Engineering Commons^™

Inspection, Prevention, And Remedy Of Suspension Bridge Cable Corrosion Problems, Theodore Hopwood Ii, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report discusses methods for visually inspecting cable suspension bridges for corrosion damage. The report discusses how to plan and perform such work, including the locations on cables where corrosion damage is likely to be detected. The report also provides recommendations for assessing the condition of suspension bridge wire. Recommendations also are included for remedial cable repair work should corrosion damage be detected.

Introduction To Cable Suspension Bridges, Theodore Hopwood Ii, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report is an overview of suspension bridges. A historical perspective of bridge construction design and materials is included, focusing on bridges of interest to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. The report is intended to provide background information on suspension bridges to those not well acquainted with the structures.

Corrosion Of Cable Suspension Bridges, Theodore Hopwood Ii, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report discusses corrosion problems encountered on the cables of suspension bridges. A historical review is given of past cable suspension bridge corrosion and related laboratory work.

Findings of inspections of suspension bridges at Maysville, KY, Covington, KY, and Portsmouth, OH, are discussed. Recommendations are presented.

An Evaluation Of Elastizell Concrete As A Lightweight Fill Material, David L. Allen, Bobby W. Meade

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Near Northern Kentucky University in Campbell County, Kentucky, access ramps connecting I 275 and 3-Mile Road (shown in Figure 1) were constructed. During construction of those ramps, additional embankments were to be placed on an existing 6-foot by 5-foot box culvert. Both ramps, hereafter referred to as NKU-1 (the exit ramp from I 275) and NKU-2 (the entrance ramp to I 275), cross the culvert. The new embankments would result in fill heights, over the culvert of 30 feet at Station 39+14 of NKU-1 (Figure 2) and 47 feet at Station 11+68 of NKU-2 (Figure 3). The original fill height …

Vanpool Demonstration Project (University Of Kentucky), Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A vanpool demonstration project was operated at the University of Kentucky for the period May 2, 1983, through March 31, 1984. One van originated in Berea (roundtrip 90 miles) and another in Richmond (roundtrip 60 miles). Many problems associated with a vanpool operation were minimized because the riders were University employees and van ownership remained with the University.

It was found that personal contact with potential vanpool riders was much more effective then letters and questionnaires in the effort to generate initial ridership. Because vanpools had not previously been operated extensively in this area, it was difficult to convince potential …

Specially Constructed Bridges: Activities For Fiscal Year 1983, Theodore Hopwood Ii, James H. Havens, Gary W. Sharpe

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The field performance of bridge features including masonry coatings, galvanized steel, weathering steel, conventional deck reinforcing steel, and epoxy-coated reinforcing steel were examined either visually or nondestructively on various pre-selected bridges throughout Kentucky. Additionally, a nationwide survey of state highway authorities was conducted on the application and service performance of stay-in-place forms.

All of the bridge features inspected appeared to be performing satisfactorily, except for the masonry coating failure on the I-471 twin bridges over the Ohio River at Newport. Results of the stay-in-place form survey support their application as a cost-saving feature.

Variable Serviceability Concept For Pavement Design Confirmed By Aasho Road Test Fatigue Data, Herbert F. Southgate, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Fatigue data from the AASHO Road Test were plotted for each level of serviceability. The Kentucky thickness design system uses the concept of a variable level of serviceability as a function of EALs. The Kentucky thickness design curve for the equivalent CBR was converted to an equivalent structural number and superimposed on each of the specific serviceability figures. The AASHTO Equation C–14 of the 1972 AASHTO Interim Guide was evaluated for each level of serviceability and superimposed on its respective figure. Equation C–14 fits reasonably well for serviceability levels of 2.0 and 2.5 but does not fit the remining serviceability …

Variations Of Fatigue Due To Unevenly Loaded Axles Within Tridem Groups, Herbert F. Southgate, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The effect of unevenly distributed loads on the axles within a tridem has been shown to be very significant. Equations are presented that enable the equivalent load effect for equal load distribution to be adjusted for uneven loading. Considering the relative increase and the relatively small volume of trucks currently using tridems, the equation for all tridems without regard to locations on the vehicle is recommended at this time. Consideration should be given to using equations for individual load patterns as the volume of trucks using tridems increases and more weight data become available.

Structural Evaluation Of Asphaltic Pavements, Robert C. Deen, Herbert F. Southgate, Gary W. Sharpe

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

To evaluate projects involving approximately 200 route-miles of interstate and primary pavements in Kentucky and Tennessee in relatively short time frames, it was decided to test, analyze, and design overlays using test equipment (Road Rater) and procedures developed by the University of Kentucky Transportation Research Program. This paper presents the analysis methodology and the evaluation and overlay designs for selected projects, including the before-and-after analysis of milling on one project.

The Road Rater applies a dynamic sinusoidal loading of known force and frequency. The velocity of the vibration waves are measured by sensors and integrated electronically to obtain surface deflections. …

Application Of An Optimization Technique To The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (Carta) Bus System, Fernando R. Chacon

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this project is to apply a mathematical model and optimization techniqu,e to the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA).A survey of recent urban tranaportation models was completed and the model demand most specific and applicable was chosen.A computer technique of sensitivity analysis was used in order to complete the model . A comparison of the analytical results with the current bus system was made. The results obtained in this project provide a framework in which CARTA may plan for more efficient operations.

Traffic Accident Rates In Kentucky (1982), Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The primary objective of this study was to determine average accident statistics in Kentucky for 1982. These statistics could then be used in Kentucky's high-accident location identification program. The 1982 data were combined with 1980 and 1981 data to calculate more long-term accident statistics. Average accident rates were calculated using several methods of classifying highways. A series of tables was prepared giving criteria that could be used to determine if specific locations have accident problems.

Periodic Nondestructive Evaluation Of In-Service Metal Bridges, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Metal bridges are subject to in-service fracture problems mainly caused by fatigue. This report considers the prevention of bridge failure by the performance of periodic nondestructive evaluations. Differences in visual and other nondestructive inspect ions are discussed. The use of preliminary inspection strategies for proper testing also is presented. The suitability of common types of nondestructive testing for bridge inspections also are included.

Thickness Design Procedure For Portland Cement Concrete Pavements, Herbert F. Southgate, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Past experience in Kentucky indicated that thickness designs using portland cement concrete best agreed with criterion used in the Portland Cement Association's design method for 2 or 3 million EAL's or less. For EAL's greater than 3 million, past experience best agreed with criterion developed from the AASHO Road Test.

Research reported herein indicates the two criteria become asymptotic at approximately 2.5 million EAL's. The merger of the criteria is presented, and the combined criterion is coupled with the principal of equal work as defined in classical physics to produce thickness design curves for portland cement concrete pavements. Research has …

Thickness Design Curves For Portland Cement Concrete Pavements, Herbert F. Southgate, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Past experience indicates that thickness designs using portland cement concrete best agree with criterion used in the Portland Cement Association's design method for 18-kip EAL of 2 to 3 million or less. For EALs greater than 2 to 3 million, past experience best agrees with criterion developed from the AASHO Road Test. Research herein indicates the two criterion become asymptotic to each other at approximately 2.5 million EAL. For a variation in thickness and elastic moduli in portland cement concrete, dense-graded aggregate, and sub grade elastic modulus, research indicates that a general conic equation (included herein) very closely duplicates the …

A Field And Laboratory Compaction Study Of A Mixture Of Retorted And Raw Oil Shale From The Means Project In Montgomery County, David L. Allen, Bobby W. Meade

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The oil shale retorting process will produce large volumes of spent shale and some raw oil shale that cannot he used in the retorting process. Consequently, it is anticipated that on-site disposal embankments will be constructed using these materials A report by Drnevich, et al. (1) has recommended that site-specific compaction studies be done at the start up of a mining and disposal operation. Holtz 12) has reported on a detailed study of the compaction characteristics of a western oil shale that had been retorted by the Paraho vertical retort process.

This study was performed to develop background data on …

Rutting, A Case Study (Us 23, 1.5 Miles North Of Louisa), James H. Havens, Gary W. Sharpe, David L. Allen, Herbert F. Southgate

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This case study of rutting in an asphaltic concrete pavement makes recourse to trenching full width and full depth to expose and observe the entire cross section of the structure. Rutting occurred in the vicinity of Station 59+00 on US 23, 1.5 miles north of Louisa, during August and September 1983 when traffic was diverted onto newly constructed northbound lanes (without final surface and shouldering) while excavation into the hillside was completed for the southbound lanes. Earth movers crossed the northbound lanes going to and from a waste area. Coal trucks (Figures 1 and 2) slowed, stopped, and crept where …

Performance Evaluation Of Experimental Paint-Stripe Beads, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Eight experimental bead types in addition to Kentucky's currently used bead were applied with standard striping equipment at a field test location. Reflectivity measurements using a portable retroreflectometer were conducted, along with visual observations, to rate each bead type. The objective was to determine whether any of the experimental beads was superior to the currently used bead, and if so, would they be economically feasible for widespread use. The differences in bead types involved gradation, refractive index, and surface coating. Based on performance and economic considerations, it was recommended that Kentucky change its bead gradation specifications to correspond to that …

Development Of Pavement Thickness Designs Using Pozzolanic Base Materials, Gary W. Sharpe, Herbert F. Southgate, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

With the escalating costs of materials and construction for highways and streets, many agencies chargedwith the repsonsibility of designing and constructing highwyas are utilizing by-product materials. One application of by-product materials has involved the use of stabilized aggregate bases where pozzolanic materials are used as a stabilizing agent.

The use of pozzolanic materials is not new. However, the use of pozzolanic materials is relatively new to Kentucky. This may be primarily attributed to the availability o an abundant supply of economical aggregate materials. However, as costs of production and processing of aggregate materials have increased, so has the feasibility of …

Survey Of Guardrail End Treatment Usage, Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Whenever a guardrail terminates within the "clear zone," a crashworthy end treatment is required. To be crashworthy, the end-treatment should not spear, vault, or roll a vehicle during a head-on impact while maintaining vehicle decelerations below recommended limits. As a means of determining types of end treatments currently used in various states and criteria to determine what type to use, a survey letter was sent to each state.

It was found that, generally, the preferred method to use to end roadside steel beam guardrail is to bury the end in a cut slope. When this is not feasible, either a …

Evaluation Of Asphaltic Pavements For Overlay Design, Robert C. Deen, Herbert F. Southgate, Gary W. Sharpe

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

To evaluate projects involving approximately 200 route-miles of interstate and primary pavements in Kentucky and Tennessee in relatively short time frames, it was decided to test, analyze, and design overlays using test equipment (Road Rater) and procedures developed by the University of Kentucky Transportation Research Program. This paper presents the analysis methodology and the evaluation and overlay designs for selected projects, including the before-and-after analysis of milling on one project.

The Road Rater applies a dynamic sinusoidal loading of known force and frequency. The velocity of the vibration waves are measured by sensors and integrated electronically to obtain surface deflections …

Concrete Barrier Geometrics (Us-41 Bridge In Henderson, Kentucky), Kentucky Transportation Research Program

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The bridge railing constructed on the approaches to the US-41 northbound bridge over the Ohio River at Henderson, Kentucky, is not in conformance with specifications The vertical face was constructed to be an average height of 4 3/4 inches above the pavement surface rather than the specified 3 inches. From the top of the vertical face, the barrier conformed to a standard New Jersey barrier. However, this meant the intersection between the two sloping surfaces was 14 1/2 inches rather than 13 inches above the pavement surface.

An analysis was conducted to ascertain whether the in-place barrier walls (bridge rail) …

Child Safety Seat Usage In Kentucky After Enactment Of A Mandatory Usage Law, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The 1982 Kentucky General Assembly enacted a law requiring use of child safety seats for children 40 inches or less in height. To evaluate the effectness of this law, usage surveys had to be completed before and after the law became effective. This study summarizes data collected one year after enactment of the law and compares this with ''before" data.

One year after enactment of the mandatory usage law the statewide child safety seat usage rate was 22.7 percent. This compared to 14.4 percent usage before the law and represents a statistically significant increase. Usage increased in 18 of the …

Problem Identification For Highway Safety Plan (Fy 1984), Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent, Tom Creasey

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

An annual highway safety program is proposed each year for the State of Kentucky in order to comply with Section 402, Title 23 of the United States Code. This program includes the identification, programming, budgeting, and evaluation of safety projects. This report is the fifth in a series of annual reports which have been included as the problem identification portion of Kentucky's Annual Highway Safety Plan.

In the past, the approach to problem identification has been to identify problem areas in the 18 highway safety program areas (standards). While the search for problems in each of these standard areas will …

Alcohol Impact Evaluation (Interim Report), 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 in Lexington-Fayette County, Kentucky. Three types of information were collected for the analysis; accident data, arrest and adjudication data, and personal opinion data obtained by means of a questionnaire survey. Accident data were collected for two years before the Traffic Alcohol Program (TAP) and one year during the program. A 25 percent sample of arrest and adjudication data was collected one year before and one year during TAP. The questionnaire was sent to 2,500 registered vehicle owners.

Results from before-and-after comparisons and time-series analysis show alchol …

Highway Skid Resistance, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The physics of friction and traction are reviewed. Hypotheses are presented. Use of a scanning electron microscope to detect and identify polishing aggregate is presented.

Size reduction (crushing) produces greater concentrations of sharp edges, reducing flat and plane surfaces not otherwise contributing to traction.

Surface permeability and drainage through macrotexture was evaluated by an air-percussive device. An air-efflux device was contrived for evaluating hydroplaning potential and for evaluating open-graded surface courses. In-filling has been observed where road debris is abundant.

Grippers and sharpness are needed for wet traction . Drainage is needed to lower hydroplaning potentials. Sand-sizes optimize the concentration …

Structural Design And Installation Criteria For Rigid And Flexible Conduit, Ronald D. Hughes

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Structural design criteria according to current AASHTO guidelines for pipe, pipe-arch, and arch culverts are presented. Fill-height tables, based upon fhose criteria, and proposed bedding details are included.

Low-Strength (Pozzolanic) Materials For Highway Construction, Gary W. Sharpe, Larry Epley, David L. Allen, Herbert F. Southgate, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

No abstract provided.

Crushed Rock Bases, James H. Havens, Gary W. Sharpe

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Prepared in cooperation with the US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration.

Gradations containing high, medium, and low percentages of fines were evaluated by laboratory tests and by behavioral responses in situ. Significant differences in strength parameters were not found. Differences in densities were not significant.

Identification Of Shales, Tommy C. Hopkins, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Engineering tests were performed on 40 different types of shales. Both hard and soft shales, as well as shales having histories of embankment failures and shales having little known involvements, were tested. The suitability of ten different slake-durability test procedures were evaluated as a means of broadly characterizing the engineering performance of Kentucky shales. Two procedures devised during the study appeared to better characterize slake-durability properties than procedures previously proposed. Natural water contents and jar slake tests were performed to determine if such tests might provide a fairly rapid means of identifying troublesome shales. The natural water content of a …

Geotechnical, Hydrologic, And Hydraulic Investigation Of Mill Creek Dam-Phase Ii, Tommy C. Hopkins, Ronald D. Hughes, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The general scope of this study, Phase II, was to assess the safety of Mill Creek Dam. Findings obtained from detailed geotechnical, hydraulic, and hydrological investigations are presented. The structural stability, as well as the hydrological and hydraulic stability, were investigated. Specifically, objectives of the study were as follows:

1. To determine the engineering characteristics of the clay core, shells, and random fill. 2. To evaluate the potential for piping. 3. To evaluate seepage conditions at the site. 4. To evaluate the structural stability of the earth and rockfill dam. 5. To evaluate erodability. 6. To assess geologic conditions at …