Engineering Commons^™

The North American Transportation Security Center, Steven Douglas Kreis, Michael M. Barclay

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

No abstract provided.

Formation Of Metal Oxide Nanowire Networks (Nanowebs) Of Low-Melting Metals, Mahendra Sunkara, Shashank Sharma, Burt H. Davis, Uschi M. Graham

Center for Applied Energy Research Faculty Patents

A method of producing networks of low melting metal oxides such as crystalline gallium oxide comprised of one-dimensional nanostructures. Because of the unique arrangement of wires, these crystalline networks defined as “nanowebs”, “nanowire networks”, and/or “two-dimensional nanowires”. Nanowebs contain wire densities on the order of 10⁹/cm². A possible mechanism for the fast self-assembly of crystalline metal oxide nanowires involves multiple nucleation and coalescence via oxidation-reduction reactions at the molecular level. The preferential growth of nanowires parallel to the substrate enables them to coalesce into regular polygonal networks. The individual segments of the polygonal network consist of …

System And Technique For Retrieving Depth Information About A Surface By Projecting A Composite Image Of Modulated Light Patterns, Laurence G. Hassebrook, Daniel L. Lau, Chun Guan

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Patents

A technique, associated system and program code, for retrieving depth information about at least one surface of an object. Core features include: projecting a composite image comprising a plurality of modulated structured light patterns, at the object; capturing an image reflected from the surface; and recovering pattern information from the reflected image, for each of the modulated structured light patterns. Pattern information is preferably recovered for each modulated structured light pattern used to create the composite, by performing a demodulation of the reflected image. Reconstruction of the surface can be accomplished by using depth information from the recovered patterns to …

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

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

No abstract provided.

Practical Solution Concepts For Planning And Designing Roadways In Kentucky, Nikiforos Stamatiadis, Adam Kirk, Donald L. Hartman, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Kentucky’s highway agency has embarked upon an initiative tagged “Practical Solutions” which sets its goal toward reducing costs throughout the project development process extended into operations and maintenance of all highway facilities. This study focuses on the planning and design stages of project development. Developing a procedure that yields up to the maximum margin of return for the investment requires an approach that takes into account specific safety issues and the commensurate design elements for each roadway. Such an approach requires that the project 1) achieves the stated goals/objectives and 2) delivers the highest rate of return for the investment. …

2008 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 2008 safety belt and child safety seat usage rates in Kentucky. The 2008 survey continues to document the results after enactment of the initial “secondary enforcement” statewide mandatory safety belt law in 1994 and the subsequent 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 2008 (73.3 percent) increased compared to 2007 …

Monitoring Culvert Load With Shallow Filling Under Geofoam Areas, Charlie Sun, Tommy C. Hopkins

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Geofoam and the “Imperfect Ditch” method can be used effectively on embankment projects to reduce pressures on underground structures when sufficient fill height is available to create an arching effect. When the fill height is too shallow the arching effect cannot be created. However, the pressure acting on the underground structure can still be reduced by making use of the very small unit weight of lightweight geofoam material. In this study, stresses acting on a three-sided culvert were reduced using lightweight geofoam. Initially, the culvert had been designed to carry a 6-foot loading. During construction it was discovered that the …

Analysis Of Traffic Crash Data In Kentucky (2003 – 2007), 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 2003 through 2007. 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 …

Evaluation Of Kentucky’S “Click It Or Ticket” 2008 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 “Click It or Ticket” 2008 campaign in Kentucky. The campaign involved a combination of earned media, paid media, and enforcement. The earned media started about three weeks prior to Memorial Day 2008 and continued through the enforcement period. The paid media campaign was for the two weeks prior to Memorial Day while the enforcement period was a two-week period including the week before and the week of Memorial Day.

The evaluation of the campaign included documenting the activities associated with the program (publicity and enforcement) and evaluating the …

Structural Evaluation Of The John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, Ching Chiaw Choo, Issam E. Harik

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The primary objective of the structural evaluation of the John A. Roebling Bridge is to determine the maximum allowable gross vehicle weight (GWV) that can be carried by the bridge deck structural elements such as the open steel grid deck, channels, standard sections, or built-up sections. To achieve this objective, four levels of analysis are carried out: "Element Level", "Sectional level 1", "Sectional level II", and "Global level" analysis.

The four levels of analysis yield a load envelope that encapsulates the maximum and minimum allowable loads. The maximum allowable gross vehicle weight (GWV) for different truck and bus types are …

Structural Evaluation Of The John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge – Element Level Analysis, Ching Chiaw Choo, Issam E. Harik

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The primary objective of the structural evaluation of the John A. Roebling Bridge is to determine the maximum allowable gross vehicle weight (GVW) that can be carried by the bridge deck structural elements such as the open steel grid deck, channels, standard sections, or built-up sections. To achieve this objective, an “Element Level Analysis” is carried out. The maximum allowable GVW for different truck and bus types are presented for different levels of structural elements sectional loss. The loss or reduction in element sectional properties is due to rust, cracks, etc.

The critical member in the bridge deck is the …

Qc/Qa: Evaluation Of Effectiveness In Kentucky, Kamyar C. Mahboub, Paul M. Goodrum, Andy Glasglow, Jason Enlow, Nick Hendrix, Moin Uddin

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Quality control and quality assurance in the highway industry is going through a cultural shift. There is a growing trend toward using the contractor data for acceptance and payment purposes. This has led to serious concerns about conflicts of interests. The question remains: are there adequate safeguards in place? To address these concerns, a number of asphalt and concrete QC/QA projects in Kentucky were examined and statistical analyses were conducted. This report presents a summary of findings and recommendations. Generally speaking, the Kentucky experience revealed that the QC/QA system is working well, and the agency’s random inspection data when compared …

Evaluation Of Median Barrier Safety Issues, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Brifen TL-4 and Trinity CASS median cable barrier systems in preventing cross-median collisions on sections of I-64, I-71, and I-265 (Brifen system) and I-265 (Trinity system) in Jefferson County and on KY 4 (Brifen system) in Fayette County. An effort was made to identify crashes which involved a vehicle crossing a median. Using specific logic to identify this type of crash, 392 crashes were identified for the five-year period of 2001 through 2005. Using crash and mileage data resulted in an average of 0.28 crossover crashes per mile …

Multi-Barge Flotilla Impact Forces On Bridges, Peng Yuan, Issam E. Harik, Michael T. Davidson

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The current AASHTO equations for barge impact loads are based on scale models of barges, and may not accurately predict impact loads on bridge piers. The results of this study produce more realistic flotilla impact design loads, potentially leading to a reduction in construction costs of bridges over navigable waterways. The objectives of this study are: (1) To conduct theoretical finite element analysis on various types of flotillas impacting bridge piers. The flotillas and the respective barges will be of the type commonly traversing Kentucky’s waterways; and (2) To generate design equations for barge/flotilla impact loads. The study concludes the …

Seismic-Hazard Maps And Time Histories For The Commonwealth Of Kentucky, Zhenming Wang, Issam E. Harik, Edward W. Woolery, Baoping Shi, Abheetha Peiris

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The ground-motion hazard maps and time histories for three earthquake scenarios, expected earthquakes, probable earthquakes, and maximum credible earthquakes on the free surface in hard rock (shear-wave velocity >1,500 m/s), were derived using the deterministic seismic hazard analysis. The results are based on (1) historical observations, (2) instrumental records, and (3) current understanding of the earthquake source, recurrence, and ground-motion attenuation relationship in the central United States. It is well understood that there are uncertainties in the ground motion hazard maps because of the uncertainties inherent in parameters such as earthquake location, magnitude, and frequency used in the study. This …

Preliminary Seismic Evaluation And Ranking Of Bridges On And Over The Parkways In Western Kentucky, Jian Xie, Issam E. Harik, Tong Zhao, Jindong Hu

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Five parkways in Western Kentucky are located in the region that is greatly influenced by the New Madrid and Wabash Valley Seismic Zones. This report executes a preliminary screening process, known also as the Seismic Rating System, for bridges on and over parkways in Western Kentucky to identify the seismic vulnerable bridges.

The ranking of bridges derived from this rating system is based on: structural vulnerability, seismic and geotechnical hazards, and bridge importance. There are 349 bridges were ranked with the Seismic Inventory of Bridges (SIB), a user-oriented database program developed according to the Seismic Retrofitting Manual. The bridge ranks …

Equivalent Barge And Flotilla Impact Forces On Bridge Piers, Peng Yuan, Issam E. Harik

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Bridge piers located in navigable inland waterways are designed to resist impact forces from barges and flotillas in addition to other design considerations (e.g., scour, dead and live loads, etc.). The primary design tool for estimating these forces is the AASHTO Guide Specification which provides a simple hand calculation method for determining an “equivalent impact force”. The simplicity comes at a cost of excluding the effect of the pier shape, impact duration, and interaction between barges in a flotilla. The objective of this report is to present a hand calculation method for determining barge or flotilla equivalent static impact forces …

Compost For Steep Slope Erosion, Sudhir Palle, Stephen F. Higgins, Theodore Hopwood Ii

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study was initiated to develop guidelines for maintenance erosion control measures for steep slopes. The study focused on evaluating and monitoring KY-31 fescue germination rates using two media treatments 1) 100 percent by weight compost and 2) 70 percent compost with 30 percent soil) with different seeding rates on a pilot project to establish vegetation on slopes with grades of 3:1 or steeper.

The pilot program demonstrated that weed infestation and erosion problems on slopes can be minimized by use of properly formulated compost with sufficient seed. It also showed that the seeding rate of 1 lb/1,000 ft2 slope …

Experimental Concrete Coating Application On The Median Barrier Of I-65 In Louisville, Rick Younce, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Sudhir Palle

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objectives of this research were to evaluate the experimental protective coating that was applied to approximately 1,200 linear feet of concrete median barrier along the paving project on a section of I 65 between mile points 131.289 and 136.421 in downtown Louisville.

The project was completed generally in accordance with the specifications and special notes. This experimental project is the first trial of concrete coatings identified under KYSPR 05-271 Coatings, Sealants and Fillers to Address Bridge Concrete Deterioration and Aesthetics-Phase 1. The coatings systems identified under that study were intended to provide improved protection and aesthetics for reinforced concrete. …

Seismic Evaluation And Ranking Of Embankments For Bridges On And Over The Parkways In Western Kentucky, Han Shan Ding, Issam E. Harik, Ching Chiaw Choo

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study represents one of the Seismic Evaluation of Bridges on and over the Parkways in Western Kentucky investigative series. The effort is focused on the seismic vulnerability of bridge embankments against slope instability and liquefaction potential. An evaluation and rating procedure is presented to assist in identifying and prioritizing bridge embankments that are susceptible to failure due to projected seismic events.

To expedite the process, the algorithm titled Seismic Assessment System for Bridges (SASB) was programmed. Three hundred and eight-nine (389) bridge embankments (parallel bridges included) along the five western Kentucky parkways – Audubon, Pennyrile, Purchase, Western Kentucky, and …

Detailed Seismic Evaluation Of Bridges On And Over The Parkways In Western Kentucky, Jian Xie, Issam E. Harik, Tong Zhao

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report outlines a rating system and details an evaluation procedure for the seismic evaluation of highway bridges. These processes are later used to investigate the structural integrity of selected highway bridges on and over the parkways in Western Kentucky. A total of 349 bridges were rated with the bridge ranking system, and 17 were selected for detailed seismic evaluation.

The capacity/demand ratio method developed by the Federal Highway Administration is employed for the detailed evaluation of bridges. The evaluation involves creating three-dimensional finite element models for all 17 bridges. Dynamic analysis is performed for a projected 250-year event. Among …

Seismic Evaluation Of Bridges On And Over The Parkways In Western Kentucky – Summary Report, Ching Chiaw Choo, Jian Xie, Tong Zhao, Jindong Hu, Hanshan Ding, Zhenming Wang, Baoping Shi, Abheetha Peiris, Issam E. Harik, Edward W. Woolery

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report (KTC-07-02/SPR246-02-1F) provides an overall summary on the seismic investigative study performed on bridges on/over the five parkways in Western Kentucky. The comprehensive study was further divided into the followings tasks, each reported separately as follows:

(1) The first report of this study (KTC-07-03/SRP246-02-2F) involved data collection and field inspection of bridges on/over the parkways. The resulting inventory contains data of three hundred fifty-one (351) bridges on/over the parkways, detailing their construction type, soil profile, present condition, etc.

(2) In KTC-07-04/SPR246-02-3F, a preliminary seismic evaluation and ranking was performed on all bridges within the inventory. Details of the evaluation …

Site Investigation Of Bridges On And Over The Parkways In Western Kentucky, Jindong Hu, Tong Zhao, Issam E. Harik, Jian Xie

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Determination of the seismic risk of the bridges on and over the parkways in Western Kentucky requires evaluating the current condition of the individual elements of the bridges. Except for culverts, all bridges were visually inspected, photographed and the records were stored in a database. Data of the visual inspection and the photographs were combined to form the completed site inspection forms. Any visually observed deficiencies of the bridge elements were recorded.

A Compact Disc (CD) that includes pictures of the bridges is attached to this report. The site inspection forms of all bridges on and over the parkways in …

Technology Scan For Electronic Toll Collection, Joseph D. Crabtree, Candice Y. Wallace, Natasha J. Mamaril

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The purpose of this project was to identify and assess available technologies and methodologies for electronic toll collection (ETC) and to develop recommendations for the best way(s) to implement toll collection in the Louisville metropolitan area. The intent was to determine which tolling mechanisms maximize efficiency and effectiveness of toll collection while minimizing traffic impacts. This report describes the advantages and disadvantages of tolling, current tolling technologies, the purpose of ETC, and the benefits and costs of ETC. Implementation issues for ETC are discussed, including the location of toll collection facilities, ETC methodologies, interoperability of ETC systems, how to handle …

Future Management Strategies For State Maintained Wetlands And Stream Mitigation Sites, Sudhir Palle, Theodore Hopwood Ii

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study was to identify existing wetland/stream mitigation sites owned by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and assess performance of those sites including problems encountered and maintenance costs. Initial work determined that KYTC Districts performed actions to address wetlands/stream mitigation maintenance under the direction and funding support of KYTC Division of Environmental Analysis. KYTC also sought to identify best practices employed by other transportation agencies. A survey of transportation agencies in neighboring states indicated that most significant “best practice” was to obtain wetland management oversight by their state Fish and Wildlife agencies 5 years after the permitting process (Section 404 …

Traffic Forecasting Report – 2007, David Hamilton

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This is the sixth edition of the Traffic Forecasting Report (TFR). This edition of the TFR contains the latest (predominantly 2007) forecasting/modeling data as follows:

• Functional class average traffic volume growth rates and trends
• Vehicle miles traveled statewide total by functional class
• ATR locations, K-factors, and ADTs
• Functional class average K-factors and D-factors
• Functional class average truck volumes, truck percentages, ESAL calculation factors, and vehicle types
• Kentucky Statewide Model Summary
• List of MPO (urbanized) and county-level models
• Socioeconomic data sources for models and summary of MUG (model users group) meetings
• ADT and DHV Count Factors
• Hourly Volume Percentage by Functional …

Access Management Implementation In Kentucky – Technical Support Document And Status Report, Barry House

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report describes the efforts of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Access Management Implementation Task Force. The task force was established in May 2004 and was charged with the responsibility of reviewing and refining the recommendations in the Access Management for Kentucky research study for the purpose of implementing a comprehensive access management program for the state of Kentucky. The Kentucky Transportation Center provided technical and administrative support to the task force. This report provides documentation of the information considered by the task force, the deliberations over that information, and the decisions and recommendations made by the task force. Although a …

Operational And Safety Efficiency Of Traffic Signal Installations, Nikiforos Stamatiadis, Chris Jones, Nithin Agarwal

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The basic principle of signalization is the provision of a safe and effective means for time and space allocation at an intersection for both vehicular and pedestrian needs. The safety community concurs on the fact that there is the potential for safety improvements after signalization of an intersection, but there is a great disagreement on their magnitude as well as their potential negative operational impacts. This research reviewed the safety and operational efficiency after the installation of traffic signals at several locations throughout Kentucky. The report presented here mainly addresses the operational impacts from signal installation, since the safety aspects …

Evaluation Of 70 Mph Speed Limit In Kentucky, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study was to document the change in operating speeds of cars and trucks on rural interstates and parkways as a result of the change in speed limit from 65 mph to 70 mph. The 85th percentile speed increased 1.3 mph for cars (74.6 to 75.9 mph) and 0.6 mph for trucks (69.8 to 70.4 mph) on rural interstates and 2.0 mph for cars (73.5 to 75.5 mph) and 1.2 mph for trucks (69.5 to 70.7 mph) on four-lane parkways. The increase in speed limits on a limited number of roads did not result in an increase …

Low-Cost Safety Measures At Signalized Intersections, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objectives of this study were to: a) identify intersections with a high number of crashes involving a driver disregarding the traffic signal, b) identify types of low-cost safety measures which may be used as a countermeasure for red light running, and c) evaluate the effectiveness of the installation of some of these countermeasures at a sample of high-crash intersections. Low-cost countermeasures such as double-red signal heads and retro-reflective backplates were installed at locations either identified as a high-crash location or by district traffic engineers. Crashes decreased at these locations with a positive public response. The investigation warrants additional use …