Sampling Bias In Evaluating The Probability Of Seismically Induced Soil Liquefaction With Spt & Cpt Case Histories,
2012
Michigan Technological University
Sampling Bias In Evaluating The Probability Of Seismically Induced Soil Liquefaction With Spt & Cpt Case Histories, Abhishek Jain
Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open
Several deterministic and probabilistic methods are used to evaluate the probability of seismically induced liquefaction of a soil. The probabilistic models usually possess some uncertainty in that model and uncertainties in the parameters used to develop that model. These model uncertainties vary from one statistical model to another. Most of the model uncertainties are epistemic, and can be addressed through appropriate knowledge of the statistical model. One such epistemic model uncertainty in evaluating liquefaction potential using a probabilistic model such as logistic regression is sampling bias. Sampling bias is the difference between the class distribution in the sample used for …
The Performance And Modification Of Recycled Electronic Waste Plastics For The Improvement Of Asphalt Pavement Materials,
2012
Michigan Technological University
The Performance And Modification Of Recycled Electronic Waste Plastics For The Improvement Of Asphalt Pavement Materials, Baron W. Colbert
Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open
Bulk electric waste plastics were recycled and reduced in size into plastic chips before pulverization or cryogenic grinding into powders. Two major types of electronic waste plastics were used in this investigation: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and high impact polystyrene (HIPS). This research investigation utilized two approaches for incorporating electronic waste plastics into asphalt pavement materials. The first approach was blending and integrating recycled and processed electronic waste powders directly into asphalt mixtures and binders; and the second approach was to chemically treat recycled and processed electronic waste powders with hydro-peroxide before blending into asphalt mixtures and binders. The chemical …
Development Of System Reliability Models For
Railway Bridges,
2012
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Development Of System Reliability Models For Railway Bridges, Andrzej S. Nowak Ph.D., Anna Maria Rakoczy Ph.D.
Mid-America Transportation Center: Final Reports and Technical Briefs
Performance of the railway transportation network depends on the reliability of railway bridges, which can be affected by various forms of deterioration and extreme environmental conditions. More than half of the railway bridges in US were built before 1950 and many show signs of distress. There is a need for efficient methods to evaluate the safety reserve in the railway bridges by identification of the most sensitive parts of the bridge. An accurate estimation of remaining fatigue life of a structural component is very important in prioritizing bridge rehabilitation and replacement. However, existing procedures to evaluate the fatigue behavior of …
Assessing The Structural, Driver And
Economic Impacts Of Traffic Pole Mounted
Wind Power Generator And Solar Panel
Hybrid System,
2012
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
Assessing The Structural, Driver And Economic Impacts Of Traffic Pole Mounted Wind Power Generator And Solar Panel Hybrid System, Anuj Sharma Ph.D., Justice Appiah Ph.D., Scott K. Rosenbaugh
Mid-America Transportation Center: Final Reports and Technical Briefs
This project evaluates the physical and economic feasibility of using existing traffic infrastructure to mount wind power generators. Some possible places to mount a light weight wind generator and solar panel hybrid system are: i) Traffic signal pole and ii) Street Light pole. Traffic signal poles can themselves have multiple designs depending on type of mount (mast arm vs. span wire) and the width of the intersection (load carried) etc. The close proximity of street light poles and traffic signal poles to the traffic cabinets, which can be used for storing the battery banks, make them good candidates to mount …
Intellidrive Technology Based Yellow Onset
Decision Assistance System For Trucks,
2012
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
Intellidrive Technology Based Yellow Onset Decision Assistance System For Trucks, Anuj Sharma Ph.D., Nathaniel Burnett, Sepideh S. Aria Ph.D.
Mid-America Transportation Center: Final Reports and Technical Briefs
Erroneous decisions by drivers to stop or go at the onset of yellow can lead to incidences of premature stopping or red light running, which in turn can cause severe rear end or right angle collisions. Because trucks or busses are relatively less maneuverable, have lower available acceleration and lower comfortable deceleration rates, and have a higher line of sight than do passenger vehicles, the risk of crashes is higher for trucks than other vehicles upon stop or go situations. Dilemma zone protection systems are used at high speed intersection s to enhance safety; however, such systems are generally designed …
Cable Median Barrier Failure Analysis And Prevention,
2012
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Cable Median Barrier Failure Analysis And Prevention, Dean L. Sicking, Cody S. Stolle
Mid-America Transportation Center: Final Reports and Technical Briefs
Cross-median crashes have been identified as one of the highest injury or fatality risk crash types. Although crossmedian crashes account for only 2% to 5% of all median crash events, they are disproportionately represented in the number and frequency of fatalities on interstate roadways. Many states have utilized cable median barriers to reduce the risk of cross-median crashes, frequently with great success. However, cable median barriers are also fixed obstacles to errant vehicles. Cable median barriers can place occupants at increased risk of severe injury or fatality if the barrier fails to adequately contain and redirect errant vehicles, resulting in …
Assessing The Risk Of Crash For Trucks
On Onset Yellow,
2012
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
Assessing The Risk Of Crash For Trucks On Onset Yellow, Anuj Sharma Ph.D., Nathaniel P. Burnett
Mid-America Transportation Center: Final Reports and Technical Briefs
Each day, millions of signal changes to the yellow phase occur at isolated high speed intersections, when erroneous driver decisions to stop or go may often lead to a crash. Dilemma zone protection systems are typically used to control these intersections in order to ensure the safe and efficient movement of vehicles. However, traditional dilemma zone protection systems show deterioration in performance during medium to heavy traffic volume conditions, jeopardizing both the safety and efficiency of intersections. The performance of these control systems for heavy vehicles is even more greatly affected, as traditional dilemma zone boundaries were developed for passenger …
Concrete Surface With Nano-Particle Additives For Improved Wearing Resistance To Increasing Truck Traffic,
2012
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Concrete Surface With Nano-Particle Additives For Improved Wearing Resistance To Increasing Truck Traffic, Genda Chen, Dongming Yan Ph.D., Chenglin Wu Ph.D., Nicholas Leventis Ph.D, Shruti Mahadik Ph.D., Zhibin Lin Ph.D
Mid-America Transportation Center: Final Reports and Technical Briefs
This study focused on the use of nanotechnology in concrete to improve the wearing resistance of concrete. The nano materials used were polymer cross-linked aerogels, carbon nanotubes, and nano-SiO2, nano-CaCO3, and nano-Al2O3 particles. As an indirect measurement of the concrete wearing resistance, the tensile and compressive properties and the permeability of concrete were evaluated for various mix designs. The optimal amount of nano material additives were determined following the American Society of Testing Methods (ASTM) standard test methodologies. The test results from the materials were compared for their mechanical behaviors. This type of technology may potentially improve the comfort level …
Pilot Study On Rugged Fiber Optic Brillouin Sensors For Large-Strain Measurements To Ensure The Safety Of Transportation
Structures,
2012
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Pilot Study On Rugged Fiber Optic Brillouin Sensors For Large-Strain Measurements To Ensure The Safety Of Transportation Structures, Genda Chen, Zhi Zhou, Hai Xiao, Ying Huang
Mid-America Transportation Center: Final Reports and Technical Briefs
Brillouin-scattering Optical Time Domain Reflectometry (BOTDR) is a viable technology for simultaneous, distributed strain and temperature measurements for miles-long transportation structures. It is a promising tool to ensure the smooth operation and safety of bridge structures that are key links in surface transportation networks or between various transportation modes: i.e., from airport to train station. Currently, telecom-grade optical fibers are widely used in civil engineering for strain and temperature measurements. These fibers are very fragile and easy to break during installation and measurement. In order to understand the ultimate behavior of structures, more rugged optical fibers such as carbon/polyimide coated …
Characteristics And Contributory Causes Related To Large Truck Crashes - Phase Ii,
2012
Kansas State University
Characteristics And Contributory Causes Related To Large Truck Crashes - Phase Ii, Sundanda Dissanayake Ph.D., P.E., Siddhartha Kotikalapudi
Mid-America Transportation Center: Final Reports and Technical Briefs
Statistics clearly demonstrate that large-truck crashes contribute to a significant percentage of high-severity crashes. It is therefore important for the highway safety community to identify the characteristics and contributory causes of these types of crashes. The first phase of the current research endeavor examined fatal crash data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) database. In the second phase, presented in the current report, truck-crashes of all severity levels were analyzed with the intention of understanding characteristics and contributory causes, as well as identifying factors contributing to increased severity of truck-crashes. This goal could not be achieved by analyzing fatal …
Effects Of Geometric Design Features On Truck Crashes On Limited-Access Highways,
2012
Kansas State University
Effects Of Geometric Design Features On Truck Crashes On Limited-Access Highways, Sundanda Dissanayake Ph.D., P.E., Niranga Amarasingha M.S.
Mid-America Transportation Center: Final Reports and Technical Briefs
Freight can be transported between most points in the country quite efficiently using trucks. However, involvement of large trucks in crashes can cause much damage and serious injuries, due to their large sizes and heavy weights. Large truck crashes occurring on limited-access highways may be more severe than crashes occurring on other roadways due to high speed limits, and traffic- and geometric-related characteristics. The purpose of this study is to describe the relationships between large truck crash probability, and traffic and geometric characteristics. Crash data from 2005 to 2010 were obtained from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), which included …
Improving Safety Of The Surface Transportation System By Addressing The Issues Of Vulnerable Road Users: Case Of The
Motorcyclists,
2012
Kansas State University
Improving Safety Of The Surface Transportation System By Addressing The Issues Of Vulnerable Road Users: Case Of The Motorcyclists, Sundanda Dissanayake Ph.D., P.E., Mohammad Saad B. Shaheed
Mid-America Transportation Center: Final Reports and Technical Briefs
Over the past few years, motorcycle fatalities have increased at an alarming rate in the United States. Motorcycle safety issues in Kansas are no different from the national scenario. Accordingly, this study examines motorcycle crashes in Kansas in order to identify and evaluate critical crash-related factors and subsequent impacts on motorcycle crash injury outcomes. State-level motorcycle rider fatality rates were investigated while considering various factors including helmet laws, using generalized least-squares regression modeling. A detailed characteristic analysis was carried out for motorcycle crashes, using Kansas crash data. Comparisons were made between several aspects of motorcycle crashes and other vehicle crashes. …
Evaluation Of Large Truck Crashes At Horizontal Curves On Two-Lane Rural Highways In Kansas,
2012
University of Kansas
Evaluation Of Large Truck Crashes At Horizontal Curves On Two-Lane Rural Highways In Kansas, Eric J. Fitzsimmons Ph.D., Steven Shruck Ph.D., P.E., Tomas E. Lindheimer
Mid-America Transportation Center: Final Reports and Technical Briefs
The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between roadway and environment-related factors and truck crash severity at horizontal curves located on rural, two-lane state highways in Kansas. Single vehicle truck crashes and multi-vehicle crashes involving at least one truck were extracted from the Kansas Department of Transportation’s crash and roadway databases for the years 2006-2010, resulting in 452 crash records. Descriptive statistics and 95 percent confidence intervals were constructed for an odds ratio analysis comparing single-vehicle truck crashes to multi-vehicle crashes involving at least one truck for the variables that were included in both databases. Overall, the …
Use Of High-Volume Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (Rap) For Asphalt Pavement Rehabilitation Due To Increased Highway
Truck Traffic From Freight Transportation,
2012
Kansas State University
Use Of High-Volume Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (Rap) For Asphalt Pavement Rehabilitation Due To Increased Highway Truck Traffic From Freight Transportation, Mustaque Hossain, Haritha Y. Musty, Nasim Sabahfer
Mid-America Transportation Center: Final Reports and Technical Briefs
A recent rise in asphalt binder prices has led state agencies and contractors to use higher quantities of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP). Besides being economic, sustainable, and environmentally friendly, RAP can be replaced for a portion of aggregates in Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) where quality aggregates are scarce. In this project, the effect of increasing RAP percentage and using fractionated RAP (FRAP) in HMA mixture on moisture resistance, rutting, and fatigue cracking were evaluated. Mixtures with five different RAP and FRAP contents (20%, 30%, and 40% RAP, and 30% and 40% FRAP) were studied. The Hamburg Wheel Tracking Device (HWTD) …
Led Traffic Signal Replacement Schedules: Facilitating Smooth Freight Flows,
2012
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Led Traffic Signal Replacement Schedules: Facilitating Smooth Freight Flows, Suzanna Long Ph.D., Ruwen Qin Ph.D., Abhijit Gosavi Ph.D., C. H. Wu Ph.D, Tom Ryan P.E., Casey Noll
Mid-America Transportation Center: Final Reports and Technical Briefs
This research details a field study of LED traffic signals in Missouri and develops a replacement schedule based on key findings. Rates of degradation were statistically analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results of this research will provide a methodology for engineering managers in state departments of transportation and local communities in identifying best practices and replacement standards for LED traffic signal technology. These findings will facilitate smooth freight flows through the use of more efficient technologies
The U.S.-Canada Border Effect: Smaller Than Previously Thought And Becoming Smaller,
2012
The University of Iowa
The U.S.-Canada Border Effect: Smaller Than Previously Thought And Becoming Smaller, Miwa Matsuo D.Des., Hirokazu Ishise Ph.D.
Mid-America Transportation Center: Final Reports and Technical Briefs
We revisit the effect of the U.S.-Canada national border on trade, considering to what extent the border reduces trade when observable economic factors are controlled. A reexamination of the data yields estimates of the border effect that are 50% higher than previously expected (Feenstra, 2004); however, the nonlinearity of the estimation and distance measure reduce the effect by 65%. We therefore conclude that the border effect in 1993 had a factor of 4.10. This figure is 15% lower than the effect proposed by previous research. We also calculate the border effect for subsequent years and find that this effect steadily …
A Preliminary Appraisal Of The Safety And Operational Effects On The Regional Transportation System Caused By New Rail-
Truck Intermodal Facilities,
2012
University of Kansas
A Preliminary Appraisal Of The Safety And Operational Effects On The Regional Transportation System Caused By New Rail- Truck Intermodal Facilities, Thomas E. Mullinazzi, Steven D. Schrock, Eric J. Fitzsimmons, Robert A. Rescot
Mid-America Transportation Center: Final Reports and Technical Briefs
Potential for impacts to a small Kansas city were evaluated in light of a planned rail to truck intermodal facility. The city of Edgerton, Kansas, was selected for an intermodal terminal in 2006 by a Class I railroad due to its regional proximity to the Kansas City market and market conditions favorable to such a facility. Through an analysis of various reports and literature along with original traffic, railroad, and environmental data, along with citizen feedback, the framework was laid to be able to compare the impacts of the facility to a snapshot in time prior to its opening.
Earmarked Revenues And Spending Volatility: The Case Of Highway Finance,
2012
University of Iowa
Earmarked Revenues And Spending Volatility: The Case Of Highway Finance, Phuong Nguyen-Hoang Ph.D., William Duncombe Ph.D.
Mid-America Transportation Center: Final Reports and Technical Briefs
Over the last decade, state governments have experienced two recessions (including the recent “Great Recession”) which have resulted in significant disruptions in state budgets and highlighted the volatility of the personal income tax and general sales tax. Since infrastructure maintenance funding may be particularly vulnerable to budget cuts during recessions, it is important to identify more stable revenue sources and budgetary institutions. One of the distinguishing characteristics of highway finance in the United States is the heavy use of earmarked revenues linked to highway users. Our key research question is whether an increase in the share of highway funding from …
Monitoring The Effects Of Knickpoint Erosion On Bridge Pier And Abutment Structural Damage Due To Scour,
2012
University of Iowa
Monitoring The Effects Of Knickpoint Erosion On Bridge Pier And Abutment Structural Damage Due To Scour, Thanos Papanicolaou Ph.D., David M. Admiraal, Christopher Wilson Ph.D., University Of Iowa
Mid-America Transportation Center: Final Reports and Technical Briefs
The goal of this study was to conduct a field-oriented evaluation, coupled with advanced laboratory techniques, of channel degradation in a stream of the Deep Loess Region of western Iowa, namely Mud Creek. The Midwestern United States is an ideal place for such a study considering that ~$1 Billion of infrastructure and farmland has been lost recently to channel degradation. A common form of channel degradation in this region is associated with the formation of knickpoints, which naturally manifest as short waterfalls within the channel that migrate upstream. As flow plunges over a knickpoint face, scouring of the downstream bed …
Determining The Stresses In Steel Railroad-Track Rails Due To Freight Movements Using Non-Contact Laser-Speckle,
2012
Kansas State University
Determining The Stresses In Steel Railroad-Track Rails Due To Freight Movements Using Non-Contact Laser-Speckle, Robert Peterman Ph.D., P.E., Rob Murphy, Weixin Zhao Ph.D.
Mid-America Transportation Center: Final Reports and Technical Briefs
This research was aimed at developing a procedure to determine the existing stresses in steel rails used in railroad tracks. These stresses are caused by the combination of both thermal restraint and physical/mechanical loads. However, since the track sections are installed at various temperatures and then continuously welded together and secured to wood or concrete ties, the stresses existing in the track at any given time are currently unknown. In fact, not only the magnitude of stress is unknown, but also the basic knowledge about whether the rails are in tension or compression at a given time. Since the stresses …
