Digital Commons Network^™

Best Management Practices Used By Kytc For On-Site Erosion Control, David L. Allen, Sudhir Palle

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

New erosion control procedures (ECP) have recently been implemented by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC). Previously, consultants and designers developed the ECP as a part of the design plans. In many cases these did not work in the field. The new procedures allow construction personnel to develop and implement their own ECPs on site.

This study conducted a survey of construction personnel in the KYTC to determine their level of familiarity with the new ECPs and to determine any issues that may have developed with the new procedures. The results of the survey concluded that most KYTC construction personnel were …

Traffic Control Procedures For Emergency Responders, Jennifer Walton, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study was to develop a training course and handbook to guide on-scene emergency responders responsible for controlling traffic during a roadway crash and subsequent clearance.

Traffic control is an essential component of incident response in order to move road users safely and expeditiously past or around a traffic incident, and to reduce the likelihood of secondary crashes. Emergency responders, with the exception of law enforcement, are provided limited or no training in traffic control but yet by nature of their job often have to perform such duties. There is a need to provide basic knowledge and …

Annual Update Of Data For Estimating Esals, Jerry G. Pigman, Clark Graves, Brad Rister, David Cain, Neil Tollner

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A revised procedure for estimating equivalent single axleloads (ESAL’s) was developed in 1985. This procedure used weight, classification, and traffic volume data collected by the Transportation Cabinet’s Division of Planning. The procedure was developed and documented as Research Report UKTRP-85-30, and was titled “Estimation of Equivalent Axleloads”. Since the revised procedure was adopted, there have been several changes; the most recent being documented as Report KTC-95-7 titled “Equivalent Single Axleload Computer Program Enhancements”. Results documented in Report KTC-95-7 included improvements in the processing of ESAL data by aggregation of the functional classes to increase the accuracy of the estimates within …

Utilization Of Index Stations For Prediction Of Interstate Traffic Volumes, R. Clark Graves, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

To facilitate the collection of traffic volumes along the Interstate System and better utilize the available resources. A method to factor adjacent traffic count locations from index counts collected on an annual basis has been proposed. This process utilized the current permanent stations along with other stations identified as Index Stations to calculate the AADT at the Estimated from Index (EFI) stations. This report provides a summary of the process which was developed and a measure of the potential accuracy of the predicted traffic volumes.

Post Earthquake Investigation Field Manual For The State Of Kentucky, Ann G. Sardo, Thomas E. Sardo, Issam E. Harik

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The rapid assessment of a bridge structure’s safety and functionality is an essential component to restoring vital lifeline routes after a major earthquake. Appropriate posting categories are used to assure the safety of the traveling public. The objective of this manual is to provide a rapid and efficient method of inspecting bridge structures after an earthquake. The primary users of this manual are intended to be the initial Kentucky Transportation Cabinet personnel who will initially reach the bridge sites. It is recognized that such first-line personnel will possess a variety of backgrounds and, therefore, a systematic method of evaluating the …

Site Investigation Of Bridges Along I-24 In Western Kentucky, Wael Zatar, Issam E. Harik, Peng Yuan

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Determination of the seismic risk of the I-24 bridges requires evaluating the current condition of all individual elements of the bridges. All bridges along the I-24 were visually inspected, pictured, and the records were stored in a database. Data of the visual inspection and the pictures were combined to form the completed site inspection forms of the I-24 bridges. Main visually observed deficiencies of the bridge elements were pointed out. The site inspection forms of all bridges on/over the I-24 in western Kentucky are used together with the bridge inventory to obtain different statistical figures regarding the characteristics of the …

Seismic Evaluation Of The Cumberland River Bridges On I-24 In Western Kentucky, Wael A. Zatar, Wei-Xin Ren, Issam E. Harik

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The main objective of this study is to assess the structural integrity of the I-24 parallel bridges at the Cumberland River crossing in western Kentucky. Due to its importance, the bridge is evaluated for the 250-year event and the maximum credible 500-year event. The scope of the work included: 1) Field testing of the main bridge; 2) Finite element modeling and calibration; 3) Time-history seismic response analysis for the main spans; and 4) Seismic evaluation for both the main and the approach spans. The seismic analysis for the 250-year event indicates that the main spans of the bridge can resist …

Detailed Seismic Evaluation Of Bridges Along I-24 In Western Kentucky, Ching Chiaw Choo, Issam E. Harik, Peng Yuan

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report presents a seismic rating system and a detailed evaluation procedure for selected highway bridges on/over I-24 in Western Kentucky near the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ). The rating system, based upon structural vulnerability, seismic and geotechnical hazards, and socioeconomic factors, was used to rank 127 (82 on and 45 over I-24) bridges on/over I-24. A total of 14 bridges were selected and subsequently evaluated using a capacity/demand ratio method outlined in the Seismic Retrofitting Manual for Highway Bridges by the Federal Highway Administration. The focus was on four bridge components; namely the expansion joints, bearings, columns, and footings. …

Seismic Evaluation And Ranking Of Bridge Embankments Along I-24 In Western Kentucky, Wael Zatar, Issam E. Harik, Peng Yuan, Ching Chiaw Choo

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study represents one of the Seismic Evaluation of I-24 Bridges investigative series. The focus is on slope or embankment stability and liquefaction potential of embankments of bridges along I-24 in Western Kentucky. A rating system is derived to assist in identifying and prioritizing bridge embankments that are susceptible to failure during to projected seismic events. Embankments of one hundred and twenty seven (127) bridges along I-24 in Western Kentucky are evaluated for 50-year and 250-year seismic events. Fifty-two (52) of the 127 embankments were rated as ‘critical’ for the 50-year event, and 60 were rated as ‘critical’ for the …

Seismic Evaluation Of I-24 Bridges And Embankments In Western Kentucky–Summary Report, Wael A. Zatar, Issam E. Harik, Ching Chiaw Choo

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

I-24 is considered as one of the high priority and emergency routes in the region. Hence, it is essential that I-24 remains functional and operational after an earthquake event. The objective of this study is to perform seismic evaluation and risk assessment of bridges and embankments along I-24 in western Kentucky. The assessment assists identifying and prioritizing bridges that are susceptible to failure.

The study aims at evaluating the seismic risk for 127 bridges, of which 82 bridges lies on I-24 and 45 bridges cross over I-24. This report is the first (1st) in a series of seven reports for …

Seismic Evaluation Of The Tennessee River Bridges On I-24 In Western Kentucky, Tong Zhao, Wei-Xin Ren, Issam E. Harik, Jin-Dong Hu

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report presents the seismic evaluation of the approaches and parallel bridges on I-24 crossing the Tennessee River between Marshall and Livingston counties in Western Kentucky. The main bridges are steel tied-arch bridges. The bridges are situated within the influence of the New Madrid Seismic Zone. The seismic evaluation program consisted of field testing, 3-dimensional finite element modeling and seismic response analysis. The dynamic properties of the main bridges are determined through field testing, and are used to calibrate the finite element models. The finite element model is then subjected to time histories of the 250-year and 500-year earthquake events. …

Preliminary Seismic Evaluation And Ranking Of Bridges Along I-24 In Western Kentucky, Wael Zatar, Issam E. Harik, Peng Yuan, Ching Chiaw Choo

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study represents one of the Seismic Evaluation of I-24 Bridges investigative series. The focus is on preliminary seismic evaluation and ranking of bridges according to their seismic vulnerability. Bridges along I-24 are considered in this investigation. The ranking will assist in identifying and prioritizing bridges for secondary evaluation, retrofit measure, or other course of action. The rating system described herein is based on a methodology provided by the FHWA Retrofitting Manual for highway bridges. One hundred and twenty seven (127) highway bridges were evaluated and rated in this process for projected 50-year and 250-year seismic events. The Tennessee River …

Analysis Of Traffic Crash Data In Kentucky (2001 – 2005), Eric R. Green, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report documents an analysis of traffic crash data in Kentucky for the years of 2001 through 2005. A primary objective of this study was to determine average crash statistics for Kentucky highways. Average and critical numbers and rates of crashes were calculated for various types of highways in rural and urban areas. These data can be used in Kentucky’s procedure to identify locations that have abnormal rates or numbers of crashes. The other primary objective of this study was to provide data that can be used in the preparation of the problem identification portion of Kentucky’s Annual Highway Safety …

An Analysis Of The Direct And Indirect Costs Of Utility And Right-Of-Way Conflicts On Construction Roadway Projects, Paul M. Goodrum, Fady Kari, Adam Smith, Ben Slaughter, Chris N. Jones

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Utility conflicts are unfortunately a common occurrence on many roadway projects. This report examines the frequency and severity of utility conflicts both within and outside of Kentucky. Understanding which type of utility conflicts most likely occur and the potential magnitude of their costs when will help the Cabinet better understand the risk of utility conflicts on future projects. The report details a series of five case studies that quantified the direct and indirect costs of utility conflicts on previous projects. The report also reports on the result a national survey of 45 state utility directors (out of a possible of …

2006 Safety Belt Usage Survey In Kentucky, Kenneth R. Agent, Eric R. Green

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study was to establish 2006 safety belt and child safety seat usage rates in Kentucky. The 2006 survey continues to document the results after enactment of the original “secondary enforcement” statewide mandatory safety belt law in 1994 and the change to “primary enforcement” which was enacted in 2006. Data were collected at 200 randomly selected sites spread across Kentucky. Data from the individual sites were combined into a statewide percentage considering roadway functional classification, geographic region, and vehicle miles traveled. The data show that the usage rate in 2006 (67.2 percent) was slightly higher than that …

Cooper Drive Pedestrian Study, Adam Kirk, Nikiforos Stamatiadis

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The purpose of this report is to summarize the findings of the pedestrian study conducted for Cooper Drive from Nicholasville Road to Sports Center Drive on the University of Kentucky Campus in Lexington, KY. This study was initiated by the University of Kentucky Parking and Transportation Services in response to high pedestrian crossing volumes on Cooper Drive. Cooper Drive is crossed daily by a large number of pedestrians to access the main campus from the stadium parking lot and Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC). This study examines several roadway alternatives that have potential to improve these pedestrian movements in …

Quantification Of The Benefits Of Access Management For Kentucky, Adam Kirk, Jerry G. Pigman, Barry House

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report describes the benefits quantification performed for the proposed access management plan for Kentucky. This study evaluates the capacity, safety and economic impacts associated with access management programs. The proposed Kentucky access management program will seek to standardize driveway and traffic signal spacing on all state maintained roadways in the state. The TRB Access Impact Calculator developed as a part of by NCHRP Report 420, was used to evaluate the potential benefits of the proposed plan on a sample of Kentucky roadways. The results of this analysis were then extrapolated to the statewide system to estimate total annual savings …

Evaluation Of Kentucky’S “Buckle Up Kentucky: It’S The Law And It’S Enforced” 2006 Campaign, Kenneth R. Agent, Eric R. Green, Ronald E. Langley

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this report was to document the results of the “Buckle Up Kentucky: It’s the Law & It’s Enforced” 2006 campaign in Kentucky. The campaign involved a combination of earned media, paid media, and enforcement. The earned media started about five weeks prior to Memorial Day 2006 and continued through the enforcement periods. Two separate paid media campaigns and enforcement periods were conducted. One dealt specifically with pickups while the other was a general campaign for all drivers. The pickup media campaign started four weeks prior to Memorial Day and lasted two weeks followed by a one-week enforcement …

Development Of A Traffic Sign Inventory System (Sign Click), Eric R. Green

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A system is not currently in place to inventory traffic signs in Kentucky. A sign inventory database would be beneficial for those responsible for maintenance and management of signs. The overall safety provided the driving public could benefit from an efficient inventory system that increases an agency’s knowledge of existing signs. In addition, a comprehensive inventory and mechanisms for updating the inventory could reduce the potential for liability associated with outdated, inappropriately placed, or missing signs. Software is available for this kind of inventory; however it can be expensive and would lack the specific features that could be developed in-house. …

Early Stage Benefit Cost Analysis For Estimating Economic Impacts, Doug Kreis, Brian Howell, Lenahan O'Connell

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study reviewed the various software packages and other methods in use for estimating the economic impacts of proposed transportation projects. A total of 13 economic software packages were examined as potential applications in meeting KYTC’s business needs. It was determined that only the TREDIS model from the Economic Development Research Group, Inc. or the TranSight model from Regional Economic Models, Inc. could potentially meet Kentucky’s needs as defined in the project.

Characteristics And Engineering Properties Of The Soft Soil Layer In Highway Soil Subgrades, Tommy C. Hopkins, Tony L. Beckham, Liecheng Sun

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this research was to examine the conditions and characteristics of soil subgrades that had been stabilized using mechanical compaction. Goals of the study are to identify and examine the engineering properties and behavior of the “soft layer’ of material observed at the top of untreated, highway pavement soil subgrades. Alternative methods of preventing, or mitigating, the development of the soft layer are discussed.

Evidence is presented that shows that a soft layer of soil frequently develops at the top of untreated, highway soil subgrades. Data are presented that show strengths obtained from mechanical compaction are largely destroyed …

Coatings, Sealants, And Fillers To Address Bridge Concrete Deterioration And Aesthetics-Phase 1, Sudhir Palle, Theodore Hopwood Ii

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study addresses experimental evaluation and testing of concrete coatings for maintenance purposes on structural (steel reinforced) concrete. The test methods employed are intended to identify coatings and sealers for eventual incorporation into a qualified products list for structural concrete coatings. Some of the methods/procedures used in this study will be used in the future to evaluate additional coatings and sealers. Developmental work focused on identifying relevant coatings systems and laboratory tests. The objectives of experimental project monitoring were to: 1) identify existing viable concrete coatings along with their properties/ characteristics/surface preparation requirements and determine effective acceptance/evaluation tests for those …

Making Kytc Geotechnical Reports Available On The Web, Gerald A. Weisenfluh, Rebecca Wang

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Geotechnical Branch of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) prepares technical reports that contain drawings, explanations, and recommendations for road and structure construction projects in Kentucky. These design reports, once complete, also serve as historical reference materials for new projects and are utilized by State contractors, regional transportation offices, as well as the KYTC staff in Frankfort, KY. In order to reduce the support needed to distribute these documents to their constituents, the KYTC required a Web-based system for storing and disseminating the reports. The system developed under this project allows KYTC staff to upload an electronic document from any …

Privatizing Transportation Through Public-Private Partnerships: Definitions, Models, And Issues, Juita-Elena Wie Yusuf, Candice Y. Wallace, Merl Hackbart

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

There has been greater emphasis in recent times on using public-private partnerships (PPPs or P3s) to provide and deliver transportation infrastructure and services. These public-private partnerships differ from contracting out, being applicable to a broader range of projects and requiring different contract management and accountability. In the transportation arena the focus on public-private partnerships has resulted from both the need for greater reliance on private capital to fund critical infrastructure and services and the need to tap private sector expertise to ensure delivery of high quality infrastructure and services on time and on budget. This report serves as a primer …

Evaluation Of The Eastern Kentucky Rural Highway Information Project 511 Tourism Service, Juita-Elena Wie Yusuf, Candice Y. Wallace, Steven D. Kreis

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The purpose of this study is to provide an evaluation of the Eastern Kentucky Rural Highway Information Project, involving the establishment of a 511 Premium Tourism Service Package. Kentucky is only the second state to offer tourism related services through its 511 Travel System, placing the state in a position to offer insights gained from the project to other states considering the implementation of a similar program. Lessons learned from Kentucky’s experience with launching and managing a multi-county tourism information system will be invaluable. To that end, this study (1) reviewed the activities undertaken during launch and early operations of …

Identification Of Pavement Distress In Kentucky, Tim C. Scully Jr., R. Clark Graves, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In Kentucky, the roads are comprised primarily of two types of pavement. The first being Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) a rigid pavement, and the other is Asphaltic Concrete (AC), a flexible pavement. There is a noticeable difference in their appearance, ride, cost and performance. Since Kentucky utilizes both pavements, as many states do, it is necessary to have a system in place to consistently identify pavement distress and categorize their overall performance.

Baseline Modeling Of The Owensboro Cable-Stayed Bridge Over The Ohio River, Jindong Hu, Issam E. Harik, Suzanne Weaver Smith, Jeff Gagel, Jennie E. Campbell, R. Clark Graves

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report presents the baseline modeling of the Owensboro cable-stayed bridge which connects Owensboro, Kentucky and Rockport, Indiana over the Ohio River. The objective of this study is to establish the bridge baseline model via the dynamics-based technique and finite element method. The scope of research includes finite element modeling and modal analysis, field free vibration testing, finite element model calibration using field test results, and cable dynamic testing and modeling. It is demonstrated that a cable-stayed bridge is a highly pre-stressed structure. The stress stiffening of cable elements plays an important role in both static and dynamic analysis. The …

Inspection And Evaluation Of A Bridge Deck Reinforced With Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (Cfrp) Bars, Choo Ching Chiaw, Issam E. Harik

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Cracking in reinforced concrete decks is inevitable. It leads to the corrosion and eventual deterioration of the deck system. The use of non-corrosive reinforcement is one alternative to steel in reinforced concrete construction. This report deals with the field evaluation and performance of a concrete bridge deck reinforced with carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) bars. The bridge is identified as the Elkin Station Road Bridge on route CR1210 over the Two Mile Creek in Clark County, KY. The CFRP bars were placed in the top and bottom mats of the bridge deck in both the transverse and longitudinal directions. The …

Evaluation Of Work Zone Safety Operations And Issues, Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent, Eric R. Green

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Work zone activities are one of the areas with a high potential for compromised safety for workers and road users. Various measures have been taken to increase the level of safety in work zones; including the use of double fines for speeding and the application of speed displays based on radar detection. There has been an effort to improve the effectiveness and safety of flaggers by requiring the use of a stop/slow paddle for most work zone conditions, using lights on the paddle, and increasing visibility by using more reflective clothing. It has been suggested that safety in work zones …

Performance Evaluation Of Bridges With Structural Bridge Deck Overlays (Sbdo), James J. Griffin, Issam E. Harik, Ching Chiaw Choo

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Structural Bridge Deck Overlay (SBDO) involves applying 6 to 10 inches (150 to 200 mm) of normal weight, class AA, reinforced concrete directly to a bridge’s original slab. The overlay is designed to increase the deck elevation to an extent that standard highway resurfacing procedures can continue uninterrupted up the edges of the bridge. Otherwise, excavation along the bridge approaches or jacking of the superstructure is required to insure proper elevation.

Experimental static field tests were conducted on three different bridges: (1) Simply supported prestressed concrete I-girder bridge; (2) cast-in-place reinforced concrete continuous haunched girder bridge; and (3) cast-in-place reinforced …