Development Of A Methodology For
Assessment Of Crash Costs At Highway-
Rail Grade Crossings In Nebraska,
2012
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Development Of A Methodology For Assessment Of Crash Costs At Highway- Rail Grade Crossings In Nebraska, Aemal Khattak, Eric Thompson
Mid-America Transportation Center: Final Reports and Technical Briefs
An accurate measure of crash costs is required to support effective decision-making about transportation investments. In particular, underinvestment will occur if measurement fails to capture the full cost of crashes. Such mis-measurement and underinvestment may be occurring in the case of crashes at highway-rail grade crossings (HRGCs). HRGC crash costs can be substantial because of the severity of crashes. However, another important potential cost is the disruption to the transportation and logistics system. Existing methodologies capture the first set of costs but often fail to fully capture the second set. This research provides a standardized methodology for assessing the expected …
Safety Improvements At Highway-Railroad Crossing For
Pedestrians And Bicyclists And The Assessment Of Long-
Term Effects Of Centerline Curbing,
2012
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Safety Improvements At Highway-Railroad Crossing For Pedestrians And Bicyclists And The Assessment Of Long- Term Effects Of Centerline Curbing, Aemal Khattak, Zheng Luo
Mid-America Transportation Center: Final Reports and Technical Briefs
The focus of the research reported herein was on assessing the long-term effectiveness of median barriers at highway-rail grade crossings (HRGCs), the impacts of barrier maintenance in resurrecting safety, and on exploring and assessing ways to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety at HRGCs. Nebraska has about 7,000 HRGCs and each one represents a potential conflict point among trains and highway users, i.e., motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Safety at HRGCs is compromised when highway users resort to unsafe maneuvers, such as passing around closed gates when trains are approaching. Gate-related violations by motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists were studied at three selected …
Implementation Of Warm-Mix Asphalt Mixtures In
Nebraska Pavements,
2012
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Implementation Of Warm-Mix Asphalt Mixtures In Nebraska Pavements, Yong-Rak Kim, Jun Zhang, Hoki Ban
Mid-America Transportation Center: Final Reports and Technical Briefs
The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the feasibility of several WMA mixtures as potential asphalt paving mixtures for Nebraska pavements. To that end, three well-known WMA additives (i.e., Sasobit, Evotherm, and Advera synthetic zeolite) were evaluated. For a more realistic evaluation of the WMA approaches, trial pavement sections of the WMA mixtures and their HMA counterparts were implemented in Antelope County, Nebraska. More than one ton of field-mixed loose mixtures was collected at the time of paving and was transported to the NDOR and UNL laboratories to conduct comprehensive laboratory evaluations and pavement performance predictions of the …
Speed Limit Recommendation In Vicinity Of Signalized,
High-Speed Intersection,
2012
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
Speed Limit Recommendation In Vicinity Of Signalized, High-Speed Intersection, Anuj Sharma Ph.D., Laurence Rilett Ph.D., Zifeng Wu M.S., Shefang Wang
Mid-America Transportation Center: Final Reports and Technical Briefs
This report presents the results of Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR) research project SPR-P1 (11) M307, which evaluated the traffic operations and safety effects of 5 mph and 10 mph speed limit reductions in the vicinity of high-speed, signalized intersections with advance warning flashers (AWF). The methodology involved two studies: 1) field study of the impact of speed limit reduction at seven high-speed intersections, 2) crash analysis using the 10-year history from 28 high-speed intersections. In the field study, traffic operational effects of the reduced speed limits were analyzed for seven high-speed, signalized intersections with AWF, using the Quantile regression …
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 …
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 …
Use Of Fiber Bragg Grating (Fbg) Sensors For Performing Automated Bridge Pier Structural Damage Detection And Scour Monitoring,
2012
University of Iowa
Use Of Fiber Bragg Grating (Fbg) Sensors For Performing Automated Bridge Pier Structural Damage Detection And Scour Monitoring, A.N. Thanos Papnicolaou Ph.D., Achilleas Tsakiris
Mid-America Transportation Center: Final Reports and Technical Briefs
The goal of this study was to evaluate the performance of Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors able to detect impacts with different frequencies on a bridge pier. The FBG technology was evaluated under controlled conditions in a laboratory flume set-up to mimic the flow, sediment, and design characteristics of a pier structure. The system was calibrated using site-specific properties to relate strain to a known magnitude force for different bridge pier designs, different scour depths, and structural impacts. The FBGs proved a reliable measure of strain and displacement for key components of bridge structures, such as piers, during varying flow …
Improving Freight Fire Safety: Experiment
Testing And Computer Modeling To Further
Development Of Mist-Controlling Additives For
Fire Mitigation,
2012
University of Iowa
Improving Freight Fire Safety: Experiment Testing And Computer Modeling To Further Development Of Mist-Controlling Additives For Fire Mitigation, Albert Ratner Ph.D., University Of Iowa
Mid-America Transportation Center: Final Reports and Technical Briefs
With the purpose to minimize or prevent crash-induced fires in road and rail transportation, the current interest in bio-derived and blended transportation fuels is increasing. Based on two years of preliminary testing and analysis, it appears to be clear that polymeric additives may be added to diesel fuel to mitigate the formation of fine mists while allow regular flow through the fuel system. In this work, computer modeling was adapted as a fast and cost-effective methodology to identify the target range where polymeric additives could impact the shear-thickening effect on fuels. The Volume of Fraction (VOF) method was used within …
Transportation Impacts Of The Chicago River
Closure To Prevent An Asian Carp Infestation,
2012
University of Iowa
Transportation Impacts Of The Chicago River Closure To Prevent An Asian Carp Infestation, Aaron Strong Ph.D., Nikhil Sikka Ph.D., Lindsay Salvatore Ph.D.
Mid-America Transportation Center: Final Reports and Technical Briefs
This project develops a simple linear programming model of the Upper Midwest regions rail transportation network to test whether a closure of the Chicago River to freight traffic would impact the capacity constraint of the rail system. The result suggest that the rail network in the Upper Midwest regions are nowhere near approaching capacity and that a closure would have little impact on the rail network. Two noteworthy sets of commodities may be adversely affected, cereal grains and other agricultural product and gravel and crushed stone.
Performance Evaluation And Finite Element Analysis Of Fiber Reinforced Precast Concrete Underground Structures,
2012
University of Texas at Arlington
Performance Evaluation And Finite Element Analysis Of Fiber Reinforced Precast Concrete Underground Structures, Ashley Wilson
Civil Engineering Theses - Archive
This study aimed at evaluating the performance of BASF Synthetic and Steel fibers as alternative reinforcements in concrete pipes. A total of 93 synthetic fiber and 60 steel fiber reinforced pipes were produced and tested based on the ASTM C497 in order to have a benchmark for comparison with conventionally reinforced concrete pipes. Three production sites with different production equipment were used in different geographical locations in the United States. Standard ASTM C76 diameters of up to 36 in. with "Wall-B" and "Wall-C" were used in this study for both synthetic and steel fibers. Vertical and horizontal load-deformation plots for …
Engineering Behavior Of Lime Treated High Sulfate Soils,
2012
University of Texas at Arlington
Engineering Behavior Of Lime Treated High Sulfate Soils, Ahmed Hassan Mohamed Gaily
Civil Engineering Theses - Archive
Regardless of increased knowledge and awareness of sulfate heave, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) continues to experience pavement failures during and immediately after construction on transportation infrastructures intended to last at least 20 years. Failures are predominantly observed in sites where high sulfate soils of 8,000 ppm or higher levels. Many of these failures are attributed to sulfate-induced heave where an expansive mineral called Ettringite is formed from calcium-based stabilizers (lime or cement) reacting with water, clay, and sulfates. The reactions responsible for Ettringite formation are extremely complex which make generalizations concerning the rate and magnitude of heaving in …
Comparative Application Of Two Nanoparticles In Cement Mortar,
2012
University of Texas at Arlington
Comparative Application Of Two Nanoparticles In Cement Mortar, Vinoth Mohanam
Civil Engineering Theses - Archive
Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) and Carbon Nanofibers (CNFs) are two of the most promising advanced materials in the construction industry due to their excellent material properties. In this study, their application in cement mortar is studied comparatively as possible choice for concrete repair. CNT and CNF have very high aspect ratio due to which the Van der Wal forces between the CNT and CNF tend to agglomerate; thus forming bundles. In order to achieve proper dispersion, ultrasonic energy was used to disperse the CNT and CNF in the aqueous solution. The mechanical properties such as compressive strength and flexural strength of …
The Effects Of Climate, Soil, And Vegetation On The Design Of Water Balance Covers For Solid Waste Landfills In Texas,
2012
University of Texas at Arlington
The Effects Of Climate, Soil, And Vegetation On The Design Of Water Balance Covers For Solid Waste Landfills In Texas, Salman Baig
Civil Engineering Theses - Archive
The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of climate, soil, and vegetation on the design of water balance (WB) covers for solid waste landfills in Texas. This study was conducted using water balance software (UNSAT-H model) that considers unsaturated soil hydraulics and plant water uptake. To date, limited research has been conducted for WB covers in Texas. Texas is located in the central region of the United States and encounters approximately nine distinct 5 inch precipitation increments or ranges, unlike any other state in the United States. Texas includes various climate regions and is a favorable choice …
Effect Of Saline Water On Landfill Gas Generation Of Municipal Solid Waste,
2012
University of Texas at Arlington
Effect Of Saline Water On Landfill Gas Generation Of Municipal Solid Waste, Yogavathani Sivanesan
Civil Engineering Theses - Archive
The Enhanced Leachate Recirculation (ELR) landfills operation results in rapid waste stabilization, waste decomposition and increased rate of gas generation. However, operating landfill as an ELR landfill requires availability of sufficient amount of fresh water in close proximity to the landfill facility. In coastal regions, where fresh water supplies may be scarce, available saline water may be considered for ELR operation. However, the effects of saline water on the decomposition solid waste and landfill gas generation are unknown and need to be investigated., The objectives of the current research are to investigate the effects of adding and/or recirculating saline water …
Identifying Issues Impacting Productivity Of Box Jacking Projects,
2012
University of Texas at Arlington
Identifying Issues Impacting Productivity Of Box Jacking Projects, Bhaumi Bhavan Chaurasia
Civil Engineering Theses - Archive
Jacking is a trenchless construction technique used for installing underground pipeline system. Jacking method is more widely used for upgrading under capacity culverts and drainage structures under roads and railroad tracks. Also, this method is used for installing underground pipelines such as watermains, sewers etc.in populated and developed urban areas. In this method, culverts (segments) are installed through the ground from an entry shaft to an exit shaft. During the excavation and spoil removal processes, workers are required to be inside the pipe, this is essentially what separates pipe jacking trenchless construction method from microtunneling technology. The minimum recommended diameter …
Effect Of Nano Zero Valent Iron On Degradation Of Municipal Solid Waste In Bioreactor Landfills,
2012
University of Texas at Arlington
Effect Of Nano Zero Valent Iron On Degradation Of Municipal Solid Waste In Bioreactor Landfills, Meenakshi Gangopadhyay
Civil Engineering Theses - Archive
Nanotechnology has substantial potential for reducing contamination, toxicity and overall human health hazards and environmental risks. In recent times, nano zero valent iron has proved to be effective in contaminant reduction and pollution control. Iron is an important micronutrient for the microbes involved in the anaerobic decomposition of solid waste in bioreactor landfills. Landfill leachate sometimes contains toxic compounds which nano zero valent iron has proven to be very effective in removing, particularly chlorinated organics, heavy metals, and odorous sulfides. Iron can also potentially increase landfill methane generation by removing long chain fatty acids and sulfides that inhibit methanogenesis.nZVI materials …
An Investigation Of Pipe Jacking Loads In Trenchless Technology,
2012
University of Texas at Arlington
An Investigation Of Pipe Jacking Loads In Trenchless Technology, Saeed Rahjoo
Civil Engineering Theses - Archive
Pipe jacking is a trenchless technology method of installing pipes under existing facilities such as roads and railroads. Predicting jacking forces is important for planning, design, and construction phases of these projects. The jacking forces dictate shaft or pit locations, thrust block or backstop design, jacking equipment, use of intermediate jacking stations, and pipe bearing capacity. Calculating jacking forces depends on several site and project parameters such as soil and site conditions, lubrication, size of overcut, and steering corrections. Excessive jacking forces can damage the pipe and destabilize the drive shaft, which may stop project progress. There are different methods …
Performance Of Large Diameter Polyvinyl Chloride (Pvc) Pipes In Water Applications,
2012
University of Texas at Arlington
Performance Of Large Diameter Polyvinyl Chloride (Pvc) Pipes In Water Applications, Pradip P. Deshmukh
Civil Engineering Theses - Archive
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes with diameters greater than 24" make up a small fraction of water utilities. Most of the research done on PVC pipes in water utilities focuses on diameters less than 24". Therefore, this thesis focuses on PVC water main pipelines with a diameter greater than 24" in an attempt to understand their performance in the water management facilities. This thesis had several objectives, such as to evaluate 24" and larger diameter PVC pipes in water transmission and distribution applications, calculate failure rate per hundred miles of PVC pipes at water utilities, categorize age of PVC pipelines with …
Long-Term Performance Of Gfrp Reinforced Concrete Beams And Bars Subjected To Aggressive Environments,
2012
University of Texas at Arlington
Long-Term Performance Of Gfrp Reinforced Concrete Beams And Bars Subjected To Aggressive Environments, Yeonho Park
Civil Engineering Dissertations - Archive
The use of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars in reinforced concrete (RC) structures has emerged as an alternative to traditional steel reinforcement environments and other applications where steel has shown greater vulnerability. Although the number of analytical and experimental studies on RC beams with FRP reinforcement has increased in recent decades, its long term performance is still questioned in comparison to the traditional steel reinforcement. That is, long-term performance is a much recognized but less-mentioned topic in the field of the reinforced concrete with glass-FRP (GFRP) re-bars. There is a need to validate long-term performance of FRP reinforced concrete structures, and …
