Prediction Of Moisture Resistance Of Polymeric Asphalt Binders Through The Atomic Force Microscopy (Afm) Technique,
2024
Arkansas State University
Prediction Of Moisture Resistance Of Polymeric Asphalt Binders Through The Atomic Force Microscopy (Afm) Technique, Zahid Hossain, Ashraf Elsayed, Khaja Sameer Sadat
Data
Moisture damage is a significant concern for state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) and other agencies due to its adverse impact on pavement performance as well as longevity. The main focus of the current study project is to quantify, at the molecular level, the interaction between binder and aggregate at the interface level in the form of adhesion forces between bitumen samples and minerals of various chemical compositions. First of all, A thorough review of the literature on moisture degradation in asphalts was conducted. Based on the literature review, a comprehensive project plan and test matrix were created. Binder samples from …
Smart3pm: Smart Pavement Monitoring, Management, And Maintenance,
2024
University of Texas at Tyler
Smart3pm: Smart Pavement Monitoring, Management, And Maintenance, Damien Stephens, Mena Souliman, Mukul Shirvaikar, Samer Dessouky
Data
An application specific multi-platform smartphone application can utilize on-board accelerometer, gyroscope, and GPS sensors, along with software derived signals from the same sensors, to sample vibrational and geolocation datasets to capture pavement distresses such as potholes when mounted in a standardized configuration in a vehicle. Several observations were made with regard to the signals obtained from the accelerometer, gyroscope, and GPS sensors, and it was determined that the raw sensor outputs are capable of sampling statistically significant datasets which can be used to distinguish pavement distress from normal driving conditions. Furthermore, an approximate sensor noise margin is established, and a …
Green Mobility In Texas: Comparative Environmental Impacts And Lifecycle Cost Analysis Of Hybrid, Electric, And Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars,
2024
Prairie View A&M University
Green Mobility In Texas: Comparative Environmental Impacts And Lifecycle Cost Analysis Of Hybrid, Electric, And Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars, Raghava R. Kommalapati, Hongbo Du, Md Jobair Bin Alam
Data
Compared to gasoline/diesel cars and battery electric cars (BECs), hydrogen fuel cell cars (HFCCs) are relatively new. Two main advantages of HFCCs over electric vehicles are no special requirements for heavy batteries and long charging time. There is no HFCC in Texas; thus, exploring the use of electricity or hydrogen produced from renewable energies for personal cars and mitigating vehicle emissions is critical for sustaining a long-term decarburization strategy for megacities like Houston and Dallas. This project addressed this critical gap and developed environmental impacts and cost assessments for hybrid gasoline cars, BECs, and HFCCs in Texas under several possible …
Climate Change Impacts On Asset Management Of Texas Concrete Bridges,
2024
University of Texas at San Antonio
Climate Change Impacts On Asset Management Of Texas Concrete Bridges, Muhammad Ali, Jiannan Cai, Ao Du
Publications
This study investigates the interplay of climate-induced deterioration factors impacting concrete bridges in Texas, focusing on chloride and carbonation-induced corrosion. It integrates Fick’s second law to model chloride diffusion and employs empirical equations to predict corrosion initiation and severe crack damage. Sensitivity studies across representative Texas cities (Houston, Dallas, and Amarillo) shows varying deterioration risks due to climate change. Results highlight chloride-induced corrosion as more prominent, particularly affecting coastal bridges in Houston, while carbonation corrosion is negligible due to favorable concrete cover. Condition rating mapping simulations incorporating crack width effects, traffic impact, and maintenance interventions are calibrated against recorded National …
Motorcycle Crash Analysis,
2024
University of Texas at San Antonio
Motorcycle Crash Analysis, Hatim Sharif, Samer Dessouky
Data
The Fatality Analysis Reporting System database shows that, in stark contrast to the 34 percent decline in non-motorcyclist crash–related fatalities, motorcyclist crash–related fatalities were up 86 percent with only three year-to-year declines since 1997, while non-motorcyclist crash–related fatalities had 13 year-to-year declines since 1997. At the national level, the rate of motorcyclist fatalities per vehicle mile traveled is 29 times higher than the rate among passenger car occupants, with overall injury rates approximately five times higher among motorcyclists than passenger car occupants. Given the frequency of motorcycle crashes and their staggering toll in terms of loss of life and economic …
The Effect Of Covid-19 Lockdown On Traffic Crashes In Texas.,
2024
University of Texas at San Antonio
The Effect Of Covid-19 Lockdown On Traffic Crashes In Texas., Hatim Sharif, Samer Dessouky
Data
An analysis of traffic patterns during COVID-19 has identified that reduction in the miles traveled has a significant negative correlation with COVID-19 cases and deaths across the USA. Preliminary statistics in the US suggest an increase in fatal crashes over the period of the lockdown in comparison to the same period in previous years. Moreover, while total crashes are down, motor vehicle crashes involving non-motorists became more prevalent. At the same time, non-motorist traffic has increased while motor vehicle traffic and crashes have shifted to the local systems. The main goal of this research is to perform a comprehensive evaluation …
Identifying Wrong-Way Driving Entry Points On Interstate Highways Using Land-Use Impact Assessment And 911 Calls,
2024
University of Texas at San Antonio
Identifying Wrong-Way Driving Entry Points On Interstate Highways Using Land-Use Impact Assessment And 911 Calls, Farman Mia, Samer Dessouky
Data
The research aims to provide insight into the initiation event of Wrong-way Driving (WWD) on highways. The intense severity of a WWD accident is encouraging the authorities to install mitigation systems that will ensure safety for motorists on highways. The WWD events are mostly resulting of intoxicated driving, where the unconscious driver takes the wrong way to enter the highway and place other motorists into life-threatening danger. This research attempted to explore from basic knowledge of WWD occurrence to examine the origin and driving philosophy of intoxicated drivers from land-use impact and mathematical modeling point of views. To identify the …
Framework Of Internal Damage Identification In Inhomogeneous Medium Interweaving Wave Scattering Model And Deep Learning,
2024
University of Texas at Arlington
Framework Of Internal Damage Identification In Inhomogeneous Medium Interweaving Wave Scattering Model And Deep Learning, Suyun Ham, Stefan Romanoschi, Yin Chao Wu, Dafnik Saril Kumar David
Data
The primary objective of this project is to investigate the framework of internal damage identification in inhomogeneous media (IHM) using deep learning techniques and wave scattering. The study focuses on two main steps: 1) analyzing the wave response pattern in homogeneous media (HM) and 2) characterizing the wave response variation (WRV) in IHM with different aggregate sizes and random distributions. The WRV patterns are then classified and used to predict internal damage using a convolutional neural network (CNN). The accuracy of the finite element (FE) model is verified using laboratory tests with artificial internal crack models of varying depths. The …
Stabilization Of Expansive Soil Using Geopolymers From Locally Available Resources,
2024
Texas A&M University
Stabilization Of Expansive Soil Using Geopolymers From Locally Available Resources, Anand Puppala, Miladin Radovic, Nripojyoti Biswas, Sopharith Chou, Oscar Huang
Data
Traditional calcium-based stabilizers are generally used to stabilize native expansive soils that are often found throughout Region 6. Due to their high carbon footprint, many studies are being conducted to identify a suitable green alternative for stabilizing expansive soils. Geopolymer (GP) received a lot of attention in the past few decades owing to its similar properties to that of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) yet with a lower carbon footprint. Previous studies have shown that metakaolin-based GP is an effective stabilizer to stabilize expansive soils. This study investigated the feasibility of stabilizing native expansive soils with GP synthesized with locally sourced …
Reinforcing Network Resilience To Support Equitable Disaster Evacuation,
2024
University of Texas at Arlington
Reinforcing Network Resilience To Support Equitable Disaster Evacuation, Kate Kyung Hyun, Stephen Mattingly, Mehrdad Arabi, Md Ashraful Imran
Data
The research report presents an extensive analysis of hurricane evacuation strategies, highlighting the critical role of transportation networks in emergency situations. It examines how variables such as hurricane severity and the geographic positioning of residential areas impact evacuation patterns, using real-time GPS data and the Rayleigh distribution to accurately model evacuation timing. The study is focused on assessing the transportation network's capacity to handle the surge in evacuation traffic, identifying the most critical links within the network that are vital for effective evacuation. Additionally, the report offers an in-depth look at the socio-economic implications of these evacuation strategies, particularly underscoring …
Impact Of Autonomous Vehicle (Av)-Based On-Demand Transportation Services On Traffic Crashes,
2024
University of Texas at Arlington College of Engineering
Impact Of Autonomous Vehicle (Av)-Based On-Demand Transportation Services On Traffic Crashes, Sharareh Kermanshachi, Sai Sneha Channamallu, Apurva Pamidimukkalla
Publications
This technical report investigates the burgeoning field of Autonomous Vehicles (AVs), a transformative technology set to redefine transportation by enhancing safety, efficiency, and reducing human error. Despite their potential, AVs introduce complex challenges and safety concerns, particularly in urban environments. This study focuses on California from 2014 to 2022, offering a comprehensive examination of AV collision patterns, safety dynamics, and performance compared to Conventional Vehicles (CVs). Therefore, the objectives of this study are to (1) analyze trends in AV crashes to identify recurring patterns or anomalies that may indicate underlying issues or areas for improvement, (2) utilize the latest data …
Reinforcing Network Resilience To Support Equitable Disaster Evacuation,
2024
University of Texas at Arlington
Reinforcing Network Resilience To Support Equitable Disaster Evacuation, Kate Kyung Hyun, Stephen Mattingly, Mehrdad Arabi, Md Ashraful Imran
Publications
The research report presents an extensive analysis of hurricane evacuation strategies, highlighting the critical role of transportation networks in emergency situations. It examines how variables such as hurricane severity and the geographic positioning of residential areas impact evacuation patterns, using real-time GPS data and the Rayleigh distribution to accurately model evacuation timing. The study is focused on assessing the transportation network's capacity to handle the surge in evacuation traffic, identifying the most critical links within the network that are vital for effective evacuation. Additionally, the report offers an in-depth look at the socio-economic implications of these evacuation strategies, particularly underscoring …
Monitoring Of Transportation System Assets Using Synthetic Aperture Radar (Sar) Satellite Data,
2024
Texas A&M University
Monitoring Of Transportation System Assets Using Synthetic Aperture Radar (Sar) Satellite Data, Anand Puppala, Nripojyoti Biswas, Amit Gajurel
Data
This research harnessed both high and medium resolution Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data to delve into infrastructure health assessment. High resolution SAR analyses capable of identifying differences between asphalt and concrete pavement surfaces. Particularly, it was found that Normalized Radar Cross Section (NRCS) values can deftly distinguish pavement types and detect surface anomalies such as alligator cracks in asphalt ahead of conventional methods. On the other hand, Time-Series Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) insights, extracted from medium resolution SAR, established a direct linkage between environmental factors and ground deformations. Such findings were corroborated by optical images collected during May 2017 …
Eco-Driving Of Connected And Autonomous Vehicles Approaching And Departing Signalized Intersections,
2024
Louisiana State University
Eco-Driving Of Connected And Autonomous Vehicles Approaching And Departing Signalized Intersections, Xiangyu Meng, Tonmoy Sarkar
Data
Eco-driving is a driving strategy that focuses on reducing fuel consumption, carbon emissions, and improving passenger comfort through the implementation of safe and anticipatory driving strategies. One method to improve eco-driving in autonomous vehicles is the optimal control approach, which utilizes ‘Signal Phase and Time’ (SPaT) information to determine an energy-efficient trajectory for vehicles approaching and departing signalized intersections. Camera-based vision systems and deep learning techniques can be implemented to recognize the traffic signal head and its phase information, further enabling the vehicle to adapt its driving patterns for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. This report reviews advancements in …
A New Generation Of Multi-Functional Asphalt Mixtures With Superhydrophobic And Luminescent Properties,
2024
Louisiana State University
A New Generation Of Multi-Functional Asphalt Mixtures With Superhydrophobic And Luminescent Properties, Mostafa Elseifi, Md. T. A. Sarkar
Data
Every year, the United States invests billions of dollars in maintaining its roads and enhancing road safety, especially during severe weather conditions. Challenges such as flooding, snow, ice formation, and low visibility significantly affect road infrastructure and safety. The aim of this study was to develop a novel approach to create a new generation of multifunctional asphalt surfaces with enhanced water repellency and luminescent properties. To achieve this objective, two types of asphalt emulsions (BC-1HT and CSS-1H), one type of superhydrophobic nanomaterial (PTFE), and one SMA mix design were evaluated through various laboratory tests. These tests included scanning electron microscopy …
Investigating The Efficacy Of Natural And Nature-Based Features To Increase The Service Life Of Coastal Roadways,
2024
Louisiana State University
Investigating The Efficacy Of Natural And Nature-Based Features To Increase The Service Life Of Coastal Roadways, Navid Jafari, Mohammad O. Hassan
Data
Wetlands serve as essential natural barriers, protecting coastal regions against the increasing threats from hurricane-induced storm surges, rising sea levels, and changing weather patterns. Understanding their structural resilience is crucial, particularly the shear strength of the wetland soil-root matrix, which contributes significantly to stability under extreme weather events. However, evaluating this shear strength is challenging due to the complex nature of root systems and the varying amounts of live biomass and necromass at different soil depths. This study utilized a Large-scale Direct Shear Apparatus (LDSA) to address this gap by assessing the shear strength of root biomass in a horizontal …
Investigating The Efficacy Of Natural And Nature-Based Features To Increase The Service Life Of Coastal Roadways,
2024
Louisiana State University
Investigating The Efficacy Of Natural And Nature-Based Features To Increase The Service Life Of Coastal Roadways, Navid Jafari, Mohammad O. Hassan
Publications
Wetlands serve as essential natural barriers, protecting coastal regions against the increasing threats from hurricane-induced storm surges, rising sea levels, and changing weather patterns. Understanding their structural resilience is crucial, particularly the shear strength of the wetland soil-root matrix, which contributes significantly to stability under extreme weather events. However, evaluating this shear strength is challenging due to the complex nature of root systems and the varying amounts of live biomass and necromass at different soil depths. This study utilized a Large-scale Direct Shear Apparatus (LDSA) to address this gap by assessing the shear strength of root biomass in a horizontal …
Characterization Of Regular Concrete And Low-Cost Engineered Cementitious Composites With Incorporation Of Cellulose Nanocrystals And Cost-Effective Ingredients,
2024
Louisiana State University
Characterization Of Regular Concrete And Low-Cost Engineered Cementitious Composites With Incorporation Of Cellulose Nanocrystals And Cost-Effective Ingredients, Hassan Noorvand, Marwa Hassan, Andrea Gavilanes
Publications
This study evaluated the effects of incorporating cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) into Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) and regular concrete materials, focusing on mechanical properties and the use of cost-effective ingredients. CNC, synthesized from rice husk, was characterized by a crystallinity index of 55%. Four concentrations of CNC were investigated: 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 wt.% of cement. Three types of mixtures were developed: M-0, without sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) as a sand replacement; M-50, with 50% SCBA as a sand replacement; and regular concrete. The M-0 and M-50 composites underwent compressive strength and uniaxial tensile strength (UTT) testing, with their morphology …
A New Generation Of Multi-Functional Asphalt Mixtures With Superhydrophobic And Luminescent Properties,
2024
Louisiana State University
A New Generation Of Multi-Functional Asphalt Mixtures With Superhydrophobic And Luminescent Properties, Mostafa Elseifi, Md. T. A. Sarkar
Publications
Every year, the United States invests billions of dollars in maintaining its roads and enhancing road safety, especially during severe weather conditions. Challenges such as flooding, snow, ice formation, and low visibility significantly affect road infrastructure and safety. The aim of this study was to develop a novel approach to create a new generation of multifunctional asphalt surfaces with enhanced water repellency and luminescent properties. To achieve this objective, two types of asphalt emulsions (BC-1HT and CSS-1H), one type of superhydrophobic nanomaterial (PTFE), and one SMA mix design were evaluated through various laboratory tests. These tests included scanning electron microscopy …
Exploring Older Adults’ Mobility Challenges And Preferences Before And After Experiencing Covid-19 Pandemic,
2024
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans
Exploring Older Adults’ Mobility Challenges And Preferences Before And After Experiencing Covid-19 Pandemic, Hany Hassan, Bernard Boakye
Publications
The US Census Bureau reports that the number of seniors (65+ years old) in the US is predicted to increase from 16.5% in 2019 to 22% by 2050. However, seniors have reduced mobility as they age due to their declining health and the limited travel options available. Therefore, it is crucial to solve their transportation needs during pandemics like COVID-19 when they are most disadvantaged. This study involved an online national survey that collected 1507 responses from seniors in all the 50 US states to examine their travel behavior and challenges and their willingness to adopt Autonomous Vehicles before and …
