Engineering Commons^™

Performance Of The Crash Cushion Attenuating Terminal (Cat) In Traffic Accidents, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study was to report the results of the continued monitoring of the performance of the Crash Cushion Attenuating Terminal (CAT) in traffic accidents.

The documented performance of the CAT system in traffic accidents justifies additional use. A recommended location would be at median piers and bridge abutments in narrow medians. While accidents involving this system should continue to be evaluated, this evaluation results in the conclusion that the CAT system could be classified as operational.

The performance of the CAT system indicates a couple of areas which should be addressed. For installations in a raised median, …

Selection Of Design Strengths Of Untreated Soil Subgrades And Subgrades Treated With Cement And Hydrated Lime, David Q. Hunsucker, Tony L. Beckham

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Selection of design strengths of soil subgrades and subgrades treated with cement or hydrated lime is a problem in pavement design analysis and construction because a variety of different types of soils may exist in a highway corridor and a wide range of different strengths may exist after the soils are compacted to form the pavement subgrade. The selected subgrade strength will largely affect the pavement thickness obtained from the design analysis, the future pavement performances, and the overall bearing capacities of the subgrade during construction and the pavement structure after construction. In developing the proposed selection scheme, a newly …

Evaluation Of Electronic Truck Monitoring, Jerry G. Pigman, Joseph D. Crabtree

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Automatic vehicle identification (AVI) and weigh-in-motion (WIM) equipment were installed at the northbound weigh/enforcement station on 1-65 in Simpson County, Kentucky. The objectives were to determine the reliability and accuracy of the equipment and to determine the benefits/costs for the trucking industry and enforcement agencies.

The test site for evaluation of the equipment became operational in July 1991 and the evaluation continued through June 1993. AVI equipment was provided by Amtech Corporation and WIM equipment by International Road Dynamics. Participating motor carriers were United Parcel Service and Averitt Express, with a total of 114 trucks equipped with transponders. The system …

Development Of Guidelines And Performance For Asphalt Concrete Containing Recycled Rubber, Kamyar C. Mahboub, Donn E. Hancher

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of implementation of the crumb rubber technology in Kentucky. The impetus for this study was provided by the lntermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA).

This study included an overview of existing literature on the subject from an implementation point of view for Kentucky's conditions. Upon completion of this phase of the study, guidelines were developed by the KTC research team and were submitted to the Transportation Cabinet for field implementation of the crumb rubber modifier (CAM) technology in Kentucky. From the ease of implementation point of view, …

Computer Program For Analysis Of Embankments With Tensile Elements, Mikhail E. Slepak, Tommy C. Hopkins

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A generalized computer program for analyzing stability of earth structures reinforced with geosynthetics (geogrids, geotextiles etc.) was developed in this research study. The newly proposed computer program was built in such a way that a reinforced slope stability problem may be analyzed using a variety of limit equilibrium methods including Hopkins', Morgenstern and Price's, Bishop's methods, Raulin's perturbation method, as well as new perturbation methods proposed by the authors of this study. It was shown in the research study that two versions of the Bishop's method were possible in the case of reinforced analyses: the traditionally used version referred to …

Visual Observations Of Parking And Driving Areas And Drainage Conditions On Colverfield Lane Fort Wright Trace, Fort Wright, Ky., David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

On September 30, 1993, the Condominium Council of Co-Owners of Fort Wright Trace in Fort Wright, Kentucky requested of the Director of the Kentucky Transportation Center that a member of his staff meet with them to review and visually inspect the drainage and pavement conditions in their community. The Head of the Pavements Section met with representatives of the Council on October 13, 1993 as a part of the Transportation Center's Technology Exchange Program.

A visual inspection was conducted of Cloverfield Lane and its associated parking areas beginning at the intersection of Cloverfield Lane and Castle Hill Lane and continuing …

Impacts Of The Extended-Weight Coal Haul Road System (Interim Report), Joseph D. Crabtree, Jerry G. Pigman, John A. Deacon, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Extended-Weight Coal Haul Road System, created by Kentucky's Legislature in 1986, consists of all roads which carry over 50,000 tons of coal in a calendar year. Trucks hauling coal on this system are authorized to exceed normal weight limits through the payment of an annual decal fee. A research study was initiated in July of 1992 to analyze the impacts of the extended-weight system. This interim report, prepared after one year of a three-year study, describes the analyses performed thus far and presents preliminary findings, recommendations, and a discussion of future work.

Analyses in this report are based on: …

Field Performance Report On Corrugated Polyethylene Pipe On Ky 17 Kenton County, L. John Fleckenstein, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report documents the installation and performance of corrugated smooth lined polyethylene pipe installed during construction of KY 17 in Kenton County. The majority of the pipe installed was N-12 pipe manufactured by Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc., and is designated as ADS N-12. ADS N-12 is a corrugated high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe. The pipe has a corrugated exterior for increased strength and a smooth interior to provide maximum flow capacity.

Sags in grade, misalignment, poor coupling, and vertical deformation were observed during visual inspections and do not appear to be a material related problem but are largely due to poor …

Evaluation Of Lime Stabilized Subgrade (Aa-19), Bobby W. Meade, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Construction of Section 19 of the Ashland-Alexandria Highway began in 1987. Because native soils have very low CBR values (1 to 3), it was decided to stabilize the soil subgrade with an application of 6% hydrated lime. The top 6 inches of the subgrade was to be stabilized. This process had not been previously used in Kentucky; and consequently, a research study was initiated to monitor this project. Objectives of the study were to monitor and document construction procedures, to determine the engineering characteristics of the treated subgrade through laboratory testing, and to report on the study findings. A substantial …

Survey Of The Impacts Of Environmental Regulations On State Highway Operations, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Christopher M. Oberst

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In recent years, the transportation industry in Kentucky as represented by Kentuckians for Better Transportation (KBT) and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KyTC), have expressed concern over the growing impact of environmental regulations upon transportation activities in the state. The imposition of environmental regulations has resulted in higher costs for new construction and maintenance on roads, project delays, scheduling and financing difficulties, and the creation of additional transportation agency bureaucracy to address environmental regulation mandates. In Kentucky, the impacts of those regulations have not been thoroughly assessed nor have the attendant costs been measured. Coinciding with that lack of information is …

Analysis Of Traffic Accident Data In Kentucky (1988-1992), Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report includes an analysis of traffic accident data in Kentucky tor the years of 1988-1992. A primary objective of this study was to determine average accident statistics tor Kentucky highways. Average and critical numbers and rates at accidents 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 accidents.

Another objective of this study was to provide data which can be used in the preparation of the problem identification portion of Kentucky's Annual Highway Safety Plan. County and city …

Summary Of Results Of 1992 Field And Laboratory Evaluations Of Pavement Marking Materials, Kentucky Transportation Center

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report summarizes the results of data collected as part of the 1992 field and laboratory evaluations of pavement marking materials for the SASHTO Regional Test Facility. The report is divided into two volumes. The first volume presents the field evaluations while the laboratory tests results are given in the second volume. The purpose of the Regional Test Facility (RTF) is to minimize the amount of field and laboratory research testing of specific types of materials. This is accomplished by combining efforts in an organized manner to reduce the monetary and man-hour requirements of both the states and industry. A …

Analysis Of Alcohol And Speed Related Traffic Accidents In Fayette County, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

One objective of this study was to update the statistics related to alcohol-related accidents and arrests In Fayette County. The second objective was to include an analysis of speed-related accidents and citations.

The number of alcohol-related accidents in Fayette County has decreased over the past several years. The number of speed-related accidents has remained relatively constant Differences between the characteristics of all accidents and alcohol and speed-related accidents were noted. For example, there were higher percentages of alcohol and speed-related accidents involving a fixed object. Differences in driver characteristics, such as the high percentage of drivers in the 16 to …

1993 Safety Belt Usage Survey And Evaluation Of Effectiveness In Kentucky, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of the survey was to establish 1993 safety belt and child safety seat usage rates in Kentucky. Data were collected at 100 sites and combined based on vehicle miles travelled for a given type of highway, rural or urban location, and county population category. Also included in this report is an analysis of accident records evaluating the effectiveness of safety belts.

Statewide usage rates were 42 percent for drivers and front-seat passengers (over 19 years of age) and 61 percent for children under four years of age (front and rear seats). Driver usage rates increased in 1993 compared …

Evaluation Of The Lexington-Fayette County Safety Belt Ordinance, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A mandatory safety belt ordinance was enacted in Fayette County with an effective date of July 1, 1990. One objective of this study was to conduct usage surveys after the ordinance had been in effect for approximately three years. This would allow comparisons to be made of safety belt usage before and immediately after the effective date of the ordinance to that found a substantial time period after enactment of the ordinance. A second objective of the study was to compere accident data before and after the ordinance became effective. The would allow an analysis of the effect the ordinance …

Seismic Analysis Of The Brent-Spence Bridge, Issam E. Harik, David L. Allen, Ronald L. Street, Meiwan Guo, R. Clark Graves, Jack A. Harison, Mark J. Gawry

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report presents the findings of a seismic evaluation of the Brent-Spence bridge. The bridge is a double-deck cantilever through truss which was constructed in 1961; it is a critical highway link conveying 1-75 over the Ohio river. While not yet subjected to a moderate or major earthquake, the bridge is within the influence of the New Madrid, Wabash Valley, and Anna seismic zones.

The seismic evaluation program consisted of field testing and seismic analysis. The vibrational properties of the main bridge were determined through field testing and used to calibrate a 3-D finite element model. The model was then …

Construction Report Fhwa Special Project 202, Break And Seat Of Jointed Reinforced Concrete Pavement, R. Clark Graves, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study is part of the FHWA sponsored Special Project 202, "Break and Seat of Jointed Reinforced Concrete Pavement" (SP-202). In addition to Kentucky, West Virginia, Ohio, and Louisiana are also participating in the project. The projects were constructed under the experimental design defined in the FHWA Document "Special Project 202 Technical Resource Forum", June 6 and 7, 1989. Breaking patterns of 6, 18, and 30 inches, along with a control section which was not broken were used in each of the participating states.

The only major problem which occurred during construction occurred in the inside lane of the 6-inch …

Utilization Of Fossil-Fuel Related By-Product Materials For Highway Construction In Kentucky, David Q. Hunsucker

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In an effort to increase the utilization of fossil-fuel by product materials in highway construction project, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet authorized the experimental use of several waste materials. These materials included bottom ashes, fly ash, scrubber sludge, multicone kiln dust, and residues tram atmospheric fluidized bed combustion processes. Bottom ash aggregate was used as a partial replacement for the limestone aggregate in a bituminous surface mix. Non-specification fly ash was used in lieu of Class F fly ash in a stabilized aggregate base. Bottom ash stabilized with residue from an atmospheric fluidized bed combustion process was used as a highway …

Performance Of Experimental Highway Base And Subbase Layers Containing Coal-Fired Power Plant By-Product Materials: Ky Route 3074, Bleich Road, David Q. Hunsucker, R. Clark Graves

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Three 750-foot test sections of a 22-foot wide roadway were constructed on newly constructed subgrade in May and June, 1988. The three experimental sections contained experimental base and subbase layers comprised of mixtures utilizing by-product materials from a coal-fired power plant One test section included a base layer containing residue from an atmospheric fluidized bed combustion (AFBC) process, size No. 57 aggregate, and Class F fly ash. The second test section included a base layer constructed ponded fly ash, hydrated lime, and dense-graded aggregate. The third test section included a subbase layer constructed of pond ash stabilized with AFBC residue. …

Construction And Interim Performance Of A Pyrament Cement Concrete Bridge Deck, Michael D. Stone, David Q. Hunsucker

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Pyrament Blended Cement (PBC) is a high performance cement developed by Lone Star Industries and is a blend of 65% portland cement, 30% fly ash, and 5% trademark additive. Concrete made with PBC has been characterized by its rapid set, high early strength, and low permeability. This report summarizes the construction and interim performance of a full-depth concrete bridge deck slab constructed using Pyrament Cement concrete.

Stress Evaluation Of Welded Steel Bridges On Coal-Haul Routes, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Keith J. Hogan, Christopher M. Oberst

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report describes the procedure developed and being employed to determine and assess live-load stresses in structural members of welded steel bridges on extended· weight coal haul routes. Those bridges are routinely subjected to loads from coal trucks in excess of those permitted on other routes. Those elevated loads may result in high stresses in bridge members. Of principal concern are certain weld details on steel bridges that are susceptible to fatigue cracking when subject to high live-load stresses. Seventeen welded steel bridges on extended-weight coal haul routes have been identified for investigation under this study.

The study test procedure …

Weigh Station Bypassing, Herbert F. Southgate, Joseph D. Crabtree, Jerry G. Pigman, Nikiforos Stamatiadis

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A Study was initiated in May of 1990 to investigate the problem of trucks bypassing or avoiding weigh/enforcement stations in Kentucky. A literature review identified two major studies (Wisconsin and Florida) on the subject, both of which are summarized in this report. In addition, a 1989, limited-scope study of truck bypassing of weigh stations in Kentucky was reviewed and summarized.

The primary data collection effort for this study took place in the fall of 1990, centered around the Simpson County enforcement station on Interstate-55. Three potential bypass routes were identified. Automatic vehicle classification (AVC) and weight-in-motion (WIM) equipment was installed …

Utilization And Cost Effectiveness Of Retread Tires, L. John Fleckenstein, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report discusses the possible utilization and east effectiveness of using retreaded tires on state vehicles in Kentucky. Included is information obtained from a telephone survey of local companies and two state Dot agencies. Information was also obtained from a survey conducted on the AASHTO-VAN computer network. This report also contains a cost comparison of retread prices versus new tire prices.

Accident Rates At Intersections, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objectives of this study were to determine average accident rates tor various categories of at-grade intersections and to identify intersections having high accident rates. This involved locating intersections at two or more state-maintained highways and determining the appropriate volumes to use as well as locating the accidents occurring at any given intersection.

A procedure was developed to allow tor the identification of intersections having high or critical accident rates. A list at the intersections of two or more state-maintained roadways was developed. A total of 6,707 intersections were included in the file. Using county, route and milepoint information, accident …

Evaluation Of Diamond Grade Reflective Sheeting, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this project was to monitor the performance of the diamond grade sheeting when used on both typical traffic signs and construction signs. The durability, appearance, and reflectivity of the signs were monitored. Diamond grade sheetings used on typical traffic signs were evaluated over a two-year period with construction signs evaluated over an 18-month period.

Diamond grade sheeting was found to provide increased reflectivity compared to high intensity sheeting with no problems noted related to durability or appearance. However, the cost of the diamond grade sheeting would limit its use to situations where brighter, wider-angle reflective sheeting is …

Field Performance Evaluation Of Precast Concrete Box Culverts, Aluminum Culverts, And Galvanized Metal Arches And Pipe Arches, L. John Fleckenstein, David L. Allen, R. Clark Graves

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Reported herein are the field performances of three different classes of culverts. The study included precast concrete boxes, precast arch culvert, aluminum boxes and pipe culverts, and several shapes of galvanized metal culverts. A total of 82 culverts were inspected throughout the state of Kentucky. Culverts were inspected in all 12 highway districts. A total of 15 precast concrete structures, 11 aluminum structures, and 56 galvanized metal structures were evaluated. This report discusses the distress observed in the three different classes of culverts and recommendations for future installations and possible maintenance schema for the existing culverts are included.

Enhancements To Procedure For Estimating Esals, John A. Deacon, Jerry G. Pigman, Neil Tollner, David Cain

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Kentucky's current procedure for estimating equivalent single axle loads (ESALs) was updated in 1990 to incorporate traffic data categorized by functional class rather than by statewide averages. This change resulted from the influx of data generated by automatic equipment used to classify and weigh vehicles in motion. A much wider range of geographic conditions and road conditions was sampled, and the expectation was that the data used in the estimation procedure would be more accurate as a result.

The 1990 revisions were quite extensive, and, although model calibrations using 1989 and 1990 data have proven useful, the Division of Planning …

Installation And Performance Of Portland Cement Concrete Pavement Joint Sealers, David Q. Hunsucker, Edgar E. Courtney, Michael D. Stone

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Joints are needed in portland cement concrete pavements to control cracking, relieve pavement stresses due to volume change, and to protect immovable structures. However, when the joints are not properly designed, constructed, and maintained, they may become a source of multiple problems. It is the opinion of many pavement management engineers that the most effective way to prevent and/or correct problems with joints is to use a joint sealer material. The purpose of the sealer is to keep surface water and fine, incompressible material from entering the pavement joint.

The Kentucky Transportation Center was contracted by the Kentucky Department of …

Kentucky Traffic Accident Facts 1993 Report, Kentucky State Police

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

KENTUCKY'S TRAFFIC ACCIDENT FACTS report for 1993 is based on accident reports submitted to the Accident Unit housed in the Kentucky State Police Information Services Branch, Records Section. As required by Kentucky Revised Statutes 189.635, "every law enforcement agency whose officers investigate a vehicle accident of which a report must be made ... shall file a report of the accident ... within ten days after investigation of the accident upon forms supplied by the bureau." The stated purpose of this requirement is to utilize data on traffic accidents" for such purposes as will improve the traffic safety program in the …

Long-Term Performance Of Flexible Pavements Located On Cement-Treated Soils, Tommy C. Hopkins, David Q. Hunsucker, Tony L. Beckham

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Long-term performance of flexible pavements located on cement-treated soils and the longevity of soil-cement subgrades are examined at sections of four highway routes. Ages of the soil-cement subgrades range from 6 to 30 years. Field and laboratory studies were conducted at each section. Generally. the soil-cement subgrades were non-plastic and were classified as SM, or sandy silt, according to the Unified Soil Classification System, although the classification of the untreated soil subgrades located below the treated layers ranged from CL (clay) to GC (clayey gravel). Plasticity index of the untreated soils ranged from non-plastic to 44 percent. Generally, the untreated …