Engineering Commons^™

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, …

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 …

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 …

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 …

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.

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 …

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 …

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.

Allocation Of Resurfacing Monies To Highway Districts In Kentucky, Rolands L. Rizenbergs, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Allocation of resurfacing and rehabilitation monies began in 1967 with the separate funding of a resurfacing program. Pavement projects for resurfacing and rehabilitation were selected more often than not on the basis of politics and arbitrary (i.e., without the benefit of analysis of good inventory and condition data) judgments of decision makers. With the gradual introduction of more adequate roadway inventory and annual condition data, the formula for the allocation of funds has been gradually revised, updated, and improved so there is now a more logical and equitable distribution of funds.

With the formation of a pavement management staff in …

Performance Evaluation Of Breakaway-Cable-Terminal End Treatments, Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report included an analysis of 110 accidents involving breakaway-cableterminal (BCT) end treatments and 36 accidents involving median-breakaway-cableterminal (MBCT) end treatments as used in Kentucky. The primary data base consisted of Kentucky accident records for the years 1980-87; with a few accidents that were identified before 1980. An attempt was made to document each accident with a police report, photographs, and a maintenance repair form.

Results revealed that the breakaway-cable-terminal end treatment performed properly in 73 percent of the accidents when all three configurations of end treatments were combined (simple curve, parabolic flare, and straight). Proper performance was defined as …

User's Guide For Pavement Condition Surveys, Gary W. Sharpe, Herbert F. Southgate, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The pavement condition survey is a visual inspection of the travelway of a street/road system. The survey provides measures to assess the magnitudes of various types of pavement distress. The rater is not to make evaluations on the basis of known or suspected subsurface conditions. It is necessary the rater only report in an objective manner what is seen. The types of distress include the following:

For Asphaltic Concrete Pavements: Alligator Cracking, Block/Transverse Cracking, Reflective Cracking, Rutting, Raveling, Bleeding, Surface Irregularities (shoving, corrugations, potholes), and Patching/Utility Cuts.

For Portland Cement Concrete Pavements: Blowups, Spalling and Popouts, Map Cracking, Longitudinal Cracking, …

Evaluation And Application Of Roadway Marking Materials, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Three different areas of roadway delineation were included in this study. These areas were:

1. Lane delineation materials,
2. crosswalk delineation materials, and
3. snowplowable markers.

Evaluation of lane delineation materials revealed that expanded use was warranted for polyester paint and extruded thermoplastic. The alkyd-resin extruded thermoplastic material was determined to be the most cost-effective material for crosswalk and stop bar installations. Durability and reflectivity results show that Stimsonite 96 markers have performed effectively as snowplowable markers while the recessed markers have performed effectively except on certain interstate locations.

Evaluation Of Construction-Zone Pavement Marking Materials, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objectives of this study were to evaluate available foil-back and removable tapes as well as construction-zone raised pavement markers and to recommend materials that should be included on approved lists for use by the Kentucky Department of Highways. Tapes and markers were placed on transverse test sections and the reflectivity, durability, and appearance were observed.

Tapes to be included on the approved lists for foil-back and removable tapes were recommended. Tapes manufactured by 3M, Flex-O-Lite, Cataphote, and Swarolite were included on the list of acceptable foil-back tapes. Recommended removable tapes were the 3M and Cataphote removable tapes. Stimsonite 66 …

Evaluation Of Drainage On Nicholasville Bypass, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Construction of the Nicholasville Bypass (US 27) was completed in 1986. At the north end of the bypass is a raised, paved traffic median (Figures 1 and 2). The median was constructed with a lip curb and gutter. The roadway at that location is in a superelevated section. A raised, paved traffic median also is located at the southern end of the bypass, Figures 3 through 5 are photographs of that median. The median is located on a tangent section therefore, the roadway has a normal crown. The section of roadway at the southern end is located on a slight …

Acoustic Emission Monitoring Of Bascule Bridge Components, Theodore Hopwood Ii

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

During September 4-16, 1986, Kentucky Transportation Research Program (KTRP) personnel conducted a two-week inspection of welding operations on bascule bridge components for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). Welding was performed by the Phoenix Steel Company at Eau Clair, Wisconsin. The inspection was conducted using acoustic emission (AE) monitoring on in-process welds.

KTRP investigative experience with AE weld monitoring and testing of bridges began in 1973. Since that date, KTRP has performed nine series of laboratory and fabrication shop weld monitoring tests and conducted 20 field tests of bridges using a series of increasingly sophisticated AE devices. Over the past …

Design And Performance Of Highway Shoulders, David Q. Hunsucker, Gary W. Sharpe, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report summarizes finding of a long-term evaluation of the construction and performance of asphaltic concrete and portland cement concrete shoulders. Performance was used as the basis for the development of empirical criteria that permit the use of existing pavement thickness design procedures for the structural design of shoulders. Minimum thicknesses were determined on the basis of performance and review of literature.

Summary Of Experimental Bridge Features, Theodore Hopwood Ii, James H. Havens, Edgar E. Courtney

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Experimental bridge features and service problems investigated during this study are reviewed. Those were epoxy-coated reinforcing steel, stay-in-place forms, experimental deck features (rotary compaction and broomed deck finishing), precast segmental bridges, steel-corrosion control methods (weathering steel and hot-dipped galvanizing), microsilica concrete, failures of masonry coatings, and failures of aluminum guardrail-retaining nuts.

Several features including latex and low-slump overlays, epoxycoated reinforcing steel, and broomed deck finishes (for state-built bridges), are now in common use. Most of the other experimental bridge features were performing satisfactorily. A corrosion problem was observed on one weathering steel bridge. Analyses of failures of masonry coatings and …

Traffic Control And Accidents At Rural, High-Speed Intersections, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The site characteristics, traffic control used, and accidents occurring at 65 rural, high-speed intersections were summarized. The differences resulting when the right of way is controlled by stop signs versus a traffic signal are discussed. The factors contributing to the accidents as well as the characteristics of the accidents were analyzed. The data obtained at each intersection were summarized and recommendations, which could be used as a guide for implementing changes at other similar intersections, were made for the study locations. The accident analysis shows that providing the driver adequate warning of the intersection is of primary importance for this …

Civil Engineering Applications Of Acoustic Emission, Theodore Hopwood Ii

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In 1939, a suspension bridge at Portsmouth, Ohio, experienced stress-corrosion cracking of the main-cable wires at anchorage points located at each end of the bridge. Watchmen were placed in the anchor chambers where the fractures had been detected. Subsequently, they reported hearing the sounds of further wire breakage on quiet nights. When this was reported, a decision was made to recable the bridge (1). That was one of the earliest documented instances of the use of the acoustic emission phenomena in a structural application.

Also, in the late 1930's, L. Obert and W. I. Duval at the U. S. Bureau …