition is the first major rewrite of HDS 5 since 1985, updating all previous information and adding new information on software solutions, aquatic organism passage, culvert assessment, and culvert repair and rehabilitation. The result is a comprehensive culvert design publication. The appendices of the publication contain the equations and methodology used in developing the design charts (nomographs) and software programs, information on hydraulic resistance of culverts, the commonly used design charts, and Design Guidelines (DG) illustrating various culvert design calculation procedures. The number of design charts provided has been reduced recognizing the increased use of software solutions; however, the full set of culvert design charts will continue to be available in the archived second edition of HDS 5. KW - Culvert inlets KW - Culverts KW - Design KW - Design charts KW - Hydraulics KW - Hydrology KW - Rehabilitation (Maintenance) KW - Repairing UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/engineering/hydraulics/pubs/12026/hif12026.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1144118 ER - TY - SER AN - 01376427 JO - Research Results PB - Federal Railroad Administration AU - Ranney, Joyce AU - Raslear, Thomas AU - Federal Railroad Administration TI - Derailments Decrease at a C3RS Site at Midterm PY - 2012/04 SP - 4p AB - The Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Office of Railroad Policy and Development believes that in addition to process and technology innovations, human factors-based solutions can make a significant contribution to improving safety in the railroad industry. To test this assumption, FRA implemented the Confidential Close-Call Reporting System (C3RS), which includes (1) voluntary confidential reporting of close-call events by employees and root-cause-analysis problem solving by a Peer Review Team (PRT) composed of labor, management, and FRA; (2) identification and implementation of corrective actions; (3) tracking the results of change; and (4) reporting the results of change to employees. Confidential reporting and joint labor-management-FRA root-cause problem solving are the most innovative of these characteristics for the railroad industry. FRA is sponsoring a rigorous evaluation of C3RS to examine three important aspects of C3RS functioning: (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? Some key findings were (1) a 31-percent improvement in cars moved between incidents; (2) improved labor-management relationships and employee engagement within the PRT and out in the field; and (3) a reduction in discipline cases. KW - Close calls KW - Confidential incident reporting KW - Culture (Social sciences) KW - Derailments KW - Employee participation KW - Human factors KW - Railroad safety KW - U.S. Federal Railroad Administration UR - http://www.fra.dot.gov/Elib/Document/2183 UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45700/45776/RR_Derailments_Decrease_C3RS_Site_at_Midterm_final.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1144115 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01376329 AU - Kassem, Emad AU - Masad, Eyad AU - Awed, Ahmed AU - Little, Dallas AU - Texas Transportation Institute AU - Southwest Region University Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Laboratory Evaluation of Friction Loss and Compactability of Asphalt Mixtures PY - 2012/04//Technical Report SP - 97p AB - This study aimed to develop prediction models for friction loss and laboratory compaction of asphalt mixtures. In addition, the study evaluated the effect of compaction level and compaction method on skid resistance and the internal structure of asphalt mixtures. The predictive model for friction loss was developed based on parameters that describe aggregate texture and angularity before and after polishing, aggregate gradation, and polishing cycles in the laboratory. Squared-shape slabs of asphalt mixtures were prepared in the laboratory using a linear kneading compactor and polished using a wheel-polishing device. The frictional characteristics were measured after different intervals of polishing cycles. Mixtures with coarser aggregate gradation were found to have better skid resistance than those with fine aggregate gradation. The friction loss model was found to correlate very well with the experimental measurements. The predictive model for laboratory compaction of asphalt mixtures was developed based on parameters that describe aggregate shape characteristics, aggregate gradation, binder content, and binder properties at compaction temperatures. The researchers executed intensive laboratory experiments to quantify the effect of these parameters on the compaction of asphalt mixture in the laboratory. Two models that describe slope and intercept of the laboratory compaction curves of asphalt mixtures were developed. These models showed strong correlations between the predicted values and the measured ones. These models provide essential inputs to quantify the compaction effort needed to compact asphalt mixtures. In the last phase of this study, the researchers evaluated the effect of compaction level and compaction method on skid resistance and internal structure of asphalt pavements. The vibratory roller was found to yield a smoother surface than the static roller. In addition, the results confirmed that the vibratory roller was more effective in reducing the air voids than the static roller. Moreover, the test sections compacted using the vibratory roller had more uniform air void distribution compared to the test sections compacted using the static roller. KW - Aggregate gradation KW - Asphalt mixtures KW - Binder content KW - Compactibility KW - Friction KW - Internal structure (Materials) KW - Laboratory tests KW - Polishing (Aggregates) KW - Skid resistance KW - Vibratory compaction UR - http://swutc.tamu.edu/publications/technicalreports/476660-00025-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1144072 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01376189 AU - Rahman, Syeda AU - Grasley, Zachary AU - Texas Transportation Institute AU - Southwest Region University Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Predicting Damage in Concrete Due to Expansive Aggregates: Modeling to Enable Sustainable Material Design PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 139p AB - A poroelastic model is developed that can predict stress and strain distributions and, thus, ostensibly damage likelihood in concrete under freezing conditions caused by aggregates with undesirable combinations of geometry and constitutive properties. Sensitivity of the stress distributions to the aggregate and matrix constitutive parameters are assessed to allow improved concrete design. The proposed model does not account for the viscoelastic stress relaxation and may over-predict the stress results. The model is evaluated experimentally through acoustic emission analysis under freeze-thaw cyclic loading, which reveals that air-entrained concrete may undergo durability cracking (D-cracking) if deleterious materials are present. It is determined that high-porosity, low-permeability aggregates with fine pore structure are the most vulnerable to D-cracking in non-air-entrained concrete, and the destructive tensile stress is generated at the aggregate boundary by the Mandel-Cryer effect. On the other hand, low-porosity, high-permeability aggregates relax the pore liquid pressure rapidly and prove to be beneficial for the non-air-entrained concrete. Reduction in aggregate size is found to be effective in quickly relaxing the tensile tangential stress, which eventually helps mitigate D-cracking of concrete. The difference between the coefficients of thermal expansion of the coarse aggregate and the matrix in which they are embedded should not be too high since it may cause tensile stress at the aggregate boundary or interfacial transition zone. Low water-to-cement mass ratio and addition of pozzolans help increase the bulk modulus, reduce the porosity of the porous body, and improve durability. It is also observed that increase in cooling rate decreases concrete durability under freezing temperatures through the reduction in time available to relax pore pressure buildup and the related tangential stresses in the aggregate and matrix. KW - Acoustic emission tests KW - Aggregate gradation KW - Bulk modulus KW - Coefficient of thermal expansion KW - Concrete KW - Concrete aggregates KW - D cracking KW - Freeze thaw durability KW - Mathematical models KW - Permeability KW - Porosity KW - Pozzolan KW - Water cement ratio UR - http://swutc.tamu.edu/publications/technicalreports/476660-00027-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1144030 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01376185 AU - Moore, Devin AU - Ramani, Tara AU - Norboge, Nicolas AU - Turnbull, Katherine AU - Texas Transportation Institute AU - Southwest Region University Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Performance Measures for Metropolitan Planning Organizations PY - 2012/04//Technical Report SP - 80p AB - Performance measurement is a topic of increasing importance to transportation agencies, as issues with funding shortfalls and concerns about transportation system efficiency lead to a shift in how transportation decision making is carried out. In addition to the increased emphasis on performance-based management and accountability, the role of the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) has also gained much significance. MPOs are unique in their role in bridging the gap between various stakeholders in the transportation planning process, and in the expertise and input they provide for transportation decision making. Thus, MPOs play a very important coordinating role in the transportation planning process. However, individual MPOs differ vastly from one another and often do not have the authority to raise revenue or allocate funds. MPOs often lack the resources to identify and use performance measures. By the use of proper performance measures, MPOs can help guide the local transportation planning process toward achieving higher-level transportation goals. The aim of this project is to consolidate available knowledge and provide guidance to transportation agencies, specifically MPOs, to help them incorporate performance measurement relating to transportation planning and operations. This research includes a survey of agency practices and agency needs, development of guidance on effective performance measurement and allied issues of strategic planning, goal setting, and data collection. KW - Case studies KW - Coordination KW - Decision making KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Performance measurement KW - State of the practice KW - Strategic planning KW - Transportation planning UR - http://swutc.tamu.edu/publications/technicalreports/161004-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1144024 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01376183 AU - Yi, Qi AU - Chen, Xiaoming AU - Li, Da AU - Texas Southern University, Houston AU - Southwest Region University Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Development of Warrants for Installation of Dual Right-Turn Lanes at Signalized Intersections PY - 2012/04//Research Report SP - 116p AB - Right-turn lanes provide space for the deceleration and storage of right-turn vehicles, and separate turning vehicles from through movements. Dual right-turn lanes are increasingly used at urban intersections primarily for two reasons: (1) to accommodate high right-turn demands and avoid turn-pocket overflows, and/or (2) to prevent right-turn vehicles that exit from a nearby upstream freeway off-ramp (on the left of the roadway) from abruptly changing too many lanes toward the right-turn lane at the intersection. In addition, a number of other factors may affect the decisions on the installation of dual right-turn lanes. However, warrants for dual right lane installation are almost non-existent, leaving traffic engineers to rely on engineering judgment. This research aims to develop warrants for installation of dual right-turn lanes at signalized intersections. Both the operational and safety benefits/costs were analyzed by surveying traffic engineers and by conducting traffic simulation-based analysis. Microscopic traffic simulation model, VISSIM, was used to quantify the operation benefits and Surrogate Safety Assessment Model (SSAM) developed by Siemens was used to analyze the safety gains due to installation of dual right-turn lanes. KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Dual right turn lanes KW - Microsimulation KW - Right turn lanes KW - Signalized intersections KW - Surrogate Safety Assessment Model KW - Traffic safety KW - Traffic simulation KW - VISSIM (Computer model) KW - Warrants (Traffic control devices) UR - http://swutc.tamu.edu/publications/technicalreports/161141-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1144014 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01375866 AU - Harrington, Dale AU - Rasmussen, Robert AU - Merritt, David AU - Cackler, Tom AU - Taylor, Peter AU - Iowa State University, Ames AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Long-Term Plan for Concrete Pavement Research and Technology—The Concrete Pavement Road Map (Second Generation): Volume I, Background and Summary PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 136p AB - The Long-Term Plan for Concrete Pavement Research and Technology (CP Road Map) is a holistic strategic plan for concrete pavement research and technology transfer. The CP Road Map is a living plan that includes 12 distinct but integrated research tracks leading to specific products and processes. The resulting improvements will help the concrete pavement industry meet the challenges of, and achieve the industry’s full potential in, the 21st century. The plan was developed in close partnership with stakeholders representing all aspects of the concrete pavement community, public and private, and the research will be conducted through partnerships of stakeholders. Over the last several years, the plan has been managed through an operational support mechanism provided by a transportation pooled fund project. The CP Road Map is presented in two volumes. Volume I describes why the research plan is needed, how it was developed, and, generally, what the plan includes. Volume I also describes the research management plan that will guide the conduct and implementation of research. Volume II describes in detail the 12 tracks of research. Each track description includes a general overview, a track goal, track action items, a list of subtracks, and detailed problem statements within each subtrack. KW - Concrete pavements KW - Long range planning KW - Mix design KW - Pavement design KW - Pavement performance KW - Paving KW - Research KW - Technology transfer UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/infrastructure/pavements/pccp/11065/11065.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/46000/46100/46179/Long_term_plan_for_concrete_pavement_research_and_technology_vI_.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1143021 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01375865 AU - Hong, Paul AU - University of Toledo AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Global Supply Chain Management/Transportation Building a Global Network of Scholars and Educators, Phase II PY - 2012/04 SP - 24p AB - From March 8-10, 2012 University of Toledo faculty and doctoral students attended the 5th Conference on International Supply Chain Management in Tokyo, Japan. This paper provides the conference program, lists of papers presented, and profiles of panelists and moderators. KW - Freight transportation KW - Intermodal transportation KW - International trade KW - Logistics KW - Supply chain management UR - http://www.utoledo.edu/research/ututc/docs/UTUTC-SC-8%20Final%20Hong.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44700/44721/UTUTC-SC-8_Final_Hong.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1143544 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01375863 AU - Moses, Thomas AU - Eckoff, Travis AU - Connor, Billy AU - Perkins, Robert A AU - Alaska University Transportation Center AU - Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Construction Dust Amelioration Techniques PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 28p AB - Dust produced on seasonal road construction sites in Alaska is both a traffic safety and environmental concern. Dust emanating from unpaved road surfaces during construction severely reduces visibility and impacts stopping sight distance, and contributes to the local burden of PM 2.5, small particulates that present an important environmental air quality concern. This research aims to assist ADOT&PF in developing safe, efficient techniques for short-term dust suppression. Experts believe applying a dust-control palliative like calcium chloride, Enviroclean, Durasoil, or EK35 to the unpaved surface during road construction will solve the dust problem. This research will gather necessary information to determine when, what type, in what concentration, and how often the dust-control palliative should be applied. The amount and size of the dust particles, the time the surface is to remain unpaved, the makeup of the unpaved road surface, local environmental conditions, and the availability and cost of the dust control palliatives are factors to consider. The project is especially valuable because measurement systems used in other states involve special equipment and/or certification of observers, neither of which may be practical in Alaska with our remote locations and short construction season. KW - Air quality KW - Alaska KW - Dust KW - Dust control KW - Road construction KW - Unpaved roads UR - http://ine.uaf.edu/autc/files/2012/05/RR10.03.-Perkins.-March-2012.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1143546 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01375858 AU - Sebesta, Stephen AU - Taylor, Ross AU - Texas Transportation Institute AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Implementation of the Soil Compactor Analyzer into Test method Tex-113-E: Technical Report PY - 2012/04//Technical Report SP - 54p AB - Test method Tex-113-E prepares laboratory aggregate base test specimens with an impact hammer compactor. These specimens are used for compaction characteristics and design tests. Although the historical Tex-113-E required a certain amount of compaction energy, no method to validate attainment of that energy existed until Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Project 0-5135 developed the Soil Compactor Analyzer (SCA). The SCA measures the kinetic energy applied by each drop of the impact hammer. In this project, the SCA system was modified to control the compactor, where the SCA starts the machine and then turns off the compactor when the prescribed amount of energy is attained. This project then evaluated how changing the machine operational parameters, such as hammer weight, drop height, and number of blows per lift, impacted test results. In this evaluation, the SCA was used in all cases to control the compactor, so the prescribed amount of total energy was always applied regardless of machine operational parameters. The results showed that while using the current TxDOT-approved SCA to control total energy per lift between 740 and 765 ft-lbf, the number of blows per lift may vary between 45 and 60 with no impact on test results. Finally, this project conducted an interlaboratory study to develop precision statistics of Tex-113-E compaction. This study showed that the SCA enables excellent precision of total compaction energy. Total compaction energy should be repeatable and reproducible within about 27 ft-lbf, or approximately 1 percent of the specification value. Compacted dry density should be repeatable within about 2.5 pounds per cubic foot (pcf) and reproducible within about 3.3 pcf. KW - Base course (Pavements) KW - Compactors KW - Energy KW - Kinetic energy KW - Soil compaction KW - Soil compaction test KW - Test procedures UR - http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/5-5135-01-1.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44600/44697/5-5135-01-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1142369 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01375857 AU - Anderson, Stuart AU - Beaty, Curtis AU - Ding, Liang AU - Ellis, David AU - Epps, Jon AU - Estakhri, Cindy AU - Glover, Brianne AU - Hoelscher, Michelle AU - Norboge, Nick AU - Rajbhandari, Rajat AU - Ramani, Tara AU - Scullion, Tom AU - Shelton, Jeff AU - Shon, Chang Seon AU - Stockton, William AU - Vadali, Sharada AU - Venglar, Steven AU - Zietsman, Joe AU - Texas Transportation Institute AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - TxDOT Administration Research: Tasks Completed FY 2011 PY - 2012/04//Technical Report SP - 368p AB - This research project evaluates numerous transportation issues and develops findings and/or recommendations based on results. This project has been structured to address some of the emerging, critical, and unique considerations related to transportation. KW - Research projects KW - Research reports KW - Texas Department of Transportation UR - http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6581-TI-3.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1143555 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01375846 AU - Zhou, Fujie AU - Button, Joe W AU - Epps, Jon A AU - Texas Transportation Institute AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Best Practice for Using RAS in HMA PY - 2012/04//Technical Report SP - 72p AB - The use of recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) in hot-mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures has the potential to significantly reduce the cost of asphalt paving mixes while conserving energy and preserving the environment. This report documents the best practices for the use of RAS in HMA in terms of RAS processing, characterizing the processed RAS (binder content, gradations, and performance grade [PG]), RAS mix design, production, and field construction. First, a six-step RAS processing guideline was proposed in this study, including collecting, asbestos testing for the tear-off asphalt shingles, sorting, grinding, screening, and storing the processed RAS. Researchers found that tear-off shingles have higher binder content than manufacture waste shingles. The manufacture waste shingles have a consistent 20 percent binder content; the tear-off shingles evaluated in this study have various binder contents, ranging from 23 percent to 28 percent. Furthermore, the overall RAS variability in terms of asphalt binder content and gradation is low for both manufacture waste and tear-off shingles. Obviously, the RAS binders are very stiff and their high temperature PG is beyond 140°C, and the low temperature PG is above 0°C. This study compared the ignition oven method with the extraction method, and found that, except for one shingle source, both methods produced similar aggregate gradations and asphalt contents. Issues related to RAS mix design, production, and field construction were identified and discussed in this report. One important area needing further investigation is the long-term performance of RAS mixes. Generally, RAS mixes have good rutting resistance, but its resistance to reflective cracking, fatigue cracking, and potential raveling needs to be evaluated. Life-cycle cost analyses should be performed to determine the economic viability of using RAS. KW - Asphalt mixtures KW - Hot mix asphalt KW - Mix design KW - Processing (Materials) KW - Production KW - Recycled materials KW - Shingles UR - http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6614-1.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44600/44696/0-6614-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1142366 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01375838 AU - Carrion, Carlos AU - Levinson, David AU - Harder, Kathleen AU - University of Minnesota, Twin Cities AU - University of Minnesota, Twin Cities AU - Oregon Transportation Research and Education Consortium AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Value of Travel-Time Reliability: Commuters’ Route-Choice Behavior in the Twin Cities – Phase 2 PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 158p AB - Travel-time variability is a noteworthy factor in network performance. It measures the temporal uncertainty experienced by users in their movement between any two nodes in a network. The importance of the time variance depends on the penalties incurred by the users. In road networks, travelers consider the existence of this journey uncertainty in their selection of routes. This choice process takes into account travel-time variability and other characteristics of the travelers and the road network. In this complex behavioral response, a feasible decision is spawned based on not only the amalgamation of attributes, but also on the experience travelers incurred from previous situations. Over the past several years, the analysis of these behavioral responses (travelers’ route-choices) to fluctuations in travel-time variability has become a central topic in transportation research. These have generally been based on theoretical approaches built upon Wardropian equilibrium, or empirical formulations using Random Utility Theory. This report focuses on the travel behavior of commuters using Interstate 394 (I-394) and the swapping (bridge) choice behavior of commuters crossing the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. The inferences of this report are based on collected Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking data and accompanying surveys. Furthermore, it also employs two distinct approaches (estimation of Value of Reliability [VOR] and econometric modeling with travelers’ intrapersonal data) in order to analyze the behavioral responses of two distinct sets of subjects in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul (Twin Cities) area. KW - Commuters KW - Econometric models KW - Global Positioning System KW - Route choice KW - Travel time KW - Travel time reliability KW - Twin Cities Metropolitan Area (Minnesota) KW - Value of reliability UR - http://otrec.us/main/document.php?doc_id=925 UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44700/44700/OTREC-RR-11-12_Final.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1142951 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01375833 AU - Briaud, Jean-Louis AU - Medina-Cetina, Zenon AU - Hurlebaus, Stefan AU - Everett, Mark AU - Tucker, Stacey AU - Yousefpour, Negin AU - Arjwech, Rungroj AU - Texas Transportation Institute AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Unknown Foundation Determination for Scour PY - 2012/04//Technical Report SP - 358p AB - Unknown foundations affect about 9,000 bridges in Texas. For bridges over rivers, this creates a problem regarding scour decisions as the calculated scour depth cannot be compared to the foundation depth, and a very conservative costly approach must be taken. The objective was to develop a global approach, which will reduce significantly the level of uncertainty associated with unknown foundations. This approach was developed in two parts: a data mining and inference approach where no testing at the site was necessary, and a testing approach where new tests for unknown foundations were used. The data mining and inference task made use of existing data such as soil type, known foundations on neighboring bridges, design practice, and the age of the bridge to infer the type and length of unknown foundation elements. The testing task consisted of developing two geophysical techniques, resistivity and induced polarization imaging, to obtain a picture of the soil and foundation below the surface level or river bottom. The outcome was a global framework in which one of the approaches or any combination thereof, as well as the most useful current techniques (nondestructive testing methods if necessary), can be used to decrease dramatically the uncertainty associated with the unknown foundation. The inference process was trained by using bridges where the foundation was known and verified by comparison against case histories. The two testing techniques mentioned above were tested at the National Geotechnical Testing Site on Texas A&M’s Riverside campus and then against full-scale bridges selected in cooperation with TxDOT. KW - Bridge foundations KW - Data mining KW - Nondestructive tests KW - Scour KW - Structural health monitoring KW - Testing KW - Texas UR - http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6604-1.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44600/44695/0-6604-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1142371 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01375509 AU - Agrawal, Asha Weinstein AU - Goldman, Todd AU - Hannaford, Nancy AU - San Jose State University AU - California Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Shared-Use Bus Priority Lanes on City Streets: Case Studies in Design and Management PY - 2012/04 SP - 214p AB - This report examines the policies and strategies governing the design and, especially, operations of bus lanes in major congested urban centers. It focuses on bus lanes that operate in mixed traffic conditions. Four key questions are addressed: 1. How do the many public agencies within any city region that share authority over different aspects of the bus lanes coordinate their work in designing, operating, and enforcing the lanes? 2. What is the physical design of the lanes? 3. What is the scope of the priority use granted to buses? When is bus priority in effect, and what other users may share the lanes during these times? 4. How are the lanes enforced? Detailed cases were developed on the bus lane development and management strategies in seven cities: Los Angeles, London, New York City, Paris, San Francisco, Seoul, and Sydney. The paper examines the range of practices in use and highlights innovative practices that contribute to bus lanes’ success, such as mechanisms for integrating or jointly managing bus lane planning and operations across agencies. KW - Bus lanes KW - Bus priority KW - Bus transit KW - Case studies KW - Design KW - Transit operating agencies UR - http://transweb.sjsu.edu/PDFs/research/2606-shared-use-bus-priority-lanes-city-streets.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44600/44674/2606-shared-use-bus-priority-lanes-city-streets.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1139719 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01375506 AU - Mathur, Shishir AU - Smith, Adam AU - San Jose State University AU - California Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - A Decision-Support Framework For Using Value Capture to Fund Public Transit: Lessons from Project-Specific Analyses PY - 2012/04 SP - 200p AB - Local and state governments provide 75 percent of transit funds in the United States. With all levels of governments under significant fiscal stress, any new transit funding mechanism is welcome. Value capture (VC) is one such mechanism. Based on the “benefits received” principle, VC involves the identification and capture of public infrastructure-led increase in land value. While the literature has extensively demonstrated the property value impacts of transit investments and has empirically simulated the potential magnitude of VC revenues for financing transit facilities, very little research has examined the suitability of VC mechanisms for specific transit projects. This report aims to fill this research gap by examining five VC mechanisms in depth: tax-increment financing (TIF), special assessment districts (SADs), transit impact fees, joint developments, and air rights. The report is intended to assist practitioners in gauging the legal, financial, and administrative suitability of VC mechanisms for meeting project-specific funding requirements. KW - Assessments KW - Case studies KW - Decision support systems KW - Fees KW - Financing KW - Public transit KW - Taxes KW - Transportation policy KW - Value capture UR - http://transweb.sjsu.edu/PDFs/research/1004-decision-support-framework-value-capture-public-transit-funding.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1139720 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01375501 AU - Jenkins, Brian Michael AU - Trella, Joseph AU - San Jose State University AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Carnage Interrupted: An Analysis of Fifteen Terrorist Plots Against Public Surface Transportation PY - 2012/04 SP - 78p AB - This report examines 13 terrorist plots against public surface transportation that were uncovered and foiled by authorities between 1997 and 2010 and two failed attempts to carry out attacks. The plots and failed attempts were selected on the basis of what is known about them and the accessibility of information. Seven of the 15 plots took place in the United States, and four occurred in the United Kingdom. Although more than 47 percent of all attacks on public surface transportation are directed against buses, bus terminals, and bus stops, all of the terrorist plots discussed here were directed against major city metro and commuter rail systems. Intelligence was a key factor in foiling most of the plots and most were interrupted at an early stage. KW - Disasters and emergency operations KW - Law enforcement KW - Passenger security KW - Public transit KW - Rail transit KW - Railroad commuter service KW - Security checkpoints KW - Terrorism UR - http://transweb.sjsu.edu/PDFs/research/2979-analysis-of-terrorist-plots-against-public-surface-transportation.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44600/44639/2979-analysis-of-terrorist-plots-against-public-surface-transportation.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1139723 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01375341 AU - Ha, Soojun AU - Yeon, Jungheum AU - Won, Moon C AU - Texas Tech University, Lubbock AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - CRCP ME Design Guide PY - 2012/04 SP - 33p AB - In this Guide, the history of continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) design methods for slab thickness and longitudinal steel reinforcement is reviewed. It is stated that, in general, CRCP design methods evolved from actual experience or field testing based on more mechanistic analysis. However, CRCP is a complicated system with a number of variables interacting with each other. It appears that CRCP design procedures based on mechanistic analysis with empirical performance information, such as the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) or the TxCRCP-ME, will be the primary design program for the foreseeable future. A table is presented describing the current state of practice for CRCP design in selected states. It shows that most states still use the 1993 "AASHTO Guide for Design of Pavement Structures" for slab thickness design. It also shows that most states determine steel percentages based on experience and use steel amounts between 0.7% and 0.8% except for Texas. In Texas, steel percentage is not as high as in other states. Further discussion in this Guide concerns transverse crack spacing, crack width, load transfer efficiency, and subbase support. The remaining sections of the Guide briefly discuss materials for CRCP and construction of CRCP. KW - AASHTO Guide for Design of Pavement Structures KW - Construction management KW - Continuously reinforced concrete pavements KW - Design methods KW - History KW - Load transfer KW - Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide KW - Pavement design KW - State of the practice KW - Texas KW - Transverse cracking UR - http://www.depts.ttu.edu/techmrtweb/reports/products/CRCP_ME_Design_Guide-0-5832-P1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1143220 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01375256 AU - Dumbaugh, Eric AU - Zhang, Yi AU - Li, Wenhao AU - University Transportation Center for Mobility AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Community Design and the Incidence of Crashes Involving Pedestrians and Motorists Aged 75 and Older PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 38p AB - Contemporary community design practice has focused on strategies intended to make communities safe for families with children. Comparatively little attention has been given to its effects on older adults. This study employs a series of negative binomial regression models to understand how urban form may affect the incidence of total and killed-or-severely-injured (KSI) crashes involving older drivers and pedestrians. Intersections, strip commercial uses, big-box stores, and arterial thoroughfares pose crash hazards for older motorists, while big-box stores and arterials are problematic for older pedestrians. A network of lower-speed streets was found to be associated with reductions in crashes involving older motorists and pedestrians. KW - Aged KW - Aged drivers KW - Arterial highways KW - Commercial strips KW - Communities KW - Highway design KW - Intersections KW - Land use planning KW - Negative binomial regression KW - Pedestrian safety KW - Traffic safety KW - Urban design UR - http://utcm.tamu.edu/publications/final_reports/Dumbaugh_11-03-67.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1142362 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01375255 AU - Arneson, L A AU - Zevenbergen, L W AU - Lagasse, P F AU - Clopper, P E AU - Ayres Associates, Incorporated AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - National Highway Institute TI - Evaluating Scour at Bridges, Fifth Edition PY - 2012/04//Fifth Edition SP - 340p AB - This document is the fifth edition of HEC-18. It presents the state of knowledge and practice for the design, evaluation and inspection of bridges for scour. There are two companion documents, HEC-20 entitled "Stream Stability at Highway Structures," and HEC-23 entitled "Bridge Scour and Stream Instability Countermeasures." These three documents contain updated material from previous editions and continued research by NCHRP, FHWA, State DOTs, and universities. This fifth edition of HEC-18 also contains revisions obtained from further scour-related developments and the use of the 2001 edition by the highway community. The major changes in the fifth edition of HEC-18 are: expanded discussion on the policy and regulatory basis for the FHWA Scour Program, including risk-based approaches for evaluations, developing Plans of Action (POAs) for scour critical bridges, and expanded discussion on countermeasure design philosophy (new vs. existing bridges). This fifth edition includes: a new section on contraction scour in cohesive materials, an updated abutment scour section, alternative abutment design approaches, alternative procedures for estimating pier scour, and new guidance on pier scour with debris loading. There is a new chapter on soils, rock and geotechnical considerations related to scour. Additional changes include: a new approach for pier scour in coarse material, new sections on pier scour in cohesive materials and pier scour in erodible rock, revised guidance for vertical contraction scour (pressure flow) conditions, guidance for predicting scour at bottomless culverts, deletion of the "General Scour" term, and revised discussion on scour at tidal bridges to reflect material now covered in HEC-25 (2nd Edition). KW - Bridge abutments KW - Bridge piers KW - Bridge superstructures KW - Cohesive soils KW - Geotechnical engineering KW - Granular soils KW - Highway bridges KW - Inspection KW - Rocks KW - Scour KW - State of the practice UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/engineering/hydraulics/pubs/hif12003.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1142359 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01375246 AU - Lagasse, P F AU - Zevenbergen, L W AU - Spitz, W J AU - Arneson, L A AU - Ayres Associates, Incorporated AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - National Highway Institute TI - Stream Stability at Highway Structures, Fourth Edition PY - 2012/04//Fourth Edition SP - 328p AB - This document provides guidelines for identifying stream instability problems at highway stream crossings. It is an update of the third edition published in 2001. The HEC-20 manual covers geomorphic and hydraulic factors that affect stream stability and provides a step-by-step analysis procedure for evaluation of stream stability problems. Stream channel classification, stream reconnaissance techniques, and rapid assessment methods for channel stability are covered in detail. Quantitative techniques for channel stability analysis, including degradation analysis, are provided, and channel restoration concepts are introduced. Significant new material in this edition includes chapters on sediment transport concepts and channel stability in gravel bed streams, as well as expanded coverage of channel restoration concepts. KW - Channels (Waterways) KW - Geomorphology KW - Gravel bed channels KW - Highway bridges KW - Hydraulics KW - Manuals KW - Scour KW - Sediment transport KW - Stream crossings KW - Stream restoration KW - Streams UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/engineering/hydraulics/pubs/hif12004.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1142358 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01374588 AU - Vakili, Ahmad D AU - Yue, Zhongren AU - University of Tennessee, Tullahoma AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Low Cost Carbon Fiber Technology Development for Carbon Fiber Composite Applications PY - 2012/04 SP - 40p AB - The objective of this project was to further develop low cost carbon fiber for a variety of potential applications. Manufacturing feasibility of low cost carbon fibers/composites has been demonstrated. A number of technologies that are currently using other synthetic fibers may use high strength lightweight and low cost carbon fibers to reduce weight and improve performance. New applications that are in the nation’s interest may also be developed. Production of lightweight automobiles, buses, trains, aircraft, and ships, including lightweight select body panels, load bearing structures, and other transportation system components, could result in major weight savings and result in significant reduction in the energy used. KW - Carbon fibers KW - Costs KW - Fabrication KW - Fiber composites KW - High strength materials KW - Lightweight materials KW - Production KW - Properties of materials UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0011.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55400/55497/FTA_Report_No._0011.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1142320 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01374586 AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Volpe National Transportation Systems Center TI - Report to the U.S. Congress on the Outcomes of the Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program, SAFETEA‐LU Section 1807 PY - 2012/04 SP - 105p AB - Section 1807 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) P.L. 109-59 established the Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program (NTPP) in August 2005. Over the span of 4 years, the NTPP provided roughly $25 million annually in contract authority allocated equally among four pilot communities (Columbia, Missouri; Marin County, California; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Sheboygan County, Wisconsin) “to construct … a network of nonmotorized transportation infrastructure facilities, including sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and pedestrian and bicycle trails, that connect directly with transit stations, schools, residences, businesses, recreation areas, and other community activity centers.” From its inception, the NTPP was designed as a demonstration program to gather statistical information on transportation mode share shifts before and after the implementation of nonmotorized transportation infrastructure and educational or promotional programs. The program was intended to “demonstrate the extent to which bicycling and walking can carry a significant part of the transportation load, and represent a major portion of the transportation solution, within selected communities.” Throughout the program to date, the four communities, each with unique physical and demographic characteristics, identified and implemented a locally devised strategy to significantly increase the use of nonmotorized transportation, along with the accompanying safety, environmental, and health benefits. This report represents the culmination of that initial implementation and analytical effort. KW - Before and after studies KW - Bicycle lanes KW - Bicycling KW - Bikeways KW - Columbia (Missouri) KW - Demonstration projects KW - Highway facilities for nonmotorized users KW - Marin County (California) KW - Minneapolis (Minnesota) KW - Modal split KW - Nonmotorized transportation KW - Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program KW - Pedestrian areas KW - Pilot studies KW - Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users KW - Sheboygan County (Wisconsin) KW - Sidewalks KW - Trails KW - Walking KW - Walkways UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicycle_pedestrian/ntpp/2012_report/final_report_april_2012.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44700/44750/final_report_april_2012.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1142315 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01374550 AU - Abbas, Ala R AU - Sarker, Priyanka AU - University of Akron AU - Ohio Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Nighttime Visibility of 3M AWP and 3M 380WR ES Durable Tape under Dry, Wet, and Rainy Conditions PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 103p AB - Snow plowable raised pavement markers (RPMs) have been used in Ohio for the last four decades to provide visual guidance to motorists under inclement weather conditions. In recent years, due to the extended pavement resurfacing cycle employed by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), rare incidents have occurred where the aged pavement surface failed to provide adequate support to the RPM castings. As a result, ODOT adopted a rigorous plan to identify and replace loose RPMs. In addition, ODOT initiated this study to evaluate the performance of other alternative materials and determine whether they can provide equivalent or better delineation than the existing system. These materials included 3M all weather paint (AWP) and 3M 380 wet retroreflective (WR) extended season (ES) durable tape, in addition to the standard extruded thermoplastic that is commonly being used by ODOT on new asphalt surfaces. All materials were installed on Interstate 70 following an asphalt resurfacing project. The 3M AWP was installed on rumble strips and on the surface, while the 3M 380WR ES durable tape and the extruded thermoplastic were installed in groove and on the surface. These materials were evaluated for dry and wet retroreflectivity, dry and wet night visibility, daytime color, and durability for a period of 1.5 years. As expected, the extruded thermoplastic had the lowest retroreflectivity values and night visibility distances under wet conditions. The 3M AWP and the 3M 380WR ES durable tape provided high initial dry and wet retroreflectivity and night visibility. However, their performance was significantly compromised during the first and second winter seasons due to traffic and snow plowing activities. Finally, the RPMs had consistently higher wet night visibility distances than all pavement markings. Therefore, it was concluded that given the harsh environmental conditions in Ohio, it will not be cost effective to use 3M AWP or 3M 380WR ES durable tape as a replacement for RPMs. KW - Color KW - Durability KW - Night visibility KW - Ohio KW - Raised road markings KW - Retroreflectivity KW - Road marking tapes KW - Road markings KW - Thermoplastic materials KW - Traffic paint KW - Wet weather UR - http://worldcat.org/oclc/798348428/viewonline UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1142272 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01374492 AU - Anderson, Stuart AU - Beaty, Curtis AU - Ding, Liang AU - Ellis, David AU - Epps, Jon AU - Estakhri, Cindy AU - Glover, Brianne AU - Hoelscher, Michelle AU - Norboge, Nick AU - Rajbhandari, Rajat AU - Ramani, Tara AU - Scullion, Tom AU - Shelton, Jeff AU - Shon, Chang Seon AU - Stockton, William AU - Vadali, Sharada AU - Venglar, Steven AU - Zietsman, Joe AU - Texas Transportation Institute AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - TXDOT Administration Research: Tasks Completed FY2011 PY - 2012/04//Technical Report SP - 368p AB - This research project evaluates numerous transportation issues and develops findings and/or recommendations based on results. This project has been structured to address some of the emerging, critical, and unique considerations related to transportation. From the table of contents: Work Order 14: Alternative Fuels Scanning Project Electric Vehicle Literature Review Summary; Work Order 15: Operation and Control Alternatives for the Port Aransas Ferry; Work Order 18: Loop 410 Project Context, Analysis, and Economic Impacts; Work Order 19: Evaluation of Inland Environmental Modified Drilling Fluid as a Base Course Material; and Work Order 20: Assessing the Cost Attributed to Project Delays. KW - Administration KW - Alternate fuels KW - Base course (Pavements) KW - Economic impacts KW - Electric vehicles KW - Ferry terminals KW - Project delays KW - Reconstruction KW - Research KW - Texas Department of Transportation KW - Traffic control KW - Waste products UR - http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6581-TI-3.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1142137 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01374405 AU - Rajagopal, Arudi AU - Infrastructure Management and Engineering, Incorporated AU - Ohio Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Phase 2 - A Comparison of Optical Gradation Analysis Devices to Current Test Methods PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 109p AB - Optical devices are being developed to deliver accurate size and shape of aggregate particles with, less labor, less consistency error, and greater reliability. This study was initiated to review the existing technology, and generate basic data to determine when and where such devices are appropriate from the standpoint of both economies and performance. The study was taken up in two phases. Phase-1 incorporated a review of the existing devices for gradation analysis. Following a review of available optical devices, an optical device called Computerized Particle Analyzer (CPA) was selected for laboratory evaluation to determine its suitability for gradation analysis. This device examines particles as they freely fall in front of a light source, while a camera capable of making 10,000 scans per second captures 2-D images. Aggregate samples were collected from 46 different sources in Ohio. These sources included various sizes of lime stone and gravel with varying amounts of crushed faces. Gradation tests were first performed according to standard American Society for Testing and Materials/American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (ASTM/AASHTO) procedures. The samples were then tested in CPA. The results of the tests showed that the maximum difference between the test results was less than 1%. Phase-2 was initiated: to validate the gradation results derived from CPA ; and to investigate its suitability for the measurement of shape characteristics of aggregates such as % Fractured Face (FF) (ASTM D5821) and Flakiness and Elongation Index (F/E) (ASTM D4791). The Fractured Face test is subjective and requires visual inspection of aggregate surface to estimate percent of fractured surface. The CPA device is not configured to directly output this property. However, the device measures another property termed ‘Spherecity’. The researchers attempted to establish a correlation between %FF and the Spherecity values. To pursue this goal, a total of 202 aggregate samples (78 gravel and 204 limestone) were tested. Flat and elongated test requires the measurement of largest and least dimension of each particle. A free falling particle always falls with its largest dimension exposed to the camera. However, the width exposed to the camera may not always correspond to the least dimension. This is particularly true for flaky particles which lie on their flat surface. In order to overcome this limitation and to capture the least dimension, the feeder bin was redesigned so as to allow only one particle to fall at a time. The effort culminated in the redesign of feeder so as to allow only one particle to fall at a time. The study led to the following conclusions: 1. CPA device is capable of producing gradation results with great repeatability, reproducibility, reliability, and precision. The results clearly demonstrate the capability of CPA in matching traditional sieve analysis results. 2. The device is rugged, durable, and user friendly. 3. A primary advantage of CPA is its capability to be installed as in-line systems for continuous monitoring at the crusher and/or asphalt plant. With such systems, the results are continuously transferred to the control plant for making necessary adjustments for process control. However, the present study focused on the use of CPA device in the laboratory environment. 4. In its current format, the CPA is not capable of determining %FF and F/E Index. KW - Aggregate gradation KW - Aggregate tests KW - Aggregates KW - Angularity KW - Computerized particle analyzer KW - Gravel KW - Limestone KW - Optical devices KW - Sieve analysis UR - http://worldcat.org/oclc/798264968/viewonline UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44700/44729/134330_FR.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1142048 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01374271 AU - Sun, Xiaoduan AU - Das, Subasish AU - University of Louisiana, Lafayette AU - Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Safety Improvement from Edge Lines on Rural Two-Lane Highways PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 84p AB - The previous study "Impact of Edge Lines on Safety of Rural Two-Lane Highways" completed in 2005 concluded: with edge lines, centralization of vehicles’ positions is more apparent during night time, which reduces the risk of run-off road (ROR) and head-on collisions, and edge line markings generally cause drivers to operate their vehicles away from the road edge, irrespective of the roadway alignment. Does the changed vehicle lateral position reduce the frequency of crashes? Answering this question is important to Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) since implementing and maintaining edge lines on narrow two-lane highways require significant resources from LADOTD. More than 40 percent of rural, two-lane highways in Louisiana has a pavement width (excluding shoulders) less than 22 ft with no edge lines. Thus, the goal of this project was to investigate the safety impact of edge lines on narrow, rural two-lane highways in Louisiana by analyzing crash frequencies before and after edge line implementations on a group of selected narrow, rural two-lane highways from all LADOTD districts. Using the latest safety analysis statistical method, this project analyzed the crash data before and after edge line implementation and concluded that: placing pavement edge lines on rural two-lane highways in Louisiana can not only change vehicles’ lateral positions but also reduce crashes. The crash modification factor (CMF) for edge line on narrow, rural two-lane highways is 0.78. Considering the decreasing trend in crashes in the state for the past three years, the modified CMF is 0.83, which implies that, on average, implementing edge lines can reduce 17 percent of crashes. KW - Before and after studies KW - Crash data KW - Crash modification factors KW - Crash rates KW - Edge lines KW - Lateral placement KW - Louisiana KW - Rural highways KW - Two lane highways UR - http://www.ltrc.lsu.edu/pdf/2012/fr_487.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44600/44687/fr_487.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1141795 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01374269 AU - Wilmot, Chester G AU - Fu, Haoqiang AU - Radhakrishnan, Mini AU - Akbarzadeh, Meisam AU - Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge AU - Louisiana Transportation Research Center AU - Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Statewide Traffic Safety Study Phase II: Identification of Major Traffic Safety Problem Areas in Louisiana PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 152p AB - This report summarizes a study that seeks to identify the factors leading to the high crash rate experienced on Louisiana highways. Factors were identified by comparing statistics from the Louisiana Crash Database with those from peer states using the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) database and to the nation as a whole using the General Estimates System (GES) database. Peer states for Louisiana are Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Kentucky, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. A list of 23 problem areas were identified and were then further investigated to try and identify root causes. The root causes were suggested as including high alcohol-impaired driving, high crash rates among young drivers, low seatbelt usage, an elevated use of improper driver licenses, speeding, and inadequate adherence to traffic control. Countermeasures were identified to address some of the main problem areas and prioritized on their cost, need, and performance. KW - Countermeasures KW - Crash causes KW - Crash data KW - Drunk driving KW - Fatality Analysis Reporting System KW - General Estimates System KW - Louisiana KW - Seat belts KW - Speeding KW - Statistics KW - Teenage drivers KW - Traffic safety UR - http://www.ltrc.lsu.edu/pdf/2012/fr_434.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44600/44683/fr_434.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1141740 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01374267 AU - Wu, Zhong AU - Yang, Xiaoming AU - Louisiana Transportation Research Center AU - Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Evaluation of Current Louisiana Flexible Pavement Structures Using PMS Data and New Mechanistic- Empirical Pavement Design Guide PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 169p AB - The new Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) developed under the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Project 1-37A represents a major change as compared to the 1993 AASHTO Pavement Design Guide. The MEPDG provides a rational pavement design framework based on mechanistic-empirical principles to characterize the impacts of traffic, climate, and material properties on the pavement performance. Before replacing the 1993 Pavement Design Guide (and its accompanying DARWin 3.1 design software) currently used by Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD), the nationally calibrated MEPDG distress prediction models need to be further validated and calibrated against the local conditions in Louisiana. The objectives of this study were to use the MEPDG design software (version 1.1) to evaluate the performance of typical Louisiana flexible pavement types, materials, and structures as compared with the pavement performance data from the pavement management system (PMS) and identify the areas for further local calibration of the MEPDG in Louisiana. In this study, a total of 40 asphalt concrete (AC) pavement projects were strategically selected throughout Louisiana with different design traffic and subgrade properties. The selected projects included five typical Louisiana flexible pavement structure types: AC over AC base, AC over rubblized Portland cement concrete (RPCC) base, AC over crushed stone, AC over soil cement base, and AC over stone interlayer pavements. The original pavement structural design information as well as network-level PMS data for the selected projects were retrieved from multiple LADOTD data sources, including the Louisiana pavement management system (LA-PMS) and other project tracking databases. Based on the sensitivity analyses and available pavement design information, a set of Louisiana-condition-based design inputs (i.e., materials, climate, and traffic inputs) for the MEPDG flexible pavement design was developed, and the results were stored in a database named LAMEPDG along with the pavement performance data retrieved from the LA-PMS for all the projects evaluated in this study. The comparison results between the MEPDG-predicted and the LA-PMS-measured distresses indicated that the MEPDG rutting model tended to over-predict the total rutting for AC over RPCC base, AC over crushed stone, and AC over soil cement base pavements in Louisiana. However, it seemed to be adequate for those AC over AC base pavements selected. Meanwhile, the MEPDG load-related fatigue cracking models were found to be adequate for Louisiana’s AC over AC base, AC over RPCC base, and AC over crushed stone pavements. However, for AC over soil cement base pavements in Louisiana, the MEPDG-predicted fatigue cracking was considerably less than the wheel-path cracking reported in the LA-PMS. Further statistical analyses generally indicated that the MEPDG prediction errors for both the rutting and the load-related fatigue cracking models could be significantly influenced by different design factors, such as pavement type, traffic volume, subgrade modulus, and project location. Finally, based on the available data, a preliminary local calibration of the MEPDG rutting model was conducted for the selected AC over RPCC base and AC over soil cement base pavements, respectively. A set of local calibration factors was proposed for different pavement materials. On the other hand, further local calibration of the MEPDG fatigue cracking models was recommended before using the MEPDG for the AC over soil cement based pavement design in Louisiana. KW - Asphalt concrete pavements KW - Calibration KW - Computer models KW - Fatigue cracking KW - Flexible pavements KW - Louisiana KW - Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide KW - Pavement design KW - Pavement distress KW - Pavement management systems KW - Pavement performance KW - Rutting KW - Software UR - http://www.ltrc.lsu.edu/pdf/2012/fr_482.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44600/44685/fr_482.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1141792 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01373489 AU - Kassem, Emad AU - Scullion, Tom AU - Masad, Eyad AU - Chowdhury, Arif AU - Liu, Wenting AU - Estakhri, Cindy AU - Dessouky, Samer AU - Texas Transportation Institute AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Comprehensive Evaluation of Compaction of Asphalt Pavements and Development of Compaction Monitoring System PY - 2012/04//Technical Report SP - 162p AB - This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of compaction of asphalt pavements and develop software for monitoring field compaction in real time. In the first phase of this study, the researchers built several test sections that were constructed using different asphalt mixtures and various compaction methods. The results of these experiments were used to determine the effects of compaction temperature, compaction method, mixture design, and base type on the compactability of asphalt mixtures. The researchers found that the efficiency of the compactive effort across the steel rollers was non-uniform. A point on the mat closer to the center of the roller was subjected to more compaction than a point closer to the edge of the roller. The compaction temperature was found to have a great effect on compaction irrespective of mixture type. The researchers presented a method for predicting the density of asphalt pavements in real time. This method utilizes the location of the roller on the mat and the compaction curves for each roller to predict the density. The predicted density was close to the measured one. In the second phase of this study, the researchers developed a system for monitoring and documenting the compaction process of asphalt mixtures. This system is called the compaction monitoring system (CMS). The CMS uses the latest global positioning system technologies and various sensors to provide full coverage of the newly constructed mat. The CMS shows maps of coverage, compaction index, and temperature of the first roller pass in real time. The CMS was found to be simple and easy to install and use. The CMS was able to show some inconsistencies in the compaction process, for example, unequal converge across the mat, non-uniform temperature, and significant delay in compaction after placement of the mixtures. The CMS documents the compaction process for the whole project, and the data are saved on the computer. The data can be opened using the same software for reviewing the whole compaction process. KW - Asphalt pavements KW - Compaction KW - Density KW - Monitoring KW - Road rollers KW - Software KW - Temperature KW - Test sections UR - http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6992-2.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44600/44613/0-6992-2.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1141469 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01373122 AU - Carlson, Paul J AU - Higgins, Laura AU - Re, Jon AU - Texas Transportation Institute AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Research and Recommendations for a Statewide Sign Retroreflectivity Maintenance Program PY - 2012/04//Technical Report SP - 109p AB - This study evaluated the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT’s) current sign retroreflectivity maintenance practices, assessed their effectiveness, and recommended statewide sign retroreflectivity maintenance practices that could be easily and effectively implemented to ensure that TxDOT would be in compliance with the new Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) (U.S. DOT, 2009) language related to minimum sign retroreflectivity. The researchers measured the retroreflectivity of almost 1400 signs across the state to assess the effectiveness of TxDOT’s current practices, evaluated a mobile sign retroreflectivity measurement technology, visited district and maintenance offices across the state, studied the effectiveness of using the calibrated sign and comparison panel procedures of the visual nighttime sign inspection maintenance method, developed a standardized form for making and documenting nighttime inspection, and made recommendations for changes in TxDOT’s current sign retroreflectivity maintenance practices. Researchers concluded that TxDOT’s current practices are quite effective compared to the minimum retroreflectivity levels in the 2011 Texas MUTCD. Three specific recommendations are provided that will bring TxDOT’s current practices into compliance with the 2011 Texas MUTCD. First, TxDOT should provide calibration signs to the maintenance sections. Second, a standardized form should be used to conduct inspections and document inspections. Finally, a training program should be implemented to educate the inspectors on how to conduct the inspections and the importance of sign retroreflectivity. KW - Evaluation and assessment KW - Inspection KW - Maintenance practices KW - Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices KW - Night KW - Recommendations KW - Retroreflectivity KW - Texas KW - Traffic signs UR - http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6408-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1141359 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01372896 AU - Hu, Sheng AU - Zhou, Fujie AU - Scullion, Tom AU - Texas Transportation Institute AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Texas M-E Flexible Pavement Design System: Literature Review and Proposed Framework PY - 2012/04//Technical Report SP - 143p AB - Recent developments over last several decades have offered an opportunity for more rational and rigorous pavement design procedures. Substantial work has already been completed in Texas, nationally, and internationally, in all aspects of modeling, materials characterization, and structural design. These and other assets provided the technical infrastructure that made it possible to develop the Texas Mechanistic-Empirical (TxME) pavement design system. In the first year of this project, a comprehensive literature review was made to identify and recommend available performance models in terms of rutting, fatigue cracking, low temperature cracking, endurance limit, top-down cracking, and crushing of lightly stabilized base materials. Additionally, the researchers reviewed different reliability approaches used in existing pavement design systems, and the most practical, promising reliability approach was recommended for TxME. Finally, this report discusses the framework proposed for the TxME flexible pavement design system, including pavement structure, material properties, traffic, climate, design reliability, and user interfaces. KW - Fatigue cracking KW - Flexible pavements KW - Literature reviews KW - Mechanistic design KW - Pavement design KW - Reliability KW - Rutting UR - http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6622-1.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44500/44592/0-6622-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1140754 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01372807 AU - Sebesta, Stephen AU - Scullion, Tom AU - Texas Transportation Institute AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Performance Monitoring Pavements with Thermal Segregation in Texas PY - 2012/04//Technical Report SP - 118p AB - This project conducted work to investigate the performance of asphalt surface mixtures that exhibited thermal segregation during construction. From 2004 to 2009, a total of 14 construction projects were identified for monitoring. Five of these projects did not exhibit thermal segregation, while the remaining projects did exhibit thermal segregation. In all cases, a Pave-IR thermal profiling system collected data during construction. Follow-up surveys using visual examination, ground-penetrating radar, and in some cases focused coring, were used to evaluate whether the locations of thermal segregation showed significant distress. The projects constructed free of thermal segregation have not shown any distress due to segregation. Results from projects constructed with thermal segregation present were mixed. In some cases, traffic action seems to have homogenized the pavement surface. On other projects, evidence of thermal segregation still exists shown by different surface appearance and localized changes in radar data. One project showed evidence of cracking due to segregation. Core results from field projects suggested the segregated locations will be more prone to cracking. This research project’s results certainly do not show that thermally segregated locations will definitely fail within three to seven years of service; however, the results do show that instances of thermal segregation may continue to be anomalous locations in the layer, even after subsequent overlays, and exhibit properties that could lead to failures in the pavement structure. KW - Hot mix asphalt KW - Infrared imagery KW - Pave-IR KW - Pavement cracking KW - Pavement distress KW - Quality control KW - Segregation (Aggregates) UR - http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6080-1.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44600/44614/0-6080-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1140743 ER - TY - SER AN - 01372525 JO - Technote PB - Federal Highway Administration AU - Graybeal, Ben AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Construction of Field-Cast Ultra-High Performance Concrete Connections PY - 2012/04 SP - 8p AB - Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is an emerging construction material that has been demonstrated to advance the state of the art for construction of prefabricated bridge elements and systems (PBES). Specifically, UHPC allows for significant simplifications in the design of the component connections, while simultaneously affording enhanced durability and simplified construction practices. As of early 2012, 18 bridges in the United States and Canada have been constructed using field-cast UHPC connections, and this note displays two of those bridges. The first bridge shown is the first bridge in the United States to use field-cast UHPC connections. Eight simple span deck-bulb- tee girders were joined with non-contact lap splice deck-level connections. The second bridge has precast concrete deck panels and field-cast UHPC connections. However, as with any new technology, initial deployments of field-cast UHPC technology face hurdles relating to inevitable construction process changes. This TechNote provides an introduction to many of the topics that should be considered when deploying UHPC connections. KW - Bridge construction KW - Building materials KW - Cast in place concrete KW - Precast concrete KW - Structural connection KW - Ultra high performance concrete UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/infrastructure/structures/bridge/12038/12038.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1141065 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01372455 AU - Hallmark, Shauna AU - Oneyear, Nicole AU - McDonald, Tom AU - Iowa State University, Ames AU - Iowa Department of Transportation AU - Midwest Transportation Consortium AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Toolbox of Countermeasures to Reduce Red Light Running PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 46p AB - Red light running (RLR) is a problem in the US that has resulted in 165,000 injuries and 907 fatalities annually. In Iowa, RLR-related crashes make up 24.5 percent of all crashes and account for 31.7 percent of fatal and major injury crashes at signalized intersections. RLR crashes are a safety concern due to the increased likelihood of injury compared to other types of crashes. The research team developed this toolbox for practitioners to address RLR crashes. The Four Es—Engineering, Enforcement, Education, and Emergency Response—should be used together to address RLR problems. However, this toolbox focuses on engineering, enforcement, and education solutions. The toolbox has two major parts: 1. Guidelines to identify problem intersections and the causes of RLR at intersections; 2. Roadway-based and enforcement countermeasures for RLR. KW - Countermeasures KW - Highway safety KW - Iowa KW - Red light running KW - Signalized intersections KW - Traffic engineering KW - Traffic law enforcement KW - Traffic safety education UR - http://www.intrans.iastate.edu/research/documents/research-reports/RLR_toolbox_w_cvr.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44600/44680/RLR_toolbox_w_cvr.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1141069 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01372422 AU - Sisiopiku, Virginia P AU - Imran, Md Shah AU - Abro, Abdul Muqueet AU - University of Alabama, Birmingham AU - University Transportation Center for Alabama AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Impacts of Transit in a Complete-Streets Context PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 95p AB - The recent interest in smart growth, livable communities, and sustainability creates new opportunities for the adoption, expansion, and enhancement of transit services in communities across the U.S. Given that promoting livability and alternative modes is a key priority in the US DOT’s agenda, research on economic impacts from integration of transit is both timely and essential. This is important as many of the possible gains from such integration are not fully understood and properly measured to date, such as the related health and quality of life benefits. This project analyzes the economic impacts from the implementation of a transit improvement project in a community. The project plan includes expansion and re-design of transit routes to better serve local needs, necessary provisions to accommodate transit user needs (such as a central station terminal, stops, shelters, etc.), as well as supporting infrastructure design changes to maximize access to public transportation and to encourage transit ridership in mixed-use residential/commercial areas. The project presents a detailed transit improvement plan and then identifies associated costs and benefits from the investment for the users and community as a whole. This analysis is expected to help transportation planning, transit, and health professionals better coordinate their efforts to create a more “livable” environment in the community studied and to serve as a model for other communities that are interested in considering viable alternatives which can offer citizens healthier and more sustainable transportation choices. KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Complete streets KW - Economic analysis KW - Economic impacts KW - Health KW - Quality of life KW - Transit oriented development UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44700/44727/UTCA_Project__11206.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1141068 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01372325 AU - Goodwin, Arthur H AU - Foss, Robert D AU - O'Brien, Natalie P AU - TransAnalytics, LLC AU - University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill AU - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration TI - The Effect of Passengers on Teen Driver Behavior PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 56p AB - A number of studies have shown that passengers substantially increase the risk of crashes for young, novice drivers. This increased risk may result from distractions that young passengers create for drivers. Alternatively, the presence of passengers may increase the likelihood of teenage drivers engaging in explicitly risky behaviors, for example, by actively encouraging drivers to take risks. A better understanding of how transporting peers contributes to young driver increased crash risk will help develop strategies to reduce this risk. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) analyzed data collected through an earlier naturalistic driving study (Goodwin, Foss, Margolis & Waller, 2010). Over a 6-month period, event-based data recorders collected 24,085 driving clips, of which 4,466 were selected for analysis. The sample included 52 drivers: 38 newly licensed teens and 14 high-school-age siblings. Risky driving behaviors by teenage drivers were more common while they were driving in the presence of teenage peers. Teenage drivers were two-and-a-half times more likely to engage in one or more potentially risky behaviors when driving with one teenage peer compared to when driving alone. When driving with multiple teenage peers the likelihood increased to 3 times. Some of the mechanisms commonly thought to explain the increased crash risk when carrying passengers were rare, such as instances of deliberate encouragement for the drivers to take risks. Rather, helpful statements on the part of passengers were 10 times more common than statements encouraging risk-taking behavior. These findings suggest the mere presence of peers may have influenced risky driving behaviors more than deliberate encouragement. Several potential distractions were common when teenage peers were present. Loud conversation was 5 times more likely and horseplay was 9 times more likely with multiple teenage passengers in the vehicle compared to when a parent/adult was present. Other distractions, such as loud music and electronic device use, were less common in the presence of passengers. This study had several limitations. First, teens may have changed their driving behavior because of the presence of the data recorders. Second, the sample was small, included a disproportionate percentage of females, and was overrepresented by families with higher-level education and higher incomes. These sample characteristics suggest caution in generalizing the findings to teenage drivers broadly. KW - Automatic data collection systems KW - Behavior KW - Crash risk forecasting KW - Distraction KW - Passengers KW - Risk taking KW - Teenage drivers UR - http://www.nhtsa.gov/staticfiles/nti/pdf/811540.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45700/45713/811540.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1140953 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01371491 AU - Miller, John S AU - Virginia Center for Transportation Innovation and Research AU - Virginia Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - A Model to Forecast Peak Spreading PY - 2012/04//Final Report - Phase II SP - 56p AB - As traffic congestion increases, the K-factor, defined as the proportion of the 24-hour traffic volume that occurs during the peak hour, may decrease. This behavioral response is known as peak spreading: as congestion grows during the peak travel times, motorists may shift their departure time to a non-peak hour. Knowing whether K-factors will remain constant or will change will affect the estimation of travel demand, and the resultant transportation performance, since the traffic volume during a given hour may affect travel speed and vehicle emissions. The purpose of this study was to develop a model for forecasting peak spreading whereby peak spreading is measured as change in the K-factor. Data were collected from 32 continuous count stations in the six Northern Virginia counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, and Stafford for the period 1997-2010. Because some stations gave two-directional counts and some gave only one-directional counts, there were 52 station-direction combinations, or sites, for analysis purposes. The data collected showed that the average annual K-factor adjusted for months for which data were not available decreased by an average of 0.006 (p < 0.01), from 0.103 to 0.097, during the period. The 24-hour volume-to-capacity ratio, which is a surrogate for travel congestion, increased by an average of 0.7 (p < 0.01), from 7.3 to 8.0. Both changes were statistically significant. Two models to forecast K-factors were developed in this study. Model 1, for use with an established roadway with an existing K-factor, explained 88% of the variation in K-factors and is based on the previous K-factor, the percentage increase in the jurisdiction’s employment, and the roadway functional class. Model 2, for use with a new roadway without an existing K-factor, explained 66% of the variation in K-factors and is based on the percentage change in the jurisdiction’s employment; circuity, i.e., whether the route is radial or circumferential; and for freeways, the 24-hour volume-to-capacity ratio. Use of these variables is advantageous as they are typically available when a 10-year forecast is made. The two models have three implications for forecasting peak spreading. First, site characteristics (e.g., functional class, 24-hour volume-to-capacity ratio) and regional socioeconomic characteristics (e.g., jurisdictional employment growth) affect the K-factor. Second, the 24-hour volume-to-capacity ratio affects the forecasts, even though the effect is evident only after controlling for other variables. Third, the K-factor varies more across sites with the time period held constant than across time periods with the site held constant. The study recommends that the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) consider the use of the two models when more detailed data are not available; their use would provide an empirically based alternative to assuming the K-factor will remain constant. A potential study limitation is that congestion during the “before” period in Northern Virginia was already so great that any congestion-based effects on peak spreading had already occurred. However, as the large variability in K-factors across sites dampened the overall effect of congestion, it may be the case repeating this study in other locations would yield similar results. KW - Design hourly volume KW - Design volume KW - Northern Virginia KW - Peak hour traffic KW - Peak periods KW - Traffic volume UR - http://www.virginiadot.org/vtrc/main/online_reports/pdf/12-r11.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44600/44644/12-r11.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1139838 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01370012 AU - Battey, Randy L AU - Mississippi Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Evaluation of Preventive Maintenance Treatments PY - 2012/04 SP - 22p AB - Scrub seals were placed in 2007 in Tallahatchie, Marshall, Carroll and Grenada Counties to evaluate their effectiveness and feasibility as preventive maintenance treatments. Condition data was collected and evaluated on the project sections. KW - Evaluation KW - Mississippi KW - Pavement cracking KW - Preventive maintenance KW - Scrub seal KW - Scrubbers KW - Slurry seals UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44500/44564/State_Study_173_-_Evaluation_Of_Preventive_Maintenance_Treatments.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1138900 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01368413 AU - Shaheen, Susan AU - Martin, Elliot AU - Finson, Rachel AU - San Jose State University AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Ecodriving and Carbon Footprinting: Understanding How Public Education Can Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Fuel Use PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 148p AB - Ecodriving is a collection of changes to driving behavior and vehicle maintenance designed to impact fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in existing vehicles. One strategy to improve ecodriving is through public education with information on how to ecodrive. This report offers a literature review of previous work and programs in ecodriving across the world. Interviews with experts in the field of public relations and public message campaigns were conducted to ascertain best practices for public campaigns. Further, the study also completed a set of focus groups evaluating consumer response to a series of websites that displayed ecodriving information. Finally, researchers conducted a set of survey assessing the effectiveness of static ecodriving web-based information. Exposure to ecodriving information influenced people’s driving behavior and some maintenance practices. The experimental group’s distributional shift was statistically significant, particularly for key practices including: lower highway cruising speed, driving behavior adjustment, and proper tire inflation. Within the experimental group (N = 51), fewer respondents significantly changed their maintenance practices (16%) than the majority that altered some driving practices (71%). This suggests intentionally altering driving behavior is easier than planning better maintenance practices. KW - Demographics KW - Driving KW - Ecodriving KW - Education KW - Greenhouse gases KW - Public information programs KW - Socioeconomic factors KW - Sustainable transportation KW - Vehicle maintenance UR - http://transweb.sjsu.edu/PDFs/research/2808-ecodriving-greenhouse-gas-emissions-fuel-use-public-education.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44600/44676/2808-ecodriving-greenhouse-gas-emissions-fuel-use-public-education.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1136915 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01360992 AU - Strong, Kelly C AU - Shane, Jennifer S AU - Iowa State University, Ames AU - Iowa Department of Transportation AU - Midwest Transportation Consortium AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Risk Mitigation Strategies for Operations and Maintenance Activities PY - 2012/04//Final Report SP - 152p AB - The objective of this research was to investigate the application of integrated risk modeling to operations and maintenance (O/M) activities, specifically moving operations, such as pavement testing, pavement marking, painting, snow removal, shoulder work, mowing, and so forth. The ultimate goal is to reduce the frequency and intensity of loss events (property damage, personal injury, and fatality) during O/M activities. This report includes a literature review that identifies the current and common practices adopted by different state departments of transportation (DOTs) and other transportation agencies for safe and efficient highway O/M activities. The final appendix to the report includes information for eight innovative O/M risk mitigation technologies/equipment and covers the following for these technologies/equipment: Appropriate conditions for deployment; Performance/effectiveness, depending on hazard/activity; Cost to purchase; Cost to operate and maintain; and Availability (resources and references). KW - Fatalities KW - Highway maintenance KW - Highway operations KW - Injuries KW - Maintenance practices KW - Property damage KW - Risk analysis KW - Snow removal KW - State departments of transportation KW - Work zone safety UR - http://www.intrans.iastate.edu/research/documents/research-reports/tr-627_risk_mit_w_cvr3.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1126919 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01481179 AU - Texas Transportation Institute AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Commercial Border Crossing and Wait Time Measurement at Laredo World Trade Bridge and the Colombia-Solidarity Bridge PY - 2012/03/31/Final Report SP - 88p AB - This research is to establish a baseline and on-going measurement of border crossing times and delay by measuring travel times for commercial trucks crossing the port of entry (POE) from Mexico into Texas at the Laredo World Trade Bridge and the Colombia-Solidarity Bridge. In 2006, the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) analyzed various technologies that can be used to support automated measurement of border delay and crossing time at U.S./Mexico land ports of entry. This project was sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and radio frequency identification (RFID) was the selected technology for most of the U.S./Mexico land ports of entry. This report covers the work that TTI developed under an interagency cooperation contract with Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), which includes the technology implementation, equipment procurement and installation and the data collection and analysis of information collected at the World Trade Bridge and the Colombia Solidarity Bridge. KW - Colombia-Solidarity International Bridge KW - Commercial vehicles KW - Data collection KW - Freight traffic KW - Implementation KW - International borders KW - Laredo/Nuevo Laredo border crossing KW - Ports of entry KW - Radio frequency identification KW - Traffic delays KW - Travel time KW - United States-Mexico Border KW - Waiting time KW - World Trade International Bridge UR - http://www.borderplanning.fhwa.dot.gov/LaredoCrossingReport/LaredoCrossingReport.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1250037 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01481106 AU - Mahendra, Anjali AU - Grant, Michael AU - Swisher, Myron AU - Science Applications International Corporation AU - ICF Incorporated LLC AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Effective Approaches for Advancing Congestion Pricing in a Metropolitan Region – A Primer on Lessons Learned and Best Practices PY - 2012/03/31 SP - 52p AB - This primer is intended to raise awareness among staff at metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) and their partner agencies about the potential role of congestion pricing in supporting regional goals as well as the most effective approaches for advancing congestion pricing strategies in a region. It draws upon lessons learned from pilot and ongoing programs implemented around the United States as well as efforts to integrate congestion pricing into regional transportation plans. The content of the primer is based on discussions that took place at four peer-to-peer practitioner workshops organized by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in September 2011. Using illustrative case studies, this primer provides information on effective approaches for addressing the challenges of advancing congestion pricing in a regional context, including: (i) building public and decisionmaker acceptability; (ii) linking congestion pricing to regional goals and objectives; (iii) achieving interagency collaboration; (iv) analyzing congestion pricing impacts as part of the planning process; and (v) addressing implementation challenges and sustaining user support. The primer ends with recommendations of initial steps that planners, policymakers, and others can take in developing comprehensive regional congestion pricing plans, while maximizing the chances of acceptance from the public and decisionmakers. KW - Best practices KW - Case studies KW - Congestion pricing KW - Cooperation KW - Interagency relations KW - Lessons learned KW - Metropolitan areas KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Regional planning KW - Transportation planning KW - United States UR - http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop12030/fhwahop12030.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1249877 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01431178 AU - Lawphongpanich, Siriphong AU - Yin, Yafen AU - University of Florida, Gainesville AU - Center for Multimodal Solutions for Congestion Mitigation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Nonlinear Road Pricing for Congestion and the Environment PY - 2012/03/30/Final Report SP - 42p AB - Under nonlinear road pricing (or tolling), the price charged is not strictly proportional to the distance travelled inside a tolling area, the generalized travel cost is not link-wise additive, and finding a user equilibrium distribution is typically formulated as a complementarity problem. The latter is a difficult problem to solve in mathematical programming. In this report, the authors use piecewise linear functions to determine tolls and show that finding a user equilibrium distribution with such functions can be formulated as a convex optimization problem that is based on path flows and solvable by traditional algorithms such as simplicial decomposition. For area-based and two-part pricing schemes, the tolling function consists of only one linear piece and finding a user equilibrium distribution reduces to a convex optimization problem formulated in terms of link flows and solvable by any software for linearly constrained convex programs. To find an optimal pricing scheme, e.g., one that maximizes the social benefit, the authors formulate the problem as a mathematical program with equilibrium constraints, an optimization problem that is generally non-convex and difficult to solve. However, it is possible to use search algorithms to find an optimal scheme because the number of parameters in the piecewise linear function is few. To illustrate, the authors use a coordinate search algorithm to find an optimal two-part pricing scheme for a small network with randomly generated data. KW - Algorithms KW - Distributions (Statistics) KW - Link flows KW - Optimization KW - Programming (Mathematics) KW - Road pricing KW - Tolls KW - User equilibrium UR - http://cms.ce.ufl.edu/research/lawphongpanich_cms_2010-016_final.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45600/45654/lawphongpanich_cms_2010-016_final.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1196496 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01376252 AU - Department of Transportation AU - Federal Railroad Administration TI - FRA Needs to Expand Its Guidance on High Speed Rail Project Viability Assessments PY - 2012/03/28 SP - 21p AB - The Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (PRIIA) directed the Secretary to establish a high-speed and intercity passenger rail (HSIPR) program, and authorized approximately $4 billion over a 5-year period for HSIPR investments. The statute allowed the Secretary 2 years to develop program rules. However, four months after PRIIA’s enactment, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) appropriated another $8 billion for HSIPR to be allocated under significantly compressed timelines, and included a requirement to develop interim program rules within 120 days of ARRA’s passage. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is responsible for implementing the HSIPR program. As part of this responsibility, the Agency assesses the economic viability of each proposed HSIPR project and decides which projects to fund. The Administration’s Fiscal Year 2013 budget allocates $47 billion for HSIPR over six years. Consequently, potential grantees will need to develop their HSIPR projects’ viability analyses if they are to justify additional funding needs. The U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (OIG) initiated this audit to (1) identify key focus areas for analyses of HSIPR project economic viability, and (2) assess FRA’s requirements and guidance for HSIPR grant applicants on the information they must provide to FRA on project viability. OIG identified three key focus areas in assessing project viability. (1) The first focus area is the set of elements with the greatest impact on the three analysis components—revenue forecasts, public benefits valuations, and O&M cost estimates. (2) The second focus area is the level of analytical detail required at the preliminary, intermediate, and final phases in the development of a HSIPR proposal. (3) The third focus area is the set of issues central to methodological soundness. KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Cost estimating KW - Economic analysis KW - Economic impacts KW - Financial analysis KW - High speed rail KW - Management KW - Revenues KW - U.S. Federal Railroad Administration UR - http://www.oig.dot.gov/sites/dot/files/HSIPR%20Forecasting%20Report%5E3-28-12.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1143805 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01577983 TI - Biosolar Conversion of CO₂ and H₂O into Myrcene by Engineered Cyanobacteria AB - No summary provided. KW - Bacteria KW - Biomass fuels KW - Carbon dioxide KW - Energy conversion KW - Engineering KW - Hydrocarbons KW - Solar energy KW - Water UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1371349 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01577833 TI - Development of Logisitics Systems for Sustainable Supply of Herbaceous and Woody Feedstocks AB - No summary provided. KW - Biomass KW - Logistics KW - Plants KW - Supply KW - Sustainable development KW - Wood UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1370889 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01577735 TI - Distributed Production of DME Based Fuels using Microwave Technology and Direct Catalytic Synthesis AB - No summary provided. KW - Biomass fuels KW - Catalysis KW - Ethers KW - Microwaves KW - Production KW - Synthesis (Chemistry) UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1370797 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01576008 TI - Low Moisture Anhydrous Ammonia (LMAA) Pretreatment Process of Corn Stover for Production of Butanol and Integration with Long Term Storage AB - No summary provided. KW - Ammonia KW - Butane KW - Corn KW - Production UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1369877 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01575842 TI - Torrefaction and Pyrolysis of Grasses and Related Biomass to Fungible Fuels AB - No summary provided. KW - Biomass fuels KW - Grasses KW - Heating KW - Pyrolysis UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1368765 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01466557 TI - Co-Sponsorship for the 2012 "Weeds Across Borders" Conference AB - The Weeds Across Borders (WAB) is a biennial trilateral conference covering the interests of professionals and organizations involved in North American weed management and regulation. The purpose with a common interest in sharing information and promoting weed management throughout North America. Composed of an affiliation of organizations from Canada, Mexico, and the United States, the WAB Conference is unique in that it connects scientists, practitioners, and policy-makers with their counterparts in Canada, Mexico and the United States. The fact that all three countries are connected by land and roads requires that all three must work together to stop the spread of invasive plants across the continent to mutual benefit. This interdisciplinary approach leads attendees to share information that can ward off the invasive threat with research, best practices, and policy support. KW - Best practices KW - Conferences KW - Information dissemination KW - Invasive plants KW - North America KW - Policy making KW - Regulations KW - Weeds UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1234792 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01373960 AU - Huijser, Marcel P AU - Begley, James S AU - van der Grift, Edgar A AU - Western Transportation Institute AU - Alterra, Wageningen University and Research Center AU - Salmo Consulting Incorporated AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Mortality and Live Observations of Wildlife on and Along the Yellowhead Highway and the Railroad through Jasper National Park and Mount Robson Provincial Park, Canada PY - 2012/03/21 SP - 380p AB - This project focuses on providing a strategy for the potential future implementation of wildlife mitigation measures along the Yellowhead Highway (Hwy 16) and the railroad through Jasper National Park (JNP) and Mount Robson Provincial Park (MRPP). The general objectives of the mitigation measures are to reduce direct wildlife mortality of medium and large carnivore species on Hwy 16 and the railroad and to maintain or improve habitat connectivity for wildlife, specifically medium and large carnivore species, across Hwy 16 and the railroad. KW - Canada KW - Carnivores KW - Habitat (Ecology) KW - Highway corridors KW - Jasper National Park KW - Mortality KW - Mount Robson Provincial Park KW - Railroads KW - Strategic planning KW - Wildlife KW - Wildlife crossings UR - http://www.westerntransportationinstitute.org/documents/reports/4W3419_Final_Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1141596 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01570493 TI - Western States Rural Transportation Consortium (WSRTC) AB - The purpose of the Western States Rural Transportation Consortium (WSRTC) is to promote innovative partnerships, technologies and educational opportunities to facilitate and enhance safe, seamless rural travel throughout the western United States. The WSRTC shall also provide a collaborative mechanism to leverage research activities in a coordinated manner to respond to rural transportation issues among western states related to technology, operations and safety. KW - Education KW - Partnerships KW - Research management KW - Rural transportation KW - Safety KW - Technology KW - Transportation operations KW - Western States UR - http://www.pooledfund.org/Details/Study/469 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1362134 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01560753 TI - Support of the Transportation Curriculum Coordination Council (TCCC) AB - Rebuilding and maintaining the Nation's highways requires agencies and industry to have a trained and qualified workforce from agencies and industry. With the loss of experience in the workforce, training is an industry priority. Agencies and the highway industry across the country face this serious shortage of trained and experienced personnel because of attrition and an aging workforce. The challenge must be met to preserve the system investments and carry out capital improvements for future growth. Since 2000, the Transportation Curriculum Coordination Council (TCCC), a partnership between the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), State and local departments of transportation (DOTs), and private industry, has diligently worked to support the training of transportation industry's technical personnel. The TCCC's mission is to: (1) Provide leadership at the national level. (2) Develop and maintain national curricula for the various transportation disciplines. (3) Identify training and certification requirements. (4) Coordinate/facilitate training efforts. To achieve its mission, the TCCC embraces the following objectives: (a) Optimize resources through concentrated efforts in the development of core training and qualification mediums. (b) Improve the skills and abilities of the transportation technical personnel. (c) Promote the sharing of technical training resources among government and private transportation industry organizations. (d) Promote uniformity in training content and qualification requirements to facilitate reciprocity between States, local organizations, and regions. (e) Optimize the usage of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) standards in training development. KW - Certification KW - Curricula KW - Highways KW - Job skills KW - Labor force KW - Personnel KW - Training KW - Transportation Curriculum Coordination Council UR - http://www.pooledfund.org/Details/Study/435 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1351316 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01431189 AU - Wu, Di AU - Yin, Yafeng AU - Lawphongpanich, Siriphong AU - University of Florida, Gainesville AU - Center for Multimodal Solutions for Congestion Mitigation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Protecting Public Interests in Public-Private-Partnership Arrangements for Highway Improvement Projects PY - 2012/03/16/Final Report SP - 41p AB - Engaging private investors and entrepreneurs through public-private partnership (PPP) in constructing and operating transportation facilities has emerged as one of the viable options to meet the challenges of funding the development and maintenance of transportation systems. PPP developments lead to additional capacities without (directly) using public funding, faster delivery of projects, risk sharing with the private sector and more efficient operations and management of facilities. However, the profit-maximizing private sector may compromise public interests by, e.g., imposing higher toll rates or failing to offer high quality of service. A rigorous up-front analysis is needed to better protect public interests prior to entering into a PPP arrangement. This report considers the problem of selecting highway projects for the PPP development with the objective of improving the social benefit while ensuring the marketability of those selected. The problem has a structure of a tri-level leader-follower game and is formulated as a mixed integer program with equilibrium constraints. Without solving the associated problem, the authors show that optimal tolls and travel times on selected PPP highway projects can be determined from their attributes under mild assumptions. This leads to an efficient heuristic algorithm for solving the project selection problem. KW - Algorithms KW - Financing KW - Heuristic methods KW - Highway projects KW - Market assessment KW - Mixed integer programming KW - Project selection KW - Public private partnerships KW - Social benefits KW - Tolls KW - Travel time UR - http://cms.ce.ufl.edu/research/yin_cms_2010-002_final.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45600/45651/yin_cms_2010-002_final.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1193682 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01466561 TI - Extensive Web-Based Application Development Framework for Non-Motorized Modeling Applications AB - This project supports the livability initiative of the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). In addition, this effort supports FHWAs objective to disseminate present and future research results in a form suitable for use in transportation planning applications with the goal of improving the quality and value of non-motorized transportation system analysis specifically and improving travel demand modeling generally. KW - Information dissemination KW - Nonmotorized transportation KW - Quality KW - Quality of life KW - Sustainable development KW - Transportation planning KW - Travel demand KW - Websites (Information retrieval) UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1234796 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01431187 AU - Michalaka, Dimitra AU - Hale, David AU - Simmerman, Tom AU - Yin, Yafeng AU - Washburn, Scott AU - University of Florida, Gainesville AU - Center for Multimodal Solutions for Congestion Mitigation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Enhancing CORSIM for Simulating High Occupancy/Toll Lane Operations PY - 2012/03/15/Final Report SP - 69p AB - Congestion pricing has been advocated as an efficient way to mitigate traffic congestion since the 1920s. A prevalent form of congestion pricing in the U.S. is high occupancy/toll (HOT) lanes. The operating objective of HOT lanes is to improve the throughput of the whole freeway segment while ensuring a superior level of service on HOT lanes. To achieve this, ideally tolls should vary in response to real-time traffic conditions. Microscopic simulation has been used to evaluate pricing schemes or operation strategies of managed lanes. As a trustworthy traffic simulation tool, CORSIM has a very limited capability of simulating dynamic tolling strategies and drivers’ lane choice behaviors in the presence of tolls. This research enhanced CORSIM and developed a CORSIM-based simulation platform to evaluate the impacts of a variety of pricing strategies on managed-lane operations. KW - Congestion pricing KW - CORSIM (Traffic simulation model) KW - High occupancy toll lanes KW - Level of service KW - Managed lanes KW - Microsimulation KW - Traffic congestion KW - Traffic mitigation UR - http://cms.ce.ufl.edu/research/yin_CMS_2010-005_final.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45600/45652/yin_CMS_2010-005_final.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1194168 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01560768 TI - Mid America Freight Coalition Pooled Fund Program AB - The industries and farms of the Mississippi Valley region can compete in the marketplace only if their products can move reliably, safely and at reasonable cost to market. Growing congestion threatens the sustainability of this freight movement. The people of the region are dependent upon farms and industries for their livelihoods and their economic quality of life depends on the flow of goods to our markets. The Mississippi Valley Freight Coalition was created to protect and support the economic wellbeing of the industries, farms and people of the region by keeping the products of those industries, farms and people flowing to markets reliably, safely, and efficiently. The objective of this project are as follows: (1) Share information between agencies that will improve the understanding of freight issues and the management of freight services and facilities. (2) Reach out to and share ideas with private sector shippers and carriers on approaches to making freight flow more smoothly through the region. (3) Gather, analyze and share information on the movement of freight throughout the region with sister agencies and with private sector interests. (4) Define a system of regionally significant freight highway, rail and water corridors and facilities and establish performance expectations for those facilities that will guide their management and operations. (5) Evaluate, implement and operate technologies and other roadway appurtenances from a regional perspective and in a manner that supports the reliable, efficient and safe movement of freight. (6) Evaluate, implement and enforce traffic and vehicle regulations that promote the reliable, efficient and safe movement of freight. (7) Identify corridors or bottlenecks that frustrate the movement of freight and then taking actions, individually or as a group, to improve those corridors or bottlenecks. (8) Define and support national transportation policies that will support and improve the movement of freight in the region. KW - Bottlenecks KW - Freight flow KW - Freight traffic KW - Freight transportation KW - Mississippi Valley Freight Coalition KW - Traffic regulations KW - Transportation corridors UR - http://www.pooledfund.org/Details/Study/382 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1351331 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01370134 AU - Coffman, Richard AU - Boga, Ashique Ali Raffique AU - University of Arkansas, Fayetteville AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Performance of Flexible Pavement Systems Containing Geosynthetic Separators PY - 2012/03/13/Technical Report SP - 372p AB - Base course drainage, strength, and modulus are important parameters that must be considered in the design of a roadway system. Pavement service life is maintained if the base course is permeable, strong, and rigid. Two recent MBTC projects have focused primarily on the rigidity of pavement systems. MBTC Project 2027 focused on the strength, permeability, and rigidity of quarry obtained, preplaced, Class 7 base course using laboratory tests; while MBTC Project 3013 is investigating the effects of geosynthetic separators, geosynthetic reinforcement, and base course thickness on pavement system rigidity. To tie both projects together, the base course at the Marked Tree test site will be analyzed (permeability, strength, grain size, Atterberg limits) to determine if geosynthetic separators have prevented plastic “clayey” fines from migrating into the base layer from the prepared subsoil. The in-situ fines content at the Marked Tree site will also be compared with the preplaced quarry obtained fines content to determine if additional fines are created during transportation, placement, and use of the roadway base. KW - Base course (Pavements) KW - Flexible pavements KW - Geosynthetics KW - Pavement performance KW - Permeability KW - Reinforcing materials KW - Separators KW - Sieve analysis KW - Triaxial shear tests UR - http://arkansastrc.com/MBTC%20REPORTS/MBTC%203020.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1138925 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01573322 TI - Research Program to Support the Research, Development, and Deployment of System Operations Applications of Vehicle Infrastructure Integration (VII) AB - Through a set of pooled fund studies, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is working with federal, state and local departments of transportation, to establish a multi-phase program to facilitate the field demonstration, and deployment of Connected Transportation Systems infrastructure applications. In Phase I, the participants are focused on modeling, development, engineering and planning activities that will aid transportation agencies in justifying and promoting the large scale deployment of Connected Transportation Systems. Phase 2, of the program will continue research and development to prepare agencies to deploy connected vehicle environments. KW - Cooperative Vehicle Infrastructure Systems KW - Deployment KW - Mobile communication systems KW - Research KW - System operations KW - Vehicle infrastructure integration KW - Vehicle to vehicle communications UR - http://www.pooledfund.org/Details/Study/431 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1366546 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01380490 AU - Schmidt, Jennifer D AU - Sicking, Dean L AU - Faller, Ronald K AU - Lechtenberg, Karla A AU - Bielenberg, Robert W AU - Reid, John D AU - Rosenbaugh, Scott K AU - University of Nebraska, Lincoln AU - Nebraska Department of Roads AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Phase II Development of a Non-Proprietary, Four- Cable, High Tension Median Barrier PY - 2012/03/12/Final Report SP - 229p AB - During the last decade, the use of cable median barriers has risen dramatically. Cable barriers are often utilized in depressed medians with widths ranging from 30 to 50 ft (9.1 to 15.2 m) and with fill slopes as steep as 4H:1V. A careful review of accident records has indicated that passenger vehicles do occasionally penetrate through the standard 3-cable median barrier and enter opposing traffic lanes. As a result, the Midwest States Pooled Fund Program sponsored a research and development project to improve the safety performance of existing, non-proprietary, cable median barriers. These safety improvements included increased cable spacing, increased cable height, the use of four cables, increased cable tension, and optimized cable attachment to posts. Two Test Level 3 crash tests were performed on a four-cable, high-tension median barrier placed in a 46-ft (14.0-m) wide, 4H:1V Vditch. All tests were conducted according to the safety performance guidelines provided in the Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH). The first test utilized an 1100C small car impacting the barrier located 27 ft (8.2 m) laterally away from the front slope break point. The vehicle was contained and redirected by the barrier and deemed acceptable according to the MASH guidelines. The second test utilized a 2270P pickup truck impacting the barrier placed on a downslope and 12 ft (3.7 m) laterally away from the front slope break point. The pickup truck overrode the system and subsequently rolled, thus the second crash test was deemed unacceptable according to the MASH guidelines. KW - AASHTO Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware KW - Acceptance tests KW - Cable guardrails KW - Crash records KW - Highway safety KW - Impact tests KW - Median barriers KW - Roadside safety hardware UR - http://ne-ltap.unl.edu/Documents/NDOR/Phase_II_Dev_of%20High_Tension_Barrier.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45100/45169/Phase_II_Dev_of_High_Tension_Barrier.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1147521 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01469916 AU - Reynolds, Tom AU - Alexander, Amy AU - Ishutkina, Mariya AU - Joachim, Dale AU - Jordan, Richard AU - Nakahara, Alex AU - Weaver, Alison AU - Massachusetts Institute of Technology AU - Federal Aviation Administration TI - Tower Flight Data Manager Benefits Assessment: Initial Investment Decision Final Report PY - 2012/03/09/Version 1.1 SP - 116p AB - The Tower Flight Data Manager (TFDM) is an advanced tower automation system being developed to meet the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) objectives. The TFDM system provides controllers with advanced surveillance and flight data management display systems that will allow them to maintain an integrated picture of the current situation. Controllers and supervisors will also be provided with a suite of Decision Support Tools (DSTs) that provide critical information for assistance in tactical and strategic decision-making. In addition, TFDM will facilitate data exchange between controllers within a tower facility, between Air Traffic Control facilities, and between stakeholders. The capabilities provided by the TFDM system should enable multiple system benefits, such as reduced surface delay, taxi time, and fuel burn (with associated improved operational and environmental performance); better performance during severe weather and other off-nominal conditions; improved usability and situational awareness; and enhanced safety. This document summarizes the analysis efforts undertaken by Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory to estimate the benefits from the key TFDM capabilities over the 2015-2035 timeframe in support of the Initial Investment Decision (IID) benefits assessment process. KW - Advanced automation system (Air traffic control) KW - Air traffic control KW - Approach control KW - Aviation safety KW - Benefits KW - Data communications KW - Decision support systems KW - Evaluation and assessment KW - Guidance systems (Aircraft) UR - http://www.ll.mit.edu/mission/aviation/publications/publication-files/atc-reports/Reynolds_2012_ATC-394_WW-25418.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1236810 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01541251 TI - Enhancements to the FHWA-FST2DH Model for Simulating Two-dimensional Depth-averaged Flow and Sediment Transport AB - The objectives of this research is to enhance the FHWA-FST2DH Model for Simulating Two-dimensional Depth-averaged Flow and Sediment Transport. The research will address the following needs: (1) Improve Equation Solution Schemes - Implement parallel versions of several popular iterative methods for solving systems of equations. This will allow much faster computation times thus increasing productivity and the application of more complicated solutions to complex surface water flows. (2) Update and Testing of Sediment Transport Algorithms - Existing sediment transport algorithms will be tested using both hypothetical cases and comparison to measured data from both laboratory experiments and onsite studies of scour at river bends and constrictions (such as bridge openings). Sediment transport formulas not currently included in the existing formula library will also be added. (3) Update of Bridge Pier Local Scour Calculations - Bridge pier local scour calculations will be updated to include the most recent HEC-18 procedures, as well as other optional local scour calculation methods not currently coded in the model. (4) Update FST2DH Manual that would include the following: (a) Descriptions of improved sediment transport algorithms. (b) An added appendix that describes sediment transport test applications and new sediment transport formulas. (c) An added appendix that describes use of new equation solution schemes. (d) An added appendix that describes solution parameter uncertainty estimate calculations and how they can be used in practical design of hydraulic structures such as bridges and river training works. (e) Conversion of current WordPerfect electronic format to Microsoft Word electronic format. This encompasses much more than an import/export operation from either WordPerfect or Microsoft Word since all equations will need to be re-typed and the document will need to be reformatted completely. KW - Algorithms KW - Flood plains KW - Flow capacity (Water flow) KW - Hydraulic design KW - Hydraulic structures KW - Scour KW - Streambeds UR - http://www.pooledfund.org/Details/Study/476 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1328367 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01465830 TI - A Peer Exchange and Review of Deep Foundation Testing Methodologies at Caltrans AB - There are two objectives of this study; first to perform a peer review of the Caltrans Geotechnical Services Foundation Testing Branch (FTB). This review will evaluate current practices used to for deep foundations (piles) on Caltrans construction projects. Some of the current test methods, practices and procedures include gamma-gamma logging (GGL); crosshole sonic logging (CSL); pile load testing, Pile Driving Analyses ,Sonic Caliper Testing and Vibration Monitoring. Information to be reviewed includes current operational practices and procedures associated with managing the testing program, conducting the tests, and managing the analysis and reports generated for Caltrans projects. In addition to reviewing Caltrans current practice, the review will identify best practices and improvements that can be made to the current methodologies used to accept deep foundations. Included in this effort will be the identification of new technologies that should be considered by Caltrans for adoption. The second objective of this review effort is to be available to provide advice to the Department regarding their continuing effort of reviewing existing GGL data and to evaluate processes for adequacy. KW - Best practices KW - Crosshole sonic logging KW - Deep foundations KW - Peer exchange KW - Pile driving KW - Piles (Supports) KW - Technological innovations KW - Vibration UR - http://www.pooledfund.org/Details/Study/491 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1234065 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01371309 AU - Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Refinements to DOT’s Management of the Highway Trust Fund’s Solvency Could Improve the Understanding and Accuracy of Shortfall Projections PY - 2012/03/06 SP - 43p AB - In recent years, the Highway Trust Fund (HTF), comprised of the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Highway Account (HA) and the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Mass Transit Account (MTA), has confronted solvency concerns as its outlays have significantly outpaced its excise tax receipts. An insolvency event in HTF could have severe consequences across the economy, possibly causing States to suspend billions of dollars in highway projects and transit agencies to suspend public transportation services. At the end of fiscal years 2008 and 2009, HA faced possible shortfalls, and Congress transferred $8 billion and $7 billion, respectively, from the General Fund. In fiscal year 2010, Congress made another General Fund transfer to HA of $14.7 billion and $4.8 billion to MTA. As a result of these infusions, HA and MTA avoided the shortfalls that both were projected to experience by early fiscal year 2011. While DOT is responsible for the management of HA and MTA’s balances, it does not control the amount and timing of revenues and outlays. The U. S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (OIG) was asked to identify and assess (1) the procedures that FHWA and FTA use to monitor HA and MTA’s balances and identify and manage possible shortfalls in those accounts, and (2) DOT’s methods of communicating with Congress and recipients regarding possible shortfalls in HA and MTA. The requester also asked OIG to review the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airways and Airport Trust Fund (AATF) because it is similar to HTF but has not experienced similar solvency problems. Accordingly, OIG reviewed the practices that FAA uses to manage AATF to assess whether they would be useful to FHWA and FTA. In summary, as a result of HA’s 2008 shortfall, both FHWA and FTA (the OAs) instituted cash tracking procedures to forecast shortfalls, and FHWA instituted additional procedures to adjust when necessary the amount and timing of HA’s outlays to States. While these forecasts are accurate over the long term, they do not account for revenue variances and short-term outlay deviations, which makes it difficult to predict the specific date on which a shortfall will occur. While DOT communicates regularly with Congress regarding HA and MTA’s balances and possible shortfalls, it does not inform recipients of its management procedures─information that would provide context for the accounts’ balances. FAA’s AATF has certain fail-safe funding mechanisms that are unavailable to HTF. However, FAA employs some practices for tracking of AATF’s outlays which, if adopted by HTF’s managers, could improve the accuracy of HTF’s short-term outlay estimates. KW - Accounting KW - Airport and Airways Trust Fund KW - Communication KW - Estimating KW - Financial analysis KW - Financial management KW - Financing KW - Highway Account KW - Highway Trust Fund KW - Mass Transit Account KW - Shortfall analysis KW - U.S. Federal Aviation Administration KW - U.S. Federal Highway Administration KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration UR - http://www.oig.dot.gov/sites/dot/files/HTF%20Solvency%20Audit%20Report%5E3-6-12.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1139383 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01573319 TI - ITS Pooled Fund Program (ENTERPRISE) AB - The objectives of this project are to: (1) Investigate and promote intelligent transportation systems (ITS) approaches and technologies that are compatible with other national and international ITS initiatives. (2) Support the individual ITS program plans of ENTERPRISE participants. (3) Provide a mechanism to support multistate and international project cooperation and technical information interchange. (4)Facilitate the formation of public-private partnerships for appropriate program activities. (5) Pursue emerging ITS project opportunities in areas of interest to the group. (6) Provide test beds in a variety of environments and locations for emerging ITS technologies. (7) Identify common needs within the group and proceed with appropriate technical activities. KW - Cooperation KW - Information dissemination KW - Information exchange KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Public private partnerships KW - Technical information KW - Technological innovations UR - http://www.pooledfund.org/Details/Study/459 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1366543 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01563874 TI - Traffic Signal Systems Operations and Management AB - Signalized arterial represent a substantial component of the highway transportation network in the United States. The National Transportation Operations Coalition (NTOC) in their 2007 Traffic Signal Report Card noted that nationally 5 to 10 percent of all traffic delay is caused by improper traffic signal timings along major roadways. In 2007, the National Report Card for overall traffic signal systems operations was a D. The situation is not expected to improve as travel demand is forecast to grow significantly faster than network capacity. The increase in national attention on sustainable and livable communities necessitate a concentrated effort be placed upon improved management and operation of our nations traffic signal system inventory. The Transportation Management Center (TMC) Pooled fund study (SPR-2(207)) initiated in 2000, has been very successful at generating consensus on best management practices for traffic management centers oriented mainly towards freeway operations. It is desirable to develop a similar pooled fund study oriented toward traffic signal operations and management that would complement SPR-2(207) and engage a broad cross section of agencies on the leading edge of active traffic signal management. The objective of this project is to develop a network of transportation agencies to: (i) develop consensus on operational standards of performance; (ii) define a central management model that can leverage commercial wireless IP offerings that can be competitively outsourced; and (iii) management principles for using a central system to identify when and where resources are most needed to maximize return on investment. The level of participation and associated funding commitments will allow for additional opportunities over time or in parallel to explore additional traffic signal initiatives beyond those described herein. For example, the evaluation of adaptive control field deployments and associated systems engineering guidance documents under development by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). KW - Adaptive control KW - Best practices KW - Management models KW - Traffic delays KW - Traffic signal control systems KW - Traffic signal timing UR - http://www.pooledfund.org/Details/Study/487 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1354980 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01467833 TI - Using Mobile Computers to Automate the Inspection Process for Highway Construction Projects AB - Construction projects are characterized by the large amount of data that needs to be collected, processed, and exchanged among the different project participants. Collection of construction inspection data, in particular, allows field personnel to monitor project performance with the ultimate goal of improving productivity and lowering costs. The accomplishment of these two goals could lead to better construction project management and performance that could in turn reduce the time required for project delivery. Current practices for recording and filing of field inspection data are mainly paper-based. This manual process using paper forms is a time consuming and tedious task. Not only is the clerical expense of this process very high, but also the organization and review of the information commands an inordinate amount of time by a project manager, of which most managers posses very little. Continuous evolvement and improvements of mobile computing such as iPADs and Android Tablets, software technologies, including more powerful processors, smaller storage devices, higher quality displays, and wide availability of third party application software, have made it possible for these devices to become stand alone systems with powerful functional capabilities. Because of their high mobility characteristics due to their small size and lightweight, these mobile devices can be used in the construction field to perform various tasks including recording of inspection data. The use of such mobile devices in construction processes seems to be the next logical step. This proposal intends to develop a mobile computing application for automating the collection process of field inspection data using iPADs or Android Tablets. The development of this application could result in faster transfer of information between the parties in a construction project, therefore improving the current communication process. In addition, by automating the inspection process and subsequent reporting and information transfer flow this could results in improvements in the overall process and shortening in the overall project delivery cycle. Once the application has been developed, the research team will test it in a highway construction project to verify its suitability and changes needed. KW - Construction projects KW - Data collection KW - Field data KW - iPad (Computer) KW - Mobile computing KW - Project delivery KW - Project management UR - http://www.utrc2.org/research/projects/mobile-computers-for-highway-construction-projects UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1236069 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01467832 TI - Metrics, Models and Data for Assessment of Resilience of Urban Infrastructure Systems AB - Over the past century, our nation has experienced dramatic changes in demographics, and existing socio-technical systems have become more complex and increasingly networked. To complicate matters, our cyber-physical infrastructure has not been maintained, causing unexpected vulnerabilities and cascading failures (ASCE, 2009; AWWA, 2001). As extreme events frequency and magnitude of resulting disasters have increased, emergent behavior, unexpected performance response, and lack of resilience have been noted (Sanford Bernhardt and McNeil, 2008). While there is success in modeling complex response and predicting behaviors of our urban socio-technical networks under stress, the models have grown so complex that data is not available to validate the model predictions (NRC 2009). It is clear that we need to understand our socio-technical system dynamics and resilience at a fundamental level. Resilience is defined as the ability (sufficient capacity and/or flexibility) of a system to experience unexpected shocks or perturbations, and to respond and recover functionality at some acceptable level of performance or action. There is an urgent need for improved understanding of the genesis and evolution of resilience, in particular in urban transportation systems. This will allow the building and enhancement of social and ecological capital and community resilience, as well as to increase system adaptive capacity (including self-organization) and improve the cost-effectiveness of investments in infrastructure systems. An interdisciplinary approach is needed that captures attributes of the complex systems in a region. This requires assembling varied and deep information reflecting current and future conditions, response and usage so that we can expand our knowledge and validate the discoveries and predictions for system performance response. There is a to assemble and create information and modeling resources, develop a framework of variables and relationships that will support a cross-disciplinary and cross-sector exploration of resilience, and build knowledge as test theory and models are developed. In the long term, this will allow the answer to important questions including: What observations (evidence) can we make (identify) to indicate qualitatively whether a specific system or network will demonstrate resiliency? What metrics can be used to evaluate the capacity of a system or network for resilient response? How does resilience response develop, and what factors control or influence the development? Is it a process with thresholds, tipping points, state changes, or is it a continuous function? What can we understand about when investment or adaptive management is warranted to improve resiliency of a system or networks of interdependent systems? The research proposed here will focus on identifying the basic metrics and models that can be used to develop representations of performance response that can be used to define resilience in urban environments, and to bring together data resources that can be investigated to understand and validate the interactive behavior of our complex transportation infrastructure systems. KW - Evaluation and assessment KW - Infrastructure KW - Modelling KW - Perturbations KW - System capacity KW - Urban transportation UR - http://www.utrc2.org/research/projects/metrics-models-and-data-assessment UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1236068 ER - TY - ABST AN - 01466814 TI - Development of a Comprehensive Inventory Management System for Underground Fiber Optic Conduits AB - Major State Departments of Transportation such as the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) operate and maintain networks of thousands of miles of conduits, many carrying fiber optic cables that are vital to State communication systems. These conduits are located alongside highways and frequently must be located and marked to avoid damage from digging or boring resulting from construction. These conduits are part of a complex maze of facilities which include junction boxes where fiber optic cables get re-routed from one conduit segment to another. The New Jersey inventory system included sections of conduits with varying lengths sometimes changing materials and unknown intermediate numbers, types, and locations of segments and junction boxes. In a previous study (January 1, 2010 to February principal investigator (PI) in collaboration with other Principal investigators from the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) and The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) an evaluation and comparison of various methods for locating fiber optic conduits was undertaken, leading to a method for identifying preferred location techniques under various soils and surface cover conditions. As a result of this study, recommendations were made to further the goal of inventory accuracy. One of the recommendations was to start the development of a computerized inventory system for fiber optic conduits, in order to enable the definition of relationships between segments and junction boxes within the network. A project was thus undertaken during the summer of 2011, leading to a prototype inventory system that enables the conversion of the section-level conduit inventory data in the existing system to a more accurate system including segments and junction boxes, and defined a more accurate representation of cross-referenced conduit segments and junction boxes. This first prototype enabled the transition of the conduit section records to a more network-based model of segments and junction boxes. However, in order to develop a true network model which includes cables flows and routing through conduits, it is necessary to expand the data model to include cables and their markings within each segment and other nodes such as junction boxes, along with their routing from one segment to another. The key thrust of the proposed work is therefore to expand the previous data model to enable the coverage of all inventory data, including all pipe segments and junction boxes through the development of a detailed dynamically updated inventory of all Segment- Level conduits (Junction Box to Junction Box) and the Junction Boxes, and interior cable elements with a focus on comprehensive network connectivity. This expanded database is a high priority pre-requisite for the implementation of a rational fiber optic (and other) cable location program, and as a core inventory system for all construction and asset management activities in the network. KW - Communication systems KW - Conduits KW - Control systems KW - Fiber optics KW - Inventory KW - Junction boxes KW - New Jersey KW - Underground conduits UR - http://www.utrc2.org/research/projects/underground-fiber-optic-conduits UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1235049 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01582866 AU - Hunter, Michael AU - Fujimoto, Richard AU - Guin, Angshuman AU - Laval, Jorge AU - Henclewood, Dwayne AU - Suh, Wonho AU - Huang, Ya-Lin AU - Li, Ying AU - Stebar, Brian AU - Chari, Prashant AU - Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta AU - Georgia Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Real Time Estimation of Arterial Travel Time and Operational Measures through Integration of Real Time Fixed Sensor Data and Simulation PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 189p AB - The effort presented in this report aims to compliment real-time freeway information by addressing the more limited availability of real-time arterial performance measures. This research project explores the feasibility of integrating real-time data streams with an arterial simulation to support an arterial performance monitoring system. Such information will facilitate increased efficiency in facility utilization by enabling more informed decisions in the use and management of Georgia’s transportation facilities. This objective was accomplished by undertaking the following tasks: 1) Describe the current state of practice concerning the estimation of real-time arterial performance measures, 2) Develop a federated (integrated) simulation test-bed for testing procedures and algorithms, 3) Determine the feasibility of integrating point sensor data with simulation to create a data-driven, on-line simulation tool, 4) Develop procedures and algorithms to calibrate an on-line simulation tool that estimates travel time and other performance measures in real-time, 5) Determine any potential improvements in travel time estimation resulting from sensors placed in atypical locations, such as immediately downstream of an intersection, 6) Field-test the data-driven, on-line arterial simulation tool on a target corridor, and 7) Devise method(s) to deliver travel time and other operational characteristics to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and the general public. KW - Arterial highways KW - Data integration KW - Georgia KW - Operational performance KW - Real time data processing KW - Sensors KW - Simulation KW - Travel time UR - http://g92018.eos-intl.net/eLibSQL14_G92018_Documents/09-01.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1376325 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01580469 AU - Chandler, Kevin L AU - Eudy, Leslie AU - Battelle AU - National Renewable Energy Laboratory AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - FTA Fuel Cell Electric Bus Program: Research Accomplishments through 2011 PY - 2012/03//Summary Report SP - 87p AB - Prepared by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Office of Research, Demonstration, and Innovation (TRI), this report summarizes the accomplishments of fuel-cell-transit-bus-related research and demonstrations projects supported by FTA through 2011. It catalogs fuel cell electric bus research projects in the United States and describes their impact on commercialization of fuel cell power systems and electric propulsion for transit buses. Few barriers remain to reaching full commercialization of fuel cell electric buses. This report documents progress toward overcoming these barriers. KW - Commercialization KW - Electric buses KW - Fuel cell vehicles KW - Research KW - Transit buses UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55500/FTA_Report_No._0014.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1373031 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01531113 AU - Herricks, Edwin E AU - Lazar, Peter AU - Woodworth, Elizabeth AU - Patterson, James AU - University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign AU - Federal Aviation Administration TI - Performance Assessment of an Electro-Optical-Based Foreign Object Debris Detection System PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 41p AB - In 2008, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Technology Research and Development Team conducted a performance assessment of the iFerret™, electro-optical, foreign object debris (FOD) detection system. This assessment included the system’s capability to detect objects of various shapes, sizes, and materials at all locations on the runway surface. The system’s capability to detect FOD during both nighttime and daytime conditions, in periods of sun, rain, mist, fog, and snow was also assessed. A comprehensive performance assessment of the technology was demonstrated at the Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). Installation of iFerret sensors was completed at ORD in late 2008, and extensive data collection was conducted from June 2009 through July 2010. These were supplemented by an assessment of an iFerret installation at Singapore’s Changi International Airport in May 2009. At the conclusion of the data collection process, the FAA had sufficient data to conclude the performance assessment. The iFerret FOD detection system was able to detect objects of various shapes, sizes, and materials on runway surfaces, taxiways, and aprons and was able to perform satisfactorily in nighttime, daytime, sun, rain, mist, fog, and snow conditions, as required by FAA Advisory Circular 150/5220-24, “Airport Foreign Object Debris (FOD) Detection Equipment.” KW - Airport runways KW - Chicago O'Hare International Airport KW - Detection and identification systems KW - Inspection equipment KW - Monitoring KW - Performance KW - Singapore Changi Airport KW - Surveillance KW - Technology assessment UR - http://www.airporttech.tc.faa.gov/DesktopModules/FlexNews/DownloadHandler.ashx?id=ebb491b5-4858-45f7-a7eb-3834627ca6c2&f=11-13.pdf UR - http://www.airporttech.tc.faa.gov/Download/Airport-Safety-Papers-Publications-Detail/dt/Detail/ItemID/56/Performance-Assessment-of-an-Electro-Optical-Based-Foreign-Object-Debris-Detection-System UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1313498 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01516437 AU - Rasmussen, Ben AU - Mejias, Luis AU - Volpe National Transportation Systems Center AU - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service TI - Regional Alternative Transportation Evaluation Report – Region 2 PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 49p AB - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Volpe Center conducted a regional alternative transportation evaluation (RATE) in Region 2, which is comprised of Arizona, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas, to ensure effective consideration and integration of alternative transportation systems (ATS) into the goals and recommendations of the Region 2 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). Working with Central Federal Lands Highway Division (CFLHD), Region 2 is scheduled to commence work on its LRTP in early 2012. Accordingly, this RATE served as an informal kick-off of the region’s LRTP work to assist with identifying future needs. KW - Alternatives analysis KW - Arizona KW - National Wildlife Refuge System KW - New Mexico KW - Nonmotorized transportation KW - Oklahoma KW - Public transit KW - Texas KW - Transportation planning KW - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service KW - Water transportation UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/50000/50800/50871/RATE_Region2_Mar_2012.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1290555 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01480473 AU - Shadan, Kam AU - Gannett Fleming, Incorporated AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - Construction Project Management Handbook: March 2012 PY - 2012/03 SP - 155p AB - The purpose of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Construction Project Management Handbook is to provide guidelines for use by public transit agencies (Agencies) undertaking substantial construction projects, either for the first time or with little prior experience with construction project management. It provides a comprehensive introduction to construction project management, including the applicability of the principles of project management and of all phases of project development—from project initiation through planning, environmental clearance, real estate acquisition, design, construction, commissioning, and closeout. This Handbook provides guidance similar to that in earlier documents but tailored more to agencies that are constructing maintenance and operational facilities, intermodal terminals, park-and-ride stations, and other similar supporting transit facilities. Throughout the sections, project management concepts are illustrated with the use of a hypothetical example, a typical project to plan, design, and build a new bus maintenance facility. KW - Construction management KW - Construction of specific facilities KW - Construction projects KW - Design KW - Environmental impacts KW - Guidelines KW - Handbooks KW - Intermodal facilities KW - Project management KW - Public transit KW - Real property KW - Transit authorities UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0015.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/55000/55500/55501/FTA_Report_No._0015.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1248975 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01478251 AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Standard Highway Signs 2004 Edition, 2012 Supplement PY - 2012/03 SP - 390p AB - The information contained in this document reflects the new and revised sign designs that have been adopted in the 2009 Edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD). This Supplement serves as an interim update until a new edition of the Standard Highway Signs and Markings publication is released at a future date. The sign designs contained in this Supplement will be incorporated into the new edition of Standard Highway Signs and Markings. The new edition, currently in progress, will contain expanded sign design guidelines, the Standard Alphabets, and updated information for standard arrow designs, pavement markings, and symbolic traffic control signal indications. The new and updated sign designs in this Supplement supersede any previous designs for the same signs contained in the 2004 Edition of Standard Highway Signs. KW - Arrows (Signals) KW - Lettering KW - Road markings KW - Specifications KW - Symbol signs KW - Traffic signs UR - http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/shse/shs_2004_2012_sup.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1246772 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01478228 AU - Maritime Administration TI - North American Cruise Statistical Snapshot, 2011 PY - 2012/03 SP - 19p AB - This report contains cruise statistics for the major cruise lines that offer North American cruises with a U.S. port of call. The statistics include passengers booked and capacities offered by the cruise lines. Capacities are based on two passengers per stateroom. The statistics are presented in terms of passengers and passenger nights. KW - Cruise lines KW - Demand KW - North America KW - Passenger capacity KW - Passengers KW - Statistics KW - Supply UR - http://www.marad.dot.gov/documents/North_American_Cruise_Statistics_Quarterly_Snapshot.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1247237 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01475850 AU - McGrath, Tim AU - Schaefer, Ron AU - Newton, Diane AU - Schoka, Andy AU - Science Applications International Corporation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Electronic Freight Management (EFM) Governance PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 32p AB - The Electronic Freight Management (EFM) initiative is a U.S. Department of Transportation-sponsored project that applies web technologies to improve data and message transmissions between supply chain partners. This report describes a new EFM Governance Model and the necessary steps to implement the model. EFM Governance is the system through which the national and international freight communities’ demand for and supply of electronic business services to support freight operations (EFM) is directed and controlled. Governance involves evaluating and directing the implementation and operations of EFM communities among collaborating organizations and monitoring its employment to achieve planned business objectives. It also includes the strategy and policies for using EFM among those collaborating communities. This document outlines and details these overarching strategies and policing for using EFM and assesses the options for structural models that are appropriate for EFM Governance. KW - Data communications KW - Electronic freight management KW - Freight traffic KW - Information technology KW - Strategic planning KW - Supply chain management UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/46000/46000/46088/EFM_Governance_v7_FINAL.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1244519 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01475835 AU - Morian, Dennis A AU - Van Dam, Thomas AU - Perera, Rohan AU - Quality Engineering Solutions, Incorporated AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Use of Air-cooled Blast Furnace Slag as Coarse Aggregate in Concrete Pavements PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 149p AB - This report presents available information regarding the use of air-cooled blast furnace slag (ACBFS) as coarse aggregate in concrete pavements. The report discusses ACBFS aggregate production and properties, and the properties of concrete produced with ACBFS coarse aggregate. Both the physical and chemical properties of ACBFS are presented, as are the properties of the concrete produced with ACBFS coarse aggregate. Additionally, the field performance of concrete pavements containing ACBFS coarse aggregate and observed material related distresses in these pavements are presented, along with results from laboratory evaluations of concrete containing ACBFS coarse aggregate. Finally, the life-cycle and maintenance costs associated with concrete pavements incorporating ACBFS aggregate in the concrete are also discussed in the report. While the available information included both domestic and international experience with the use of ACBFS aggregate in concrete, the predominance of information reviewed came primarily from States which have, or previously have had, supplies of ACBFS aggregate: Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and New York. KW - Coarse aggregates KW - Concrete pavements KW - Field studies KW - Laboratory tests KW - Life cycle costing KW - Mix design KW - Pavement performance KW - Slag UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/46000/46100/46184/Use_of_air-cooled_blast_furnance_slag_Final_rpt.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1244568 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01472548 AU - Shenoda, Michael AU - Karaa, Fadi AU - College of New Jersey AU - New Jersey Institute of Technology AU - New Jersey Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Development and Implementation of a Segment/Junction Box Level Database for the ITS Fiber Optic Conduit Network PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 27p AB - This project initiated the development of a computerized database of intelligent transportation system (ITS) facilities, including conduits, junction boxes, cameras, connections, etc. The current system consists of a database of conduit sections of various lengths. Over the length of a section, materials sometimes change and the numbers, types, and locations of junction boxes are unknown. The accurate location of conduits in the medium and long-term can be best undertaken with a cross-referenced segment and junction box inventory. This work focused on fiber optic conduit and junction boxes and the development of a detailed database of segment-level conduits. It involved locating, surveying, and inspecting various conduits and junction boxes to allow the identification of physical characteristics (diameter, length, material, etc.) and location characteristics (global positioning system (GPS) coordinates, soil type, under asphalt/concrete/grass, proximity to other utilities/clutter, etc.). This field verification will improve the quality and accuracy of inventory information for future construction and expansion of the network. The existing inventory database(s) of the ITS fiber optic conduit system, which are at the section level and do not include junction box data, was used as a starting point for the development of an expanded and improved system. A joint College of New Jersey and New Jersey Institute of Technology team worked to develop the system. KW - Databases KW - Fiber optics KW - Intelligent transportation systems KW - Inventory KW - Junction boxes KW - New Jersey KW - Underground conduits UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/46000/46200/46250/FHWA-NJ-2012-001_Development_and_implementation_of_a_segment_junction_box.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1239150 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01472477 AU - Casavant, Ken AU - Simmons, Sara AU - Washington State University, Pullman AU - Washington State Department of Transportation AU - Transportation Northwest Regional Center X (TransNow) AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Economic and Environmental Impacts of the Columbia-Snake River Extended Lock Outage PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 85p AB - This report’s main objective is to analyze the change in rates and modal costs for shippers, commodity industries and ports prior to, during and after the fifteen week lock outage and to determine the impacts on the environment in the form of energy consumption and emissions production prior to, during and after the lock outage. Waterborne movements are one of the more economical and cost-efficient methods of transport among all modes of transportation, comprising a key component of the Pacific Northwest multimodal transportation system. Commodity shipments moving through this river system were recently halted for 15 weeks during the winter of 2010-2011 for an unprecedented extended lock outage. The specific research objectives and methodology for the entire study as well as economic and environmental impacts are reviewed in Section 1. Section 2 summarizes the four phases of the study and includes data and sections from those commentaries. Additional tables are available in Appendix A. Section 3 reviews the economic costs of the lock outage for major commodity industries, shippers and ports. Section 4 discusses the environmental impacts of the lock outage. This section begins with a review of literature of energy intensity coefficients and emissions coefficients for various transportation modes. Then energy used via different modes prior to and during the lock outage are calculated and discussed. The same is done for emissions produced during these time periods. Section 5 provides a summary of the entire study and describes the value of the river. KW - Barges KW - Columbia-Snake River Waterway KW - Economic impacts KW - Energy consumption KW - Environmental impacts KW - Freight traffic KW - Locks (Waterways) KW - Multimodal transportation KW - Pollutants UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/46000/46200/46253/TNW2012-01_Economic_and_environmental_impacts_of_the_Columbia-Snake_River.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1239153 ER - TY - SER AN - 01470182 JO - TRAFFIC TECH PB - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration TI - Age-Related Functional Limitations, Countermeasures, and Crash Risks PY - 2012/03 SP - 2p AB - This study updates and extends our understanding of how age-related functional deficits, including changes in vision, cognition, strength, and flexibility can increase older drivers’ crash risks. The report discusses the potential of a variety of countermeasures to allow older drivers to accommodate to deficits, and thus continue driving safely. The central product of this research is a taxonomy table that displays links among functional limitations, countermeasures, and crash risk. KW - Aged drivers KW - Cognition KW - Countermeasures KW - Crash risk forecasting KW - Highway safety KW - Muscle strength KW - Physical flexibility (Human beings) KW - Vision UR - http://www.nhtsa.gov/staticfiles/traffic_tech/811596.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1237164 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01470013 AU - Dissanayake, Sunanda AU - Kotikalapudi, Siddhartha AU - Mid-America Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Characteristics and Contributory Causes Related to Large-Truck Crashes (Phase II) – All Crashes PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 111p AB - Statistics clearly demonstrate that large-truck crashes contribute to a significant percentage of high-severity crashes. It is therefore important for the highway safety community to identify the characteristics and contributory causes of these types of crashes. The first phase of the current research endeavor examined fatal crash data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) database. In the second phase, presented in the current report, truck-crashes of all severity levels were analyzed with the intention of understanding characteristics and contributory causes, as well as identifying factors contributing to increased severity of truck-crashes. This goal could not be achieved by analyzing fatal crashes alone. Various statistical methodologies such as cross-classification analysis and severity models were developed using Kansas crash data. This study identified the characteristics, contributing causes, and specific factors related to the occurrence and increased severity of large-truck-crashes. By understanding these issues, countermeasures might be developed to mitigate the number and severity of truck crashes. KW - Crash analysis KW - Crash causes KW - Crash severity KW - Fatalities KW - Heavy duty trucks KW - Kansas KW - Oversize loads KW - Statistical analysis KW - Truck crashes KW - Trucking safety UR - http://files.library.northwestern.edu/transportation/online/unrestricted/2012/MATC-KSU-352.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/46000/46600/46669/Dissanayake_352_LargeTruckCrashesPhaseII_FINAL_COMBINED.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1225860 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01469569 AU - Hatami, Kianoosh AU - Mahmood, Tahsina AU - Zaman, Musharraf AU - Ghabchi, Rouzbeh AU - University of Oklahoma, Norman AU - Oklahoma Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Development of ODOT Guidelines for the Use of Geogrids in Aggregate Bases PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 210p AB - A primary objective of the current study was to help the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) expand its selection of approved geogrid products for base reinforcement applications by producing measured data on selected geogrids and a dense-graded base aggregate commonly used in ODOT roadway projects. The study involved in-isolation and in-aggregate laboratory testing of several base reinforcement geogrid products from major geosynthetic suppliers. In-isolation test included rib strength and junction strength tests, and in-aggregate tests included pullout and plate load tests. Field-scale installation damage tests were also performed. Test results on different geogrids in this study were aimed to quantify the significance of the geogrids in-isolation properties on their in-aggregate response under control conditions. KW - Aggregates KW - Base course (Pavements) KW - Geogrids KW - Geosynthetics KW - Plate bearing test KW - Pull out test KW - Reinforcement (Engineering) KW - Strength of materials UR - http://www.okladot.state.ok.us/hqdiv/p-r-div/spr-rip/library/reports/rad_spr2-i2220-fy2011-rpt-final-hatami.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1237826 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01458213 AU - Lebow, Stan AU - Kirker, Grant AU - White, Robert AU - Amburgey, Terry AU - Barnes, H Michael AU - Sanders, Michael AU - Morrell, Jeff AU - Department of Agriculture AU - Forest Products Laboratory AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Guide for In-Place Treatment of Wood in Historic Covered and Modern Bridges PY - 2012/03//General Technical Report SP - 50p AB - Historic covered bridges and current timber bridges can be vulnerable to damage from biodeterioration or fire. This guide describes procedures for selecting and applying in-place treatments to prevent or arrest these forms of degradation. Vulnerable areas for biodeterioration in covered bridges include members contacting abutments, members near the ends of bridges subject to wetting from splashing and members below windows or other openings that allow entry of wind-blown precipitation. Pressure-treated timber bridge members can be vulnerable when untreated wood is exposed by field fabrication or by the development of drying checks. The objective of an in-place preservative treatment is to distribute preservative into areas of a structure that are vulnerable to moisture accumulation and/or not protected by the original pressure treatment. Types of field treatments range from finishes, to boron rods or pastes, to fumigants. A limitation of in-place treatments is that they cannot be forced deeply into the wood as is done in pressure-treatment processes. However, some can be applied into the center of large members via treatment holes. These preservatives may be available as liquids, rods or pastes. Bridge members can be treated with fire retardants to delay ignition, reduce heat release, and slow the spread of flames. In-place coating products are available to reduce surface flammability, but these coatings may need to be reapplied on a regular basis if exposed to weathering. For more integrated protection, fire retardant treatment of bridge members may be combined with other forms of protection such as lights, alarms, sprinklers and monitoring systems. KW - Bridge abutments KW - Covered bridges KW - Deterioration KW - Fires KW - Moisture damage KW - Wood preservatives KW - Wooden bridges UR - http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplgtr/fpl_gtr205.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1225995 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01457118 AU - Taylor, Peter C AU - Yurdakul, Ezgi AU - Ceylan, Halil AU - Iowa State University, Ames AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Iowa Department of Transportation TI - Concrete Pavement Mixture Design and Analysis (MDA): Application of a Portable X-Ray Fluorescence Technique to Assess Concrete Mix Proportions PY - 2012/03//Technical Report SP - 33p AB - Any transportation infrastructure system is inherently concerned with durability and performance issues. The proportioning and uniformity control of concrete mixtures are critical factors that directly affect the longevity and performance of the portland cement concrete pavement systems. At present, the only means available to monitor mix proportions of any given batch are to track batch tickets created at the batch plant. However, this does not take into account potential errors in loading materials into storage silos, calibration errors, and addition of water after dispatch. Therefore, there is a need for a rapid, cost-effective, and reliable field test that estimates the proportions of as-delivered concrete mixtures. In addition, performance based specifications will be more easily implemented if there is a way to readily demonstrate whether any given batch is similar to the proportions already accepted based on laboratory performance testing. The goal of the present research project is to investigate the potential use of a portable x-ray fluorescence (XRF) technique to assess the proportions of concrete mixtures as they are delivered. Tests were conducted on the raw materials, paste and mortar samples using a portable XRF device. There is a reasonable correlation between the actual and calculated mix proportions of the paste samples, but data on mortar samples was less reliable. KW - Admixtures KW - Concrete pavements KW - Cost effectiveness KW - Durability KW - Field tests KW - Mix design KW - Performance based specifications UR - http://publications.iowa.gov/14952/1/IA_DOT_TPF-5%28205%29_InTrans_mda_xrf.pdf UR - http://www.intrans.iastate.edu/research/documents/research-reports/mda_xrf_w_cvr.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1225090 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01457037 AU - Li, Ruipeng AU - Steven Cramer AU - National Center for Freight and Infrastructure Research and Education (CFIRE) AU - Wisconsin Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - AASHTO Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide Parametric Study PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 28p AB - This study focuses on assessing the robustness of the AASHTO Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG v 1.1) for rigid pavement design projects in Wisconsin. The primary tasks conducted in this study included performing sensitivity analysis on MEPDG’s inputs for jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP) design, evaluating the practicality of each input parameter’s sensitivity, determining the effects of using different concrete materials and different hierarchical levels of inputs on predicted JPCP performances, and identifying the limitations of the current MEPDG. It was found that the coefficient of thermal expansion and modulus of rupture had a strong impact on MEPDG predictions and these outcomes appeared consistent with conventional wisdom. The adverse effects of the concrete unit weight and the positive benefits of the widened concrete slab were suspected to have been overestimated by the MEPDG. It was verified that MEPDG predictions were significantly different depending on the concrete materials and hierarchical levels of inputs chosen. Therefore, the pavement designer was recommended to select the proper design strategy. The limitations of MEPDG were illustrated in that it did not account for the effects brought by the supplementary cementitious materials on the pavement design and it erroneously restrained the permissible range for concrete modulus of rupture input. Although a significant number of material inputs are possible with level 1 implementation of the MEPDG, these inputs are often used in a narrow context and are largely independent from other inputs and material properties. It cannot be presumed that the change in one input will lead to a full set of parametric changes that such a change would actually induce in practice. KW - Concrete pavements KW - Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide KW - Modulus of rupture KW - Pavement design KW - Rigid pavements KW - Sensitivity analysis KW - Thermal expansion UR - http://www.wistrans.org/cfire/documents/FR_0324.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1224986 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01457025 AU - Lin, Zhibin AU - Zhao, Jian AU - Tabatabai, Habib AU - University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee AU - National Center for Freight and Infrastructure Research and Education (CFIRE) AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Impact of Overweight Vehicles (with Heavy Axle Loads) on Bridge Deck Deterioration PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 221p AB - Bridge deck slabs develop compressive stresses from global flexural deformation and locally from high-level wheel loads when it is subjected to overweight trucks. This study quantified the impact of overweight vehicles with heavy axle loads on bridge decks using laboratory tests and numerical simulations. The laboratory tests focused on evaluating the impact of combined mechanical stresses and freeze-thaw cycles on the durability of air-entrained concrete. Concrete cylinders, after being cured in saturated limewater for 28 days, were subjected to various levels of compressive loads and then exposed to 300 freeze-thaw (F/T) cycles. Rapid chloride ion penetrability tests were conducted to evaluate the chloride permeability of the concrete samples. The laboratory test results indicated that the mechanical loading combined with freeze-thaw cycles significantly increased the permeability of air-entrained concrete and may accelerate the deterioration of concrete elements such as bridge decks. The observed permeability increase was due to the fact that higher compressive loads caused more extensive microcracks in concrete, and the damaged concrete further degrades under freeze-thaw cycles, which may have further opened and interconnected the microcracks. Bridge deck analyses were conducted to investigate stress distributions and stress levels in typical concrete bridge decks subjected to high axle loads. The numerical analyses using the idealized bridge models indicated that the normal stress in bridge decks in the transverse direction can be significantly affected by the thickness of bridge deck, the girder spacing, and the magnitude of the wheel loads. The analyses results also indicated that the normal stresses in the longitudinal direction may be calculated as the summation of the stresses due to global bending of the bridge superstructure under the truck loads, which can be estimated using typical design/rating procedures and the stress elevations near the wheel loads. The proposed equations may be used, in addition to the typical design/rating calculations, to capture the adverse stresses in bridge decks subjected to overweight trucks. KW - Axle loads KW - Bridge decks KW - Design KW - Deterioration KW - Freeze thaw durability KW - Microcracking KW - Overweight loads KW - Trucks UR - http://www.wistrans.org/cfire/documents/FR_0406.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1224988 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01456894 AU - Adams, Teresa AU - Kleinmaier, Dan AU - Marach, Alex AU - Helfrich, Greg AU - Levine, Joshua AU - Bittner, Jason AU - National Center for Freight and Infrastructure Research and Education (CFIRE) AU - National Transportation Research Center, Incorporated AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Longer Combination Vehicles: An Estimation of their Benefits and Public Perception of Their Use PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 49p AB - Longer Combination Vehicles (LCVs) are able to carry more freight than conventional single trailer trucks. As a result, these trucks can increase efficiencies and benefits for freight movements as less fuel and less labor is used per ton of cargo. However, LCVs are allowed in only 19 U.S. states primarily due to concerns over safety and infrastructure costs. This study investigates these concerns, performs a Cost-Benefit Analysis of operating LCVs, talks to private and public sector experts regarding their use, and completes a public survey to gauge the public’s perception of the use of LCVs in terms of both their concerns and the public’s prioritization of the potential benefits of using LCVs. Overall, this study finds there are sufficient benefits to consider the expansion of LCV operations. The per vehicle mile benefit ranges from $0.45 to $0.75 in 2011 dollars. KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Commercial vehicles KW - Freight transportation KW - Longer combination vehicles KW - Public opinion KW - Trucking safety UR - http://www.wistrans.org/cfire/documents/CFIRE_05-01_Final_Report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1224992 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01454871 AU - Ceifetz, Andrew H AU - Bagdade, Jeffrey AU - Nabors, Dan AU - Sawyer, Michael AU - Eccles, Kim AU - Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Incorporated AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Developing Safety Plans: A Manual for Local Rural Road Owners PY - 2012/03 SP - 66p AB - Local road practitioners across the country play a critical role in addressing crash risks at the local level and may be able to identify the specific or unique conditions that contribute to crashes within their jurisdictions. The Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP) offers a foundation for consensus and focus. It defines key emphasis areas and strategies that impact local rural roads and provides a framework to accomplish safety enhancements at the local level. The LRSP helps communities take a proactive stance in reducing and preventing local road fatalities and injuries. This document guides the development of an LRSP. KW - Fatalities KW - Highway safety KW - Implementation KW - Local government agencies KW - Local Road Safety Plan KW - Local roads KW - Manuals KW - Rural highways KW - Strategic Highway Safety Plan UR - http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/local_rural/training/fhwasa12017/ UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1223380 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01454018 AU - Kim, Yong-Rak AU - Ban, Hoki AU - Im, Soohyok AU - Mid-America Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Impact of Truck Loading on Design and Analysis of Asphaltic Pavement Structures-Phase III PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 67p AB - This study investigated the impact of the realistic constitutive material behavior of asphalt layer (both nonlinear inelastic and fracture) for the prediction of pavement performance. To this end, this study utilized a cohesive zone model to consider the fracture behavior of asphalt mixtures at an intermediate temperature condition. The semi-circular bend (SCB) fracture test was conducted to characterize the fracture properties of asphalt mixtures. Fracture properties were then used to simulate mechanical responses of pavement structures. In addition, Schapery’s nonlinear viscoelastic constitutive model was implemented into the commercial finite element software ABAQUS via a user defined subroutine (user material, or UMAT) to analyze asphalt pavement subjected to heavy truck loads. Extensive creep-recovery tests were conducted at various stress levels and multiple service temperatures to obtain the stress- and temperature-dependent viscoelastic material properties of asphalt mixtures. Utilizing the derived viscoelastic and fracture properties and the UMAT code, a typical pavement structure was modeled that simulated the effect of material nonlinearity and damage due to repeated heavy truck loads. Two-dimensional finite element simulations of the pavement structure demonstrated significant differences between the cases: linear viscoelastic and nonlinear viscoelastic modeling with and without fracture in the prediction of pavement performance. The differences between the cases were considered significant, and should be addressed during the process of performance-based pavement design. This research demonstrates the importance of accurate and more realistic characterizations of pavement materials. KW - Asphalt pavements KW - Axle loads KW - Finite element method KW - Fracture properties KW - Pavement design KW - Pavement performance KW - Trucks KW - Viscoelasticity UR - http://files.library.northwestern.edu/transportation/online/unrestricted/2012/MATC-UNL-427.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/46000/46100/46172/Kim_AsphaltStructures_Phase_III_427_COMBINED_FINAL.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1218612 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01448619 AU - Barnes, David L AU - Seefeldt, Steve AU - Alaska University Transportation Center AU - Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Attenuation and Effectiveness of Triclopyr and 2,4-D Along Alaska Highway Rights-of-Way in a Continental and a Coastal Subarctic Environment PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 111p AB - After more than 20 years of only mechanical brush cutting, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) evaluated the use of herbicides to manage vegetation that interferes with line-of-sight and maintenance of the roadway. While researchers have investigated herbicide effectiveness and attenuation in more-temperate climates, little study has focused on cold regions. The purpose of this project was to measure the effectiveness and attenuation of two different selective auxin-type herbicides, 2, 4 dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), and 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinyl acetic acid (triclopyr) in two subarctic climates: an extremely cold continental climate and a maritime climate. Conclusions from this study will aid the ADOT&PF in developing a plan for controlling vegetation along highway rights-of-way in Alaska. KW - Alaska KW - Frigid regions KW - Herbicides KW - Right of way (Land) KW - Vegetation control UR - http://ine.uaf.edu/autc/files/2012/10/107024.Barnes.-Veggie.-2009a.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/46000/46300/46327/Attenuation_and_effectiveness_of_triclopyr_and_2_4-D.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1215925 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01446240 AU - R G W Cherry & Associates Limited AU - Federal Aviation Administration TI - Freighter Airplane Cargo Fire Risk and Benefit Cost Model PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 73p AB - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Canada, and the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority requested a Risk and Benefit Cost Model be developed to assess the likely number of U.S.-registered freighter fire accidents, and the benefit/cost ratio associated with seven mitigation strategies identified by the FAA. This report explains the data used by the Model, its algorithms, and the way in which the Model may be used. The Model addresses the potential fire threat from all forms of cargo, including the bulk shipment of lithium batteries (primary and secondary) because they likely contributed to two of the five freighter fire accidents that have occurred on U.S.-registered airplanes. The Model displays the number of accidents through 2020 and costs, benefits, and the benefit/cost ratios through to 2025. The Model prediction of the average number of accidents likely to occur from 2011 to 2020, if no mitigation action is taken, is approximately 6—with a 95-percentile range of approximately 2 to 13. If no mitigation action is taken, accident costs are likely to average approximately $44 million (U.S.) per annum over the period 2011 to 2025. The primary contribution to freighter fire accident costs is the value of the airplane—with values of approximately 90% of the total accident cost for the larger freighter airplanes. However, the Model predictions of accident costs are based on the assumption that the composition of the U.S.-registered freighter fleet will be largely unchanged from 2010 through 2025 in terms of the size and value of airplanes. The costs of implementing the proposed mitigation strategies are currently not known to a sufficient level of accuracy to make accurate determinations of benefit/cost ratios. However, the Model has been constructed to allow user inputs of costs once they become available. KW - Air cargo KW - Benefit cost analysis KW - Cargo aircraft KW - Crash risk forecasting KW - Fire prevention KW - Fires KW - Hazard mitigation KW - Risk management UR - http://www.fire.tc.faa.gov/pdf/AR12-3.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1212497 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01444746 AU - Day, Christopher M AU - Wasson, Jason S AU - Brennan, Thomas M AU - Bullock, Darcy M AU - Purdue University AU - Indiana Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Application of Travel Time Information for Traffic Management PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 43p AB - This report summarizes findings and implementations of probe vehicle data collection based on Bluetooth MAC address matching technology. Probe vehicle travel time data are studied in the following field deployment case studies: analysis of traffic characteristics on key routes during a special event (the Brickyard 400 race in Indianapolis, IN); assessment of delay to motorists during road construction; assessment of motorist compliance with work zone speed limits with and without heavy police enforcement; analysis of route choice during road construction in northwestern Indiana; and evaluation of winter operations on a signalized arterial. In addition to these case studies, the data collection equipment infrastructure was used to collect data for several other concurrent projects that focused on measuring arterial travel time. A discussion of the results from those studies is also provided. In addition to case implementation summaries, Appendixes provide recommendations for sensor deployment height and the construction of efficient SQL queries. KW - Arterial highways KW - Bluetooth technology KW - Case studies KW - Highway traffic control KW - Probe vehicles KW - Road construction KW - Traffic delays KW - Travel time KW - Work zone traffic control KW - Work zones UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.5703/1288284314666 UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45700/45703/fulltext.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1148731 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01444745 AU - McDaniel, Rebecca S AU - Kowalski, Karol J AU - Shah, Ayesha AU - Purdue University AU - Indiana Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Evaluation of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement for Surface Mixtures PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 43p AB - The Indiana Department of Transportation has successfully used Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) for decades because of its economic and environmental benefits. Because of uncertainties regarding the types of aggregates contained in RAP and their resulting frictional properties, however, INDOT has until recently disallowed the use of RAP in asphalt surface mixtures. In addition, the hardened asphalt binder in the RAP could potentially increase the occurrence of thermal cracking. This research was conducted to explore the effects on RAP with poor or unknown aggregate qualities to establish maximum allowable RAP contents to provide adequate friction. The effects of RAP on thermal cracking were then investigated at the potential allowable RAP contents. Laboratory testing showed that the addition of poor quality RAP materials did impact the frictional properties and cracking resistance of the mixtures, but that lower amounts of RAP had little effect. The frictional performance of the laboratory fabricated and field sampled RAP materials was acceptable at contents of 25% but may be questionable at 40%. Field friction testing was also conducted on existing roadways with RAP to explore their field frictional performance. Several low volume roadways and one experimental interstate project were tested. The field results showed acceptable performance after 3 to 5 years of low volume traffic at RAP contents of 15‐25% and after more than 10 years of interstate traffic with 15% RAP. The low temperature testing showed an increased susceptibility to thermal cracking as the RAP content increased but the change in critical cracking temperature was relatively small at the 25% RAP level. At 40% RAP without a change in the virgin binder grade, the critical cracking temperature was about 6°C warmer than the control mixture. This finding supports the need for a binder grade change for RAP contents greater than 25%, as indicated in other research and as required by the current INDOT specifications. KW - Asphalt mixtures KW - Field tests KW - Friction tests KW - Indiana KW - Laboratory tests KW - Pavement cracking KW - Reclaimed asphalt pavements KW - Surface course (Pavements) KW - Thermal degradation UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.5703/1288284314665 UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45600/45697/fulltext.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1148262 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01444526 AU - Chandler, Kevin L AU - Eudy, Leslie AU - Battelle Memorial Institute AU - National Renewable Energy Laboratory AU - Federal Transit Administration TI - FTA Fuel Cell Bus Program: Research Accomplishments through 2011 PY - 2012/03//Summary Report SP - 87p AB - Prepared by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Office of Research, Demonstration, and Innovation (TRI), this report summarizes the accomplishments of fuel-cell-transit-bus-related research and demonstrations projects supported by FTA through 2011. It catalogs fuel cell electric bus research projects in the United States and describes their impact on commercialization of fuel cell power systems and electric propulsion for transit buses. Few barriers remain to reaching full commercialization of fuel cell electric buses. This report documents progress toward overcoming these barriers. KW - Electric buses KW - Fuel cell vehicles KW - Hybrid vehicles KW - Hydrogen fuels KW - National Fuel Cell Bus Program KW - Research KW - Transit buses KW - U.S. Federal Transit Administration KW - United States UR - http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Report_No._0014.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1212108 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01444364 AU - Darbha, S AU - Quadrifoglio, L AU - Park, M AU - Oberlin, P AU - Texas Transportation Institute AU - Texas A&M University, College Station AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Multiple Depot Vehicle Routing with Applications to Paratransit and Rural Transportation PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 46p AB - As the demand for paratransit services increases, there is a constant pressure to maintain the quality of service provided to the customers while minimizing the cost of operation; this is especially important as the availability of public funding for paratransit services has been on the decline. Key tasks in accomplishing this objective are efficiently allocating vehicles to service trips and adjusting the schedules of vehicles dynamically in response to calls received by the service providers from the customers on the day of the service. For many paratransit services, capacity of vehicles is not a binding constraint. This is especially so in rural applications. For this reason, the authors will focus on dealing with routing vehicles that are not subject to any passenger capacity constraints. In this report, the authors consider two important relaxations of this problem, which may be considered as problems of independent interest and significance. The first problem deals with relaxing all the constraints associated with the order in which the vehicles must visit pickup and delivery locations of the passengers as well as the time window constraints. The second relaxation additionally imposes ordering requirements. Both problems are combinatorially hard problems, and the authors provide formulations and algorithms for finding sub-optimal solutions along with an estimate of their quality. In the last section of this report, the authors consider the time window constraints for pickup and delivery of customers and provide a heuristic to find feasible solutions. The authors corroborate the results numerically with small, randomly generated instances of the paratransit scheduling problem. KW - Cost effectiveness KW - Paratransit services KW - Passenger pickup/dropoff areas KW - Quality of service KW - Routing KW - Rural areas KW - Schedules and scheduling UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1198455 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01383600 AU - Wheet, Alice AU - National Conference of State Legislatures AU - Federal Transit Administration AU - Department of Labor TI - Human Service Transportation Coordination State Profile: Texas PY - 2012/03 SP - 11p AB - Texas is one of a large group of states that have established proactive measures to coordinate transportation services among public agencies and other stakeholders. Coordination is intended to ensure transportation delivery programs will provide adequate transportation for transportation-disadvantaged populations while saving state money and resources. This brief explores the effort to coordinate transportation services in Texas, how the programs are funded and the results the state has seen since its coordination mandate was enacted in 2003. KW - Coordination KW - Financing KW - Human service transportation KW - Public transit KW - Rural transit KW - Texas KW - Transit operating agencies KW - Transportation disadvantaged persons UR - http://www.ncsl.org/documents/transportation/TX-HSTCprofile.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1144222 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01383569 AU - Rensel, Eric AU - Lebo, Dennis AU - Graves, Brett AU - Malarich, Kathy AU - Yorks, Charles AU - Science Applications International Corporation AU - Gannett Fleming, Incorporated AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Traffic Incident Management: Cost Management and Cost Recovery PY - 2012/03 SP - 66p AB - This publication provides mid-level managers at transportation agencies with the resources they need to explain the benefits of traffic incident management (TIM) and TIM cost management and cost recovery to executive leadership. It also provides the same mid-level managers with information that will help them implement TIM cost management and cost recovery techniques. Costs recovery is the reimbursement for services from sources outside of the direct budget that funds the program seeking reimbursement. Cost management includes all efforts to maximize the cost-benefit relationship of program activities and involves a cyclical loop of cost planning, tracking, analysis, and evaluation and reprogramming. While costs related to responder and motorist injury, disability, fatality, and the related medical and societal costs are not addressed here as those issues are addressed in a variety of ways in the existing literature, “recoverable costs” related to TIM such as tactical and strategic costs are addressed. Costs are classified as being recovered when the program receives full or partial reimbursement from sources outside of the budget. The publication begins with a discussion of the fundamentals of what constitutes a TIM program as well as the more intricate details of what makes a TIM program effective. The document also details information about the fundamentals of cost management and cost recovery, the current state of the practice, and how practitioners can take advantage of opportunities to manage and recover costs. The document concludes by recognizing that the conversation of how to pay for recurring costs of TIM and transportation operations is just beginning, suggesting what research is still needed to progress in TIM cost management and cost recovery. KW - Cost accounting KW - Cost management KW - Cost recovery KW - Costs KW - Incident management KW - Traffic incidents KW - Transportation departments UR - http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop12044/fhwahop12044.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1148267 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01380261 AU - Reiff, Richard AU - Trevizo, Carmen AU - Transportation Technology Center, Incorporated AU - Federal Railroad Administration TI - Cracking and Impact Performance Characteristics of Plastic Composite Ties PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 54p AB - As followup to a workshop on Engineered Composite Ties sponsored by the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association and the Federal Railroad Administration, the Transportation Technology Center, Inc., in Pueblo, CO, conducted a series of tests addressing material performance issues. A primary objective of the workshop was to identify performance concerns and potential areas of research by using input from the Class I railroad representatives. Class I railroads have installed plastic/composite ties in their tracks for several years for evaluation purposes. A panel of Class I railroad engineers attending the workshop noted tie cracking and fractures during handling, installation, and service as priority areas of concern. KW - Composite materials KW - Cracking KW - Impact KW - Performance measurement KW - Plastics KW - Railroad ties UR - http://www.fra.dot.gov/Elib/Document/87 UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45600/45604/TR_Cracking_Impact_Plastic_Composite_Ties_final.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1147616 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01379984 AU - Silver, Steven AU - San Jose State University AU - California Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Assessing Importance and Satisfaction with Factors in Intermodal Work Commuting PY - 2012/03 SP - 50p AB - Users of multiple-mode public transportation were compared to users of privately owned vehicle (POV) transportation in commuting to work within two different travel corridors of Santa Clara County, California. In the first corridor, high tech companies were the source of questionnaire respondents; in the second corridor, the respondents were predominately municipal and county office employees. Most intermodal travel in the first corridor was with multiple buses. In the second corridor, commuters who used a bus and light-rail combination were studied. The differences in results in the comparisons across public transportation commuters and POV commuters in each sample strongly suggest that independent studies of travel corridors with different travel mode alternatives can be informative and have different managerial implications, even when they are within the same county. KW - Commuting KW - Customer satisfaction KW - Intermodal transportation KW - Public transit KW - Travel time KW - Trip length KW - Uncertainty UR - http://transweb.sjsu.edu/PDFs/research/1033-factors-in-intermodal-work-commuting.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1139671 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01379181 AU - Lee, Young-Jae AU - Morgan State University AU - National Center for Transportation Management, Research and Development AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Mathematical Modeling for Optimizing Skip-Stop Rail Transit Operation Strategy Using Genetic Algorithm PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 37p AB - With skip-stop rail transit operation, transit agencies can reduce their operating costs and fleet size, and passengers can experience reduced in-transit travel times without extra track and technological improvement. However, since skip-stop operation does not serve all the stations, passengers at exclusive stopping stations can possibly experience increased access time, waiting time, total travel time, and transfer. Only when the stopping stations are carefully coordinated can skip-stop services benefit passengers and transit agencies. This research developed an optimization model using a Genetic Algorithm that coordinated the stopping stations for skip-stop rail operation. Using the flexibility of the Genetic Algorithm, this model included many realistic conditions, such as different access modes, different stopping scenarios, different collision constraints, different objective functions, and etc. For this research, the Seoul Metro system’s line No. 4 was used as an example. With skip-stop operation, total travel time became about 17-20 percent shorter than with original all-stop operation, depending on the stopping constraints. In-vehicle travel time became about 20-26 percent shorter due to skipping stations, although waiting, transfer, and additional access times increased by 24-38 percent. KW - Genetic algorithms KW - Mathematical models KW - Rail transit KW - Rail transit operations KW - Rail transit stations KW - Skip stop (Rail transit) KW - Travel time UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44300/44360/Mathematical_Lee_1112.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1146611 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01376251 AU - McGowen, Patrick AU - Albert, Stephen AU - Chaudhari, Jaydeep AU - Gleason, Rebecca AU - Ewan, Levi AU - Scott, Andy AU - Johnson, Jerry AU - Western Transportation Institute AU - Montana Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Livability for Montana Transportation PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 159p AB - The concept of livability is not new to Montana or the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT). Helping build great places in great environments has long been embedded in the department’s mission, and even the state constitution. In light of the current national dialogue on livability, the challenge facing MDT is to more formally define livability for Montana and its communities and understand how livability relates to Montana’s transportation needs. The purpose of this study is to determine what livability means for Montana and the role of transportation. To achieve the goal of the study, the research team: (1) scanned existing demographic data and literature; (2) conducted interviews of peer states; (3) conducted a qualitative analysis on Montana TranPlan 21 public comments; (4) conducted a public survey of Montana communities and a local elected leader survey; and (5) interviewed Montana partner agencies and key MDT staff. The study finds that Montana has some unique characteristics that may have a bearing on measures of its livability. For example, sixty-two percent of Montanans live in areas where the population density is 800 people per square mile or higher, but those areas account for only 0.1 percent of the land area. Along with its unique character, the surveys conducted for this study indicate that Montana is also a good place to live. Survey respondents endorsed the belief that MDT projects add value to their quality of life. There were some consistent themes identified through the various tasks of this study. One size does not fit all, and any definition of livability should have some flexibility and scalability based on local needs and a community vision. Well maintained road system, safety, public transportation systems, bike and pedestrian facilities, and winter maintenance are important features of livability for Montana communities. Based on research and outreach, the research team proposes the following definition for livability in Montana as it relates to transportation: “Provide a transportation system that emphasizes a safe, maintained road network; allows for multimodal transportation opportunities; and considers local community values.” – This report and related materials can be found at http://www.mdt.mt.gov/research/projects/planning/benchmarks.shtml. KW - Communities KW - Highway maintenance KW - Montana KW - Multimodal transportation KW - Quality of life KW - Sustainable transportation KW - Transportation safety UR - http://www.mdt.mt.gov/other/research/external/docs/research_proj/benchmarks/final_report_apr12.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1143916 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01376188 AU - Motamed, Arash AU - Bhasin, Amit AU - Izadi, Anoosha AU - University of Texas, Austin AU - Southwest Region University Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Fracture Properties and Fatigue Cracking Resistance of Asphalt Binders PY - 2012/03//Research Report SP - 62p AB - Several different types of modifiers are increasingly being used to improve the performance of asphalt binders or to achieve desired mixture production characteristics (e.g., Warm Mix Asphalt). However, current Superpave performance specifications do not accurately reflect the performance characteristics of these modified binders. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the inherent fatigue cracking resistance of asphalt binders in the form of a matrix with rigid particle inclusions. The underlying rationale for this approach was to subject the binders to a state of stress that is similar to the one in a full asphalt mixture. This was achieved by fabricating and testing composite specimens of the asphalt binders and glass beads with a specified gradation. Four asphalt binders with similar true temperature grades but different modifiers were used in this study. The viscoelastic and fatigue cracking characteristics of the binders were measured using the glass bead-binder composite specimens in a dynamic shear rheometer at an intermediate temperature. The results demonstrate that the four asphalt binders modified using different methods had different damage characteristics despite the fact that these four binders were rated to have a similar performance grade based on the Superpave specifications. Fatigue cracking characteristics of the glass bead-binder test specimens used in this study were qualitatively very similar to the fatigue cracking characteristics of full asphalt mixtures using the same binders. The rank order of fatigue cracking resistance for the four glass bead-binder mixtures compared reasonably well to the rank order of fatigue cracking resistance for the full asphalt mixtures that incorporated these asphalt binders. KW - Asphalt modifiers KW - Bituminous binders KW - Fatigue cracking KW - Fracture properties KW - Glass beads KW - Laboratory tests KW - Viscoelasticity UR - http://swutc.tamu.edu/publications/technicalreports/161122-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1144032 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01376187 AU - Burris, Mark AU - Larsen, Lisa AU - Texas Transportation Institute AU - Southwest Region University Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Equity Evaluation of Vehicle Miles Traveled Fees in Texas PY - 2012/03//Research Report SP - 177p AB - The Texas state gas tax has been 20.0 cents per gallon since 1991, and the federal gas tax has been 18.4 cents per gallon since 1993. The gas tax is not only stagnant, but depreciating in value due to inflation. One proposed alternative to the gas tax is the creation of a vehicle miles traveled (VMT) fee; with equity being a crucial issue to consider. This research used 2009 National Household Travel Survey (NHTS) Texas data to consider the equity impacts surrounding four VMT fee scenarios. Data were filtered and weighted to reflect results representative of Texas vehicle-owning households in 2008. Each scenario was run both statically and dynamically under the assumption that the VMT fee would replace the state gas tax. Results indicate that all of the VMT fee scenarios are essentially as equally vertically equitable as the current state gas tax system. KW - Equity (Justice) KW - Forecasting KW - Fuel taxes KW - Highway user taxation KW - National Household Travel Survey KW - Texas KW - Vehicle miles of travel UR - http://swutc.tamu.edu/publications/technicalreports/161105-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1144018 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01376181 AU - Zhang, Ming AU - Mulholland, Katie AU - Zhang, Jane AU - Gomez-Sanchez, Ana J AU - University of Texas, Austin AU - Southwest Region University Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Getting the Parking Right for Transit-Oriented Development PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 154p AB - Increasingly metropolitan planning organizations in Texas are incorporating Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) or similar concepts into their long-range plans for the purpose of achieving sustainable transportation. One major challenge to implementing these TOD-type strategies is parking. The conventional parking policies likely produce excessive parking, undermining the expected community benefits of TOD and could even cause the TOD initiative to fail. Getting the parking right is essential to ensure the desirable form and functionality of TOD. There are few studies of the topic on Texas cities. The main objective of this study is to report the state-of-the-knowledge on parking regulations and practice influencing the planning, design, and implementation of TOD. The report first offers a narrative review of the published works on TOD-Parking. Based on the review findings it then presents a matrix of best parking practices for TOD. Finally, the report provides an annotated bibliography of TOD-Parking studies. Appendix 1 assembles parking regulations and practice policies in selected cities in the Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area. KW - Best practices KW - Case studies KW - Metropolitan planning organizations KW - Parking KW - Parking regulations KW - Policy KW - Texas KW - Transit oriented development UR - http://swutc.tamu.edu/publications/technicalreports/161027-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1144023 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01376111 AU - Molders, Nicole AU - Tran, Huy N Q AU - Alaska University Transportation Center AU - Fairbanks North Star Borough AU - Federal Highway Administration AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Assessment of the Contribution of Traffic Emissions to the Mobile Vehicle Measured PM2.5 Concentration by Means of WRF-CMAQ Simulations PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 50p AB - The Alaska adapted version of the Weather Research and Forecasting and the Community Modeling and Analysis Quality (WRF-CMAQ) modeling systems was used to assess the contribution of traffic to the PM2.5-concentration in the Fairbanks nonattainment area and to develop an algorithm to interpolate mobile measurements into areas without any observations. Simulations were performed with WRF-CMAQ with and without consideration of traffic emission for two episodes in winter 2009/10 and 2010/11. Comparison of the simulation results with observations showed that the Alaska adapted WRF-CMAQ has relatively good performance in simulating meteorological quantities and PM2.5-concentrations. Comparison of the simulations with and without consideration of traffic emissions revealed that emissions from traffic contributed to about 10% on average to the total PM2.5-concentration in the Fairbanks nonattainment area during the two episodes. The interpolation algorithm was developed based on the WRF-CMAQ results of the first episode and its performance was demonstrated by the results of the second episode. The algorithm can be used in the future to produce spatial distributions of PM2.5-concentrations over the nonattainment area based on the limited observation made by the instrumented vehicle. The interpolated distributions can be visualized and put onto the web to serve as a tool to provide spatially differentiated air quality advisory to the public. KW - Air quality KW - Air quality management KW - Alaska KW - Environmental impacts KW - Environmental policy KW - Exhaust gases KW - Geographic information systems KW - Mobile sources KW - National Ambient Air Quality Standards KW - Particulates KW - Pollutants KW - Simulation KW - Uncertainty UR - http://ine.uaf.edu/autc/files/2012/05/Assessment-of-the-Contribution-of-Traffic-Emissions.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1142120 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01376098 AU - Agrawal, Anil K AU - Liu, Huabei AU - Imbsen, Roy A AU - Zong, Xin AU - University Transportation Research Center AU - New Jersey Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Seismic Design Considerations, Volume I: Technical Approaches and Results and Volume II: Appendices II - VIII PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 604p AB - New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has adopted “AASHTO Guide Specifications for LRFD Seismic Bridge Design” approved by the Highway Subcommittee on Bridges and Structures in 2007. The main objective of research presented in this report has been to resolve the following issues for an effective implementation of American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Guide Specifications: (i) AASHTO Guide Specifications don’t provide any specific guidelines for classification and performance requirements for critical bridges. This issue is resolved by proposing performance requirements and classification criteria for critical bridges in New Jersey. (ii) Guide Specifications present displacement based approach, which is significantly different than the force-based approach in previous versions of seismic guidelines. Nine examples of reinforced concrete and steel bridges of different characteristics (spans, skew, etc.) illustrating the use of newly adopted seismic guide specifications have been developed for training of engineers in New Jersey. (iii) NJDOT maintains an extensive electronic database of soil boring logs for the State of New Jersey. A zip-code based soil site map for New Jersey has been developed by analyzing soil boring data and other available New Jersey soil information. This map can be used for a rapid seismic hazard evaluation for the entire state or for a network of bridges in the state. (iv) AASHTO Guide Specifications introduce seismic design categories based on local seismicity and soil properties. Using the seismic soil map and zip code based seismic spectra provided in the AAHSTO Guide Specifications, seismic design category maps for critical and standard bridges in New Jersey have been developed. A detailed analysis has also been carried out to develop liquefaction potential maps for the state of New Jersey. These maps can be used to determine the need for a detailed liquefaction analysis for a particular bridge site. A detailed guideline on developing site-specific spectra has also been developed, since AASHTO Guide Specifications recommend site-specific spectra for critical bridges. (v) Existing bridges in New Jersey are required to be retrofitted on the basis of the 2006 Edition of the “Seismic Retrofitting Manual for Highway Structures: Part 1 – Bridges”. Simplified guidelines for seismic retrofit of existing bridges, that are consistent with guidelines for the design of new bridges in AASHTO Guide Specifications, have been developed. KW - AASHTO Guide Specifications for LRFD Seismic Bridge Design KW - Bridge design KW - Bridges KW - Earthquake resistant design KW - New Jersey KW - Performance measurement UR - http://www.nj.gov/transportation/refdata/research/reports/FHWA-NJ-2010-006.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/46000/46200/46249/FHWA-NJ-2010-006_Seismic_design_considerations.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1143244 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01376067 AU - Barendse, Matthew AU - Machan, George AU - New York State Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Field Evaluations of “ShapeAccelArray” In-place MEMS Inclinometer Strings for Subsurface Deformation Monitoring PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 14p AB - Continuous monitoring of subsurface ground movements is accomplished with in-place instruments utilizing automated data acquisition methods. These typically include Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) or assemblies of several servo-accelerometer-based, electrolytic level transducer-based, or Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) -accelerometer-based inclinometer probes that are usually aligned within special grooved casing. In-place inclinometers can determine the magnitude and direction of ground deformation, whereas TDR is primarily used to identify depths of active shearing only. Because the number of sensors in an in-place inclinometer chain may be somewhat limited due to cost or technological constraints, installation of in-place inclinometers on landslides has typically been preceded by the use of TDR or traversing probe inclinometers to target zones of interest. The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) participated in prototype installations to evaluate long MEMS-inclinometer strings that do not utilize grooved casing or guide wheels. The new, guideless device and installation method is being used to achieve detailed deformation profiling to detect multiple zones of ground deformation. This approach can survive very large ground deformations and continue to collect measurements, and is able to be retrieved from severely distorted casing and redeployed. KW - Deformation KW - Inclinometers KW - Instruments for measuring deformation or deflection KW - Landslides KW - MicroElectroMechanical System (MEMS) device KW - Subsurface motion KW - Time domain reflectometers UR - https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/engineering/technical-services/trans-r-and-d-repository/C-06-02%20final%20report.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44700/44738/C-06-02_final_report.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1142393 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01375508 AU - Haas, Peter J AU - Hernandez, Paul D AU - Estrada, Katherine AU - San Jose State University AU - California Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Estimating Workforce Development Needs for High-Speed Rail in California PY - 2012/03 AB - This study provides an assessment of the job creation and related education and training needs associated with the California High-Speed Rail (CHSR) network. A needs assessment is achieved by analyzing current high-speed rail specific challenges pertaining to 220mph trains; using a more accurate and robust “bottom-up” approach to estimate the labor, education, skills, and knowledge needed to complete the CHSR network; and assessing the current capacity of railroad-specific training and education in the state of California and the nation. Results indicates that although the education attained by the design engineers of the system signifies the most advanced levels of education in the workforce, this group is comparatively small over the life of the project. There are vast training needs for the construction workforce and higher education needs for a managerial construction workforce while an extremely limited capacity exists for such training and education. KW - California KW - Education and training personnel KW - Employment KW - High speed rail KW - Labor force KW - Training UR - http://transweb.sjsu.edu/PDFs/research/1027-california-high-speed-rail-workforce-needs.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1139718 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01375505 AU - Holian, Matthew J AU - Kahn, Matthew E AU - San Jose State University AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - The Impact of Center City Economic and Cultural Vibrancy on Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Transportation PY - 2012/03 SP - 90p AB - Urban planners and scholars have focused a great deal of attention on understanding the relationship between the built environment and transportation behavior. However, other aspects of the urban environment – including the vibrancy and quality of life in urban areas – have received little attention. This report seeks to close this gap by analyzing the effects of both land use and urban vibrancy on transportation patterns. Analysis of data from a variety of sources suggests that in addition to the built environment, the vibrancy of the urban environment also affects transportation behavior. Moreover, vibrancy affects land use patterns. By integrating objective measures of center-city quality of life into transportation choice models, this new statistical results inform public policy. Specific public policy options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing public transit use are discussed. KW - Central business districts KW - Driving KW - Environmental policy KW - Greenhouse gases KW - Land use KW - Public transit KW - Socioeconomic factors KW - Statistical analysis KW - Travel behavior KW - Urban sprawl KW - Walking UR - http://www.transweb.sjsu.edu/PDFs/research/1002-Center-City-Economic-Cultural-Vibrancy-Greenhouse-Gas-Emissions-Transportation.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1139669 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01375503 AU - Rodier, Caroline AU - Spiller, Margot AU - San Jose State University AU - California Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Model-Based Transportation Performance: A Comparative Framework and Literature Synthesis PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 122p AB - In an era of limited resources and a proliferation of data, there is increasing pressure to conduct careful evaluations of the economic, environmental, and equity effects of investments and policies that influence transportation and land use systems. This report compares performance measures and reviews the literature to determine the degree to which these measures have been implemented and what they indicate about the relative effectiveness of land use, transit, and automobile pricing policies. Despite the variation in methods and performance measures implemented, the synthesis of study results suggests the direction and relative magnitude of change resulting from different types of policies, as well as potential biases introduced by omitting the representation of the land use and transportation interaction. Overall, the performance measures indicate that carefully designed transit, land use, and automobile pricing policies may improve travel, economic, environmental, and equity conditions for communities. However, transit and peak-period automobile pricing policies can, in some situations, lead to negative performance outcomes across some or all measures, as illustrated in studies that explicitly represent the land use and transportation interaction. KW - Automobiles KW - California KW - Land use models KW - Literature reviews KW - Metrics (Quantitative assessment) KW - Performance measurement KW - Pricing KW - Transportation policy KW - Travel demand UR - http://www.transweb.sjsu.edu/PDFs/research/2805-Model-based-transportation-performance.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1139606 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01375500 AU - Loukaitou-Sideris, Anastasia AU - Cuff, Dana AU - HIggins, Harrison AU - Wei, Wenbin AU - San Jose State University AU - California Department of Transportation AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Planning for Complementarity: An Examination of the Role and Opportunities of First-Tier and Second-Tier Cities Along the High-Speed Rail Network in California PY - 2012/03 SP - 223p AB - The coming of California High-Speed Rail (HSR) offers opportunities for positive urban transformations in both first-tier and second-tier cities. The research in this report explores the different but complementary roles that first-tier and second-tier cities along the HSR network can play in making California more sustainable and less dependent on fossil fuels while reducing mobile sources of greenhouse gas emissions and congestion at airports and on the state’s roadways. Drawing from case studies of cities in Northern and Southern California, the study develops recommendations for the planning, design, and programming of areas around California stations for the formation of transit-supportive density nodes. KW - California KW - Case studies KW - Design KW - High speed rail KW - Large cities KW - Railroad stations KW - Small cities UR - http://transweb.sjsu.edu/PDFs/research/1030-complementarity-cities-high-speed-rail-california.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1139717 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01375244 AU - Lomax, Tim AU - Turner, Shawn AU - Eisele, Bill AU - Schrank, David AU - Geng, Lauren AU - Shollar, Brian AU - University Transportation Center for Mobility AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Refining the Real-Timed Urban Mobility Report PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 204p AB - The Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) is considered a national leader in providing congestion and mobility information. The Urban Mobility Report (UMR) is the most widely quoted report on urban congestion and the associated costs in the nation. The report measures system delay, wasted fuel, and the annual cost of congestion in all U.S. urban areas. In 2011, researchers also produced the Congested Corridors Report (CCR) which focused on traffic congestion along 328 corridors across the U.S. The CCR is the first report to include travel reliability statistics on a nationwide basis. In recent years, the UMR/CCR researchers partnered with a private-sector historical speed provider—INRIX—to obtain nationwide speed data to generate the best possible estimate of mobility conditions across the nation. The data that are available from this partnership continue to allow the UMR/CCR methodology to evolve. While much more is understood about freeway operations and mobility, the INRIX data are allowing researchers to take a closer look at arterial street operations and mobility. This report describes a methodological improvement in the UMR arterial street congestion calculations, including a change in the definition of “free-flow speed,” which is used for delay calculations on arterial streets. This research improves the estimates of congestion and its costs, and maintains TTI’s position as the most authoritative source of mobility and congestion information. KW - Arterial highways KW - Costs KW - Highway corridors KW - Mobility KW - Statistics KW - Traffic congestion KW - Traffic data KW - Traffic delays KW - United States KW - Urban areas UR - http://utcm.tamu.edu/publications/final_reports/Lomax_11-06-73.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1142361 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01374556 AU - Helmicki, Arthur J AU - Hunt, Victor J AU - Nims, Douglas K AU - University of Cincinnati AU - Ohio Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Instrumentation of the Maumee River Crossing PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 150p AB - This project has focused on the instrumentation, monitoring and testing of the main span unit of the Veterans' Glass City Skyway (VGCS), one of Ohio’s first long-span, cable-stayed bridges and one of only a few dozen such bridges in service in the nation. This effort looked at five main areas: (1) health monitoring; assessment of the changes in force distribution and bridge condition during erection and early service, (2) verification of design assumptions during erection, (3) investigation of the unique design features which have been incorporated into the VGCS, (4) investigation into the unique erection features and sequencing which were used during its construction, and (5) investigation of stay cable vibration which is a general, unresolved issue for bridges of this type. The purpose of this and associated documents is to outline the completed scientific study, which happened to consist primarily of two phases. The first phase (Nims, 2002), contracted at the District level, included the initial structural analysis, modeling, instrumentation package design for the monitor, and casting into the segments of the embedded sensors. The goal of this first phase was to capture the critical instrumentation issues associated with this construction project and to develop a detailed instrumentation and testing in close consultation with Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) officials, bridge designers, and construction contractors. The second phase (Helmicki, 2003), contracted through Central Office, included permanent instrumentation operated through a computer controlled, digital data acquisition system located on-site and accessible tele-remotely via direct fiber optic internet connection, field calibration of a main span finite element model using truckload and modal field tests; verification of various design assumptions and erection load conditions; creation of a database of measurements for use as a supplement to the designer’s maintenance manual to provide guidance for conducting future maintenance, and determination of vibration performance of stay cable damping system under wind and rain-induced excitation. The goal of the second phase was to finish the monitor installation begun in the first phase, establish a baseline concept of structural behavior and performance by utilizing a combination of field tests and ambient monitoring, capturing the overall structural concept by calibration of the finite element models, and finally benchmarking the condition of the structure by comparison of the above with its design values. KW - Bridge design KW - Cable stayed bridges KW - Field tests KW - Instrumentation KW - Long span bridges KW - Maintenance management KW - Maumee River Crossing Bridge KW - Ohio KW - Structural health monitoring KW - Vibration UR - http://worldcat.org/oclc/798649713/viewonline UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1142271 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01374404 AU - Hanson, Todd D AU - Iowa Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Evaluation of the RapidAir 457 Air Void Analyzer PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 60p AB - An adequate air void system is imperative to produce concrete with freeze-thaw durability in a wet freeze environment such as found in Iowa. Specifications rely on a percentage of air obtained in the plastic state by the pressure meter. Actual, in place air contents, of some concrete pavements in Iowa, have been found with reduced air content due to a number of factors such as excessive vibration and inadequate mixing. Determining hardened air void parameters is a time consuming process involving potential for human error. The RapidAir 457 air void analyzer is an automated device used to determine hardened air void parameters. The device is used in Europe and has been shown to quickly produce accurate and repeatable hardened air results. This research investigates how well the RapidAir 457 results correlate to plastic air content and the image analysis air technique. The repeatability and operator variation were also investigated, as well as, the impact of aggregate porosity and selection of threshold value on hardened air results. KW - Air voids KW - Concrete KW - Concrete tests KW - Freeze thaw durability KW - Hardened air KW - Iowa KW - Testing equipment UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1141952 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01374317 AU - Wu, Zhong AU - Zhang, Zhongjie AU - King, William M AU - Louisiana Transportation Research Center AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Accelerated Loading Evaluation of Stabilized BCS Layers in Pavement Performance PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 101p AB - BCS is short for blended calcium sulfate, a recycled fluorogypsum mixture that has been used in Louisiana as a roadway base for more than a decade. Without further chemical stabilization, the major concern of using raw BCS as a pavement structural layer is its moisture susceptibility. In order to verify the efficiency of laboratory-derived BCS stabilization schemes and further assess related field performance and potential cost benefits, an accelerated pavement testing (APT) experiment was recently conducted at Louisiana Transportation Research Center (LTRC) using the Accelerated Loading Facility (ALF). The APT experiment included three different base test sections: the first one contained a granulated ground blast furnace slag stabilized BCS base course (called BCS/Slag), the second used a fly ash stabilized BCS base course (called BCS/Flyash), and the third had a crushed limestone base. Except for using different base materials, the three APT sections shared a common pavement structure: a 2-in. asphalt wearing course, an 8.5-in. base course, and a 12-in. lime-treated working table layer over an A-6 soil subgrade. Each section was instrumented with one multi-depth deflectometer and two pressure cells for measuring ALF moving load induced pavement responses (i.e., deflections and vertical stresses). The instrumentation data were collected at approximately every 8,500 ALF load repetitions; whereas, non-destructive deflection tests and surface distress surveys (for surface rutting and cracking) were performed at every 25,000 ALF load passes. The accelerated loading results generally indicated that the test section with a BCS/Slag base course outperformed the other two APT sections (i.e., the BCS/Flyash and the crushed stone sections) by a large margin. This was evidenced by all measurements in surface deflection, vertical compressive stress, rutting resistance, and pavement life. Post-mortem trench results revealed that the BCS/Slag base performed just like a lean concrete layer inside the pavement without any moisture-induced damage issues. The backcalculated layer moduli of the BCS/Slag base ranged from 1,190 ksi to 2,730 ksi, much higher than that of an asphalt concrete layer. In addition, the BCS/Flyash test section performed significantly better than the crushed stone test section in terms of the load carrying capacity, rutting resistance, and pavement life. However, post-mortem trench results showed a shear failure initialized inside the BCS/Flyash base layer on a failed station of the corresponding test section. Whether or not such a shear failure is indicative of a long-term moisture susceptibility problem for the BCS/Flyash base layer, especially under a constantly wet environment, remains a concern due to the relatively short loading period associated with any APT experiment. Based on APT results, it was estimated that structural layer coefficients for the BCS/Slag and BCS/Flyash base courses used in this APT study would be 0.34 and 0.29, respectively. A cost-benefit analysis showed that the implementation of a slag stabilized BCS base in lieu of a crushed stone base will lead to a thinner asphalt pavement design, which can result in an initial construction cost reduction up to 16 percent without compromising future pavement performance. On the other hand, a 30-year life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) based on a typical Louisiana low volume road pavement structure indicated that using an 8.5-in. slag stabilized or 8.5-in. fly ash stabilized BCS base course, in lieu of a 8.5-in. crushed stone base, will potentially result in an LCCA cost savings up to 62 percent and 56 percent per lane mile, respectively. Overall, it is concluded that both the slag and fly ash stabilized BCS materials evaluated in the study should be a good base material candidate for a flexible pavement design in Louisiana. However, caution should be made when using a fly ash stabilized BCS base under a constantly wet environment. KW - Accelerated loading facilities KW - Base course (Pavements) KW - Blends KW - Calcium sulfates KW - Flexible pavements KW - Fly ash KW - Granulated slag KW - Louisiana KW - Pavement distress KW - Pavement performance KW - Stabilized materials UR - http://www.ltrc.lsu.edu/pdf/2012/fr_474.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1141796 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01373488 AU - Goyal, Raka AU - Dhonde, Hemant B AU - Dawood, Mina AU - University of Houston AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Fatigue Failure and Cracking in High Mast Poles PY - 2012/03//Technical Report SP - 272p AB - This report presents the findings of a comprehensive research project to investigate the fatigue cracking and failure of galvanized high mast illumination poles (HMIP). Ultrasonic inspection of poles throughout the state has revealed the presence of weld toe cracks at the shaft-to-base-plate connections of some galvanized poles that the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) owns. However, the effect of these galvanization-induced cracks on the fatigue life of the poles has not been clearly defined. The first phase of this research involved extensive review of published and unpublished data, to identify key factors that contribute to galvanization-induced cracking. Best fabrication practices to minimize such cracking are recommended. In the second phase, a comprehensive reliability analysis of several TxDOT pole configurations was conducted for different regions in Texas to predict the fatigue lives of the cracked poles. Critical pole configurations and locations are identified to facilitate cost-effective decisions related to inspection, repair, and replacement of poles. KW - Failure KW - Fatigue cracking KW - Galvanizing KW - High mast lighting KW - Inspection KW - Lighting columns KW - Poles (Supports) KW - Texas KW - Ultrasonic waves KW - Weldments UR - http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6650-1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1141468 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01373030 AU - Carlson, Paul J AU - Pike, Adam M AU - Miles, Jeff D AU - Ullman, Brooke R AU - Borchardt, Darrell W AU - Texas Transportation Institute AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Evaluation of Traffic Control Devices, Year 3 PY - 2012/03//Technical Report SP - 126p AB - This project was established to provide a means of conducting small-scale research activities on an as-needed basis so that the results could be available within months of starting the specific research. This report summarizes the research activities that were conducted between September 2010 and August 2011. There were five primary activities and five secondary activities. The five primary activities were evaluating nighttime visibility along rural highways with bright signs, continuing the evaluation of lead-free thermoplastic pavement markings, evaluating contrast pavement marking layouts, continuing the evaluation of accelerated pavement marking test decks, and providing district support for hurricane evacuation routing. In addition, the researchers also started to evaluated criteria for setting 80 mph and 85 mph speed limits, evaluated bridge clearance signing, narrowed the focus of a rotational sign sheeting study, provided technical support for the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), and provided technical support for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) sign sheeting specification. KW - Evacuation KW - Hurricanes KW - Night visibility KW - Reflectorized road markings KW - Retroreflectivity KW - Road markings KW - Sign sheeting KW - Thermoplastic materials KW - Traffic control devices KW - Traffic signs UR - http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/9-1001-2.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44500/44500/9-1001-2.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1139892 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01372885 AU - Jung, Youn su AU - Zollinger, Dan G AU - Cho, Byoung Hooi AU - Won, Moon AU - Wimsatt, Andrew J AU - Texas Transportation Institute AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Subbase and Subgrade Performance Investigation and Design Guidelines for Concrete Pavement PY - 2012/03//Technical Report SP - 170p AB - The main issue associated with this research is if cheaper alternatives can be configured for subbase construction. Subbase layers have certain functions that need to be fulfilled in order to assure adequate pavement performance. One key aspect is resistance to erosion, and assessment of each of these functions relative to different alternatives is key to understanding the capability of different alternatives to perform adequately. In this respect, this project was poised to examine the design assumptions associated with each alternative and provide design recommendations accordingly to include test methods and material specifications. This report describes some of the work accomplished by summarizing data on subbase performance and testing relative to concrete pavement subbase and subgrade erosion but mainly addresses guidelines for concrete pavement subbase design. Findings from field investigations are discussed to identify factors associated with erosion. An approach to mechanistically consider the erosion process was introduced and review of current design procedures was conducted to reveal how they address erosion. This review was extended to include erosion models described in the literature as a means to shed light on the relationship between measurable material properties and performance. Additionally, past and current design procedures relative to erosion were reviewed in terms of test methods, erosion models, and their utility to characterize subbase materials with respect to erosion resistance. With this information, a new test configuration was devised that uses a rapid tri-axial test and a Hamburg wheel-tracking device for evaluating erodibility with respect to the subbase type and degree of stabilization (cement content). Test devices, procedures, and results are explained and summarized for application in mechanistic design processes. A proposed erosion model was validated by comparing erosion predictions to erosion results. Several computer program analyses were conducted to assess the design and performance implications of different subbases alternatives. Guidelines are provided to promote economical and sustainable design of concrete pavement subbases. KW - Concrete pavements KW - Design KW - Erosion KW - Field tests KW - Pavement performance KW - Subbase (Pavements) KW - Subgrade (Pavements) UR - http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6037-2.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44500/44581/0-6037-2.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1140752 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01372876 AU - Volpe National Transportation Systems Center AU - Federal Aviation Administration TI - Medium Intensity Approach Lighting System with Runway Alignment Indicator Lights PY - 2012/03 SP - 116p AB - The San Diego International Airport (FAA three-letter identifier code “SAN”) is located in the northwest portion of the downtown area of San Diego, California. The airport is bounded by North Harbor Drive and San Diego Bay to the south, the Navy water channel and Liberty Station to the west, the Marine Corps Recruit Depot to the north, and Pacific Highway and Interstate 5 to the east. The airport is operated by the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (SDCRAA). At 661 acres, SAN is one of the smallest major airport sites in the U.S. The airport has a single 9,401-foot-long, 200-foot-wide runway running east-west, and is the busiest single runway commercial airport in the nation. A visual guidance lighting system is an important safety feature at many airports. The term “visual guidance lighting system” is used to identify, as a type of facility, those configurations of lights located on and in the vicinity of an airfield providing pilots with a visual reference for guidance purposes while operating an aircraft during an approach for landing. These facilities are vital visual aids to the pilot and may be used with or without electronic landing aids, such as an Instrument Landing System (ILS). An approach lighting system (ALS) is a configuration of signal lights disposed symmetrically about the extended runway centerline, starting at the landing threshold and extending outward into the approach zone. This system provides pilots with visual information regarding runway alignment, height perception, roll guidance and horizon references. The ALS at SAN is a Medium Intensity Approach Lighting System with Runway Alignment Indicator Lights (MALSR). This report describes the lighting system at SAN. KW - Airport runways KW - Alignment KW - Landing aids KW - Lighting systems KW - San Diego International Airport KW - Visual aids UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44600/44608/Medium_Intensity_Approach_Lighting.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1140728 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01372858 AU - Coccia, Stefano AU - Phillips, Robert AU - Bartoli, Ivan AU - Salamone, Salvatore AU - Rizzo, Piervincenzo AU - Lanza di Scalea, Francesco AU - University of California, San Diego AU - Federal Railroad Administration TI - On-Line High-Speed Rail Defect Detection, Part II PY - 2012/03//Technical Report SP - 140p AB - The objectives of this project were (1) to improve the defect detection reliability and (2) to improve the inspection speed of conventional rail defect detection methods. The prototype developed in this work uses noncontact transducers, ultrasonic guided waves, and real-time statistical pattern recognition to improve system reliability. The prototype was field tested seven times with the support of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) R-4 hy-railer vehicle. The latest tests at Herzog, Incorporated, in June 2010 showed excellent results. Two blind tests resulted in a defect detection reliability exceeding industry average and American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association recommendations. These tests also proved the potential for distinguishing good welds from defective welds, an excellent detestability of the vertical split head defect, and the potential for characterizing different rail surface conditions for grinding management purposes. Within this project, a 250-foot-long rail defect farm was also constructed at the University of California–San Diego, with in-kind donations from BNSF Railway, for the development of this and other rail inspection technologies of interest to FRA and to the railroad industry. KW - Defects KW - Detection and identification technologies KW - High speed rail KW - Maintenance of way KW - Transverse cracking KW - Ultrasonic detectors KW - Ultrasonic waves KW - Welds UR - http://www.fra.dot.gov/Elib/Document/88 UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44600/44611/TR_On-line_HSR_Defect_detection_Part2_final.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1140741 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01372857 AU - Oregon State University, Corvallis AU - Oregon Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Strength and Durability of Near-Surface Mounted CFRP Bars for Shear Strengthening Reinforced Concrete Bridge Girders. Appendices PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 103p AB - This document contains the Appendices A through D for the report Strength and Durability of Near-Surface Mounted CFRP Bars for Shear Strengthening Reinforced Concrete Bridge Girders published in a separate 123-page document. KW - Durability KW - Fiber reinforced polymers KW - Near surface mounted reinforcement KW - Reinforced concrete bridges KW - Retrofitting KW - Shear strength KW - Strengthening (Maintenance) UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44400/44467/SPR712_Appendices.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1140750 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01372756 AU - Huijser, Marcel P AU - Haas, Chris AU - Crooks, Kevin R AU - Western Transportation Institute AU - SWCA Environmental Consultants AU - Colorado State University, Fort Collins AU - Colorado Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - The Reliability and Effectiveness of an Electromagnetic Animal Detection and Driver Warning System PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 70p AB - This report contains data on the reliability and effectiveness of an animal detection system project along US Hwy 160 between Durango and Bayfield, Colorado. The system that was first installed was a Perimitrax® system from Senstar Corporation. In the fall of 2010 this system was replaced by an OmniTrax® system, manufactured by the same company, Senstar Corporation. The Perimitrax® system was also installed at a controlled access facility near Lewistown, Montana. Here more detailed investigations were conducted into the reliability of the system using horses, llamas and sheep as a model for wild ungulates. When it was implemented, if was found that the number of reported large mammal carcasses and crashes with wild animals was highly variable and the number of years that data were available for after system installation in the fall of 2008 was low. Therefore it is difficult to draw conclusions about the potential effectiveness of the system on the number and severity of wildlife-vehicle collisions at this time. KW - Animal vehicle collisions KW - Animals KW - Detection and identification technologies KW - Electromagnetic devices KW - Prevention KW - Warning systems KW - Wildlife crossings UR - http://www.coloradodot.info/programs/research/pdfs/2012/avc/at_download/file UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1141144 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01372632 AU - Douma, Frank AU - Tilahun, Nebiyou AU - University of Minnesota, Twin Cities AU - Minnesota Department of Public Safety AU - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration TI - Impacts of Minnesota’s Primary Seat Belt Law PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 22p AB - In the spring of 2009, the Minnesota Legislature changed the state’s seat belt law, making not wearing a seat belt a “primary” offense, where officers can ticket drivers for not wearing a seat belt even if no other traffic law is broken. Using data from the Minnesota Crash Records Database provided by the Department of Public Safety, the study utilized two methods of analysis, first comparing actual crash data from July 2009 – June 2011 to expected data based upon trends from July 2004 - June 2009, and second, comparing the expected post law change injury types estimated from the July 2006 – June 2009 crash data to the actual post primary crash data from July 2009 through June 2011. Results of seat belt use and public opinion surveys were also reviewed. This study estimates that there have been 68 - 92 fewer fatalities from motor vehicle crashes, and 320 - 550 fewer serious injuries since the primary seat belt law went into effect. This improved safety record translates into at least $45 million in avoided hospital charges, including a direct savings of nearly $10 million or more tax dollars that would have paid for expenses charged to government insurers. The primary seat belt law has enjoyed the support of over 70% of all Minnesotans and observed use of seat belts statewide has risen from 86.7% in 2008 to an all time high of 92.7% in 2011. KW - Cost effectiveness KW - Crash injuries KW - Fatalities KW - Minnesota KW - Policy analysis KW - Primary seat belt laws KW - Seat belts KW - State laws UR - https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/seat-belts-air-bags/Documents/dps-eval-primary-seat-belt-law.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1141114 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01372408 AU - Hanowski, Richard J AU - Bergoffen, Gene AU - Hickman, Jeffrey S AU - Guo, Feng AU - Murray, Dan AU - Bishop, Richard AU - Johnson, Steve AU - Camden, Matthew AU - MaineWay Services AU - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration TI - Research on the Safety Impacts of Speed Limiter Device Installations on Commercial Motor Vehicles: Phase II Draft Final Report PY - 2012/03//Draft Final Report SP - 94p AB - The purpose of this project was to identify the impacts of implementing speed limiters (SLs) in commercial vehicle fleet operations. These impacts may be related to safety through a reduction in the number and/or severity of crashes, and/or address operational issues. This report is the second report of a two-phase approach. Phase I centered on a detailed literature review that updated and expanded on the Transportation Research Board report, "Safety Impacts of Speed Limiter Device Installations on Commercial Trucks and Buses" (CTBSSP Synthesis of Safety Practice Report No. 16). The current study involved a series of additional tasks focused on a detailed research design and analysis, a peer review process, evaluation of speed limiter implementation, best practices applications, and identification of carrier, insurer, and enforcement official perspectives related to SL implementation. The primary safety analysis was a focus on the reduction in truck crashes that could have been avoided and/or mitigated with an active SL installed. This was the first study to use actual truck crash data collected directly from truck fleets, representing a wide array of crashes. More specifically, the study included data from 20 truck fleets, approximately 138,000 trucks, and analyzed more than 15,000 crashes. The findings showed strong positive benefits for SLs. First, in terms of safety benefits, results indicated that trucks equipped with SLs had a significantly lower SL-relevant crash rate (approximately 50 percent) compared to trucks without SLs. Second, the cost of the technology is negligible and would not be expected to be cost-prohibitive for fleets/owners. The current study went further than any other research previously conducted in this domain and provides important data on the efficacy of SLs in reducing SL-relevant crashes. KW - Commercial vehicle operations KW - Commercial vehicles KW - Countermeasures KW - Crash data KW - Crash rates KW - Implementation KW - Motor carriers KW - Safety equipment KW - Speed control KW - Speed limiters KW - Truck crashes KW - Trucks UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/51000/51300/51361/Speed-Limiters.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1141125 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01372406 AU - Foss, Robert D AU - Masten, Scott V AU - Goodwin, Arthur H AU - O'Brien, Natalie P AU - University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill AU - TransAnalytics, LLC AU - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration TI - The Role of Supervised Driving Requirements in a Graduated Driver Licensing Programs PY - 2012/03//NHTSA Technical Report SP - 92p AB - Many States require parents to certify that their teens have completed a certain amount of supervised driving practice, usually 40 to 50 hours, before they are permitted to obtain an intermediate license. Although strongly supported by numerous groups and organizations, the effectiveness of supervised practice requirements is unknown. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted a cross-sectional comparison of fatal crash rates throughout the United States, and examined State crash data using interrupted time-series analysis in a small number of States that had increased their required number of supervised driving hours. To supplement and provide insight into these findings, the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center conducted telephone interviews, funded by State Farm Insurance, with parents of newly licensed teenage drivers in 5 States (Maryland, Minnesota, Ohio, South Carolina, and Washington) with varying supervised driving requirements. Employees of licensing bureaus in these States were also contacted by telephone to determine how they conveyed the requirements to parents and teenagers. Analyses of the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) showed that fatal crash rates of 16- and 17-year-olds did not differ across States with varying supervised driving requirements. Crash analyses in Minnesota, the only State to change the number of required practice hours without changing other Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) components, did not find any difference in 16- and 17-year-old-driver fatal or serious injury crash rates following the change in the requirement. Interviews with parents and licensing officials showed that awareness of the supervised driving requirements was weak in all 5 States. Only 32% of parents overall (range 15% to 55%) could correctly identify the number of hours required by their State. Almost all parents in Maryland (91%) reported using a log provided by the licensing agency to keep track of their teens’ driving and about half of Maryland parents correctly reported the number of required supervised hours. With low parental awareness and little or no licensing agency verification, it is difficult to determine whether teenagers drove the minimum number of supervised hours required by their States. These findings suggest that improvements in communications with parents and novice drivers about supervised driving requirements, guidance to parents about the best techniques to provide supervision, and tracking actual hours and conditions of supervised driving would be beneficial. KW - Crash rates KW - Fatalities KW - Fatality Analysis Reporting System KW - Graduated licensing KW - Maryland KW - Minnesota KW - Ohio KW - Parents KW - South Carolina KW - States KW - Supervision KW - Teenage drivers KW - Washington (State) UR - http://www.nhtsa.gov/staticfiles/nti/pdf/811550.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45700/45715/811550.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1141122 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01372405 AU - Lococo, Kathy H AU - Staplin, Loren AU - Martell, Carol A AU - Sifrit, Kathy J AU - TransAnalytics, LLC AU - University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill AU - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration TI - Pedal Application Errors PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 132p AB - This project examined the prevalence of pedal application errors and the driver, vehicle, roadway and/or environmental characteristics associated with pedal misapplication crashes based on a literature review, analysis of news media reports, a panel of driver rehabilitation specialists, analysis of multiple crash databases, and case studies. An analysis of crashes attributed to pedal-related vehicle equipment malfunction, rather than to a driver error, was also carried out based on a media scan. Available sources provide an estimate of 15 pedal misapplication crashes per month in the United States, but there are limits to the reporting and archiving of these events that could result in underestimation. Analyses of media reports and a State crash database indicated that the drivers in almost two-thirds of such crashes were females. When crash involvement is plotted against driver age a U-shaped function shows significant over-involvement by the youngest (age 16 to 20) and oldest (76 and older) drivers. Driver inattention and distraction were common contributing factors across age groups. Analysis of news reports examined which vehicle types, makes, and models most often experienced stuck accelerators and other equipment malfunctions in crashes between 2000 and 2010. Passenger cars were by far the most prevalent, and the makes that were most strongly over-represented in relation to their proportion of the U.S. fleet were all domestic. Besides identifying future research needs, recommendations were to educate physicians about medical conditions associated with pedal misapplications; refer drivers with lower limb sensory loss to driver rehabilitation specialists for evaluation for hand controls; inform the public about how to counteract an unintended acceleration; and provide law enforcement with a practical means of recording information about drivers in pedal misapplication crashes. KW - Aged drivers KW - Attention lapses KW - Brake pedals KW - Braking KW - Case studies KW - Diseases and medical conditions KW - Distraction KW - Driver rehabilitation KW - Gender KW - Human error KW - Teenage drivers KW - Unintended vehicle acceleration KW - Vehicle classification UR - http://www.nhtsa.gov/staticfiles/nti/pdf/811597.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/45000/45700/45716/811597.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1141123 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01372321 AU - Harrison, Robert AU - Johnson, Donovan AU - Loftus-Otway, Lisa AU - Hutson, Nathan AU - Seedah, Dan AU - Zhang, Ming AU - Lewis, Carol AU - University of Texas, Austin AU - Texas Southern University, Houston AU - Texas Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Megaregion Freight Planning: A Synopsis PY - 2012/03//Technical Report SP - 137p AB - Megaregion interest has grown strongly in the last decade and is now seen by a growing number of planners as offering effective contributions to problems such as modal congestion, development disparity, and air pollution that individual metropolitan areas or cities cannot resolve individually. Megaregion planning presents an alternative way of mitigating metropolitan problems of large-scale transportation systems, green infrastructure, and economic development and has attracted a number of transportation advocates since 2000. Central questions addressed in this report include how this approach might change freight planning in Texas, what benefits and costs are associated with its adoption, and what characteristics might be of specific interest to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The work was structured to give the Department a comprehensive literature review, take directions of interest from the Project Monitoring Committee, undertake preliminary analysis, and present these to a workshop audience comprising TxDOT planners, Metropolitan Planning Organization staff, transportation providers, public transit agencies, and federal officials. A major recommendation is a program of future work that complements TxDOT freight planning, especially at the state transportation planning level. KW - Freight transportation KW - Megaregions KW - Planning KW - Texas UR - http://www.utexas.edu/research/ctr/pdf_reports/0_6627_1.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1141006 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01372284 AU - Austin, Rory A AU - National Center for Statistics and Analysis TI - Lower Extremity Injuries and Intrusion in Frontal Crashes PY - 2012/03//Technical Report SP - 23p AB - Previous studies have shown that lower extremity injuries account for a significant portion of the injuries sustained by passenger vehicle drivers in frontal crashes, and this pattern continues to hold for newer model year vehicles. This paper explores the potential causal factors associated with the risk of moderate or more severe lower extremity injuries in frontal crashes with a particular emphasis on the role of intrusion. A categorical analysis of the relationship between floor and toe pan intrusion showed that higher levels of intrusion were related to a larger percentage of lower leg injuries. A categorical analysis of the relationship between instrument panel and knee bolster intrusion and upper leg injuries was less clear but still demonstrated that vehicles with any intrusion had a higher percentage of upper leg injuries than vehicles with no intrusion. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the independent effect of intrusion on the probability of lower extremity injuries while controlling for crash severity (change in velocity), age, gender, body mass index, vehicle age and vehicle body type. The results indicated that for all frontal crashes the odds of experiencing a lower leg injury when floor or toe pan intrusion occurred were twice the odds of experiencing a similar injury without intrusion. In full frontal crashes and in left offset and small overlap impact crashes, the lower leg injury odds ratios for intrusion versus no intrusion increased to seven. For all frontal crashes the odds of experiencing an upper leg injury when instrument panel or knee bolster intrusion occurred were four times the odds of experiencing a similar injury without intrusion. The upper leg injury odds ratios for intrusion versus no intrusion increased to eight in full frontal crashes and to 17 in left offset and small overlap impact crashes. KW - Crash injuries KW - Frontal crashes KW - Leg KW - Logistic regression analysis KW - Lower extremities KW - Vehicle intrusion UR - http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811578.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1140047 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01372283 AU - Park, Myoungkuk AU - Oberlin, Paul AU - Rathinam, Sivakumar AU - Quadrifoglio, Luca AU - Darbha, Swaroop AU - University Transportation Center for Mobility AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Algorithms for Routing Vehicles and Their Application to the Paratransit Vehicle Scheduling Problem PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 46p AB - As the demand for paratransit services increases, there is a constant pressure to maintain the quality of service provided to the customers while minimizing the cost of operation; this is especially important as the availability of public funding for paratransit services has been on the decline. Key tasks in accomplishing this objective are efficiently allocating vehicles to service trips and adjusting the schedules of vehicles dynamically in response to calls received by the service providers from the customers on the day of the service. For many paratransit services, capacity of vehicles is not a binding constraint. This is especially so in rural applications. For this reason, the authors will focus on dealing with routing vehicles that are not subject to any passenger capacity constraints. In this report, the authors consider two important relaxations of this problem, which may be considered as problems of independent interest and significance. The first problem deals with relaxing all the constraints associated with the order in which the vehicles must visit pickup and delivery locations of the passengers as well as the time window constraints. The second relaxation additionally imposes ordering requirements. Both problems are combinatorially hard problems, and the authors provide formulations and algorithms for finding sub-optimal solutions along with an estimate of their quality. In the last section of this report, they consider the time window constraints for pickup and delivery of customers and provide a heuristic to find feasible solutions. They corroborate the results numerically with small, randomly generated instances of the paratransit scheduling problem. KW - Algorithms KW - Heuristic methods KW - Paratransit services KW - Routing KW - Scheduling UR - http://utcm.tamu.edu/publications/final_reports/Darbha_09-15-13.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1140053 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01371315 AU - McDonald, Garry V AU - Mack Blackwell National Rural Transportation Center AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - The Development of Novel and Non-Invasive Germplasm Selections Native to Arkansas for Highway Re-Vegetation Projects PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 15p AB - Re-vegetation strategies and programs for highway rights of way in both rural and urban areas are an important component of any highway construction project. Vegetation is used to stabilize soils to prevent sheet and gully erosion and to help in soil remediation in disturbed sites. Vegetation is also used as filter strips to protect sensitive wetlands from sedimentation caused by stormwater runoff. Additionally, vegetation can be used in highway beautification projects to enhance the visibility of many highway projects and to promote seasonal tourism in rural areas such as driving tours of fall tree color. Vegetation can also act as visual and sound barriers in urban built up areas. Many plant species used for highway re-vegetation projects have shown to be invasive or unsustainable over time. Kudzu in the southeast United States and Bradford Pear in Arkansas damage native habitats and are expensive and difficult to control. Techniques and methodology using sustainable landscape system principles are currently under development for use in natural and built environments, but much is still unknown particularly in planting and establishment guidelines and in plant propagation and production practices. The objective of this proposed research is to develop novel plant germplasm that is regionally native, adapted, and non-invasive and useful for rural and urban highway re-vegetation projects.This particular component will be accomplished by traditional plant selection methods via the collection of native and regional plant materials (seeds, cuttings, etc.) and evaluation under simulated roadside conditions. Another major objective of this proposed research is to develop science-based best management practices guidelines for using native plants in Arkansas for re-vegetation projects by investigating best methods for transplanting and establishment along simulated roadsides. Interactions with fertility applications and herbicide use will be studied. Expected outcomes include the development and release of novel germplasm useful for re-vegetation projects along rural and urban highways in the State of Arkansas, new knowledge on the production of these species using sustainable propagation methods, and finally the generation of best management practices and guidelines for the use of any native plants and make the information accessible to vegetation managers and highway project planners. KW - Arkansas KW - Environmental quality KW - Germplasms KW - Native plants KW - Revegetation KW - Roadside flora KW - Rural highways KW - Urban highways UR - http://www.arkansastrc.com/MBTC%20REPORTS/MBTC%203027.pdf UR - http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/44000/44300/44399/MBTC_DOT_3027.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1139546 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01371312 AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Traffic Volume Trends, January 2012 PY - 2012/03 SP - 10p AB - Travel on all roads and streets changed by +1.6% (3.5 billion vehicle miles) for January 2012 as compared with January 2011. Travel for the month is estimated to be 224.8 billion vehicle miles. Cumulative Travel for 2012 changed by +1.6% (3.5 billion vehicle miles). The Cumulative estimate for the year is 224.8 billion vehicle miles of travel. KW - Highway travel KW - Traffic estimation KW - Traffic volume KW - Trend (Statistics) KW - United States KW - Vehicle miles of travel UR - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/travel_monitoring/12jantvt/12jantvt.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1139548 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01371302 AU - Firestine, Theresa AU - Guarino, Jenny AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - A Decade of Change in Fuel Prices and U.S. Domestic Passenger Aviation Operations PY - 2012/03//Special Report SP - 10p AB - Over the past decade, significant events have impacted U.S. domestic passenger aviation operations. These events include, but are not limited to the following: 1. March to November 2001 and December 2007 to June 2009 economic recessions; 2. September 11, 2001 terrorist acts; 3. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2002; 4. Airline mergers, including: American with Trans World (TWA) in 2001, US Airways with America West in 2005, Delta with Northwest in 2008, United with Continental in 2010, and Southwest with AirTran in 2011; 5. Adoption of new technologies such as the Required Navigation Performance (RNP) flight guidance technology to fly more direct routes and thereby reduce fuel requirements; 6. Streamlining of operations, including but not limited to the replacement of older aircraft with newer, more fuel efficient aircraft; and 7. Upward trend in the cost of fuel. This report looks at changes in U.S. domestic passenger aviation operations that have occurred during the same time frame as the events listed above, with particular focus on those related to fuel price increases. Major findings include: 1) Fuel price increases over the past decade coincided with reduced profits and, in many cases, operating losses among carriers. Operating costs include, but are not limited to, flying operations, maintenance, and passenger service. 2) Airfares trended downward despite an upward trend in fuel costs. The downward trend in airfares coincided with increased decoupling of airfares with services, such as baggage check, reservation changes, and food and drink purchases, all of which accounted for a larger portion of total revenue in 2010 than in 2000. 3) Carriers reduced capacity on many routes when the cost of fuel was high. 4) Carriers improved the number of available seat miles (ASMs)1 flown per gallon of fuel (fuel productivity) and the number of gallons consumed per block hour (fuel efficiency).2 This improvement coincides with airlines using newer and more fuel efficient jets. KW - Air travel KW - Aviation fuels KW - Costs KW - Domestic transportation KW - Fares KW - Operating costs KW - Prices KW - Profits KW - United States UR - http://www.bts.gov/publications/special_reports_and_issue_briefs/special_report/2012_03_33/pdf/entire.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1139384 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01370385 AU - Monsere, Christopher M AU - Lim, Myenwoo AU - Dai, Chengxin AU - Wu, Xiaowei AU - Portland State University AU - Oregon Transportation Research and Education Consortium AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Development of the Oregon Traffic Safety Data Archive: Phases 1 and 2 PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 50p AB - This report describes the preliminary work to develop the Oregon Traffic Safety Data Archive (OrTSDA). The mission of OrTSDA is to “build the knowledge base of traffic safety data in Oregon”. The archive hopes to become a valuable traffic safety data resource with researchers, practitioners, and community supporters. As envisioned, the archive will provide current and historical versions of related data, encompass complete documentation, and contain an online interface to the variety of traffic safety related data. The report also includes a brief review of other online highway safety data portals. This review highlights that interactive crash portals are restricted to a handful of state agencies or research university partners. KW - Crash records KW - Data banks KW - Data collection KW - Highway safety KW - Oregon KW - Traffic data UR - http://otrec.us/main/document.php?doc_id=914 UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1138943 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01370213 AU - Weiss, Norm AU - Olson, Larry AU - Hristovski, Kiril AU - Podversich, Sabina AU - Brown, Al AU - N. Weiss Associates, Incorporated AU - Arizona State University, Mesa AU - Arizona Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Effectiveness of Microbe Application to Petroleum Spills at Crash Sites PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 64p AB - Each year vehicular accidents cause gasoline and diesel spills on Arizona roadways. ADOT currently uses Micro-Blaze®, a commercially available microbial solution, as a supplement to natural degradation of vehicular petroleum spills in soils. With an emphasis on minimizing or eliminating environmental and public health hazard, ADOT is interested in determining cost-effective methods to address spills involving petroleum products from roadway vehicular accidents. This study investigated whether Micro-Blaze, Hydro Clean®, Miracle-Gro®, or water accelerated the degradation process significantly over natural processes and if it will help to determine their effectiveness in accelerating the remediation of petroleum products (diesel No. 2 and unleaded gasoline) on predominant Arizona soil types from roadway vehicular accidents. The soil types evaluated were aridisols from Burro Creek, alfisols from Show Low, and entisols from Mesa. All three soil types contaminated with gasoline showed a reduction in BTEX levels to below ADEQ’s SRLs within 21 days, even in the absence of added microorganisms or nutrients. In none of the sample treatments was the diesel (total petroleum hydrocarbon) concentration below either residential or non-residential SRLs by day 83. The results are discussed referencing ADEQ’s SRL in effect for 2006; ADEQ changed SRLs in 2007. When compared to the new 2007 levels, BTEX are below SRL and there is no longer an ADEQ SRL for total petroleum hydrocarbon. KW - Biodeterioration KW - Bioremediation KW - Cost effectiveness KW - Diesel fuels KW - Environmental protection KW - Gasoline KW - Petroleum KW - Spills (Pollution) KW - Traffic crashes UR - http://apps.azdot.gov/ADOTLibrary/publications/project_reports/PDF/AZ600.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1138814 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01370206 AU - Farzaneh, Reza AU - Novak, Kristen AU - Baker, Richard T AU - Goodin, Ginger AU - University Transportation Center for Mobility AU - Research and Innovative Technology Administration TI - Use of Performance Measurement to Include Air Quality and Energy into Mileage-Based User Fees PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 173p AB - Road pricing is an increasingly popular tool for achieving a number of transportation policy related goals and objectives. Addressing environmental concerns is a common goal of road pricing systems in Europe but is less common in the U.S., and frameworks supporting their deployment are less developed. The development of more technologically advanced pricing systems, such as mileage-based user fees (MBUFs) provides platforms for more detailed charging and the achievement of more specific air quality related goals and objectives. This research project is aimed at establishing a framework for levying MBUFs designed to achieve various air quality improvement policy objectives. This research presents the first step toward a pricing framework based on the concept of performance measurement that systematically defines and incorporates potential air quality goals. The process of developing the proposed framework included defining the interactive role of user fees and pricing in roadway transportation operations and identifying air quality performance measures for determining the appropriate vehicle mileage fee price. This framework will be invaluable in more effectively monitoring the air quality and greenhouse gas reduction and mitigation performance of vehicle mileage fee systems. KW - Air quality KW - Energy consumption KW - Greenhouse gases KW - Mileage-based user fees KW - Performance measurement KW - Road pricing UR - http://utcm.tamu.edu/publications/final_reports/Farzaneh_10-25-50.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1138614 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01370197 AU - Kuzmyak, J Richard AU - J. Richard Kuzmyak, LLC AU - Arizona Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Land Use and Traffic Congestion PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 292p AB - The study investigated the link between land use, travel behavior, and traffic congestion. Popular wisdom suggests that higher-density development patterns may be beneficial in reducing private vehicle dependency and use, which if true, could hold important implications for urban transportation planning and related goals such as congestion relief, air quality, and sustainability. However, an important consideration is whether more higher-density development also exacerbates traffic congestion on adjacent streets and roads simply because of its concentration of activity. Researchers performed a detailed analysis of the relationships between higher-density land use and traffic conditions in four Phoenix transportation corridors. The corridors included three older, high-density, mixed-used urban areas and a more contemporary suburban area with lower density but high traffic volumes. The analysis showed that the urban corridors had considerably less congestion despite densities that were many times higher than the suburban corridor. The reasons were traced to better mix of uses, particularly retail share, which led to shorter trips, more transit and nonmotorized travel, and fewer vehicle miles of travel (VMT). Also recognized was the importance of a secondary street grid in the three urban areas, which allows for better channeling of traffic and enables walking. Researchers developed a set of regression models to quantify the effects of key land use variables on household vehicle ownership and VMT, illustrating the mitigating effects of higher density, better mix, and better transit accessibility. Researchers also performed an extensive review of literature on transportation and land use interaction, and surveyed local officials to elicit information about familiarity with compact, mixed land use concepts; perceptions of impact on travel and traffic; and desirability of greater proliferation in Arizona’s metropolitan areas. KW - Land use KW - Mixed use development KW - Phoenix (Arizona) KW - Population density KW - Suburbs KW - Traffic congestion KW - Transit oriented development KW - Travel behavior KW - Urban areas KW - Vehicle miles of travel UR - http://apps.azdot.gov/ADOTLibrary/publications/project_reports/PDF/AZ618.pdf UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1138924 ER - TY - RPRT AN - 01370145 AU - Hunter-Zaworski, Katharine AU - Mueller, Jon AU - Oregon State University, Corvallis AU - Oregon Department of Transportation AU - Federal Highway Administration TI - Evaluation of Alternative Pedestrian Traffic Control Devices PY - 2012/03//Final Report SP - 125p AB - A literature review, field study of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) installations in Oregon, and a static survey on the sequencing of the Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) were completed. The field study conducted in this project was designed to compare side and overhead-mounted beacons and RRFBs. The field study results indicated that the environment surrounding the crossing has an impact on compliance and that the presence of a median can increase compliance. The PHB study verified that drivers are confused about what these devices are and how they operate. For the first deployment of a PHB in an area, a public education program is recommended during the early deployment of the PHB. The Guidelines that have been developed as part of this project were based on the literature review and the Oregon field study. The major recommendation is that RRFBs be installed on medians when side-mounted devices are considered and at locations with posted speeds of 40 mph or less unless additional features such as stripping, signing , and advance warning RRFBs are used. To reinforce the guidelines, a decision matrix was developed. KW - Crosswalks KW - Evaluation KW - Flashing beacons KW - Pedestrian movement KW - Pedestrian safety KW - Traffic control devices UR - http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/TD/TP_RES/ResearchReports/SPR721pedreport.pdf?ga=t UR - https://trid.trb.org/view/1136629 ER -