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Irish H & V News

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of Unmanned Radar Installations, Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent, John A. Deacon, Richard J. Kryscio

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Several unmanned radar devices were installed on I75 in northern Kentucky in an attempt to reduce speeds. It was assumed that drivers use radar detectors to exceed the speed limit with a resulting variance between their speeds and others in the traffic stream. Therefore, a reduction in overall speeds and variance was expected to reduce the probability of accidents. Historical data indicated an unusually high accident rate for the study area.

Emphasis was placed on collection and analysis of speed-related data. In addition, a survey of radar detector usage was made and accident patterns were documented.

Speed measures analyzed included …

Native Aggregates For Skid Resistance, Scott P. Hall, David Q. Hunsucker, David L. Allen, Gary W. Sharpe

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objectives of the study were 1) to identify sources of native aggregates with varying histories of skid resistance performance; 2) to evaluate and correlate native aggregate characteristics, processing techniques, and other factors with skid resistance and surface mixture performance; and 3) to provide guidelines for implementation of research findings. Limestone, sandstone, river gravel, and control aggregates (granite, traprock, and slags) were subjected to a battery of tests to determine physical relationships between aggregate type and skid resistance.

Laboratory results were analyzed for correlations among themselves and for correlations with skid number data obtained from pavements containing aggregates involved in …

Traffic Volume Estimates And Growth Trends, John A. Deacon, Jerry G. Pigman, Ahmad Mohsenzadeh

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study was to develop a procedure to forecast highway traffic volumes through the use of growth factors representative of Kentucky highways and reflecting effects of important socioeconomic and demographic variables. A two-stage modeling process was used. In the first, linear regression models were used to relate average daily travel on Kentucky roadways to personal income, price of fuel, and total miles of streets and highways. In the second, cross-tabulation models were used to relate growth in volume at a specific site--expressed relative to the statewide ADT--to highway functional classification rural/urban location, county population growth, SMSA/non-SMSA designation, …

Irish H & V News

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Hysteresis With Air Entrapment On Water Flow In The Unsaturated Zone, Jagath J. Kaluarachchi, J. C. Parker

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Effects of hysteresis with air entrapment on water content and head distributions, surface fluxes, and water balance components are investigated by finite element simulations of flow in one- and two-dimensional spatial domains. Results of one-dimensional analyses indicate that effects of hysteresis are markedly influenced by surface boundary conditions and to a lesser extent by initial conditions. Stipulation of flux-controlled boundary conditions results in minimal hysteretic effects, while potential-type boundary conditions produce substantial deviations between hysteretic and nonhysteretic simulations. The latter effects are attributable in large part to differences in surface conductivity associated with air entrapment. Predicted water content distributions for …

Evaluation Of Asphalt Additive -- Chemkrete, L. John Fleckenstein, David L. Allen, Gary W. Sharpe, Scott P. Hall, David Q. Hunsucker

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Construction, performance, and cost-effectiveness evaluations of an AC-10 treated with Chemkrete (CTI-101) and an untreated AC-20 are presented. Laboratory tests, and field tests which include marshall stability, density test, repeated load test, road-ratter deflection data, and visual observation are summarized.

Because of the apparent failure of Chemkrete to significantly enhance the performance of the pavement, and the additional cost for the use of Chemkrete, it would not be recommended for further use in the state of Kentucky.

Laboratory Analysis Of Failed Asphaltic Concrete Surface -- Us 23, Lawrence County, L. John Fleckenstein, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Laboratory analyses of a failed asphaltic concrete surface are presented. Construction procedures, mix design data, density tests, repeated load tests, asphalt extraction tests, and gradation tests are summarized.

Reliability Assessment Of High-Risk Steel Bridges By Nondestructive Test Methods, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Vishwas G. Oka, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Fatigue-crack related failures of high-risk (fracture-critical) steel bridges may be prevented through application of nondestructive tests (NDT). Economical reliability assessment of those structures requires 1) application of a suitable NDT method, 2) testing of fatigue-susceptible members, and 3 ) periodic retests of those members to preclude problems with growing or previously undetected flaws.

Six conventional NDT techniques were tested in the laboratory using buttweld configured specimens having intentionally embedded cracks. Those NDT methods were 1) visual inspection, 2) magnetic-particle testing, 3) dyepenetrant testing, 4) florescent-enhanced surface testing, 5 ) eddy-current testing, and 6) ultrasonic testing. The other NDT methods provided …

A Survey Of States' Aggregate Soundness Specifications And Test Methods, David Q. Hunsucker

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report summarizes findings of a national survey to determine aggregate durability test methods and specification requirements of the various states. Also included are specifications and test methods concerning allowable shale contents in aggregates and requirements for percentages of crushed particles in aggregates.

Breaking And Seating Of Rigid Pavements, Gary W. Sharpe, Mark Anderson, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Breaking and seating has been utilized extensively in Kentucky to rehabilitate portland cement concrete pavements. Experience over three or four years with this type of design and construction are summarized and reported. Breaking to a range of nominal fragments is evaluated. Evaluation of two roller weights for seating is reported. The use of dynamic deflections to evaluate the effectiveness of the breaking and seating process and to measure the appropriateness of the asphaltic concrete overlay.

Evaluation Of Wick Drain Stabilization Of Approach Fill Foundation (Bullitt County), Bobby W. Meade, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The purpose of this study was to document the construction procedures and evaluate the effectiveness of wick drains as a foundation stabilization method. Field data was primarily obtained from field surveys and penumatic piezometers installed in the approach foundation.

Construction procedures used have been determined to be generally acceptable. The wick drains appear to have effectively dewatered the foundation during embankment construction.

Modifications To Chevron N-Layer Computer Program, Herbert F. Southgate, Robert C. Deen, David Cain, Jesse G. Mayes

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report documents changes made to the Chevron N-layer computer program to:

1. Include superposition principles.
2. Calculate strain energy density (or work) at specified locations within the pavement structure.
3. Analyze pavement response at specified radii from one circularly loaded area to permit comparison of analyses by the program as originally written with results incorporating superposition principles.
4. Evaluate pavement response to any combination of loads on circular areas defined by XY coordinates on the surface. Loads and contact pressures are permitted to be different from one loaded area to another, but must be constant for any one loaded area.
5. Simulate dynamic loads …

Pavement Designs Based On Work, Herbert F. Southgate, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Thickness design curves presented in the report provide a systematic methodology for the selection of equivalent pavement designs for a broad range of layered systems. This is a unified system since the failure criteria are founded on the same concept of work strain and work. The analyses of stress-strain fields in the layered systems are based on elastic layered theory. This theory is represented by the Chevron N-layered computer program.

The report also summarizes the historical development and evolution of pavement design in Kentucky.

Self-Flushing Fluid Seal Assembly, David T. Kao

Civil Engineering Faculty Patents

A self-flushing fluid seal assembly is provided to prevent particle intrusion into the main seal around a slurry pump shaft. The assembly includes an annular tube concentrically disposed about the pump shaft and forming a chamber. The volume of the chamber is made variable by a plunger comprising an enlarged diameter portion of the pump shaft movable relative to the chamber during the power and return stroke of the pump. Flushing liquid is delivered to the chamber by means of a feed line extending through the shaft. A check valve provided in the feed line opens to allow the inward …

Low Cost Software, Harold M. Cota

Civil and Environmental Engineering

This is the fifth in our series on low cost software available to JAPCA readers. These programs have been developed by APCA members and are provided as a professional courtesy, as is, without warrantee. The authors would appreciate any feedback you have. In addition, we hope you will be willing to share programs you have developed for your own PC. To share your program all you need to do is prepare a brief description, similar to those in this column and send it with your program and any examples or documentations you are willing to furnish to: Dr. Hal Cota, …

Analysis Of Accident Data In Kentucky (1982-1986), Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Kentucky has a systematic procedure to identify locations that have abnormal rates or numbers of accidents. This procedure utilizes average accident rates and numbers. A primary objective of this study was to determine average accident statistics in Kentucky. An annual safety program for Kentucky, which includes the identification, programming, budgeting, and evaluation of safety projects, is prepared each year. The data presented in this report may be included as the problem identification portion of Kentucky's Annual Highway Safety Plan.

Average and critical accident rates were calculated by highway type for rural and urban highways. A summary of results and recommendations …

Irish H & V News

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

Acoustic Emission Monitoring Of In-Service Bridges, Theodore Hopwood Ii, David W. Prine

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

An experimental acoustic emission (AE) device, the GARD Acoustic Emission Weld Monitor (AEWM), has been field tested on six bridges during this study. In addition, the device was used to test three other bridges under separate contracts from state highway agencies. The device was evaluated to determine if it could detect fatigue-crack growth on in-service steel bridges.

The AEWM employs a proprietary three-step model (filter) to reject noise-related AE activity and detect and locate defects subject to varying stress conditions. The unit uses built-in microprocessors to compare incoming data to the model. If defect-related AE activity is detected, the AEWM …

A Chronicle Of The Kentucky Transportation Research Program, Robert C. Deen, Ronald D. Hughes

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The basis for the Kentucky Transportation Research Program (KTRP) was established more than 45 years ago and some of the current staff members have over 35 years experience in transportation research. Over the years, principal investigators have developed expertise in major areas of transportation and have made significant contributions in highway safety, pavement design and performance, embankment analyses, fatigue detection in bridges, noise abatement, traffic control and operations, voidless concrete, pavement texture and skid resistance, structural design and analyses of culverts, traffic forecasting, and numerous other areas.

The Transportation Research Building houses several fully equipped laboratories. Special effort was made …

Evaluation Of Epoxy Thermoplastic Pavement Marking Material, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study was to evaluate the field performance of epoxy thermoplastic (ETP) as a pavement marking material and to compare it to a control marking material, which was alkyd traffic paint. A test installation of ETP along with the regular traffic paint was placed on KY 841 in Jefferson County and evaluated over an 18-month period. Data collection consisted of daytime observations and rating of the material's appearance and durability and nighttime observations and rating of its nighttime visibility. Reflectivity measurements were also collected using a portable retroreflectometer.

The appearance (color) of the ETP remained good over …

Performance Survey Of Silicone-Sealed Concrete Pavement Joints, David Q. Hunsucker, Edgar E. Courtney

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report summarizes field inspections of various silicone-sealed concrete pavement joints. A list of silicone sealant projects was provided by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Observations of performance were subjective and qualitative.

Road Base Construction Utilizing Coal Waste Materials, David Q. Hunsucker, Gary W. Sharpe, Jerry G. Rose, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The paper describes the development and implementation of a no-cement concrete mixture containing pulverized fuel ash (PVA) and atmospheric fluidized bed combustion (AFBC) by-products as the cementitious components for combination with conventional limestone aggregates used as bulk filler. The paper presents a summary of laboratory evaluations and the application of those results to the design of a base for roadway construction. The paper also describes the construction, evaluation, and performance of a pilot application of this material used as a base for a thin bituminous pavement.

Construction And Performance Evaluation Of A Geocomposite Pavement Edge Drain Including Comparison With A 4-Inch Pipe Drain, L. John Fleckenstein, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Construction and performance evaluations of Hydraway Drain and Conventional Pavement Edge Drain are presented. Construction procedures, laboratory tests, and discharge data, are included.

Implementation Of A Pavement Management Program In Lexington-Fayette County, Kentucky, Gary W. Sharpe, Robert C. Deen, Ronald R. Sewell

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Lexington, in central Kentucky, is the second largest city in the state. Local government is by a mayor and council of elected representatives from twelve districts and three at-large representatives. The Department of Public Works headed by a Commissioner, who reports to the mayor and city-county council, administers the streets and roads system.

The street and road network in Lexington consists of approximately 720 centerline miles. Approximately 100 miles are rural in nature and 620 miles are urban. Approximately 95 percent are bituminous surfaced roads; a majority of the remainder is constructed of portland cement concrete.

Increasing costs for constructing …

A Finite Difference Soil-Structure Interaction Study Of A Section Of The Bonneville Navigation Lock Buttress Diaphragm Wall Utilizing Pressuremeter Test Results, Thomas C. Mccormack

Dissertations and Theses

The P-y curve, used in current practice as an efficient Iine-load vs. soil displacement model for input into the finite difference method of laterally loaded pile analysis, is extended in this study for use with cohesionless soils in diaphragm wall analysis on the Personal Computer with the BMCOL7 program. An analogous W-y curve is proposed, an elastic-plastic model with line-load limits developed from classical earth-pressure theories.

A new formula for predicting a horizontal wall modulus for cohesionless soils from the pressuremeter modulus is developed for use in predicting the displacements on the W-y curves. The resulting modulus values are shown …

Expert Potentiometric Surface Modification For Groundwater Contaminant Management, R. L. Ward, Richard C. Peralta, J. R. Brashar

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

An expert system is linked to an previously reported optimization program. The expert system prompts the user for information about a groundwater contamination problem. The expert system determines whether pumping is a suitable containment strategy. If appropriate. it selects several well arrangements to be evaluated by an optimization algorithm.

Maximizing Reliable Crop Production In A Dynamic Stream/Aquifer System, Richard C. Peralta, K. Kowalski, R. R.A. Cantiller

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Reliable production of a dynamic stream/aquifer system is determined through an implicitly stochastic optimization model. Adequate representation of the inflow process and dynamic modeling of the stream/aquifer system results in optimum crop yield at specified reliability levels. Results include optimal spatial and temporal allocation of groundwater and diverted river water use. These can be used for planning cropping patterns and evaluating potential diversion systems.

Computational Aspects Of Chance‑Constrained Regional Modeling, R. R.A. Cantiller, Richard C. Peralta

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

A methodology that incorporates the stochasticity of an aquifer parameter in a chance-constrained steady-state groundwater management model is presented. Results and computational aspects of the modeling effort are discussed.

Development Of Linear Water Quality Constraints For Optimal Groundwater Management, Richard C. Peralta, J. Solaimanian, S. A. Prathapar, C. L. Griffis

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Proposed is a procedure for incorporating solute transport as linear constraints within computer models for optimizing regional groundwater extraction strategies. . MODCON procedure uses linear goal programming. embedded linearized equations for flow and solute transport. and MOC simulation model. Assumed is 20 flow and solute transport. and a dispersed conservative contaminant.