Engineering Commons^™

Development Of A Microcontroller-Based Intelligent Traffic Light Control System For Vehicular Movement In T-Junctions, Frederick O. Ehiagwina

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This research is devoted to the issue of regulating traffic congestion in major cities using light-dependent resistors coupled with the PIC16F877A microcontroller. This study proposes an intelligent traffic control system for T-Junctions, utilizing sensing and control to optimize traffic flow through dynamic phase adjustments and congestion reduction, enabled by a microcontroller-based decision-making system. The proposed system reduces traffic congestion, automates control, and enhances safety, minimizing accidents and lowering infrastructure costs. Under simulated environment, it demonstrates an average response time of 50 ms and achieves 99% accuracy in displaying the correct countdown. Finally, the number of state transitions handled per minute …

Comparative Analysis On Design Error Risks In Design-Bid-Build And Design-Build Construction Approaches, Eradius Edward Rwakarehe

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This study was conducted to compare design errors risk in Design-Bid-Build (DBB) (traditional) and Design-Build (DB) methods in building projects. Several construction projects under both DB and DBB method were reviewed. On most of construction projects under DB method, it was found that there were over supply of floor area due to different reasons. Also, it was found that, clients’ requirements were changed during project execution, which resulted into change on schedule, contract value and project quality. It was also revealed that in most cases, designs were in accordance with the clients’ requirements as submitted earlier but during construction clients …

Pros And Cons Of Preservation Treatments, Buzz Powell

Local Transportation Asset Management Conference

No abstract provided.

Carbon Accountability Scores: A Process-Oriented Approach For Carbon Offsetting Using Ai Agents, Joshit Mohanty, Vaishali Vaishali

Graduate Student Government Association Research Conference

Conventional carbon offset programs rely on quantified emissions to determine balancing requirements. While this approach offers a standardized means of measuring carbon output, it often provides industries with a loophole—allowing them to offset their emissions by purchasing equivalent credits for activities such as tree planting rather than tackling inefficiencies at the source. This research proposes a process-based framework called Carbon Accountability Scores (CA scores) to offer a proactive strategy for assessing and reducing carbon footprints. Instead of focusing on the mere balancing of emitted and sequestered carbon, CA scores integrate an organization’s operational processes into the calculation, thereby offering the …

Eyes On The Road: Disentagling Cyclist Mental Workload At Intersections, James Joseph Rawson

Civil Engineering ETDs

In North America, cyclists often share infrastructure with motor vehicles and encounter frequent conflicts with them at intersections. While past research assumes cyclists' experiences mirror those of drivers, most studies focus on roadway segments rather than intersections. This study addresses that gap by, for the first time we are aware of, examining cyclist perceptions at intersections using head and gaze movement data. Leveraging naturalistic data conducted in Albuquerque New Mexico, and statistical techniques, including t-test and repeated measures ANOVA, our findings suggest that – similar to drivers - cyclists do experience greater mental workload when performing turning movements than when …

Digital Fabrication With Fiber-Reinforced Concrete, Haodao Li, Kamal H. Khayat

Miners Solving for Tomorrow Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Innovative Design Methodology For Durable Open-Graded Friction Course Asphalt Mixtures, Anas Abualia

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Open-graded friction course (OGFC) is a thin asphalt mixture surface layer with a high percentage of coarse aggregates and high interconnected air voids, which provides improved skid resistance, visibility, and decreased pavement-tire noise. However, construction personnel at DOTD reported that conventional OGFC mixtures have short service life (raveling distress). Further, their structural contribution to the pavement structure is commonly neglected and designed only for functionality purposes.

The objective of this study was to develop a rational mix design methodology to improve the durability of OGFC asphalt mixtures. Specific objectives are to: (1) conduct a rheological and chemical characterization of polymer-, …

Underlying Mechanisms Of The Effect Of Microfines Of Manufactured Sand On Non-Linear Structural Build-Up Of Cement Paste, Jiang Zhu, Jiaping Liu, Kamal H. Khayat, Xin Cheng, Wei Zhao, Zhen Li, Xin Shu, Yongbo Huang

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The rheological properties of cement-based materials made with manufactured sand vary with the content and physio-chemical properties of microfines in the sand. However, the evaluation of rheological properties regarding the structural build-up at early-age hydration remains challenging for the cementitious materials prepared with different manufactured sands, due to complicated underlying structuration mechanisms. This paper studies the effect of disparate microfines of different manufactured sands on the non-linear growth of static yield stress of cement pastes at rest. The paste mixtures were prepared with 0.40 and 0.275 water-to-cement mass ratio (W/C) and had a fixed mini-slump flow of 240 ± 5 …

Modeling The Impacts Of Disruptive Events On Driving Behaviors, Transportation Safety, And Equity: Advanced Statistical Insights From The Covid-19 Pandemic, Xiaomeng Dong

Civil & Environmental Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation aims to understand how disruptive events —particularly the COVID-19 pandemic—affect driving behaviors, transportation safety and equity by leveraging advanced statistical modeling techniques and data from Virginia. This research pursues three overarching objectives. First, it employs multigroup structural equation modeling (SEM) to uncover the complex interrelationships among risky driving behaviors, injury severity, and pandemic-related factors, delineating the mechanisms through which COVID-19 has impacted crash outcomes via changing risky driving behaviors. Second, it leverages hidden Markov models to trace shifts in safety states over the pre-, during-, and post-pandemic periods, determining whether and when safety conditions return to pre-pandemic norms. …

Live Recording Of Lectures, Louise Lynch

Case studies: Digital Education

The final year module, consisting of 2-hour lectures and 2-hour tutorials, focuses on worked examples. To support students, especially those repeating the module, lectures were recorded and uploaded to Brightspace. Due to the difficulty of the subject and the small class size, in-person delivery was prioritised. The IT 360 mic was used for audio only, no video was recorded, calculations were done on OneNote Class Notebook using the pen functionality of the Surface Pro. This method gives students immediate access to worked examples. Open Broadcast Studio (OBS) was employed to manage different programmes without screen sharing interruptions, while maintaining the …

Numbas For Formative Assessment, Louise Lynch

Case studies: Digital Education

Numbas is an open-source e-assessment system aimed at mathematics and other numerate disciplines. It allows for the setup of individual assessments for students, increasing academic integrity. Numbas can autograde attempts, and the use of the Learning Tool Interoperability (LTI) within Brightspace allows instructors to view attempts, monitor progress, and alter marks where applicable. This adds a valuable element for both formative and summative assessments. In this module, Numbas was used to provide students with individual parameters for the same problems as part of their continuous assessment. These problems would consist of several steps and typically take over 30 minutes to …

Incorporating Screenpal Video To Brightspace Quiz “Hints” Function, Michael O Connor

Case studies: Digital Education

I have used the quiz function in Brightspace for some time as an asynchronous learning support and formative assessment technique for various cohorts from apprentice to UG FT students. Typically, I would create several MCQ quizzes around key learning outcomes (LOs) or “muddiest point” discoveries in the classroom. These quizzes were set up to allow the students unlimited attempts, with results published automatically and all question attempts shown with correct answers. While it was effective and well received (interesting particularly by apprentices whose summative assessment results are often high stakes) I often felt it became a repetitive answer selection exercise …

Analysis Of Responder-Involved Struck-By Crashes, Jacob Wilhelm

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Emergency responders face significant risks of injury and death from struck-by crashes while operating on or near roadways. Annually, about 50 responders are killed, and hundreds more are injured, leading to operational disruptions and damage to life-saving equipment (ERSI, 2024). This study takes a data-driven approach to identify key risk factors and effective countermeasures for reducing the severity of struck-by crashes. Key findings indicate that struck-by crashes most frequently occur on weekends during late-night hours (2 AM–4 AM), often at crash scenes or disabled vehicle scenes on limited-access highways. Driver behavior – particularly “D” drivers (distracted, drugged, drowsy, disgruntled) – …

Evaluating The Impact Of Access Density On Pedestrian And Bicycle Safety, Charles Hruda

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

This study examines the impact of access density on pedestrian and bicycle crash rates in urban areas of Florida. Access management, defined as the strategic control of vehicular access points along roadways, plays a crucial role in mitigating conflicts between various roadway users. Previous research has established a positive correlation between access density and crash rates, yet limited studies have analyzed its effects on vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.

To quantify these impacts, this study identified high-crash roadway segments using Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) data. Geometric, traffic, crash, and access management information was collected and analyzed …

Advancements In Pavement Marking Practice And Standards, Joseph Bruno

Purdue Road School

This Road School presentation details INDOT's initiative to improve road user safety through upgrades to pavement marking practices and standards. The presentation also discusses other recent changes to INDOT pavement marking standards and design guidance.

Low Cost And Systemic Safety Treatments For Local Governments, Taylor Ruble, Daniel Mccoy

Purdue Road School

The INDOT Traffic Engineering team WILL discuss lowcost safety options that can be used by local governments with or without dedicated safety funding. We’ll dive into the details and specifics of these treatments and discuss when they are appropriate for use. This interactive workshop is a great way for city and county engineers and local elected officials to gain a better understanding of systemic safety treatments.

The Evolution Of Traffic Signal Detection Technology, Carly Schiene, Haydn Malackowski

Purdue Road School

How has traffic signal actuation changed over time? Originally, a traffic signal’s main purpose was to assign the right-of-way to vehicles for collision avoidance, and now they are crucial tools to manage traffic flow, alleviate congestion and provide safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. This presentation will explore early detection methods, evaluate current technology, and explore the future of detection technology

Preserve Your Hma Pavements From The Start, Tim Zahrn, Andrew Eicher

Purdue Road School

This presentation will review sustainable preservation treatments and their application timeline to extend the life of asphalt pavement. We will discuss how pre-preservation treatments like a void reducing asphalt membrane, early-life preservation treatments such as rapid penetrating emulsion, and topical rejuvenators can reduce future maintenance and delay reconstruction. We will also look at mid-life treatments, such as micro-surfacing, fit into a preventative maintenance preservation plan. And finally cover end of life cold pavement recycling alternatives.

Louisville Viasmart Over-Height And Flood Driver Prevention And Protection Systems, William R. Lyon, Dana Spratt, Terri Combs, Chris Seidt

Purdue Road School

This exciting project is a federal grant project that deploys and uses the latest advancements on transportation technology to prevent over-height truck from striking tunnel/bridge overpasses and viaducts and to prevent all drivers from entering dangerous flooded roadways. These systems use the latest cyber-security and connected/automated vehicle (CAV V2X & X2V), Artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Language solutions. The system also deploys new experimental technology assured to enhance all existing traveler notification systems currently in use. This project was specifically called out by then acting transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg at the 2024 ITS America Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. He called …

Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer, George Mccue, Dionysios Aliprantis, Patrick Patterson, Benjamin O'Brien, Chiara Cervini, Bruno Krause Moras

Purdue Road School

Purdue University, in partnership with INDOT, PC Krause and Associates, White Construction, William Charles Electric, and Cummins, Inc. transitioned the embedment of dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT) technology from a controlled test setting to real roadway implementation. This presentation delves into the construction process of the quarter-mile DWPT project on northbound US 52/231 in West Lafayette and outlines the plans for testing the technology with a Cummins truck later this year.

Bell Ford Bridge Reconstruction Project, Daniel Kurdziel, Jim Barker, Matt Lee

Purdue Road School

The Bell Ford Bridge was originally constructed in 1869 until it collapsed in the 20th century. The remains were salvaged and stored for 20 years until it was to be rebuilt in Hamilton County, IN. This is the only remaining Combination Post Truss in existence and was rebuilt using 95% of the original iron and 10% of the original timber.

Winning Your Team With Intentional Connection, Jessica Miller, Kenny Franklin

Purdue Road School

152. Winning Your Team With Intentional Connection As the leader of a team, how do you inspire others even when you don’t have all the answers? This session will introduce ways to be intentional in our relationships and make deeper connections with our team members. We hope you leave this session with the courage to be vulnerable and drive your vision.

Enhancing Road Performance With Void Reducing Asphalt Membrane, Tim Zahrn, Todd Thomas, Randy Miller

Purdue Road School

This presentation will discuss how using the technology of a Void Reducing Asphalt membrane can improve performance of our Asphalt Pavements by creating a more durable asphalt surface that resists cracking and reduces permeability. Void Reducing Asphalt Membrane (VRAM) Specifications: VRAM reduces voids in longitudinal joints, which improves the longevity of a quality road surface. INDOT has already required VRAM on certain road designs. We will review the current specifications for VRAM and outline specifications that may update with the technology. We will also discuss the Impact of Rumble Strips on Longitudinal Joint Performance. The session will also highlight how …

Charging Indiana’S Crossroads, Kerri Garvin, George Mccue, Jack Sinton

Purdue Road School

Join us for an insightful update on INDOT’s Charging the Crossroads Program. Speakers will highlight the latest program activities, key milestones and challenges with Round 1 and Round 2 projects, and offer a glimpse into activities beyond the stations themselves. Learn how Indiana is paving the way for a sustainable, accessible, and equitable deployment of DC fast charging infrastructure.

Presentation Speakers/Participants

• George McCue, INDOT, [email protected]
• Jack Sinton, HNTB Corporation, [email protected]
• Kerri Garvin, HNTB Corporation, [email protected]

Innovative Intersection Public Involvement: Strategies That Work, Nathaniel Shellhamer, David Reamer

Purdue Road School

This presentation will share best practices for effectively engaging the public and local stakeholders during the development of innovative treatments. We will cover why innovative treatments work; their selection process; case studies from finished projects; and tips and tricks for effective, positive engagement and collaboration. This presentation will benefit project managers, public involvement professionals, and engineers involved in developing innovative treatments.

Gravel Road Performance Enhancement, Bora Cetin, Kristin Cetin, Charan Sai Vangaveeti, Mehdi Bulduk, Md Mahir Asif

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

Nearly 30% of roads in the U.S. are unpaved, significantly impacting rural connectivity with Nebraska alone having approximately 75% unpaved roads. This study systematically evaluates local materials to improve gravel road performance, reduce maintenance frequency, and decrease financial burdens on counties. Survey responses revealed that nearly 70% of counties follow NDOT specifications for gravel road design, while more than 90% lack knowledge of local material quality. The most common distresses identified were raveling, loss of crown, dust, and improper drainage. These findings indicate that construction practices rely heavily on experience, rather than systematic design, highlighting the need for a performance-based …

Development Of Measures For Highway Criticality Assessment, Xu Zhang, Mei Chen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Existing network criticality assessments, often biased towards heavily used highways in populous areas by incorporating traffic and sociodemographic attributes, can lead to an underestimation of the vital role of rural infrastructure. Consequently, rural highways, particularly low-volume roads, often receive less consideration despite their critical role in network connectivity and local access to services and economic opportunities. To address this, we develop a criticality framework based on the egalitarian principle, which prioritizes equitable consideration of all network links regardless of traffic volume or population density, comprising two complementary measures. First, the normalized betweenness centrality quantifies a road's relative importance in efficiently …

University Avenue Bike Plan, Emma Meyer

City and Regional Planning

The University Avenue Bike Plan provides recommendations for bicycle infrastructure along the 1.7-mile University Avenue corridor in Palo Alto, California. The plan includes background, existing conditions, community engagement, alternatives of conceptual designs, and implementation tools. The University Avenue Bike Plan builds on Palo Alto's Bike and Pedestrian Transportation Plan and informs the multiple University Avenue related projects and plans that are underway.

Advancing Sustainable Road Construction With Cold Mix Rap And Rejuvenator, Abeeb G. Oyelere

Shelby Hall Graduate Research Forum Presentations

Presentation slides for a presentation given at the 1st annual Shelby Hall Graduate Research Forum at the University of South Alabama.

Smart Highway Construction Site Monitoring Using Artificial Intelligence, Mehran Mazari, Yahaira Nava-Gonzalez, Ly Jacky N. Nhiayi, Mohamad H. Saleh

Mineta Transportation Institute

Construction is a large sector of the economy and plays a significant role in creating economic growth and national development,and construction of transportation infrastructure is critical. This project developed a method to detect, classify, monitor, and track objects during the construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation of transportation infrastructure by using artificial intelligence and a deep learning approach. This study evaluated the performance of AI and deep learning algorithms to compare their performance in detecting and classifying the equipment in various construction scenes. Our goal was to find the optimized balance between the model capabilities in object detection and memory processing requirements. …