Engineering Commons^™

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Expert System To Support Site Investigation For Safety Improvement, Andrzej Marcin. Kwasniak, Bogdan Chivoiu, Andrzej P. Tarko

JTRP Technical Reports

One of the goals of traffic safety specialists is to improve road geometry and traffic control at high-crash locations to reduce the risk of crash. The most difficult part of site investigation is determining the causes of crashes. This task may be overwhelming, particularly for inexperienced investigators. Experienced investigators often may have difficulties in connecting various pieces of information and knowledge due to the high level of uncertainty, the high complexity of safety impacts, and the gaps in what is known about driver performance during the crash occurrence. An AI method is proposed to help investigators identify the crash causes. …

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 …

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 …

Evaluation Of Rapid Setting Cement-Based Materials For Patching And Repair, Amit D. Barde, Swathi Parameswaran, Todd Chariton, W. Jason Weiss, Menashi D. Cohen, Scott Andrew Newbolds

JTRP Technical Reports

The efficient repair and replacement of concrete pavements and bridge decks often requires a rapid setting material that can be placed, cured, and opened to traffic in a relatively short period of time. Frequently, temporary repairs are made using materials that are later found to be incompatible with the existing pavement, structures, and environment. This practice causes these materials to fail prematurely, frequently requiring re-repair. Research is needed to determine which rapid setting repair materials demonstrate the best behavior with rapid strength gain, low potential for cracking, and excellent durability. The objective of this research is to evaluate the performance …

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 …

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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Stiffness Of Hot-Mix Asphalt, Terhi K. Pellinen, Shangzhi Xiao

JTRP Technical Reports

This research was initiated from a need to evaluate marginal mixtures that do not meet the Superpave mix design criteria for the air voids content requirements for the construction of hot mix asphalt pavements. The developed criteria is comprised of the base criteria derived from test data of as-placed field cores normalized to 7.5% air voids content, which provides the minimum stiffness and strength requirements for a mixture as a function of the traffic level. The stiffness of pavement cores is measured using Simple Shear Tester to obtain shear stiffness |G*| of mix and strength is measured using indirect tensile …

Corridor Mapping Using Aerial Technique, James Samuel Bethel, Boudewijn H W Van Gelder, Ali Fuat Cetin, Aparajithan Sampath

JTRP Technical Reports

With properly designed LIDAR control, assessment of 3D as-builts is attainable with an average over-all horizontal (planimetric) error of 0.324 ft (9.9 cm). Specifically, with an RMS error of 0.284 ft (8.7 cm) in Northing, and 0.255 ft (7.8 cm) in Easting. The average over-all vertical (height) error is 0.003 ft (0.1 cm) with a 0.108 ft (3.3 cm) RMS error. Lidar recognizable control (2m x 2m chevrons) was spaced at approximately 200m parallel to the direction of the axis of the project corridor, and at 60m sideway intervals. The project corridor was about 6 km long. Least Squares Image …

Investigation Of Coarse Aggregate Strength For Use In Stone Matrix Asphalt, Brandon J. Celaya, John E. Haddock

JTRP Technical Reports

Stone Matrix Asphalt is a gap-graded hot-mix asphalt mixture composed of a coarse aggregate skeleton and a binder-rich mortar. The mixture type was first introduced to the United States in 1991, with one of the first test sections placed on I-70 near Richmond, Indiana. To help control the selection of coarse aggregate, the Indiana Department of Transportation specified a maximum Los Angeles Abrasion loss value of 30 percent. An investigation into the coarse aggregate specifications for use in Stone Matrix Asphalt was completed in this study. Emphasis was placed on evaluating various tests that may be useful is specifying coarse …

Impact Of Camera And Lighting Position On Video Detection Precision, Avery Rhodes, Kristofer Jennings, Darcy M. Bullock

JTRP Technical Reports

On well-illuminated approaches, vehicle headlight reflections on the pavement were observed to cause video detection units to activate early. This early activation results in a dramatic increase in the length of the effective vehicle detection zone. This observed variation in the effective length of the vehicle detection zone that varies by ambient lighting condition and camera placement presents a very serious impediment for traffic engineers to design vehicle extension intervals that operate correctly during day, night and transition periods. Furthermore, the stochastic variation in the length of the vehicle detection zone length has the potential to create driver expectancy issues. …

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 …

Vendor Comparison Of Video Detection Systems, Avery Rhodes, Edward J. Smaglik, Darcy M. Bullock

JTRP Technical Reports

Video detection has become increasingly popular for presence detection at signalized intersections because of its versatility. However, several reports have documented performance problems in specific systems. This paper quantifies the performance of three different commercially available video detection systems. The systems were tested in May and September 2005 for presence detection accuracy. Prior to the May 2005 test, a representative from each vendor configured the video detection zones to match the loop detection zone as closely as possible. The outputs from the loop detection for the through-right and left-turn lane groups were compared with the corresponding output from each of …

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 …

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. …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …