Digital Commons Network^™

Interpretation Of Cone Penetration Tests In Cohesive Soils, Kwang Kyun Kim, Monica Prezzi, Rodrigo Salgado

JTRP Technical Reports

This report focuses on the evaluation of the factors affecting cone resistance measurement during cone penetration in saturated clayey soils and the application of the result to pile shaft capacity analysis. In particular, effects of drainage conditions around the cone tip were studied. Rate effects related to both drainage and shear strength dependence on loading rate were studied. In order to investigate the effects of drainage during penetration, penetration tests were performed with various velocities in the field and in a calibration chamber, and the obtained data were analyzed. For the field tests, two sites which have homogeneous clayey soil …

Evaluation Of Wildlife Reflectors In Reducing Vehicle-Deer Collisions On Indiana Interstate 80/90, Sedat Gulen, George P. Mccabe, Ira Rosenthal, Samuel E. Wolfe, Virgil L. Anderson

JTRP Technical Reports

The Indiana Department of Transportation is committed to reducing vehicle-deer collision incidents on the Indiana Interstate I-80/90 as well as on the other roads. Very few of the studies to reduce vehicle-deer collisions incorporated any sound and complete statistical design. Some states (California, Colorado, Maine, Ontario-Canada, Washington State and Wyoming) have found that the use of wildlife reflectors did not reduce vehicle-deer collisions. However, some other states (British Columbia-Canada, Iowa, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington State and Wisconsin) found that the use of wildlife reflectors did reduce vehicle-deer collisions.

The main objective of this experimental study is to evaluate the effectiveness of …

Simplification Of Resilient Modulus Testing For Subgrades, Daehyeon Kim, Nayyar Zia Siddiki

JTRP Technical Reports

Resilient modulus has been used for characterizing the stress-strain behavior of subgrade soils subjected to traffic loadings in the design of pavements. With the recent release of the M-E Design Guide, highway agencies are further encouraged to implement the resilient modulus test to improve subgrade design. In the present study, physical property tests, unconfined compressive tests, resilient modulus (Mr) tests and Several Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) tests were conducted to assess the resilient and permanent strain behavior of 14 cohesive subgrade soils and five cohesionless soils encountered in Indiana. The applicability for simplification of the existing resilient modulus test, AASHTO …

Fatigue Strength And Evaluation Of Sign Structures, Volume 2: Sign Structure Inspection Manual, Xuejun Li, Timothy M. Whalen, Mark D. Bowman

JTRP Technical Reports

This is the second volume of a two-volume final report presenting the findings of the research work that was undertaken to evaluate the fatigue behavior of sign structures and, based on that evaluation, to recommend an inspection plan that can be effectively used to detect and minimize possible deterioration due to wind induced loadings of sign structures. The study included a number of signs that are commonly used in Indiana: single-mastarm and double-mastarm cantilever sign structures, box-truss sign structures, tri-chord sign structures, and monotube sign structures. Sign structures with typical dimensions and details were selected as prototypes for each of …

Determination Of Ash Mixture Properties And Construction Of Test Embankment - Part B, Sungmin Yoon, Umashankar Balunaini, Monica Prezzi, Rodrigo Salgado, Nayyar Zia Siddiki

JTRP Technical Reports

Class F fly ash and bottom ash are solid residue byproducts produced by coal-burning plants. They are usually disposed off with a typical disposal rate of 80 % fly ash and 20 % bottom ash. To maximize the use of the coal ash, and thus significantly reduce the disposal problem that electric utility companies and our society in general face, the direct use of ponded or landfilled ash that is composed of high proportions of fly ash would be desirable. However, a general understanding of the behavior of high volume fly ash mixtures is needed. Although there have been investigations …

Implementation Of A Non-Metallic Reinforced Bridge Deck, Volume 2: Thayer Road Bridge, Robert J. Frosch, Ali Cihan Pay

JTRP Technical Reports

The primary maintenance problem with bridges in Indiana has been deterioration of the concrete deck which is often related to corrosion of the reinforcing steel. While a corrosion protection system consisting of epoxy-coated reinforcement in combination with 2-1/2 in. of Class C concrete cover has been used in Indiana, research and experience have demonstrated that this system can be compromised. As an alternative solution to the corrosion problem in reinforced concrete, fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) bars which are corrosion resistant can be provided as reinforcement. This research was divided into two phases directed towards the implementation of a nonmetallic reinforced …

Evaluation Of Stop Bar Video Detection Accuracy At Signalized Intersections, Avery Rhodes, Darcy M. Bullock, James R. Sturdevant, Zachary Thomas Clark

JTRP Technical Reports

Many agencies nationwide have adopted video vehicle detection technology as an alternative to inductive loops. While many product evaluations have been performed, the majority of these evaluations have concentrated on freeway applications where speed and volume were the primary evaluation criteria. At an actuated intersection, the metrics of speed and volume do not necessarily represent how well a device will operate as a presence detector. Video detection was evaluated at two signalized intersections in West Lafayette, Indiana and Noblesville, Indiana. A camera on each approach was located at the vendor recommended position, at a height of 40 feet and offset …

Indot Customer Service, Ananth V. Iyer, Michael Hoeck, Amanda Thompson, Kailas Dandgaval, Jairo Bohorquez, Justina Mikals

JTRP Technical Reports

This study focuses on the flow of customer complaints to the INDOT central office and districts, their handling within the INDOT system and the customer experienced lead time. The processes were examined based on customer segments, complaint type, and district of origin. Detailed data analyses for specific transactions within the INDOT system were used to document the process. In addition, as per the study advisory committee suggestions, a tracking of transactions flow using a paper system was used to reconcile archived data. Although lead time metrics were developed at both the central office and district level, the lack of data …

The Effectiveness And Criteria For Placement Of Raised Pavement Markers (Synthesis Study), Yi Jiang

JTRP Technical Reports

Raised pavement markers (RPM) are used in highway centerlines and edge lines as a traffic safety measure to provide more positive guidance for motorists in inclement weather and low light conditions. They have been widely applied by highway agencies as delineation treatments to improve driver preview distances. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has installed RPMs on selected roadway sections primarily as position guidance devices in order to better guide drivers in night conditions. In Indiana, RPMs are installed on all interstate highways and multilane divided highways. However, RPMs are used on only a few of the Indiana’s two-lane highways. …

Assessment And Selection Of Stormwater Best Management Practices For Highway Construction, Retrofitting, And Maintenance, Lynn A. Corson

JTRP Technical Reports

The objectives of this research were:

1. Research existing data for structural and non-structural BMPs pertaining to the Phase II NPDES Stormwater Construction and Post-Construction Minimum Control Measures. Identify BMPs suitable for use in construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation and retrofitting activities along INDOT roadways and facilties.

2. Give consideration to the Indiana geological and meteorological conditions and the INDOT resources available for maintenance of water quality BMPs.

3. Review documents on the INDOT Publications List and make recommendations regarding potential revisions and/or additions to the documents to adequately address the NPDES Stormwater Program requirements as they pertain to INDOT activities.

Constructed Wetlands For The Remediation Of Blast Furnace Slag Leachates, M. K. Banks, A. Paul Schwab, James E. Alleman, James Gregory Hunter, Jason C. Hickey

JTRP Technical Reports

A study was conducted at a site adjacent to I-65 site near Hobart, IN. The pilot scale study was designed to evaluate the use of a subsurface constructed wetland to treat leachate from the slag-based embankment. The constructed wetland proved to be effective in reducing a number of the leachate constituents that impact surface water quality, including pH, TDS, salinity, and sulfate. The system worked best under low flow conditions and extended retention times between surges of leachate into the wetland. The zero flow restriction of the system was met and resulted in elevated concentrations of salts and metals in …

Remediation Of Aromatic Hydrocarbons In Low Permeability Soils: Updating The Remediation Decision Tree (Synthesis Study), Inez Hua, Andy Hopf

JTRP Technical Reports

Because of the large number of technologies for in situ remediation, the very different types of contaminants to which these technologies are applicable, and the wide range of field conditions, it can be difficult to choose an optimal technology for a specific site. Sorting and prioritizing the various factors which contribute to the success of a particular clean-up can be daunting. Furthermore, non-technical factors, such as those in the legal, political, or financial realm, may also influence which technology is ultimately chosen. Most in situ treatment methods are effective in permeable soil. However, much of Indiana soil is low-permeability, so …

Flood Frequency Relationships For Indiana, A. Ramachandra Rao

JTRP Technical Reports

The objective of the research presented in this report is the development of relationships to estimate flood magnitudes for Indiana streams. In order to achieve this goal several probability distributions were evaluated. The Pearson (3) (LP(3)) and the Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) distributions were found to be the best distributions for Indiana data. Because of the requirement that Log Pearson (3) (LP(3)) distribution must be used in federally-funded projects it was retained in the study.

Relationships were developed for the flood frequencies to be estimated by the LP(3) distributions. The State of Indiana has been divided into regions, seven of …

Indiana Furniture Supply Chain, Ananth V. Iyer, Svenja Sommer, Amanda Thompson, Justina Mikals

JTRP Technical Reports

An initial survey assessing overall supply chain issues was reviewed with twenty Indiana wood products companies. A longer follow up survey accompanied by in-person interviews, assessed more specific supply chain issues, and was reviewed with ten Dubois County wood products companies. From this, a supply chain map of major suppliers and customers located both inside and outside of Indiana was developed. The research also attempted to capture the industry trends and characteristics in a formal model, to explore the impact of INDOT projects on the competitiveness of the industry.

Fatigue Of Older Bridges In Northern Indiana Due To Overweight And Oversized Loads, Volume 1: Bridge And Weigh-In-Motion Measurements, James A. Reisert, Mark D. Bowman

JTRP Technical Reports

This report is the first of a two-volume final report presenting the findings of the research work that was undertaken to evaluate the fatigue behavior of steel highway bridges on the extra heavy weight truck corridor in Northwest Indiana. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the type and magnitude of the loads that travel along the corridor and then assess the effect of those loads on the fatigue strength of the steel bridge structures on the corridor. This volume presents the results of the experimental field study conducted to evaluate the load and load effects on one steel …

Technical Issues Related To The Use Of Fly Ash And Slag During Late-Fall (Low Temperature) Construction Season, Anand Krishnan, Jinesh K. Mehta, J. Olek, W. Jason Weiss

JTRP Technical Reports

The potential for scaling of concrete pavement containing fly ash is one of the durability concerns which imposes restrictions on the use of fly ash in paving applications in Indiana during the period of low temperatures (e.g., the late fall construction season). These restrictions increase the cost of paving projects, and occasionally, results in seasonal cement shortages. The objective of this study was to develop a better understanding of the scaling mechanism through a series of laboratory tests that focused on the role of material properties and length and temperature of curing in controlling scaling. Additionally, an attempt was made …

Filter Performance And Design For Highway Drains, Sangho Lee, Philippe L. Bourdeau

JTRP Technical Reports

The research is an investigation of soil filtration by geotextile fabrics, with the ultimate objective of improving design and long-term performance of underdrain systems in Indiana highways. Experiments were conducted in the laboratory using the best available techniques, Flexible Wall Gradient Ratio Test and Rapid Retention Test, in order to assess soil-filter compatibility and monitor geotextile clogging, for a range of materials and testing conditions. Field information was also collected and samples from highway reconstruction project were examined for their long-term performance. The main findings relate to the influence of the amounts of silt and clay and the state of …

Jointless And Smoother Bridges: Behavior And Design Of Piles, Robert J. Frosch, Voraniti Chovichien, Katrinna Durbin, David Fedroff

JTRP Technical Reports

Integral abutment bridges have been used in the United States for decades. By eliminating expensive expansion joints, the piles supporting the end bent accommodate the total thermal movement of the bridge. Currently, integral bridges are designed based upon experience, and a rational design specification has not been developed. Furthermore, the interaction of the abutment, pile, and soil remains uncertain. A better understanding regarding the behavior of this system is needed. The objective of this research is to evaluate the behavior of the integral abutment-pile system and evaluate any limitations of its use. To achieve this objective, two phases of research …

Hma Pavement Performance And Durability, Eliana Del Pilar Vivar, John E. Haddock

JTRP Technical Reports

It has long been argued that at densities higher than approximately 92 percent (air void contents lower than 8 percent), a hotmix asphalt mixture is impermeable to water. However, as densities become lower (air void contents higher) than this, small decreases in the density can yield exponential increases in permeability. The objectives of this study were to better understand the increases in hot-mix asphalt pavement performance and durability that can be gained by increasing the initial pavement density and to better quantify the inter-relationship among pavement density, permeability, and moisture-induced damage. The long-term performance and durability of four hot-mix asphalt …

Primary Emergency Routes For Transportation Security, Srinivas Peeta, Georgios Kalafatas

JTRP Technical Reports

Security threats and natural disasters (such as hurricanes and cyclones) are events that have historically led to large scale evacuations. Evacuation operations are strongly characterized by traffic volumes that substantially exceed the network capacity, and consequently, the potential for severely degraded network performance. The efficient management of evacuations entails long-term planning and real-time operational paradigms that are, ideally, integrated. This study focuses primarily on the planning aspects of evacuation, while providing important insights for operations. Identifying capacity as a key element to efficient evacuation, the evacuation planning seeks to determine links where additional capacity is desired, as well as the …

Ramp Metering And High Occupancy Vehicle Facilities: A Synthesis Study, Abhishek Bhargava, Euridice A. Oware, Samuel Labi, Kumares C. Sinha

JTRP Technical Reports

High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes and ramp metering have been implemented at several places in the country to improve traffic conditions on freeways. This report presents a comprehensive study of the state of the art and state of the practice of these facilities in the U.S. and their effectiveness in improving traffic conditions on the freeway. The various types of HOV facilities have been discussed along with other system components such as park-and-ride facilities, ridership programs, enforcement areas and policies, ingress/egress facilities. The cost of several HOV facilities in the country has been presented and a set of guidelines have …

Blind Pedestrians And Their Ability To Navigate Indiana Intersections – A Review Of The Technology Available For Audible Signals, Robert Bertram Jacko

JTRP Technical Reports

Accessible pedestrian signals (APS) that combine audible and vibrotactile signals to a blind or visually impaired and/or disabled pedestrian for both locational and navigational information are available for purchase and installation “off the shelf”. APS systems that have a locating tone produce an audible language statement when it is safe to begin crossing the intersection as well as a vibrating activation button for the hard of hearing and an audible status count-down for the crossing pedestrian are available now. Purdue University has retrofitted two campus intersections with audible, vibrotactile APS and the intersections are regularly used by blind students. Discussions …

Advanced Compaction Quality Control, Carlos Zambrano, Vincent P. Drnevich, Philippe L. Bourdeau

JTRP Technical Reports

This Synthesis Study gathered the current knowledge on the topic of Intelligent Compaction and provides INDOT with recommendations for action. It appears that totally embracing this technology at this time is premature. On the other hand, it also appears that prudent use of this technology could provide tremendous benefit-to-cost ratios over the long term and position Indiana as a leader among the States in adopting it. After examining the technological developments over the last decade it is concluded that Intelligent Compaction is a near certainty in the future. The big question is: When is the right time to begin working …

Reduction Of Automobile And Aircraft Collisions With Wildlife In Indiana, David J. Glista, J. Andrew Dewoody, Travis Lee Devault

JTRP Technical Reports

Conflicts between wildlife and human interests have increased in recent decades due to growing human populations and the resulting expansion of anthropogenic pressures into wildlife habitat. Our overall objectives were to evaluate the the potential impacts of wildlife on transportation in Indiana and vice-versa. The results presented in this final report summarize two aspects of our research: the impact of automotive traffic on wildlife (“road kill”; Part I), and the wildlife hazards present at general aviation airports around the state (“airstrike”; Part II). The road kill dataset indicated that at 13 survey routes traversing 180 linear km of road, 11,068 …

Statistical Analysis Of Indiana Rainfall Data, A. Ramachandra Rao, Shih-Chieh Kao

JTRP Technical Reports

The basic objectives of research presented in this report are characterizing and modeling short time increment (hourly) rainfall data from Indiana. Characteristics of hourly rainfall data from Indiana were investigated. Data from 74 stations were used in the study.

The homogeneity of Indiana hourly rainfall data was tested as a part of the study. Indiana hourly rainfall data is found to be statistically homogeneous. Several probability distributions were evaluated. Surprisingly, both the type I extreme value as well as the generalized extreme value distributions were found to be acceptable to characterize Indiana hourly rainfall data. The generalized extreme value distribution …

Effects Of Geometric Characteristics Of Rural Two-Lane Roads On Safety, Samuel Labi

JTRP Technical Reports

The study investigated the safety effects of geometric and other roadway characteristics of rural two-lane roads by collecting and analyzing data and developing crash prediction models, crash reduction factors (CRFs), and cost-effectiveness ratios (CERs). On the basis of these results, and the existing inventory of roads and their geometric deficiencies, physical and monetary needs assessments were carried out under alternative budgeting and crash costing scenarios for the rural two-lane state highway network. It was found that influential crash factors at such roads include section length, traffic volume, lane width, shoulder width, pavement condition, average horizontal curve radius, and grades of …

Feasibility Study For Bicycle Safety: Data Assessment And Network Evaluation, Michael Seth Klobucar, Jon D. Fricker

JTRP Technical Reports

Bicycles offer a promising transportation alternative to private motor vehicles, especially in areas with congestion, poor air quality, and high fuel prices. This study sought rational methods for evaluating the benefits of incorporating bicycle-friendly features into highway project designs. Data on recent bicyclist fatalities and other collisions involving bicyclists in Indiana were analyzed to determine factors that could help to explain the incidents and offer insights into countermeasures or remedies. Human error – on the part of the bicyclist or the motorist – was found to be the most common factor. Poor lighting and noncompliance with sidewalk ordinances also were …

Validation Of Superpave Mixture Design And Analysis Procedures Using The Ncat Test Track, Sivaranjan Sivasubramaniam, John E. Haddock

JTRP Technical Reports

The Indiana Department of Transportation was among the first to adopt the Superpave mixture design method and relevant specifications. When the National Center for Asphalt Technology decided to build a pavement test track, the Indiana Department of Transportation saw an opportunity to validate the mixture design method. It participated in the test track pooled fund study by sponsoring two pavement sections that were part of a larger investigation involving ten pavement test sections. Further, efforts were made to establish rutting performance relationships between the Accelerated Pavement Tester, the Purdue Wheel Laboratory Tracker, and the in-service pavement as represented by the …

Design Methods For The Control Of Restrained Shrinkage Cracking, Robert J. Frosch, Jacob Kenyon Bice, Jared Bruce Erickson

JTRP Technical Reports

Cracking in concrete bridge decks can result in increased susceptibility to deterioration. As cracks provide direct routes for the ingress of deleterious elements to the reinforcement and superstructure, cracking can lead to reduced service lives for bridge structures. Several factors affect the extent of cracks which develop in bridge decks; however, relatively few are within the control of the designer. The objective of this research was to evaluate the influence of design parameters on the performance of bridge decks with respect to cracking and to develop simple design tools that are appropriate for both steel and nonmetallic reinforcement. This research …

Investigation Of The Performance Of Neat And Modified Asphalt Binders, Yalan Tang, John E. Haddock

JTRP Technical Reports

The Superpave binder specifications are performance-based criteria for binder selection for use in hot-mix asphalt mixtures. However, these specifications may not be applicable to modified binders. This research investigates the a new method for determining hot-mix asphalt mixing and compaction temperatures as well as the performance of neat (unmodified) and modified binders of the same performance grade. The first phase of the research focuses on determining mixing and compaction temperatures for hot-mix asphalt mixtures. Modified binders are shear rate and temperature dependent and the conventional methods of determining mixing and compaction temperatures can yield extreme results. The Zero Shear Viscosity …