Engineering Commons^™

Analysis Of Movements And Forces On Bridge Approaches: A Case Study (Bridge Over Chesapeake Ave. On Interstate 471 In Campbell County, Kentucky), David L. Allen, Bobby W. Meade, Tommy C. Hopkins

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A case study is presented of a bridge on Interstate 471 in Campbell County, Kentucky. The south approach to the bridge is a side-hill fill. During construction, the south intermediate piers tilted as a result of movement in the south approach foundation. Construction was temporarily halted on the south approach embankment, allowing pore pressures in the foundation to dissipate and slowing the movement. The piers were than reconstructed.

The south approach end bents were instrumented with earth pressure meters. The piles were instrumented with slope inclinometers. Most recent data show that movement is continuing and the present factor of safety …

Long-Term Movements Of Highway Bridge Approach Embankments And Pavements, Tommy C. Hopkins

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Long-term movements of highway bridge approach embankments and pavements are described and factors that may lead to settlement of highway bridge approach pavements are discussed. Six case histories are presented. The bridge approach sites were observed at different times during the period 1966 to 1985. At four sites, lateral movements, measured from slope inclinometers, of the approach embankments were monitored over time periods ranging from 8 to 14 years. Settlements of the highway bridge approaches were monitored some three to four years after paving. Estimated and observed settlements of the foundations at the study sites were obtained for a length …

Fly Ash Stabilized Bases In Kentucky, Gary W. Sharpe, Larry Epley

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

With the escalating costs of materials and construction for highways and streets, many agencies charged with the responsibility of designing and constructing highways are utilizing byproduct stabilized (pozzolanic) materials. Low-strength (pozzolanic) materials have been used fairly extensively in some areas of the United States as well as abroad. In general, pozzolanic materials have been used to stabilize an aggregate base or subbase by addition of fly ash and a source of lime to develop a cementitious reaction. Additionally, portland cement or cement kiln dust have been used to stabilize aggregate subbase and (or) base materials.

Until recently, the use of …

Truck Design And Usage Related To Highway Pavement Performance, Robert C. Deen, Herbert F. Southgate, Gary W. Sharpe, David L. Allen, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The function of a pavement is to serve traffic safely, comfortably, and efficiently at reasonable costs. Automobile traffic typically accounts for the major volume of traffic using high-type facilities. However, heavy truck traffic accounts for the major portion of accumulated fatigue and therefore requires greater structural designs. Truck design and usage has tended toward larger vehicles and greater payloads. The impact of elements of truck design and usage (such as suspension systems, floating axles, axle configurations, uniformity of loading, payloads, etc.) on fatigue "damage" are illustrated. The effects of increasing vehicle loadings and increased tire pressures are related to potential …

Development Of Accident Reduction Factors, Tom Creasey, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In order to use the cost-optimization procedure of dynamic programming to rank safety improvements, improvement costs and benefits must be input. The benefits are in terms of accident reductions resulting from specific safety improvements. In this study a comprehensive list of accident reduction factors were developed to use in the cost-optimization program. The development of the list of reduction factors was based mainly on a review of literature and survey of states, with limited input from a before-and-after accident analysis.

Unstable Subgrade, I 65, Hardin County (I 65 - 5 (17) 92; Fsp 047-0065-091-0396), Tommy C. Hopkins, Gary W. Sharpe

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

During construction of the southbound lanes of I 65, Stations 120+00 to 218+00, in Hardin County, Kentucky, near Elizabethtown, large deformations were observed when dense-graded aggregate (DGA) base courses were loaded with construction traffic. Rutting and cracking of the DGA also was noticeable. A study was performed to determine the causes of the unstable subgrade and base, recommend remedial actions, and evaluate the effectiveness of the remedial measures. The stability, or bearing capacity, of the unstable pavement was determined for different construction stages and combinations of pavement layer thicknesses using a relatively new stability model HOPK-I. The stability of the …

Strain Gage Installation On The I-75 Bridge At Covington, Kentucky And Subsequent Data Analysis, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Jesse G. Mayes

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In June 1984, the Kentucky Transportation Research Program (KTRP) was requested by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to install strain gages on structural members of the I-75 (Brent Spence) Bridge at Covington. This work was to be part of a renovation/modification project on that structure.

Laboratory Evaluations Of Stabilized Flue Gas Desulfurization Sludge (Scrubber Sludge) And Aggregate Mixtures, Mark Anderson, Gary W. Sharpe, David L. Allen, Herbert F. Southgate, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Kentucky Transportation Research Program has completed a laboratory study involving the use of flue gas desulfurization sludge (scrubber sludge) for potential application as a highway subbase and/or embankment material. Scrubber sludge is a waste produet formed when fly ash (and other residue) is combined with a lime dust slurry filter cake and stabilized with quicklime (calcium oxide). Samples of stockpiled (field) sludge and dry sludge components were obtained from the Robert Reid Station (Big Rivers Electric Corporation) in Sebree, Kentuclty. Dry sludge components (fly ash, filter cake, and quicklime) were uaed to prepare sludge samples in the laboratory, allowing …

Traffic Accident Rates In Kentucky (1983), John M. Salsman, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In this study, two types of accident rates were determined. First, accident rates were calculated based on 1983 data. Secondly, the 1983 data were combined with the 1980, 1981, and 1982 data to calculate long-term accident statistics to reflect a four-year average.

Comparison of 1983 to combined 1980 through 1982 rates show that the rates have remained remarkedly stable. Several methods of classifying highways were used when determining average rates. Average and critical accident rates were calculated for use in the high-accident location identification program. Also, average and critical numbers of accidents were determined.

Comparison Of Contained Rock Asphalt Mat (Cram) With Conventional Asphaltic Concrete Pavements, Herbert F. Southgate, David L. Allen, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A brochure proposing the use of "Contained Rock Asphalt Mat" (CRAM) provided a comparison of stress distributions throughout a CRAM structure (Figure 1) as compared to a conventional pavement (Figure 2). Experience has indicated that stress distributions do not always present the most sensitive or appropriate analysis of a pavement structure. Distributions of strains, and more particularly "work", are better indicators of load distributions throughout a pavement structure and subsequent performance.

Evaluation Of Truck Escape Ramps, Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Out-of-control vehicles on steep grades have the potential for and frequently do result in severe accidents. There are two truck escape ramps in Kentucky, and both were constructed as a result of severe accidents and the potential for additional accidents.

One escape ramp is on the Hyden Spur (KY 118) in Leslie County. Because of geometric conditions of the highway and topographic constraints, an arrester-type escape ramp was designed with pea gravel as the arrester material. The beginning of the ramp is a 386-foot paved section on an 8-percent downgrade; followed by a gravel bed 520 feet long on a …

A Review And Analysis Of Pile Design, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A review of lateral load design of piles is presented. It appears many different methods and allowable lateral loads are permitted by the states. One particular method is discussed in detail, and from that method two charts are presented that relate pile deflection to lateral load. Recommendations are given on design criteria for lateral loads.

A review of allowable axial stresses is also presented. The results of a brief finite element analysis of pile tip settlement versus load for various conditions are also presented. These results are compared to data obtained from the literature. Recommendations on maximum allowable axial stress …

Evaluation Of Durable Crosswalk And Stopbar Marking Materials (Interim Report), Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study is to find the most cost-effective durable marking material to provide long-lasting stop bars and crossbars. Three materials were tested: 1) 3M Stamark tape, 2) Prismo preformed tape, and 3) extruded thermoplastic. The evaluation concerned the durability, reflectivity, and appearance of the materials. Test installations have been in place for about 18 months, and this interim report summarizes findings for that period. The evaluation will continue for another 18 months, and recommendations will be presented in a final report.

Based on current evaluations, the extruded thermoplastic material would be considered the most cost-effective material for …

Evaluation Of Durable Lane Delineation Materials (Interim Report), Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of the study is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of available marking materials by means of field tests and to develop a policy for material selection of lane delineation based on these tests. Materials tested included: 100 percent solid epoxy paint, polyester paint, extruded thermoplastic, 3M Stamark tape, 3M Bisymmetric tape, EPOFLEX, solvent epoxy paint, and chlorinated rubber paint. Most test installations have been in place for over two years, and this interim report summarizes findings for that period. The evaluation will continue for another 18 months with recommendations presented in a final report.

Based on current data, expanded …

Pavement Management In Kentucky, Gary W. Sharpe, Robert C. Deen, Herbert F. Southgate, Rolands L. Rizenbergs, James L. Burchett

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The principal objective of this paper is to summarize current pavement management activities in Kentucky. Early pavement management activities generally were decentralized (involving a number of transportation functions such as planning, design, construction, maintenance, and research) and involved long-term monitoring for skid resistance and ride quality (roughness).

Current pavement management activities may be categorized by evaluation, project selection, and development of recommendations for pavement rehabilitation strategies. Pavement evaluation activities at the statewide system level typically involve assessments of ride quality (ridesbility index) and estimated pavement serviceability, skid resistance, visual condition ratings, and the accumulation of traffic volumes and pavement fatigue. …

Estimation Of Equivalent Axleloads: Computer Program Documentation, John M. Salsman, John A. Deacon

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The estimation of equivalent axleloads (EAL) requires the correlation of several data bases. Described herein are three computer programs which summarize truckweight data and classification data, and combine the two data bases to estimate EAL's for each site where classification counts are available in a given year.

The programs also present the data in two matrices to characterize the effects that geographic area, federal-aid classification, coal-haul volume and total volume have on each of the traffic parameters necessary to compute EAL's.

Jackson Purchase Parkway Pavement Study, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Four distinct patterns of cracking were found. Temperature cracks are transverse and occur at intervals of about 15 to 88 feet. Roller-induced cracking has been made apparent by weather and erosion. Longitudinal cracking is usually at the edges of the wheel paths where rutting is prominent. Map cracking or checkering in the wheel paths is caused by the maximum shear stresses occurring at a depth equal to 1/3rd the radius of the loaded area (tire print). This cracking penetrated about 2.5 inches. This cracking and weakness was found only in the all-gravel asphaltic concrete. No stripping was found, but evidences …

Water-Induced Surface Failures On I 65, Hardin County, Kentucky, Ellis G. Williams, Herbert F. Southgate, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report documents an investigation of water-related distress on portions of I 65 in Hardin County, Kentucky, on Muldraugh Hill. An open-graded surface placed on a full-depth asphaltic concrete pavement had shown areas of flushing and shallow shear failures in the outer lanes after one year of service. Cores were obtained from the outer lanes in areas exhibiting no problems to shear and flow failures. Core sites also were chosen across the lane to represent edge, wheel track, and between wheel track conditions. Visual inspection of the cores was made under normal lighting and an ultraviolet light and photographs were …

Impact Evaluation Of Traffic Alcohol Programs: Selected Locations In Kentucky, Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report is an evaluation of increased police enforcement to reduce alcohol-related accidents at selected locations in Kentucky. Evaluations were performed for the following programs: 1) Lexington-Fayette County, including only Urban Police enforcement; 2) McCracken County, including Kentucky State Police, Sheriff's Office and Paducah Police enforcement; and 3) Warren County, including both Kentucky State Police and Bowling Green Police enforcement. Duration of enforcement and level of enforcement varied among the programs.

Four types of data were collected as a means of evaluating Traffic Alcohol Programs at the locations selected for study; accident data, arrest and adjudication data, cost-effectiveness data, and …

1984 Safety Belt And Child Safety Seat Usage Rates In Kentucky And Evaluation Of A Public Information Campaign, Kenneth R. Agent, John M. Salsman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

There were two objectives of the survey summarized in this report. One was to establish 1984 safety belt and child safety seat usage rates in Kentucky which were compared to 1983 and 1982 rates. The other was to evaluate the effectiveness of public information campaigns as a means of increasing safety belt and seat usage rates.

Statewide usage rates in the 19 cities previously surveyed in 1982 and 1983 showed that both driver safety belt and child safety seat and belt usage rates had increased in 1984. The 1984 statewide usage rate of safety belts by drivers was 6.9 percent …

Nondestructive Evaluation Of Rigid Pavements Using Road Rater Deflections [1984], Gary W. Sharpe, Mark Anderson, Robert C. Deen, Herbert F. Southgate

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Road Rater deflections have been used to determine in-place structural conditions of rigid and composite pavements, based on modifications of principles and experience with the structural evaluation of flexible pavements. Details of the use of elastic layer theory to simulate deflection measurements associated with loadings for the Kentucky Road Rater are presented. Included is an illustration of the use of field deflection measurements to "back calculate'" in-place moduli. The procedures are generally iterative and involve matching measured deflections with theoretical deflections. Elastic layer principles have been used to simulate deflections only at the midslab position. Relationships regarding deflections at other …

Relationship Between Kentucky Cbr And Slake Durability, Tommy C. Hopkins

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The design of pavements requires a knowledge of the relative strength and durability of subgrade materials. In Kentucky, the CBR (California Bearing Ratio) test is used to define the relative bearing strength of subgrade materials. Pavement thickness can be obtained if traffic loadings and CBR values are known. Durability of subgrade materials can be characterized using the slake-durability test. The purposes of this study were to correlate values of (soaked) KYCBR and slake-durability indices and examine the swell potential of compacted shales. Correlations were developed between soaked KYCBRs and slake-durability indices obtained from three different slake-durability I testing procedures. The …

Analysis Of Loads And Settlements For Reinforced Concrete Culverts, David L. Allen, Bobby W. Meade

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Three primary factors in considering the loads on, and therefore the design of, underground conduits are: bedding conditions, trench configuration, and use of the "imperfect trench." Models of varied conditions are analyzed using a finite element program and the results compared to data obtained at instrumented sites of similar conditions. Presented herein are charts developed from these analyses which will facilitate future design of culverts. Also presented are recommendations for design criteria and construction procedures.

Pavement Thickness Designs Utilizing Low-Strength (Pozzolanic) Base And Subbase Materials, Gary W. Sharpe, Robert C. Deen, Herbert F. Southgate, Mark Anderson

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This paper presents information whereby laboratory test data for pozzolanic base and subbase materials may be combined with elastic layer theory and a limiting strain criterion to determine thickness designs equivalent to conventional asphaltic concrete and crushed stone pavement structures. A summary of laboratory testing in Kentucky also is presented. An example thickness design determination is presented and includes an economic comparison of alternative designs with the conventional asphaltic – crushed stone thickness design.

Evaluation Of Full-Depth Asphaltic Concrete Pavements, Herbert F. Southgate, Gary W. Sharpe, Mark Anderson, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study was initiated to verify a newly-developed set of design curves for full-depth asphaltic concrete pavements. Quality control during construction was checked using nuclear density testers, Benkelman beams, and a Road Rater. During the course of this study, an analysis system was developed to interpret the dynamic deflections as measured by the Road Rater and was confirmed by elastic theory. The thickness design curves were verified within the accuracy of construction variations.

Rut depths measured in 1979 were analyzed in terms of potential rut depth resulting from consolidation under traffic due to lack of obtaining 100-percent of Marshall density …

Analysis Of Accidents Involving Crash Cushions, Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent, Tom Creasey

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report is an analysis of 127 accidents involving crash cushions in Kentucky. The primary data base was for the period 1980-82, with some additional data before and after this period. An attempt was made to document each accident with a police report, photographs, and a repair form. The largest number of accidents (63) involved a Hi-Dro cell cushion or cluster, followed by 33 accidents involving a G.R.E.A.T. crash cushion, 19 with a temporary G.R.E.A.T., 10 with sand barrels, and 2 with steel drums.

Average repair cost was lowest for the Hi-Dro cell cushion ($392) and highest for the Hi-Dro …

An Evaluation Of Pavement Drainage Interstate 64, Rowan-Carter Counties, David L. Allen, Herbert F. Southgate

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

No abstract provided.

Effectiveness Of Traffic Noise Barrier On I 471 In Campbell County, Kentucky (Interim Report), Tom Creasey, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study is-to evaluate the effectiveness of the traffic noise barrier on I 471 in Campbell County, Kentucky. Since the barrier construction coincided with construction of I 471, it was necessary to predict noise levels that would exist if no barrier were present by utilizing the FHWA STAMINA 2.0 computer model. This was compared to actual noise level measurements at the barrier site in order to determine the barrier insertion loss.

After calibration of the STAMINA 2.0 model, initial field measurements were taken at receiver locations throughout the barrier site. The average insertion loss in Leq was …

Analysis Of Accidents Involving Breakaway-Cable-Terminal End Treatments, Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent, Tom Creasey

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report included an analysis of 50 accidents involving breakaway-cable-terminal (BCT) end treatments and 19 accidents involving median-breakaway-cable-terminal (BMCT) end treatments. The primary data base consisted of Kentucky accident records for the years 1980-82; with selected accidents included before 1980 and after 1982. An attempt was made to document each accident with a police report, photographs, and a maintenance repair form.

Results showed that the breakaway-cable-terminal end treatment performed properly in most accidents (72 percent); that is, the end treatment performed as it was designed with the wooden posts breaking away or the guardrail redirecting the vehicle. Only four impacts …

Survey Of Effectiveness Of Transportation Services (1984), Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study was to measure the effectiveness of transportation services by means of a public opinion survey. Results from the mail survey were intended to provide administrators with quantitative measures so that emphasis would be based on the public's perception of specific programs. Questionnaires were mailed to a random sample of 800 licensed drivers in each of Kentucky's 12 highway districts for a total of 9,600 statewide. The total response rate was 51 percent for all districts, with 49 percent considered to be usable responses.

Results from the survey showed that 82 percent of the respondents were …