Engineering Commons^™

Binary Ferrihydrite Catalysts, Gerald P. Huffman, Jianmin Zhao, Zhen Fang

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Patents

A method of preparing a catalyst precursor comprises dissolving an iron salt and a salt of an oxoanion forming agent, in water so that a solution of the iron salt and oxoanion forming agent salt has a ratio of oxoanion/Fe of between 0.0001:1 to 0.5:1. Next is increasing the pH of the solution to 10 by adding a strong base followed by collecting of precipitate having a binary ferrihydrite structure. A binary ferrihydrite catalyst precursor is also prepared by dissolving an iron salt in water. The solution is brought to a pH of substantially 10 to obtain ferrihydrite precipitate. The …

Applicability Of Angle Parking For A Major City Street, Jerry G. Pigman, Samantha S. Jones

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of Shrp Work Zone Safety Devices, Kenneth R. Agent, John O. Hibbs

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study was to use and evaluate various SHRP work zone devices. Experience with the use of these devices was obtained through trial use by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and various city, county, and private agencies. The devices included in the study included:

• Flashing Stop/Slow Paddle
• All-Terrain Sign and Stand
• Portable Rumble Strip
• Opposing Traffic Lane Divider
• Intrusion Alarm

The experience with the flashing stop/slow paddles was very positive indicating the potential for expanded use in the future. Six different models of flashing paddles were evaluated with some having better results than others. While the all-terrain stand …

Survey Of High School Driver Safety Programs, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The over representation of teenage drivers in traffic collisions has been a cause of concern and the basis for the recent graduated license legislation. A subcommittee of the Safety Management System has the objective of improving teenage driver safety through development and implementation of education and training programs. The objective of this study was to obtain information on current and desired traffic safety related programs for high schools. A survey was sent to all high schools. Information was obtained from 189 of 432 schools. Current activity in the area of traffic safety was summarized. The activity with the most participation …

Evaluation Of Incident Management Techniques (Lexington, Kentucky), Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman, Nikiforos Stamatiadis, Eugene Culton

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this project was to evaluate and document the various incident management techniques used by the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) to alleviate the impact of incidents on highways in Fayette County. Components included in the evaluation included: 1) establishment and use of traffic diversion routes, 2) use of variable message signs, 3) use of detour signing, 4) use of arrow board signs, 5) improvement of existing incident detection and verification through enhanced computerized mapping, 6) use of linked motion detection equipment, and 7) development of a public information program. The methods used to incorporate each of …

Evaluation Of A Regional Traffic Safety Improvement Program, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objectives of this report were to document the activities and evaluate the effectiveness of a regional traffic safety improvement program in the Green River Area Development District (GRADD). This is a seven county region in western Kentucky. The goals of the program were to reduce the numbers of motor vehicle fatalities and injuries, to increase safety belt usage, and to increase public awareness of the effects of alcohol-related and high speed driving in rural areas.

A full-time employee was hired by GRADD to manage the program. A Citizen Advisory Board (CAB) was established in each county. Each CAB formulated …

Evaluation Of Red Light Running Campaign, Kenneth R. Agent, Deborah Wagner

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The purpose of this project was to use a public information and education campaign, along with increased enforcement, to reduce the problem of red light running (RLR) in Lexington, Kentucky. The objective of this portion of the project was to evaluate the effectiveness of the campaign.

The mail and telephone surveys, taken before and after the campaign, revealed that the RLR program had been successful in improving public awareness of the problems associated with disregarding traffic signals. About 60 percent of the respondents recalled seeing or hearing ads or information dealing with red light running. Approximately one-half of the respondents …

Use Of Audible Pedestrian Signals, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Audible pedestrian signals are a device used to provide additional traffic control at signalized intersections to aid visually impaired pedestrians. An objective of this study was to determine the status of the use of this device and investigate possible guidelines for possible future installations of audible pedestrian signals in Kentucky. Another specific objective was to investigate the need for such signals at a number of intersections at the University of Kentucky.

The study showed that audible pedestrian signals can be used to supplement the standard pedestrian signals. However, their use must be limited to intersections with a demonstrated need and …

Visual Inspection Of New Ramp Pavement At Bluegrass Airport Lexington, Kentucky, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Personnel from the Kentucky Transportation Center performed a visual inspection of newly constructed ramp pavement at the Bluegrass Airport in Lexington, Kentucky. The inspection was conducted in May, 1996 at the request of airport engineers. The inspection revealed a number of concrete apron slabs that had cracked. Attempts had been made (apparently by the contractor) to seal the cracks by epoxy injection. The visual inspection indicated that the epoxy may not have been performing as hoped, and that some of the cracks did not appear to be sealed. As a result, it was decided to obtain cores of the cracked …

Rubberized Asphalt Membrane, Kamyar C. Mahboub

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This document reports findings of a study involving the use of scrap tire chips in an asphaltic membrane. The research project was designed with two objectives in mind. First, to investigate the effectiveness of an asphaltic membrane on top of a subgrade for maintaining moisture equilibrium in subgrade, and second, to study the potential use of scrap tire chips in asphaltic membranes. The effectiveness of the membrane as a moisture barrier needs to be evaluated over a long period of time (i.e. several years). However, the method proved to be a feasible alternative for recycling waste tires in pavements. It …

Analysis Of Traffic Accident Data In Kentucky (1991-1995), Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report includes an analysis of traffic accident data in Kentucky for the years of 1991 through 1995. A primary objective of this study was to determine average accident statistics for Kentucky highways. Average and critical numbers and rates of 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.

The other primary 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 …

Traffic Flow And Safety Evaluation Of Fayette County Schools, Samantha S. Jones, Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In cooperation with Fayette County Schools, an evaluation of traffic flow and safety was conducted at school sites in Fayette County. The purpose of this evaluation was to eliminate potential safety risks currently existing at a number of schools and to reduce traffic congestion in and around school properties.

The evaluation was completed in two main phases. First, each school in the district was asked to respond to a survey questionnaire. Second, six schools were identified by Fayette County Schools as having traffic flow or safety problems that could benefit from detailed evaluation. The responses to the survey questionnaire were …

1996 Safety Belt Usage Survey And Evaluation Of Effectiveness In Kentucky, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study was to establish 1996 safety belt and child safety seat usage rates in Kentucky. The 1996 survey documents the continuing results from enacting a statewide mandatory safety belt law in 1994. 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 the report is an analysis of accident records evaluating the effectiveness of safety belts.

The data show that the decrease in the usage rate which occurred in 1995 after the dramatic increase in 1994, …

Summary Of Results Of 1995 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 1995 field and laboratory evaluations of pavement marking materials for the National Transportation Product Evaluation Program (NTPEP). The purpose of the NTPEP is to pool the professional and physical resources of the individual participating AASHTO member departments and to focus those resources to test materials of common interest in order to improve cost-effectiveness.

The type of testing performed under the NTPEP provides information that will be used to evaluate the acceptability of materials and to compare the performance of similar materials. The NTPEP also provides industry with a …

Evaluation Of Portable Retroreflectometers, Kentucky Transportation Center

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Portable retroreflectometers have been used to compare the reflectivity of the various pavement marking materials. The Mirolux 12 has been used to collect reflectivity data for the products tested for the National Transportation Product Evaluation Program (NTPEP). The Mirolux 12 docs not have a 30 meter geometry, and there has been a desire to explore the possibility of using a retroreflectometer which has a 30 meter geometry which may better simulate the view of a driver. The objective of this report is to compare data taken with the Mirolux 12 and two other portable retroflectometers having the 30 meter geometry.

Evaluation Of Edge Drains On Interstate 64 Fayette, Scott, And Woodford Counties, L. John Fleckenstein, David L. Allen, Brad W. Rister

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report documents findings of the investigation of edge drains and their associated outlets on Interstate 64 from Milepost 65 to Milepost 75.6 in Fayette, Scott, and Woodford Counties. The study was initiated due to significant amounts of water and fines coming up through the AC surface. State and Federal Officials were concerned that possible failures in the edge drains were causing pumping and staining which will ultimately lead to premature pavement failure. Several factors appear to be contributing to the staining and pumping at the surface. These factors are discussed in the report.

The Motor Fuel Tax Evasion Issue In Kentucky, Dwight V. Denison, Merl M. Hackbart

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Tax evasion is an elusive and burgeoning problem. Methods of tax evasion are continually changing and adapting to new methods of tax enforcement. However, there are strategies that can reduce the potential loss due to fuel tax evasion. This study of fuel tax evasion in Kentucky and the southeastern states provides additional information regarding the causes and nature of the road fund tax evasion problem, and identifies state and federal/state efforts to mitigate the tax evasion challenge. The concepts, issues, and recommendations in this report can aid in reducing evasion of the Kentucky motor fuels tax., thereby, enhancing the efficiency …

Development Of Accident Reduction Factors, Kenneth R. Agent, Nikiforos Stamatiadis, Samantha S. Jones

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this project is to develop accident reduction factors associated with various types of highway safety improvements. These factors will be used in the cost-optimization procedure to rank safety improvements.

The basis of the accident reduction factors developed in this study is a survey of states and a review of literature. The recommended reduction factors are presented in a table which lists the percent reduction in all accidents or specific types of accidents for given types of improvements.

Cost Estimating And Forecasting For Highway Work In Kentucky [1996], James D. Stevens, Jennifer R. Walton

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

There is a need for better cost estimating and forecasting for highway work in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. KRS45.245 grants the Interim Joint Committee on Transportation oversight of the biennial highway plan, including a review of all authorized highway project phases that exceed their estimates by 15%. In recent years, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has suffered the loss of many resources necessary to produce good cost estimates.

Estimates developed using current methods are not sufficiently accurate to preclude cost overruns in excess of 15%. Over the 1992 and 1994 bienniums, 362 overruns totaling $162,487,511 have been submitted to the Committee. …

Development Of A Critical Path Method Specification And A Training Program For Use Of Cpm And Ktc, James D. Stevens, Donn E. Hancher, Ihab M. Hamdi

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Critical Path Method is a proven management technique used for determining the critical activities that would need additional care in any type of construction projects. The KTC requires that CPM schedules be used on selected highway projects. This research project offers a detailed idea on CPM scheduling application in highway construction projects, as well as current practices in other departments of transportation nationwide, together with specifications for proper application of CPM scheduling.

Evaluation Of Edge Drains On I-81, In Roanoke, Virginia, L. John Fleckenstein, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report documents findings of the investigation of five different brands of panel edge drains installed in a test section along Interstate 81 in Roanoke, Virginia, from Milepost 154.148 to Milepost 156.11. Findings from this study indicated that closed core edge drains (Multi-Flow, Advanedge) are less likely to become damaged or distressed than the more open core drains (Contech, Akwadrain, Hydraway). Typical distress found in the more open cores was rolling over of the top row of support columns, fabric intrusion between support columns, and rolling up of the bottom row of support columns.

Method For Reducing The Generation Of Wear Particulates From An Implant, David A. Pienkowski

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Patents

A method is provided for reducing the amount of wear particulates generated by a total joint orthopaedic implant. The implant consists of two matched articulating components. The method includes the steps of placing the total joint orthopaedic implant in a fluid bath and articulating the implant in the fluid bath for at least 1,000 cycles. The articulation may be performed in three stages. In the first, the implant is articulated under a load of substantially 0.1-500 Newtons with sliding speeds of substantially 0.01-0.5 meters per second. During a second stage the articulation takes place under a load of substantially 200-2,500 …

Evaluation Of Superior Performing Portland Cement Concrete Pavements In Kentucky, Jerry G. Rose, Bobby W. Meade, David Q. Hunsucker

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This research report describes a program of study directed at determining common factors which have contributed to the superior performances of selected sections of Portland cement concrete (PCC) pavements in Kentucky. The program involved an extensive survey of Kentucky's interstate, partway and other primary routes to determine locations of PCC pavement sections greater than 15 years old that had performed satisfactorily with minimal maintenance. Twelve of the best performing PCC pavements with long service life and heavy traffic were selected for detailed evaluations. Initial designs were documented and a series of in-situ pavement tests were conducted including core dnlling and …

Evaluation Of Edge Drains On Pennyrile Parkway Webster County, L. John Fleckenstein, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report documents findings of the investigation of pipe edge drains and outlets on the Pennyrile Parkway from Milepost 60.476 to Milepost 65.305 in Webster County. The study was initiated due to concerns from District 2 personnel that possible failures in the edge drains were causing pavement distress along the right wheel path. Findings from this study indicated that approximately 40 percent of the 123 edge drain outlets were less than 50 to 60 percent open. The round perforated pipe edge drain appeared to be in excellent condition, including the integrity of the pipe and the filter material. The sand …

A Computer Model For Analysis Of Alternative Burley Tobacco Harvesting Practice, Thomas C. Bridges, Larry G. Wells, George A. Duncan, Larry D. Swetnam

Agricultural Engineering Extension Publications

Agricultural operations and practices have been the subject of many computer models and simulations. Holtman et al. (1970) developed a corn harvesting simulator, and Morey et al. (1971) used simulation techniques to analyze net profit of a corn harvesting and handling system during a particular weather year. Further, Loewer et al. (1977) advanced a model that assessed alternative beef production strategies for the individual farm with land, energy and capital as constraints. Bridges et al., (1979) developed a design simulation oriented toward the individual producer that examines corn harvesting systems and compares them regarding investment and annual cost. The CATCH …

A Proposed Method Of Calibration And Correlation Of Weigh-In-Motion Systems, David L. Allen, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

There are various types of weigh-in-motion systems currently in use by agencies that collect weight data. These include load cells, bending plate, capacitance pads, piezoelectric cables, and bridge WIM's. The response and behavior of these systems differs from one type to another. Most states calibrate these systems by one of two methods. The first is to calibrate by running a truck or trucks of known weights across the scales a number of times. The second is to use a sample of trucks from the traffic stream.

This report details a field calibration and correlation test site between a slow-speed WIM …

Rockfall Mitigation Measures, Tommy C. Hopkins, Tony L. Beckham, William A. Puckett

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Highways in Kentucky contain numerous rock slopes and rockfall from these slopes represent potential dangers to motorists. As these highway rock cut slopes age and deteriorate because of weathering, the potential for rockfall and rock slides increases. Some bodily injuries and traffic fatalities have been reported in past years. The general aims of this study were to establish a highway rock cut slope policy and devise a statewide system of dealing with this problem. This study represents the start of an effort by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to develop a proactive stance and policy toward preventing, minimizing, or mitigating the …

Source Zones, Recurrence Rates, And Time Histories For Earthquakes Affecting Kentucky, Ron Street, Zhernning Wang, Issam E. Harik, David L. Allen, James J. Griffin

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Time histories of hypothetical earthquakes, along with their peak-particle accelerations, and 0 and 5 percent damped response spectra are developed as guidelines for the seismic design of highway structures and bridges within Kentucky. The time histories are derived through the use of random vibration analyses, and take into consideration the probability of earthquakes from nearby seismic zones, the attenuation of ground motions with distance in the Central United States, and the possibility of a random event occurring outside of the generally recognized zones of seismicity in the area. Suggested peak-particle accelerations, time histories, and response spectra are intended for use …

Environmentally Safe Protective Coatings For Steel Structures-New Construction And Maintenance Painting, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Christopher M. Oberst

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The purpose of this study was to: 1) assist KyTC in identifying protective coatings lor structural steel that would meet current and pending environmental regulations, I and 2) to evaluate overcoating procedures that would be cost-effective and provide regulatory (OSHA and EPA) compliance.

A coatings research program was conducted that included: 1) laboratory accelerated corrosion/weathering tests, 2) field exposure tests, and 3) experimental maintenance I painting of entire bridges by overcoating. Each of those tasks was intended to address different issues. Regulations concerning volatile organic compound limits lor coating systems used in new construction were studied and recommendations provided to …

Apparatus And Method For Measuring 3-D Weld Pool Shape, Radovan Kovacevic, Yu M. Zhang

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Patents

A method and apparatus are provided allowing the determination of 3-D weld pool surface geometry in the presence of a welding arc during a welding operation. The method includes the steps of illuminating the weld pool surface with diffused, structured light and detecting specular reflection of that diffused, structured light from the weld pool surface. An acquired image results. By analyzing the acquired image it is possible to determine the geometry of the weld pool surface. The apparatus for performing the method includes a high intensity light source, a diffuser and a structured light forming grid. A camera is provided …