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Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Implementation Of Steel Bridge Protection Policy, Luh M. Chang, Po-Han Chen, Sangwook Lee Oct 2003

Implementation Of Steel Bridge Protection Policy, Luh M. Chang, Po-Han Chen, Sangwook Lee

JTRP Technical Reports

Many Departments of Transportation (DOTs) have made tremendous efforts for managing their civil infrastructure systems effectively and to meet public demands for their performance and safety. The introduction of warranties help many DOTs keep their construction with better quality by shifting post-construction responsibilities to contractors. Warranties are applied to numerous items according to each DOT’s needs, and this research focuses on steel bridge painting protection policy for Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT). This research represents the development of an implementable warranty clause for protecting steel bridge painting and the image processing technique for the objective and quantitative painting quality assessment. …


Construction Of Tire Shreds Test Embankment, Rodrigo Salgado, Sungmin Yoon, Nayyar Zia Siddiki Oct 2003

Construction Of Tire Shreds Test Embankment, Rodrigo Salgado, Sungmin Yoon, Nayyar Zia Siddiki

JTRP Technical Reports

According to recent research, it is estimated that there are more than 500 million tires stockpiled across the United States, and 270 million more are generated each year. A significant number of tires are left in empty yards and even dumped illegally. Tires have characteristics that make them not easy to dispose, and potentially combustible. For these reasons, there is a strong need to find beneficial ways to recycle or reuse tires. Civil engineering applications constitute one of biggest markets for scrap tires. Tire shreds can be used as fill material, for example. The objective of this research is to …


Indot Highway Needs Analysis - Impacts Of Physical Features (Horizontal And Vertical Curvature), Sanjeev Kanekal, Jon D. Fricker Jan 2003

Indot Highway Needs Analysis - Impacts Of Physical Features (Horizontal And Vertical Curvature), Sanjeev Kanekal, Jon D. Fricker

JTRP Technical Reports

The INDOT Long-Range Planning Section has developed a set of planning tools that will support the system-level analysis of the state transportation system. These tools are employed to monitor transportation system performance, identify highway needs, and provide a quantitative analysis of the impacts of transportation improvement projects. One such tool is HERS/IN (Indiana Highway Economic Requirements System). The HERS/IN model identifies deficiencies in pavement, capacity, and alignment by referring to the Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) data of the roadway sections. The HERS model uses a method to accommodate the curve and grade data and, based on these data, it …


Traffic Signals In School Zones, Kevin S. Lee, Darcy M. Bullock Jan 2003

Traffic Signals In School Zones, Kevin S. Lee, Darcy M. Bullock

JTRP Technical Reports

Traffic signals are used to control the right of way at intersections. Strict engineering guidelines are published in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) that engineers use to determine if a traffic signal is “warranted”. The warrants provide consistent national balance between mobility, safety, efficiency, and costs. However, signalized intersections are often viewed by the general public as safer then unsignalized intersections. This belief is often heightened when there are personal injuries and even higher when children are involved. Parents, city officials, and local interest groups often vigorously request the installation of a traffic signal. After these requests …


Simplified Shear Design Of Prestressed Concrete Members, Robert J. Frosch, Tyler S. Wolf Jan 2003

Simplified Shear Design Of Prestressed Concrete Members, Robert J. Frosch, Tyler S. Wolf

JTRP Technical Reports

Design methods for the shear resistance of reinforced and prestressed concrete beams are based on empirical evidence. Due to different approaches in their development different equations are used to calculate the shear strength of reinforced and prestressed concrete. Recent research conducted by Tureyen has proposed a simplified shear model for reinforced concrete which is primarily based upon mechanics and corresponds well with a wide range of test results. The objective of this research was to determine the applicability of the shear model to prestressed concrete. The applicability of the shear model was evaluated by a comparison of its results with …


Weigh-In-Motion Data Checking And Imputation, Ting Wei, Jon D. Fricker Jan 2003

Weigh-In-Motion Data Checking And Imputation, Ting Wei, Jon D. Fricker

JTRP Technical Reports

There are about 46 weigh-in-motion (WIM) stations in Indiana. When operating properly, they provide valuable information on traffic volumes, vehicle classifications, and axle weights. Because there are great amounts of WIM data collected everyday, the quality of these data should be monitor without further delay. The first objective of this study is to develop effective and efficient methods to identify missing or erroneous WIM data. The second objective is to develop a data imputation method to update the missing or erroneous data. This report describes the WIM data checking process on both a monthly and a daily basis. The Weigh-In-Motion …


Debris Accumulation At Bridge Crossings: Laboratory And Field Studies, Dennis A. Lyn, Thomas J. Cooper, Yong-Kon Yi, Rahul N. Sinha, A. Ramachandra Rao Jan 2003

Debris Accumulation At Bridge Crossings: Laboratory And Field Studies, Dennis A. Lyn, Thomas J. Cooper, Yong-Kon Yi, Rahul N. Sinha, A. Ramachandra Rao

JTRP Technical Reports

Extensive accumulation of large woody debris at bridge piers poses a chronic and sometimes quite severe problem at several bridge crossings in Indiana. This study, involving both laboratory and field components, examines the factors contributing to the initiation and development of such debris piles. The laboratory study, performed in a rectangular channel with a single model pier (and in some cases with an upstream vertical cylinder modeling a debris deflector, as well as a model sand bar) and both dowels and twigs as model logs, considered the effects of velocity and depth. The experiments point to a stronger than might …


Evaluation Of Safety Enforcement On Changing Driver Behavior - Runs On Red (2 Of 2 Volumes), Robert C. Zahnke, Maria L. Drake, Jose E. Thomaz Jan 2003

Evaluation Of Safety Enforcement On Changing Driver Behavior - Runs On Red (2 Of 2 Volumes), Robert C. Zahnke, Maria L. Drake, Jose E. Thomaz

JTRP Technical Reports

Red light running (RLR) is a dangerous act. Approximately 22% of urban crashes at signalized intersections are caused nationwide by RLR. Nearly 1,036 deaths were caused nationwide by RLR in the year 2000. Indiana had no previous research conducted in this area; therefore, this research was aimed at estimating the RLR problem in Indiana. The other objectives of this research included: learning drivers’ opinions on the problem, studying the effectiveness of selected countermeasures, and studying the legal issues related to photo-enforcement. A crash statistics study, telephone survey, and extended monitoring of a selected intersection were the three major approaches chosen …


Investigation Of Bridge Deck Cracking In Various Bridge Superstructure Systems, Robert J. Frosch, David Todd Blackman, Roger Dwight Radabaugh Jan 2003

Investigation Of Bridge Deck Cracking In Various Bridge Superstructure Systems, Robert J. Frosch, David Todd Blackman, Roger Dwight Radabaugh

JTRP Technical Reports

Many bridges in the state of Indiana have been identified to have cracking in the concrete deck. Cracking has been identified in the negative and positive moment regions of bridges on both the top and bottom surfaces and can appear before or shortly after the opening of the structure to live loads. Significant crack widths and various degrees of cracking exist in different bridge systems including both concrete and steel superstructures. This research project was divided into five phases to determine the factors affecting transverse and longitudinal bridge deck cracking, as well as, to develop design recommendations that minimize or …


Construction Work Zone Safety, Christopher Ryan Huebschman, Camilo Garcia, Darcy M. Bullock, Dulcy M. Abraham Jan 2003

Construction Work Zone Safety, Christopher Ryan Huebschman, Camilo Garcia, Darcy M. Bullock, Dulcy M. Abraham

JTRP Technical Reports

The need of maintaining safety of motorists and workers during periods of construction activities on interstates has prompted the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) to initiate a study aimed at improving the safety in work zones on rural interstates. The two main objectives of the project are 1) determine if active warning devices or improved signing have an impact in work zone safety and 2) determine if it is appropriate to consider temporary roads and bridges during construction activity on interstates in an effort to maintain two lanes open at all times. This report describes the methods used to meet …


Development Of Vehicle Platoon Distribution Models And Simulation Of Platoon Movements On Indiana Rural Corridors, Yi Jiang, Shou Li, Daniel E. Shamo Jan 2003

Development Of Vehicle Platoon Distribution Models And Simulation Of Platoon Movements On Indiana Rural Corridors, Yi Jiang, Shou Li, Daniel E. Shamo

JTRP Technical Reports

Since the 1980s, traffic volumes have experienced a rapid growth of approximately 30% in Indiana. Traffic data indicates that more than 70% of vehicles travel in platoons on Indiana highway corridors in the vicinity of urban areas. At a rural highway intersection consisting of a major road with high traffic volume and a minor road with low traffic volume, it is very common that the green time cannot be used efficiently, especially when the vehicle detectors on the major road are imbedded close to the intersection. In Indiana, most of the traffic signal timing systems operate well. However, these systems …


Evaluation Of Safety Enforcement On Changing Driver Behavior - Runs On Red (1 Of 2 Volumes), Andrzej P. Tarko, Naredla Lakshmi Reddy Jan 2003

Evaluation Of Safety Enforcement On Changing Driver Behavior - Runs On Red (1 Of 2 Volumes), Andrzej P. Tarko, Naredla Lakshmi Reddy

JTRP Technical Reports

Red light running (RLR) is a dangerous act. Approximately 22% of urban crashes at signalized intersections are caused nationwide by RLR. Nearly 1,036 deaths were caused nationwide by RLR in the year 2000. Indiana had no previous research conducted in this area; therefore, this research was aimed at estimating the RLR problem in Indiana. The other objectives of this research included: learning drivers’ opinions on the problem, studying the effectiveness of selected countermeasures, and studying the legal issues related to photo-enforcement. A crash statistics study, telephone survey, and extended monitoring of a selected intersection were the three major approaches chosen …


Investigation Of Novel Acoustic Barrier Concepts Phase I: Concept Development And Preliminary Evaluation, Luc Mongeau, J. Stuart Bolton, Sanghoon Suh Jan 2003

Investigation Of Novel Acoustic Barrier Concepts Phase I: Concept Development And Preliminary Evaluation, Luc Mongeau, J. Stuart Bolton, Sanghoon Suh

JTRP Technical Reports

In a previous research project [SPR 2418; "Study of the performance of acoustic barriers for Indiana toll roads,"] the influence of environmental factors and of advanced sound barrier concepts was investigated. The presence of temperature gradients over pavements was found to have a strong influence on sound propagation. Refraction of sound waves emitted by tire-road interactions in the vicinity of the ground also affects sound barrier performance. Modified ray tracing model suggested that prevailing winds have an influence on barrier performance at large distances. Randomized edge configurations were found not to improve barrier performance for traffic noise. Random edges simply …


Maintenance Quality Assurance Program, Bob G. Mccullouch Jan 2003

Maintenance Quality Assurance Program, Bob G. Mccullouch

JTRP Technical Reports

An INDOT maintenance QA program has been developed and implemented at the activity level. Every maintenance activity is checked and evaluated by QA guidelines. One area that has been considered as an ideal candidate for QA is at the management level of maintenance operations. This program uses a random sample population at a certain confidence level to evaluate the maintenance condition of INDOT roads. Five categories are evaluated: pavement, roadside features, shoulder, drainage, and traffic control. A field inspection program utilizes INDOT personnel and resources. A scoring program yields results that provides for category and individual item evaluations. Data collected …


Use Of Modulus Of Rupture, Fatigue Resistance And Maturity In Determining Opening To Traffic Time For Concrete Pavements, J. Olek, Menashi D. Cohen, Charles F. Scholer, Deepak R. Mandrekar Jan 2003

Use Of Modulus Of Rupture, Fatigue Resistance And Maturity In Determining Opening To Traffic Time For Concrete Pavements, J. Olek, Menashi D. Cohen, Charles F. Scholer, Deepak R. Mandrekar

JTRP Technical Reports

The main objective of this experimental and analytical research project was to develop maturity-based guidelines for early opening-to-traffic of concrete pavements in the state of Indiana. Currently, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) specifies that pavements can be opened to traffic when the concrete reaches the strength of at least 3.8 MPa (550 psi). During this study modulus of rupture (MOR) and maturity data were collected and strength gain characteristics were analyzed. Also, fatigue experiments were performed at different stress levels and ages. Based on the experimental results, modulus of rupture of concrete was correlated with corresponding fatigue life for …


An Investigation On Transversely Prestressed Concrete Bridge Decks, J. A. Ramirez, Jhon Paul Smith Jan 2003

An Investigation On Transversely Prestressed Concrete Bridge Decks, J. A. Ramirez, Jhon Paul Smith

JTRP Technical Reports

This study is concerned with the development of design specifications for the use of transverse post-tensioning in concrete bridge decks. The ultimate goal behind this proposal is to improve the durability of concrete bridge superstructures. Experimental results from previous studies are used to validate the analytical models implemented in the development of the design specifications. It is found that the required distribution of transverse post-tensioning is such that different application levels of prestressing are required in regions containing the interior and exterior (or outermost) diaphragms. It is also concluded that the magnitude of such transverse forces is a function of …


Asphalt Additives To Control Rutting And Cracking, Rebecca Mcdaniel, Ayesha Shah Jan 2003

Asphalt Additives To Control Rutting And Cracking, Rebecca Mcdaniel, Ayesha Shah

JTRP Technical Reports

This report presents the results of an investigation of the performance of a variety of materials added to asphalt binders and mixtures to change their properties, particularly with respect to rutting and cracking. The approach included a field trial of seven polymer and particulate modifiers, supplemented by laboratory characterization of the materials used in the field. The modifiers evaluated included PAC, Novophalt, Multigrade asphalt cement, polyester fibers, Neoprene, SBR and asphalt rubber. The field trial showed that different modifiers do yield different performance. Modifiers are not essential to ensure that the pavement will not rut. None of the mixtures evaluated …


Beta Testing Implementation Of The Purdue Time Domain Reflectometry (Tdr) Method For Soil Water Content And Density Measurement, Vincent P. Drnevich, Xiong Yu, Janet Elaine Lovell Jan 2003

Beta Testing Implementation Of The Purdue Time Domain Reflectometry (Tdr) Method For Soil Water Content And Density Measurement, Vincent P. Drnevich, Xiong Yu, Janet Elaine Lovell

JTRP Technical Reports

The Purdue TDR method is a new technology for simultaneously measuring soil water content and dry density insitu. An ASTM standard for using TDR to measure soil water content and dry density based on Purdue TDR method was approved during the time span of this project and is designated ASTM D6780. The primary objective of this study was to take the Purdue TDR Method to the point where it is widely field tested by users on a broad spectrum of soils around the country. This goal was achieved by involving researchers at other universities and practitioners in federal and state …


Classification Of Railroad Crossings In Indiana For Roughness, Thomas A. Williams Jan 2003

Classification Of Railroad Crossings In Indiana For Roughness, Thomas A. Williams

JTRP Technical Reports

The objective of this research was to determine if roughness data on railroad crossings could be extracted from INDOT’s road network database in order to determine the need and priority of repair projects. This “railroad roughness” was to be correlated to the general public’s perception of riding comfort by using the panel rating method. From this information a Railroad Crossing Index (RCI) would be developed so that the INDOT could search the database to generate a list of crossings that require repair and prioritize them. To calculate RCI four methods were proposed: 1. The first proposed method for generating RCI …


Development Of A Database And System For Analyzing The Actual And Potential Impacts On The Environment Of Existing And Planned Indot Sites, Lynn A. Corson Jan 2003

Development Of A Database And System For Analyzing The Actual And Potential Impacts On The Environment Of Existing And Planned Indot Sites, Lynn A. Corson

JTRP Technical Reports

The objectives of this research were: 1. to identify the source, character, currency and format of environmental, ecological, geological and other data for each existing facility site and organize it in a “hard copy” and/or computerized framework to aid the prioritization and planning process for facility upgrades to protect the environment, for regulatory compliance, and for potential replacement or relocation of existing sites; 2. to identify and assess the criteria currently employed by INDOT to select locations for new and/or relocated facilities, including the ASTM Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessment criteria, and to recommend additional criteria including those …


National Pooled Fund Study No.176, Validation Of Shrp Asphalt Mixture Specifications Using Accelerated Testing, James Lincoln Stiady, Adam J. Hand, Samy Noureldin, Jianfeng Hua, Thomas D. White, Khaled A. Galal Jan 2003

National Pooled Fund Study No.176, Validation Of Shrp Asphalt Mixture Specifications Using Accelerated Testing, James Lincoln Stiady, Adam J. Hand, Samy Noureldin, Jianfeng Hua, Thomas D. White, Khaled A. Galal

JTRP Technical Reports

No abstract provided.


The Effectiveness Of Maintenance And Its Impact On Capital Expenditures, Samuel Labi, Kumares C. Sinha Jan 2003

The Effectiveness Of Maintenance And Its Impact On Capital Expenditures, Samuel Labi, Kumares C. Sinha

JTRP Technical Reports

With ever increasing traffic loadings, highway pavement maintenance needs continue to outpace the availability of resources, and transportation agencies seek cost-effective maintenance practices. This study investigated the effectiveness of maintenance treatments in the short-term and the cost effectiveness of maintenance strategies over entire pavement life. The study also analyzed the relationships and trade-offs between maintenance and capital investments such as pavement rehabilitation, and the trade-offs between preventive and corrective maintenance. These analyses were carried out through a work sequence that included analyses of historical trends, literature review, and a questionnaire survey. The study found that there are significant benefits associated …


Imaging And Locating Buried Utilities, Hyung Seok Jeong, Carlos A. Arboleda, Dulcy M. Abraham, Daniel W. Halpin, Leonhard E. Bernold Jan 2003

Imaging And Locating Buried Utilities, Hyung Seok Jeong, Carlos A. Arboleda, Dulcy M. Abraham, Daniel W. Halpin, Leonhard E. Bernold

JTRP Technical Reports

The urban underground has become a spider’s web of utility lines, including phones, electricity, gas, cable TV, fiber optics, traffic signals, street lighting circuits, drainage and sanitary sewers and water mains. Utility damages during construction are very significant and on the rise, resulting in construction delays, design changes, claims, property damages, service breakdowns, disruption of neighboring businesses and even injuries and lost lives. The American Institute of Constructors (AIC) reported that damage to utility lines is the third most significant crisis for contractors. The state-of-the-art and the state-of-the-practice imaging technologies that have potential for being applied in locating underground utilities …


Initial Study For Cost-Effectiveness Of Joint/Crack Sealing, Chuanxin Fang, Khaled A. Galal, David R. Ward, John E. Haddock Jan 2003

Initial Study For Cost-Effectiveness Of Joint/Crack Sealing, Chuanxin Fang, Khaled A. Galal, David R. Ward, John E. Haddock

JTRP Technical Reports

The sealing and resealing of joints and cracks in PCC, HMA, and composite pavements is assumed to be an important component of pavement maintenance. Recently this practice has been challenged by research indicating that sealing may not be cost-effective. The Indiana Department of Transportation currently spends approximately four million dollars annually to perform joint/crack sealing. The primary objective of the research presented in this report is to investigate the costeffectiveness of joint/crack sealing in relation to pavement performance. The results of a mail survey showed that most states, including Indiana, do not have quantitative justification for sealing policies, nor do …