Engineering Commons^™

High-Speed Rail Safety Analysis Based On Dual-Weighted Complex Network, Liu Lv

Dissertations

This study uses a complex network model to analyze the causes of accidents in high-speed railway operations. By identifying the key factors that led to high-speed railway accidents, hidden safety hazards were discovered. This will help improve the operational safety of the U.S. high-speed rail line under construction.

The analysis uses the regional high-speed railway network in Guangzhou, China as a case study, including the railway (including high-speed railway) accidents that occurred in the company's jurisdiction from 2013 to 2017. With comparative analysis between general railways and high-speed railways, the changes of high-speed railway safety factors are explored. Data analysis …

Application Of Crowdsourced Data In Transportation Operations And Safety, Nima Hoseinzadeh

Doctoral Dissertations

Crowdsourcing refers to the acquisition of data from users who contribute their information via smartphone, social media, or the internet. In transportation systems, crowdsourcing turns users into real-time sensors, providing data on traffic speed, travel time, mile traveled, incidents, roadway conditions, weather severity, irregularities in traffic patterns, and hazards. These data can be collected actively or passively in quantitative or qualitative forms. With the emergence of smartphones and navigation apps, crowdsourced data are gaining increased attention in transportation. Crowdsourced data have advantages over traditional fixed-location sensors and camera monitoring: low implementation costs, extended geographic coverage, high resolution, real-time application, increased …

Users Background And Perception Of Robotic Demolition Equipment, Matthew Elston Jones

Construction Management

Robotic demolition equipment or demolition robots are robots that resemble excavators without the cab, that can be controlled by an operator at a safe distance. This equipment can access hazardous environments and provides versatility in the demolition methods possible. Robots have become a popular choice for contractors looking for a competitive advantage. Currently there is little research about the demolition robot market and how the industry views the technology. This research first seeks to answer background questions on the users and their experience with demolition robots. The research also answers perception questions such as the benefits, drawbacks, and reasons for …

The Feasibility Of Real Time Location Systems In Construction, John O. Brouse Iv

Construction Management

The construction industry is becoming increasingly sophisticated by implementing new computer-based technologies to improve safety, efficiency, accountability, and many other aspects. One new type of technology that is becoming increasingly popular in other labor based industries is real time locating systems. These systems allow for managers to keep accountability of a variety of assets in a manufacturing facility or industrial center. Recent research has shown the benefits and potential uses of these systems on construction jobsites. This paper seeks to analyze the potential for Real Time Location Systems (RTLS) to be used on construction jobsites and compare the different RTLS …

Application Of Autonomous Equipment In Heavy Civil Construction, Roman J. Ruffino

Construction Management

The prevalence of autonomous vehicles in our everyday lives is continually growing. Automobile manufacturers such as Tesla have made great strides in building a car that can safely navigate the world around it and respond to sudden changes. There is great potential in the heavy civil construction industry for equipment such as bulldozers, scrapers, and transport vehicles to add another level of safety and efficiency to the worksite. The goal of this research will be to determine whether a contractor would actually apply this technology, or if it isn’t practical for everyday use. This paper will examine the current state …

Case Study: Effects Of Covid-19 On A Mid-Size San Francisco Commercial General Construction Company, Andrew G. Maxwell Jr

Construction Management

The Covid-19 pandemic has had an adverse effect on the commercial construction industry. New safety procedures and regulations set by local government and health officials have made it difficult for construction to proceed at the efficiency level it had prior to the pandemic. The San Francisco Bay Area was subject to strict protocols starting in March of 2020 that vastly limited the capability of construction companies to perform work. This case study looks into the ways in which a mid sized commercial general construction contractor from the San Francisco Bay Area was impacted by Covid-19 and the methods they used …

Macroeconomic Aspects Of Maintenance Optimization Of Critical Infrastructures, S. A. Timashev, A. V. Bushinskaya

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

The main goal of maintenance is prevention, timely detection and elimination of failures and damage. From the point of view of critical infrastructures (CIs), the main purpose of their maintenance is to increase the safety of CIs and / or to ensure life safety. CIs should be optimal in terms of their purpose, cost, as a source of income and profit at all stages of their life cycle, and also acceptable in terms of possible loss of human lives or injuries. The paper considers the assessment of necessary optimal investments in the maintenance (time interval between subsequent maintenance), to increase …

From Classroom To Industry: Human Factors In Aviation Maintenance Decision-Making, Bettina Mrusek, Stephanie Douglas

Publications

The presence of human factors in aviation remains a critical area of research given the safety implications of human error. Understanding what specific factors contribute to human error allows managers and operators to take steps to mitigate these hazards. Several methods have been tested in the cockpit and cabin crew environments, but less attention has been given to the aviation maintenance sector, despite the prevalence of accidents resulting from human error. With the introduction of AC-172A, the FAA validated the need for additional research and training on the role of human factors in aviation maintenance errors. However, a key component …

Investigating The Impacts Of Truck Platooning On Transportation Infrastructure In The South-Central Region, Hany Hassan Ph.D, Samer Dessouky, Alireza Talebpour, Md Adilur Rahim

Data

Truck platooning is an essential application of connected and autonomous vehicles, where several trucks are connected to each other forming a platoon. It is envisioned that truck platooning can assist in minimizing transportation challenges related to freight movements in the US by improving traffic operation, safety and reducing fuel consumption and emission. One of the most valuable truck corridors in the US is in the South-central region. This study investigates the impacts of truck platooning on US highways in that region using both corridor and network-level simulation analysis. Also, the impact of truck platooning on the pavement was quantified using …

Investigating The Impacts Of Truck Platooning On Transportation Infrastructure In The South-Central Region, Hany Hassan Ph.D, Samer Dessouky, Alireza Talebpour, Md Adilur Rahim

Publications

Truck platooning is an essential application of connected and autonomous vehicles, where several trucks are connected to each other forming a platoon. It is envisioned that truck platooning can assist in minimizing transportation challenges related to freight movements in the US by improving traffic operation, safety and reducing fuel consumption and emission. One of the most valuable truck corridors in the US is in the South-central region. This study investigates the impacts of truck platooning on US highways in that region using both corridor and network-level simulation analysis. Also, the impact of truck platooning on the pavement was quantified using …

Kentucky Traffic Collision Facts 2019, Eric R. Green, Paul A. Ross, Christopher L. Blackden, Michael A. Fields, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

KENTUCKY’S TRAFFIC COLLISION FACTS report is based on collision reports submitted to the Kentucky State Police Records Branch. 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 collisions for such purposes as will improve the traffic safety program in the Commonwealth.

Investigating Hierarchical Effects Of Adaptive Signal Control System On Crash Severity Using Random-Parameter Ordered Regression Models Incorporating Observed Heterogeneity, Weimin Jin, Mashrur Chowdhury, M. Sabbir Salek, Sakib Mahmud Khan, Patrick Gerard

Publications

No abstract provided.

How Mandatory Stretches Increase Safety In The Workplace, Alec Pitts

Construction Management

The construction industry is one that revolves around safety. Without safety this industry fails. Jobsite safety keeps companies afloat longer whether it's financially, physically, or even mentally. This senior project dives into the benefits of mandatory stretching prior to each work day. This study also questions contractors and tests the stretches and their results. These benefits include muscle warm ups, increase of focus, added flexibility, increased range of motion, and even mental awareness. The idea of these morning stretches means more upfront costs for less costs later down the road. These stretches are an extra form of insurance when completed …

High Wind Alerts: A System Created With Observations From The X-Band Teaching And Research Radar, Lauren Warner

The Journal of Purdue Undergraduate Research

Following the August 13, 2011, Indiana State Fair stage collapse tragedy, caused by a wind gust from an approaching thunderstorm, Purdue University enforced a wind speed restriction of 30 mph (13 m s-1) for tents at outdoor events. During these events, volunteers stand outside with handheld anemometers, measuring and reporting when the wind speeds exceed this limit. In this study, we report testing of a new system to automate high-wind alerts based on observations from a Doppler radar, the X-band Teaching and Research Radar (XTRRA), near Purdue’s campus. XTRRA scans over campus at low elevations approximately every 5 minutes. Using …

Artificial Intelligence For Helicopter Safety: Head Pose Estimation In The Cockpit, Eric William Feuerstein

Theses and Dissertations

The recent impact of deep learning algorithms and their major breakthroughs on various aspects of our lives has led to the idea to investigate the application of these algorithms in different problem spaces. One of the novel areas of investigation is the aviation and air traffic control domain; as it offers a prime opportunity to enhance safety within the aviation community. Of particular importance to this community is improving the safety of rotorcraft operations, as this segment of the aviation industry is subject to a higher fatal accident rate than other segments of the industry. The improvement of safety for …

The Behavior Of Micro Explosive Charge Underwater Explosion Near A Rigid Wall, Kazutaka Kitagawa, Atsushi Abe

Progress in Scale Modeling, an International Journal

The interactions between an underwater explosion and underwater structures is a research topic related to understanding strong impulsive forces for disaster preparation and prevention. This study is a part of series studying the behavior of underwater explosion bubbles near different boundaries and structures because understanding the boundary phases and the pulsation of bubbles could be a useful predictive tool. Micro explosive underwater explosions were conducted by detonating a very small amount of silver azide; the time evolution and attenuation of effects from the explosion were studied. Both numerical and experimental data were acquired and compared for underwater shock waves, gas …

Optimizing Power Consumption Of Freight Railroad Bearings Using Laboratory Experimental Data, Carlos E. Lopez Iii, Constantine Tarawneh, Arturo A. Fuentes, Harry Siegal

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Based on projected freight truck fuel efficiency, freight railroad and equipment suppliers need to identify, evaluate and implement technologies and/or operating practices to maintain traditional railroad economic competitiveness. The railway industry uses systems that record the total energy efficiency of a train but not energy efficiency or consumption by components. Lowering the energy consumption of certain train components will result in an increase in its overall energy efficiency, which will yield cost benefits for all the stakeholders. One component of interest is the railroad bearing whose power consumption varies depending on several factors that include railcar load, train speed, condition …

Estimating The Inner Ring Defect Size And Residual Service Life Of Freight Railcar Bearings Using Vibration Signatures, Jennifer Lima, Constantine Tarawneh, Jesse Aguilera, Jonas Cuanang

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

There are currently two primary wayside detection systems for monitoring the health of freight railcar bearings in the railroad industry: The Trackside Acoustic Detection System (TADS™) and the wayside Hot-Box Detector (HBD). TADS™ uses wayside microphones to detect and alert the train operator of high-risk defects. However, many defective bearings may never be detected by TADS™ since a high-risk defect is a spall which spans about 90% of a bearing’s raceway, and there are less than 30 systems in operation throughout the United States and Canada. HBDs sit on the side of the rail-tracks and use non-contact infrared sensors to …

Optimization Of Railroad Bearing Health Monitoring System For Wireless Utilization, Jonas Cuanang, Constantine Tarawneh, Martin Amaro Jr., Jennifer Lima, Heinrich D. Foltz

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

In the railroad industry, systematic health inspections of freight railcar bearings are required. Bearings are subjected to high loads and run at high speeds, so over time the bearings may develop a defect that can potentially cause a derailment if left in service operation. Current bearing condition monitoring systems include Hot-Box Detectors (HBDs) and Trackside Acoustic Detection Systems (TADS™). The commonly used HBDs use non-contact infrared sensors to detect abnormal temperatures of bearings as they pass over the detector. Bearing temperatures that are about 94°C above ambient conditions will trigger an alarm indicating that the bearing must be removed from …

Remote Sensing And Three-Dimensional Photogrammetric Analysis Of Glaciofluvial Sand And Gravel Deposits For Aggregate Resource Assessment In Mchenry County, Illinois, Usa, Xiaodong Miao, Christopher J. Stohr, Paul R. Hanson, Qiansuo Wang

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

Sand and gravel deposits, one of the most common natural resources, are used as aggregates mostly by the construction industry, and their extraction contributes significantly to a region's economy. Thus, it is critical to locate sand and gravel deposits, and evaluate their quantity and quality safely and quickly. However, information on aggregate resources is generally only available from conventional two-dimensional (2-D) geologic maps, and direct field measurements for quality analysis at outcrops are time consuming and are often not possible due to safety concerns, or simply because exposures are too difficult to access. In this study, we presented a methodology …

Construction Management Spanish Language Class, Jordan Stephen King

Construction Management

Some research was done by past Cal Poly students into the industry, faculty and student desire for a Spanish Language class through multiple surveys. The results indicated that all parties agreed that a Spanish Language Construction Management class would be beneficial to add to the curriculum. In this project a student at Cal Poly was tasked with creating a Construction Management Spanish Language Class. The deliverables for this project are to provide the Construction Management department with a syllabus, course schedule, thirteen PowerPoints for use as lecture material, thirteen activities for students to apply what they have learned, and thirteen …

Fitting In: Analyzing The Fit Of Safety Vests In The Construction Industry, Lizette Galvez Puentes

Construction Management

The construction industry continues to be a male-dominated industry; however, recent decades have seen a change of demographic, including an increase of women leadership. With the changing demographics, there is a lack of awareness and proactive integration of properly fitting safety vests to accommodate different body types. A properly fitting safety vest is crucial in upholding the safety of individuals working on a construction site, where certain genders are more frequently caught on jobsite material. These circumstances hinder the purpose and functionality of the safety vest’s primary functions, which, for the wearer, is increased visibility and the comfort to carry …

Effective Communication Message Strategy For Enhancing Traffic Safety In Fresno County: The Role Of Time Horizon, Regulatory Focus, And Perceived Personal Control, Samer Sarofim

Mineta Transportation Institute Publications

This research empirically investigated the differential effect of message framing on message recipients’ attitudes and intended behaviors related to pedestrian, cyclist, and motorist traffic safety practices. The framework empirically investigated time horizon (expansive vs. limited) and regulatory focus (prevention vs. promotion) message framing.

The time horizon in the message can make someone either think of the future (expansive) or the present (limited). For example, an expansive time horizon message communicates that life is long and directs the focus on the future. On the contrary, a limited time horizon message communicates that life is short and directs the focus on the …

Research On School Zone Safety, Aemal Khattak, Yashu Kang

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

This research investigated different aspects of school zone safety including the effects of speed differentials on drivers’ speeds in active school zones, the effects of school and surrounding characteristics on drivers’ speeds in active school zones, and the safety benefits and costs associated with active school zones. The research team identified 18 schools in Nebraska for data collection that consisted of drivers’ speed data, school and surrounding characteristics, and 2014-2018 reported crash data. The 18 schools were categorized by the school zone speed limit differentials: 35 to 25 mph, 40 to 25 mph, 30 to 25 mph, and 35 to …

The Effects Of Covid-19 On The Commercial Construction Industry In California: A Case Study, Emily G. Bohannon

Construction Management

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, construction companies across California have been forced to quickly adapt to new protocols and regulations. Since certain areas of California have been more impacted by the pandemic, construction companies in those counties have been forced to comply with stricter coronavirus guidelines. Between the regions researched in this case study, the Bay Area has been affected the most by COVID-19 shutdowns and regulations. Then, Los Angeles County and San Diego County, which faced similar restrictions. The least restrictive area to build during the pandemic is the Central Valley, where there were less reported cases. …

State And Prospects Of Production And Operation Of Synthetic Woven Belts (Table) For Load-Handling Devices (Hd) In The Republic Of Uzbekistan, Ibrohim Numanovich Abdullaev, Zhamoldin Dzhalalovich Akhmedov, Bakhodir Kushakovich Rakhmanov, Ruzikhon Toyirzhanovna Zhurabaeva

Journal of Tashkent Institute of Railway Engineers

In the world, the use of synthetic woven tapes (SWT) is increasing in various areas of life, including in construction. In particular, thanks to the development of production of high-strength synthetic fibers in such developed countries as Russia, USA, Germany, progress has been made in the creation and manufacture of heavy-duty lifting slings from STL, and on this basis to improve ergonomics and safety of installers, the safety of transported goods, the reduction of labor input and material on the load capacity.

Method For Evaluating The Residual Resource Of Long Designs, Sergey Vladimirovich Chizhov, Ulugbek Zabixullayevich Shermuxamedov, Sharofat Shavkatovna Kadirova

Journal of Tashkent Institute of Railway Engineers

The article describes a method for calculating the safety of extended structures, in particular tunnels. The probabilistic approach to solving the problem is analyzed using the reliability of the structure with the probability of failure-free operation and assessment of the residual life of the structure. These characteristics make it possible to predict the residual life of the structure within a time value until the design has exhausted its ultimate state. An assessment of the operational reliability of the structure is carried out by measuring and establishing existing structural defects. Based on the data obtained, an analysis was carried out and …

Aircraft Rescue And Fire Fighting Capabilities: Are Today’S Standards Protecting Passenger’S Futures?, Kaetlyn Blocker

Student Works

Few studies have been conducted that have truly considered the relevance and inadequacies of applicable aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) regulations. Fewer still have studied and explored accident cases that directly exemplify the deficiencies and inconsistencies of various regulatory standards and requirements. This study seeks to expose and explain those inadequacies by utilizing a historical, case-study type research method to examine accident cases during which time the governing regulations played a significant role in the ARFF operations. The findings discovered as a result of this multi-case analysis provide evidence that the current regulations governing United States ARFF operations are both …

The Caster Ladle Lancing System, Andrew Pearson, Alexander Frank, Zachariah Bishop

Scholar Week 2016 - present

The Shielded Movable Oxygen Lance Turret is a cart that is easily maneuverable, that allows an operator to safely lance in a steel casting situation with the protection of a shield and an apparatus to aim and burn away debris.The relatively small design and wheels allows the device to be stored and accessed when needed. This was constructed with industrial materials to withstand a harsh working environment of the caster area where molten steel can be between 2700°F and 3000°F. The Turret has a body made of galvanized iron, and shield infused with polycarbonate as it is designed to be …

Alaska Part 135 Operations: The Need For Additional Regulatory Oversight And Continuous Aircraft Tracking, April A. Larsen

Student Works

With a focus on Alaska, this research illustrates the lack of regulatory oversight pertaining to Title 14 CFR Part 135 operators, including SMS, training, and equipment requirements. As of January 2020, under the Federal Aviation Administration’s NextGen initiative, all aircraft flying in controlled airspace are required to have an Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS– B) system installed and operational. Many Alaskan operators fly in hazardous terrain, and marginal weather, with little to no communication, yet ADS-B is not a requirement as they are in uncontrolled airspace. Alaska also lacks vital aviation infrastructure including adequate instrument approach procedures, weather monitoring …