Engineering Commons^™

Integrated Truck Monitoring System, Jerry G. Pigman, John A. Deacon

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The primary objectives of the study are as follows: 1) Develop functional specifications for an integrated truck monitoring system for use in Kentucky, 2) Determine the extent to which KYU numbers (unique identification for large trucks operating in Kentucky) are being displayed as required, 3) Examine the impact of the KYU numbering system on motor carrier operations, and 4) Determine the magnitude of the problems related to trucks using bypass routes to avoid inspection stations.

Accomplishments documented in this interim report include the following: 1) Field studies were conducted to determine the frequency of trucks bypassing inspection stations and compliance …

Development Of A Priority Ranking System For Bridge Rehabilitation And Replacement, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Vishwas G. Oka

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The main objective of this study was to review a Bridge Priority Ranking System for Bridge Replacement developed by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Division of Maintenance. The system ranked bridges for improvement (rehabilitation or replacement) based on a benefit/cost ratio.

The system was used to rank a large data base consisting of 267 bridges. Analysis of the rankings revealed that the ranking system gave priority to bridges having low improvement costs. Many of those had low traffic volumes and subsequently, they had high costs of improvement per vehicle served.

The equation used to compute bridge deficiency points was revised. Several …

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

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The purpose of this study was to document construction procedures and evaluate the effectiveness of wick drains as a foundation stabilization method. This effort was executed by use of field inspections, photologs, and instrumentation to monitor foundation and field response. Instrumentation included a multipoint settlement gage, settlement platforms, and vertical slope inclinometers.

This procedure was judged to be successful in that 90 percent consolidation of the deep foundation occurred within approximately 100 days. Construction procedures were generally satisfactory.

Evaluation Of Stone Column Stabilized Embankment Foundation, Bobby W. Meade, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The purpose of this study was to document construction procedures, monitor field performance, and make recommendations as to the effectiveness and future use of the stone column procedure for foundation stabilization. This effort was executed by use of field inspections, photologs, instrumentation to monitor foundation and field response, and laboratory analyses of existing and possible conditions.

Instrumentation included earth pressure meters, a multipoint settlement gage, a horizontal slope inclinometer, a settlement platform, and vertical slope inclinometers. Settlement of the foundation after column construction was observed to be approximately 9 inches as compared to the predicted total settlement of 16 inches. …

Long-Term Evaluation Of Durable Lane Delineation Materials, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this report was to summarize the long-term performance of several types of durable lane delineation materials. Polyester paint was determined to be an effective durable lane material with most use of this material being on asphaltic concrete surfaces having an average daily traffic of under 10,000. Extruded thermoplastic was also determined to be an effective durable lane delineation material with its cost limiting its use to higher volume asphaltic concrete surfaces. Either the hydrocarbon or alkyd thermoplastic formulation could be used but the alkyd formulation was observed to maintain a higher reflectivity. While not classified as a …

Preliminary Engineering, Monitoring Of Construction, And Initial Performance Evaluation: Use Of Ponded Fly Ash In Highway Road Base, David Q. Hunsucker, R. Clark Graves

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report summarizes findings of laboratory and field trial evaluations of ponded fly ash used as a component In a stabilized aggregate base course. Ponded fly ash is the fine portion of pond ash which is a by-product of a coal burning process and Is disposed by sluicing to a disposal pond.

Three stabilized aggregate base mixtures containing various proportions of dense graded aggregate, ponded fly ash, and hydrated lime were evaluated In the laboratory relative to maximum dry density, optimum moisture content, and unconfined compressive strength. The mixture that was selected for field trial evaluation had the highest unconfined …

Pavement Base Evaluation Ky 55 Taylor County, R. Clark Graves

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report summarizes the findings of a field investigation of the aggregate underdrain system constructed on KY 55 in Taylor County. A detailed description of the construction of this project is presented in UKTRP Research Report 83-13 (Water Under Pavements).

Mountain Parkway Edge Drain Inspection (September 29-October 5, 1989), L. John Fleckenstein, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

On September 28, 1989, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet requested the Kentucky Transportation Center (KTC) to investigate an apparent drainage problem on the Mountain Parkway. The area of concern was a rehabilitation project starting at Milepost 16 and ending at the Stanton exit (Milepost 22). The old PCC pavement was being broken and seated and then overlaid with approximately nine inches of asphaltic concrete. Longitudinal edge drains Advanedge and Contech Stripdrain 100 had been installed prior to the breaking and seating.

Performance Of Corrugated Polyethylene Entrance Pipe, Ronald D. Hughes

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Observations noted during inspections of 57 entrance pipe installations are summarized. Inspections were conducted in 1986 and 1989. It is recommended that corrugated polyethylene pipe be permitted routinely as an alternate to other materials for entrance pipe.

Study Of Loads On Four Box Culverts On The Alexandria - Ashland Highway, Bobby W. Meade, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Culverts on the Alexandria - Ashland Highway (AA Highway) were designed with modifications recommended in a 1984 report titled "Analysis of Loads and Settlements For Reinforced Concrete Culverts". In 1986, the Kentucky Department of Highways requested the Kentucky Transportation Center monitor selected culverts on the AA Highway. The objectives of this study were to compare predicted loads on the culverts to measured loads and to monitor differential settlement of the embankment near the culvert.

Four culverts with varied box dimensions and embankment heights were selected. Each of the four culverts was instrumented with earth pressure meters on the sidewalls and …

Analysis Of Accident Data In Kentucky (1984-1988), 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 …

Breakaway Timber Utility Pole Installations In Kentucky, Ronald D. Hughes

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report describes the installation of ten breakaway timber utility poles in Lexington, Kentucky. Installations were made by Kentucky Utilities Company personnel and monitoring has been performed by Kentucky Transportation Center investigators. Retrofit hardware is described and locations of modified poles are detailed.

Modified poles have not been struck by vehicles to date. Monitoring will continue until September 1991 at which time a final report will be issued.

Construction And Performance Evaluation Of Geocomposite Pavement Edge Drains Hydraway And Akwadrain, L. John Fleckenstein, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Construction and performance evaluations of Hydraway and Akwadrain edge drains are presented. Construction procedures, laboratory tests, and discharge data, are included.

Load Indicating Washers, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Edgar E. Courtney

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Kentucky Transportation Center (KTC) personnel monitored the installation of load indicating washers (LIWs) on the US 60 bridge at Catlettsburg, KY during construction. On completion of the bridge, KTC personnel performed torque measurements on a number of LIW installations. LIWs previously installed on the Thirteenth Street Bridge over the Ohio River at Ashland, KY were also inspected.

The KTC construction inspections revealed no significant problems in installing LIWs. Workers were able to use them to determine proper bolt assembly installation. They also permitted inspectors to rapidly check for proper bolt tension. As with other bolt tensioning methods, LIWs had to …

Construction And Inspection Report On Corrugated Polyethylene Pipe, N-12, L. John Fleckenstein, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Construction and performance evaluations of N-12 pipe. Construction procedures, and field observations are included.

Evaluation Of The Effects Of Asphalt Additives On Properties Of Class A Surface Mixtures, Kamyar C. Mahboub

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Various modified asphalt mixture systems were selected for laboratory and field testing. These systems included the following asphalt mixtures: Class A mix, as the control mixture; Class N, which is a coarse mixture; polymerized Class A; polyester fiber; polypropylene fiber; and Vestoplast. Laboratory testing included: Marshall stability, resilient modulus, moisture susceptibility, tensile strength, and freeze-thaw. A field trial section was constructed for long-term performance monitoring.

Pavement Inspection Derbyshire Estates, R. Clark Graves, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The subject project was constructed in the fall of 1988. Soon after construction, the pavement began to deteriorate. Areas of alligator cracking were observed along with extensive rutting and pushing of the asphaltic concrete. Distresses occurred soon after the roadway was completed. Personnel of the Jefferson Co. Public Works Department requested that Kentucky Transportation Center (KTC) personnel make a preliminary inspection.

Kentucky Transportation Center (KTC) personnel conducted preliminary tests at the site on July 11, 1989. Results of tests were outlined in a letter to Schimpeler-Corradino Associates, on July 19, 1989. After review, of those results, Schimpeler-Corradino principals requested that …

Safety Belt Usage In Lexington And Opinion Of A Mandatory Safety Belt Law, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

One objective of this study was to obtain data from a large number of locations within Lexington to determine the extent that safety belt usage varies within the city. An observational survey was conducted at two locations in each of 12 geographic zones in Lexington. Overall safety belt usage rates of 37.6 percent for drivers and 65.1 for children under four years of age were observed using data collected in all 12 zones. Rates were higher in zones in the southern half of Lexington. Usage rates for drivers ranged from 31.9 to 43.5 percent in the various zones while the …

1989 Usage Rates And Effectiveness Of Safety Belts And Child Safety Seats In Kentucky, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of the survey summarized in this report is to establish 1989 safety belt and child safety seat usage rates in Kentucky to compare to those determined from previous surveys. Also included in this report is an analysis of accident records evaluating the effectiveness of safety belts.

Statewide usage rates in the 19 cities previously surveyed in 1982 through 1988 showed that driver safety belt usage increased substantially in 1989 while child safety seat usage stabilized in 1989 at close to the 1988 level. The statewide usage rate of safety belts by drivers was 25.5 percent in 1989 compared …

Analysis Of Edge Drains On Western Kentucky Parkway Milepost 83 To Milepost 90, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

On August 14. 1989. the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet requested the Kentucky Transportation Center (KTC) to investigate an apparent drainage problem on the Western Kentucky Parkway. The area of concern was a rehabilitation project starting at Milepost 83 and ending at Milepost 90. The old PCC pavement was being broken and seated and was being overlayed with approximately five inches of asphaltic concrete. Longitudinal edge drains (Hydraway brand) were installed in 1988, but the PCC pavement was not broken until July, 1989. Two inches of asphaltic concrete base were placed over the old broken pavement, and were used as a driving …

Earthquake Hazard Mitigation Of Transportation Facilites For Us 79, Us 41a, Us 641 And The Trace In Northern Tennessee, L. John Fleckenstein, David L. Allen, Vincent P. Drnevich

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Concern has grown in recent years over the seismic activity of the New Madrid seismic zone in Western Kentucky. Western Kentucky is located in this region. To permit emergency medical, supply, and equipment traffic into this area after an earthquake has occurred, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is interested in the possibility of keeping selected routes passable. This report lists the routes that have been investigated and recommended as being the routes in Northern Tennessee that should be maintained in a passable condition. The recommended routes, US 79, US 41A, The Trace and US 641 have been visually surveyed and all …

Pavement Evaluation Elkhorn Drive, R. Clark Graves

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government requested that the Kentucky Transportation Center perform a pavement evaluation and overlay design for Elkhorn Drive. This pavement section consisted of 3 inches of asphaltic concrete and 8 inches of dense graded aggregate. A visual inspection during testing revealed several areas of severe alligator cracking along with some areas of transverse cracking.

Stability Of Asphaltic Concrete Mixtures, David L. Allen, Hossien Roghani

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study was initiated with the general objective of quantifying some of the parameters that govern the stability and rutting characteristics of asphalt-bound materials. Aggregate type and gradation, loading magnitudes and patterns asphalt types and viscosity, are known to affect the stability of an asphalt mixture.

The study was conducted in three phases. The first phase was a study of the effects of large stone gradations on the rutting and fatigue characteristics of an asphalt base mixture. The second phase was an in-depth study of the mastic portion (smaller than 3/8-inch) of an asphalt mixture. The third phase was a …

Warrants And Guidelines For Installation Of Guardrail, Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Kentucky, as most other states, has in the past relied on the AASHTO "Barrier Guide'' for guidance in the installation of guardrail. Additional information related to barrier selection and installation was recently published in the form of the AASHTO "Roadside Design Guide. " However, considerable judgement is required for application of this information and it was determined that significant benefit could be derived from development of guidelines representative of conditions in Kentucky. Listed below are significant results from this study.

1. Results from a previous survey of guardrail standards and guidelines were summarized and it was found that only a few …

Accidents Involving Vehicles Parked On Shoulders Of Limited Access Highways, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study was conducted to quantify the extent of the problem of accidents involving vehicles on shoulders of limited access highways. Accident data for a three-year period (1985-1987) were collected along with a survey of vehicles stopped on the shoulder on interstates and parkways.

While the percentage of all accidents on interstates and parkways involving a vehicle on the shoulder is small (1.8 percent), the percentage of fatal accidents involving a vehicle on the shoulder is significant (11.1 percent). The accident data revealed that the majority of shoulder vehicles had stopped for an emergency stop as opposed to a leisure …

Comparison Of Three Methods Of Pavement Design For Lexington-Fayette County, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

It is imperative in an era of limited budgets for construction and maintenance of streets and highways that a rational approach be followed for managing these funds. One of the first steps of this management process is the adequate and proper design of new streets and roads. In the interest of having a more rational system of design, representatives of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government requested the Kentucky Transportation Center to assist in the development of a new pavement design system that more clearly reflects differences in soils, traffic streams, environmental conditions, and materials. In fulfillment of that request, this. …

Earthquake Hazard Mitigation Of Transportation Facilites For Caldwell County, L. John Fleckenstein, David L. Allen, Vincent P. Drnevich

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Concern has grown in recent years over the seismic activity of the New Madrid seismic zone in Western Kentucky. Caldwell County, Kentucky is located in this region. To permit emergency medical, supply, and equipment traffic into this area after an earthquake has occurred, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is interested in the possibility of keeping selected routes passable. This report lists the routes that have been investigated and recommended as being the routes in Caldwell County that should be maintained in a passable condition. The recommended routes, KY 91, KY 672, US 641 and US 62 have been visually surveyed and …

Earthquake Hazard Mitigation Of Transportation Facilites For Calloway County, L. John Fleckenstein, David L. Allen, Vincent P. Drnevich

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Concern has grown in recent years over the seismic activity of the New Madrid seismic zone in Western Kentucky. Calloway County, Kentucky is located in this region. To permit emergency medical, supply, and equipment traffic into this area after an earthquake has occurred, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is interested in the possibility of keeping selected routes passable. This report lists the routes that have been investigated and recommended as being the routes in Calloway County that should be maintained in a passable condition. The recommended routes, KY 94, US 641, and KY 121 have been visually surveyed and all seismically …

Earthquake Hazard Mitigation Of Transportation Facilites For Carlisle County, Bobby W. Meade, David L. Allen, Vincent P. Drnevich

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Concern has grown in recent years over the seismic activity of the New Madrid seismic zone in Western Kentucky. Carlisle County, Kentucky is located in this region. To permit emergency medical, supply, and equipment traffic into this area after an earthquake has occurred, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is interested in the possibility of keeping selected routes passable. This report lists the routes that have been investigated and recommended as being the routes in Carlisle County that should be maintained in a passable condition. The recommended routes, Ky 121 and US 62, have been visually surveyed and all seismically significant features …

Earthquake Hazard Mitigation Of Transportation Facilites For Christian County, L. John Fleckenstein, David L. Allen, Vincent P. Drnevich

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Concern has grown in recent years over the seismic activity of the New Madrid seismic zone in Western Kentucky. Christian County, Kentucky is located in this region. To permit emergency medical, supply, and equipment traffic into this area after an earthquake has occurred, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is interested in the possibility of keeping selected routes passable. This report lists the routes that have been investigated and recommended as being the routes in Christian County that should be maintained in a passable condition. The recommended routes, US 68/KY 80, US 41, US 41A and KY 91 have been visually surveyed …