Engineering Commons^™

Flexible Pavement Designs To Support Various Vehicle Configurations, Robert C. Deen, Herbert F. Southgate

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Pavement designers are often asked if pavements can be designed to carry and support the unusually heavy loads which have been known to use portions of the highway system. In some instances, for example, haul roads leading to highway or other construction projects or haul roads associated with mining, heavy loads have become commonplace and extra-legal. Within limitations of engineering experience, there appears to be no reason why pavements cannot be designed for these heavy loads. Of course, the restrictive factor in implementing such designs may be the excessive costs of construction. Even so, excessive maintenance costs otherwise associated with …

The Maine Airport System Plan : Summary Report, Systems Analysis & Research Corp.

Maine Collection

The Maine Airport System Plan : Summary Report

Prepared for Bureau of Planning , Maine Department of Transportation by Systems Analysis & Research Corporation and Howard Needles Tammen & Bergendoff, November 1977.

Contents: Foreword / Overview / Background / Aviation in Maine / Preparation of the Plan / The Plan / Implementation of the Plan / Appendix A - Airport Needs by County / Appendix B - Airport Classifications / Appendix C - Maine's Airports by Map Code Identifier / Appendix D - Technical Supplement Table of Contents / Appendix E - Regional Planning Commissions / Appendix F - Advisory …

Kentucky’S Pavement Management System, James H. Havens, Eugene B. Drake

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Pavement management concepts are discussed, and a method is presented illustrating the required data and its use to accumulate EAL's annually for comparison with the design EAL. This method can be used to determine overlay priorities, overlay design thicknesses, and financing schedules. A discussion of automatic feedback of field data is presented. Pavement condition reports should be analyzed separately to prevent improper adjustments in the design system due to causes of failure other than normal fatigue.

An overlay, whether for extending service life or improving skid resistance, provides an additional structural thickness and will modify the design life.

Preparation of …

Analysis Of Tandem Axleloads By Elastic Theory, Herbert F. Southgate, Robert C. Deen, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

AASHO Road Test tandem axleloads were analyzed to determine the magnitude of the tandem axleload that causes the same damage as the 18-kip (80-kN) single axleload. The procedure is outlined and is the same used to analyze single axleloads. The essential findings were as follows:

1. One repetition of a 34-kip ( 151-kN) tandem axleload appears to cause the same damage as one repetition of an 18-kip (80-kN) single axleload. 2. The relationships of log repetitions versus axleload used by Kentucky appear to be equally valid for single and tandem axleloads. 3. The use of superposition principles, and equivalency of …

Traffic Conflicts As A Diagnostic Tool In Highway Safety, Charles V. Zegeer, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Because of the shortcomings in accident data, such as incomplete reporting and inaccurate information on accident reports, a need was found for indicators of accident potential. Nearly half of the 209 locations identified in Kentucky as hazardous by accident criteria were found to be falsely identified due to random accident occurrences. Accident repeatability from one year to the next was found to be poor at 60 intersections (r = 0.64) and 170 spot locations (r = 0.59). Up to two years of accident data were found to be necessary to obtain a reliable base of accident data.

Conflict counts were …

Traffic Conflicts, Erratic Maneuvers, And Near-Miss Accidents: State-Of-The-Art, Charles V. Zegeer

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Definitions are given for the various types of traffic conflicts, erratic maneuvers, and near-miss accidents. The General Motors technique for observation of traffic conflicts is summarized. Procedures used by several highway agencies for collecting conflict data are also detailed. Criteria which have been used to identify hazardous intersections using traffic conflict data are summarized. Methods and examples of evaluating safety improvements are detailed. Relationships between conflicts and accidents found by others were given.

The procedure for observing traffic conflicts on freeway ramps is described. Definitions are given for erratic maneuvers at lane drops, gore areas, and intersections. Results from studies …

Computer Storage Of Traffic Volume Data, Marvin Virgin

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

LOADVOL is a program developed to assimilate raw traffic volume data into a more readily usable form. Several identifying parameters are added to enhance the clarity and to extend the utility of the data base.

Criteria were set to detect possibly erroneous traffic count data. LOADVOL detects and replaces "erroneous" data with simulated data. LOADVOL produces cards which contain the orignal data which are replaced. Thus, the original data can be reviewed, and it can be ascertained whether it is erroneous or was affected by a special event, holiday, location, traffic recorder malfunction, or some other occurrence.

UPDATE, a second …

Cracking In Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavements, James H. Havens, Robert C. Deen, Assaf S. Rahal, Wm. Vernon Azevedo

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study was to monitor placement and evaluate performance of continuously reinforced concrete pavement with an emphasis on determining the time of cracking and crack interval. This paper reports on the design and construction practice for CRCP in Kentucky. Data on crack frequency and time of cracking is also included in an attempt to further explain the cracking pattern associated with CRCP.

Constant-Rate-Of-Strain And Controlled-Gradient Consolidation Testing, C. Thomas Gorman, Tommy C. Hopkins, Robert C. Deen, Vincent P. Drnevich

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Controlled-gradient (CG), constant-rate-of-strain (CRS), and conventional incremental-loading (STD) consolidation testing are compared and evaluated. Undisturbed samples of tbree soils common to Kentucky were used in the testing program. Results of 15 CG, 14 CRS, and 32 STD consolidation tests are evaluated. Feasibility of the new test methods for routine testing is briefly discussed and recommendations are made for refinements in testing procedures.

An Investigation Of Low Cylinder-Strengths (District 6), Assaf S. Rahal

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

District 6 has had a lingering problem of low cylinder-strengths. This report describes, in detail, an ensuing investigation which incorporated the use of identical materials of concretes used in District 6 and analyses of cylinder data, in situ concrete cores, and laboratory mixtures. The investigation revealed that a high percent of the in situ concrete is sound and reliable, and that aggregate type and (or) air content were not the cause for the low cylinder-strengths. The quality of making, storing, and curing the cylinders were the reasons for low-strength.

Evaluation Of Urban Intersections Using Traffic Conflict Measures, Mike E. Clayton

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The purpose of this report was to analyze two urban intersections using conflict data, erratic maneuver data, and near-miss accident data and to recommend site improvements, if necessary. The two intersections selected were Euclid Avenue at Woodland Avenue and New Circle Road at Woodhill Drive in Lexington. Data were taken using 11-hour observation periods.

Proposed improvements for the site on Euclid Avenue included adding dual left-tum lanes and three-phase signals or an extended multi-turn lane. At the New Circle site, a longer, more gradual right-turn lane and repositioning some of the signing are recommended. The conflict data recorded were found …

Statewide Survey Of Skid Resistances Of Pavements (1976), James L. Burchett, William M. Sampson, Larry A. Warren, Rolands L. Rizenbergs

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Statewide survey of skid resistance continued in 1976 with testing of rural, major, collector roads (1985 Functional Classification). This included 5,074 miles (8,166 km) of state secondary roads and 788 miles (1,268 km) of rural secondary roads. About 17 percent of the secondary mileage and about 15 percent of the rural secondary mileage surveyed in 1976 may be considered slippery. A small percentage of both secondary (5.3 percent) and rural secondary (5.8 percent) roads had an average skid number below 26. These sections, in particular, should be flagged for deslicking.

Through 1976, 50 percent of the mileage of rural, state-maintained …

Resurfacing, Restoration, And Rehabilitation Of Interstate Highways: Criteria And Logic Used To Determine January 3, 1977, Needs And Estimates Of Costs, Herbert F. Southgate, Donald C. Newberry Jr., Robert C. Deen, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report documents the method, criteria, and/or rules of thumb used for the January 3, 1977, submission to FHWA for "Resurfacing, Restoration, and Rehabilitation" of Kentucky interstate pavements. The period of time covered was 1977 through 1995 and the unit costs used were those for the year 1975.

Aasho Road Test Tandem Axleload Data Adapted To Fundamental Concepts, Herbert F. Southgate, Robert C. Deen, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The reptitions of tandem axleloads applied to the AASHO Road Test were analyzed by the same method previously reported in analyzing the corresponding single axleload data. The essential findings were: 1. One repetition of a 34-kip (151-kN) tandem axleload appears to cause the same damage as one repetition of an 18-kip (80-kN) single axleload. 2. The relationship of log repetitions versus axleload used by Kentucky appear to be equally valid for single and tandem axleloads. 3. The use of superposition principles, and equivalency of repetitions, in combination with terminal serviceability indiced permitted analyses of the tandem axleload data and comparison …

Effectiveness Of Green-Extension Systems At High-Speed Intersections, Charles V. Zegeer

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of green-extension systems (GES) for reducing the dilemma-zone problem associated with the amber phase of traffic signals at high-speed intersections. Reactions of 2,100 drivers were noted during the amber phase at nine intersections, and the dilemma-zone distances with respect to the stop bar were determined.

Before-and-after studies made at three green-extension sites showed a 54-percent reduction in total accidents and a 75-percent reduction in rear-end accidents after GES installation. Accident severity was unaffected.

Conflict, volume, delay, and speed data were taken before and after GES installation at two sites. A …

Traffic Accidents: Day Vs. Night, Donald R. Herd, Kenneth R. Agent, Rolands L. Rizenbergs

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A comparison of accidents during daylight and darkness was made for both rural and urban roads. Accident rates on all types of rural roads were higher during darkness than during daylight. Critical accident rates during darkness for various types of roads were calculated. In urban areas, a larger percentage of accidents occurred on wet pavements during darkness than during daylight, but there were no significant differences for rural roads. No significant difference was found between average speeds during conditions of daylight and darkness. On rural roads, imposition of the 55-mph (24.6-m/s) speed limit resulted in a reduction in accident rates …

Acoustic Emission Testing Of High-Strength Steel Weldments, Theodore Hopwood Ii

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Manual arc welds were made on high-strength ASTM A 514 and A 588 steels. Different weldment configurations were employed in order to vary the restraint on the welds during cooling. The weldments were monitored 'in-cooling' with acoustic emission equipment. Weldments having greater restraint produced more acoustic emission, usually for longer periods of time. Weldments which fractured during cooling produced more acoustic emission than those which were unflawed.

Some Uncertainties Of Slope Stability Analyses, Robert C. Deen, Tommy C. Hopkins, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Some practical limitations of total stress and effective stress analyses are discussed. For clays having a liquidity index of 0.36 or greater, φ-equal-zero analyses based on laboratory undrained shear strengths give factors of safety close to the actual factor of safety. However, based on field vane strengths, φ-equal-zero analyses may yield factors of safety which may be too high. The difference between field vane and calculated shear strengths increased as the plasticity index increased. For clays having a liquidity index less than 0.36, φ-equal-zero analyses using laboratory undrained shear strengths give factors of safety that are much too high; but …

Computerized Analysis Of Stress-Strain Consolidation Data, E. Gregory Mcnulty

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A computerized, mathematical algorithm is described and presented for analyzing the semilogarithmic stress-strain (time-independent) properties of standard, controlled-gradient, and controlled-rate-of-strain consolidation tests. This algorithm is an automation of manual graphical procedures currently used in engineering practice to obtain stress-strain information necessary for use in time-independent settlement analysis. The Casagrande and Schmertmann constructions are analytically represented to determine the preconsolidation stress and the in situ, compressibility coefficients of compression and expansion. Values for each of these parameters range between a probable and minimum value. The point of maximum curvature is determined for the Casagrande construction by use of the mathematical definition …

Identification Of Hazardous Locations On City Streets, Charles V. Zegeer, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The purpose of this study was to develop an effective method for identifying hazardous locations in Kentucky cities (over 2,500 population). Methods used in 45 other states were reviewed. Accident information for 69 of the 97 cities over 2,500 population was used to develop criteria for an identification method.

A Number Method was selected for initial identification of midblocks and intersections on arterial-collector streets and on urban freeways. A Rate-Quality Control Method was included in the form of a critical rate factor computed for each location. A set of critical rate curves was constructed for easy determination of hazardous locations. …

Voidless And Internally Sealed Concretes (Construction Report; Silas Creek Bridge, Us 27, Mp-009-0027-B0002), Assaf S. Rahal

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Laboratory investigations on concretes containing super water reducers, PVP and Melment, indicated their suitability for field utilization. Wax beads have been used by other states in concretes for bridge slabs. This report describes the reconstruction of a four-span bridge having three experimental slabs and one conventional slab. Post-construction analyses of cores are included.

Stiffness Of Solid-Liquid Mixtures: Theoretical Considerations, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A rational approach to the solution of the stiffness of solid-liquid mixtures is presented. The stiffness of such mixtures is dependent on the stiffness of the viscous medium and the volume concentration and elastic modulus of the solid portion. Finally, the general solution is applied, in particular, to bitumen-aggregate mixtures; and the results are compared to experimental data.

Surface Dynamics Profilometer And Quarter-Car Simulator: Description, Evaluation, And Adaptation, James L. Burchett, Rolands L. Rizenbergs, Thomas A. Moore

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A Surface Dynamics Profilometer was acquired in December 1968. The SD Profilometer was designed to rapidly and accurately measure the profile of the surface over which it is driven. A Quarter-Car Simulator was obtained in 1970. The simulator, a special purpose analog computer, was designed to process road profiles measured with the SD Profilometer. This processing involves analog simulation of a simplified vehicle. Factors and variables associated with the devices and calibration and test procedures were investigated and standardized. The Automatic Roughness-Measuring System using an automobile (Kentucky interim standard method of test for roughness) was correlated with the SD Profllometer …

Transportation Research Reports Issued By The Division Of Research, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A bibliographic listing of research reports issued by the Division of Research, Kentucky Bureau of Highways.