Engineering Commons^™

The Socioeconomic Impact Of The Mountain Parkway And Ky 15, Joseph T. Farmer

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A study of socioeconomic variables in a nine-county region in Eastern Kentucky was undertaken to determine whether significant growth had occurred since the opening of the Mountain Parkway and reconstruction of KY 15. It was hypothesized that these roads have acted as catalysts with available resources to promote a better quality of life.

Study revealed that, while income levels and business sales have enjoyed substantial increases, overall quality of life is still poor. Educational facilities are inadequate; economic diversification in business types is limited; coal is still the main stimulant for income and employment. However, outmigration of persons from the …

Evaluation Of Thermoplastic Pavement-Striping Materials (Louisville And Jefferson County), Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Approximately 1,406,100 linear feet (428,579 m) of hot-sprayed thermoplastic stripe was applied to roadways in Louisville and Jefferson County in the summer of 1973. Visual observations of appearance, durability, and night visibility were conducted according to ASTM D 713-69, the standard method for conducting road service tests on traffic paint. Attempts to conduct photometer measurements of the thermoplastic striping were unsuccessful. Visual observations made during rainy, nighttime conditions were also unsuccessful because very little difference was noticeable among the various sections.

The evaluation showed that the thermoplastic stripes performed considerably better on bituminous concrete pavements than on portland cement concrete …

Accidents On Rural, Two-Lane Roads And Their Relation To Pavement Friction [Apr. 1976], Rolands L. Rizenbergs, James L. Burchett, Larry A. Warren

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Friction measurements were made with a skid trailer at 40 mph (18 m/s) on 1460 miles (2350 km) of rural, two-lane roads (US routes) in Kentucky. Maintenance sections or subsections were treated as test sections. Accident experience, friction measurements, traffic volumes, and other available data were obtained for each. Various expressions of wet-pavement accidents and pavement friction were related and analyzed. Averaging methods were used in developing trends and minimizing scatter. A moving average for progressively-ordered sets of ten test sections and test sections grouped by Skid Numbers and Peak Slip Numbers yielded more definite results. The expression of accident …

The D-Cracking Phenomenon: A Case Study For Pavement Rehabilitation, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

No abstract provided.

Characteristics Of Traffic Streams On Rural, Multilane Highways, Jerry G. Pigman, Jesse G. Mayes

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The purpose of this study was to develop a data base and interrelationships for traffic characteristics on rural, multilane highways. Primary emphasis was placed on factors influencing lane distribution. Other characteristics investigated were vehicle speeds, vehicle classifications, volumes, time distributions of flow, and noise emitted by vehicle type and weight. Most analyses were based on traffic characteristics data collected in the summer of 1973. Analyses of 1968 and 1975 traffic characteristics data were compared with 1973 data for the purpose of investigating unusual trends over the various time periods. The 1968 and 1973 surveys produced similar results; however, some changes …

Guardrail Performance: An Analysis Of Accident Records, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Accident records involving guardrails were analyzed and summarized.

Guardrail-related accidents comprised a significant percentage of interstate and parkway accidents, particularly those resulting in fatalities. Guardrail involvement in accidents was much less on primary and secondary highways than on interstates and parkways.

The severity of guardrail-related accidents was higher than the average severity of all accidents. The severity of guardrail-related accidents was higher on the primary and secondary system than on the interstate and parkway system.

Guardrails have not been very successful in redirecting vehicles parallel to traffic. The largest number of severe injuries involved vehicles vaulting over the guardrail Increased …

A Soils Data System For Kentucky, Dwight Spradling

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report discusses the development of a computerized soils data system which facilitates collection, centralized storage, and retrieval of soils data developed by engineers and scientists for projects in Kentucky. Without such a system, much soils data are essentially lost after each project is completed. This system will provide data that can conveniently be used for developing preliminary sources of information for site investigation, for preparing regional soil maps, for land use planning, and for studying new and existing empirical relationships involving soil properties and characteristics.

Various types of data systems, the design of the system to include software and …

A High-Accident Spot-Improvement Program, Kenneth R. Agent, John A. Deacon, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

As a result of an extensive before-and-after accident study, the high-accident location, spot-improvement program in Kentucky, although not a costly program, was found to have significantly decreased the number of motor vehicle accidents. Favorable benefit-cost ratios indicated that the cost of the program has represented a good investment in comparison with the resultant savings in accident costs. The spot-improvement program had little effect on average accident severity as measured by a severity index. Detailed analysis of available accident data showed that, for studies of the type reported, the 12-month period immediately prior to the date of identification of a high-accident …

A Computer Graphics Analysis Of A Freeway Merge Control System, Thomas Alan Risher

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

In 1975, C.S. Bauer completed a doctoral dissertation at the University of Florida which treated the Green Band Merging Control System on I-75 in Tampa, Florida. In this work, Bauer suggested the possibility for the use of computer graphics as a toll for analysis of the bands generated by the Green Band Control System Simulation developed in his dissertation. The use of computer generated movies of the bands displayed to ramp drivers by the system allows the comparison of various band control strategies without the need for field implementation and testing. With the goal of producing such films in mind, …

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

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objectives of this phase of the overall "Roadway Delineation" study were to evaluate the luminosity and durability of several types of glass beads and one type of plastic bead used with paint stripes and to determine their effectiveness during rainy, nighttime conditions. Eleven types of beads were evaluated. They were applied at rates approximating 4, 5, and 6 pounds per gallon (479, 599, and 719 kg/m3). Photometer and visual observations extended to about 9 months after application of test stripes.

Pedestrian Accidents In Kentucky, Charles V. Zegeer, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Pedestrian accident data in Kentucky were analyzed for 1972 and 1973 on a rural, urban, and statewide basis. Results showed that about 1500 pedestrian accidents occur in Kentucky each year. About 30 percent of the pedestrian accidents in rural areas and four percent in urban areas are fatal. Although about 78 percent of Kentucky's pedestrian accidents occur in urban areas, over 62 percent of the pedestrian fatalities occur in rural areas. Specific characteristics of pedestrian accidents were identified and related to human, environmental, and time factors. Highway and street improvements and safety measures generally considered to be effective in minimizing …

Identification Of Hazardous Locations On City Streets, Charles V. Zegeer

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The purpose of this study was to develop an effective method for identifying hazardous locations in Kentucky cities (over 2,500 population). Methods used in 45 other states were reviewed. Accident information for 69 of the 97 cities over 2,500 population was used to develop criteria for an identification method.

A Number Method was selected for initial identification of midblocks and intersections on arterial-collector streets and on urban freeways. Rate-Quality Control Methods were included in the form of a critical rate factor computed for each location. A set of critical rate curves was constructed for easy determination of critical locations. A …

A Guide To Preparing Research Reports And Technical Talks, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This manual has been prepared to provide guidance to writers of technical reports which are to be issued by the Division of Research, Kentucky Bureau of Highways. Concepts of technical report writing are presented. Specific instructions concerning the preparation and submission of reports for review are also presented. Appendices included provide rules for grammar, punctuation, etc. which cause engineer-writers particular problems.

Effects Of Water On Slope Stability, Tommy C. Hopkins, David L. Allen, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A brief state-of-the-art review of the effects of water on slope stability and the techniques for analysis is presented. The effective stress principle and basic considerations of slope stability, including design factors of safety, are discussed briefly. The derivations and effects of seepage forces and rapid drawdown on effective stress are also presented. Various conditions of external loading produce changes in effective stress. These changes are discussed and limiting conditions which should be analyzed are mentioned.

Limitations of total stress analyses are discussed in detail. It appears that, for soils having a liquidity index of 0.36 or greater (normally consolidated), …

Transverse, Pavement Markings For Speed Control And Accident Reduction, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Transverse pavement markings were placed ahead of a sharp curve having a high-accident history. Speed and accident studies were conducted before and after. The markings were placed so that drivers otherwise failing to reduce speeds while approaching the curve would see transverse lines on the pavement at an increasing rate. The spacing of lines was intended to create an illusion of acceleration which would cause the driver to slow. The results indicated that pavement markings can be an effective speed-control measure and reduce accidents. At the single site studied, the obedience of drivers to this type of hazard warning was …

Loads On Box Culverts Under High Embankments: Positive Projection, Without Imperfect Trench, Rick L. Russ

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report describes the instrumentation and measurements of settlements and pressures on two box culverts in Clark County, Kentucky, designed without the imperfect trench -- one for yielding and one for unyielding foundation conditions. The structures were primarily instrumented for comparison with three structures previously constructed in McCreary County, which were designed using the imperfect trench method. Pressures on the two structures in Clark County generally exceed the product of the unit weight of the overlying material and its height. The pressures on the culverts in McCreary County appear to be lower than expected -- indicating that the imperfect trench …

First-Year Effects Of The Energy Crisis On Traffic In Kentucky (Rural Highways), Kenneth R. Agent, Donald R. Herd, Rolands L. Rizenbergs

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Arab oil embargo in mid-October 1973 curtailed availability of gasoline. Fuel conservation measures resulted in reduced travel and decreased traffic speeds. On March 1, 1974, posted speed was set at 55 mph (88 km/h) on rural highways in Kentucky. Traffic volumes, speeds, and accidents for the rural highway during the period known as the "energy crisis" and its after effects were compared to the corresponding period a year earlier.

Traffic volumes began to decline in December 1973 and continued through September 1974. Total travel in the 12 months through November 1974 decreased by 2.3 percent; traffic increased by five …

The Effectiveness Of School Signs With Flashing Beacons In Reducing Vehicle Speeds, Charles V. Zegeer

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A detailed study of signs with flashers in school zones was conducted to determine their effectiveness in reducing the speeds of vehicles during times of pedestrian activity. Field investigations were conducted at all of the 120 flasher locations in Highway Districts 6, 7, and 9. About 14 percent of the flashers were inoperative. Such problems as non-uniform signing, hidden flashers, deteriorating signs and pavement markings, and poor sight distances were also found.

Speed studies were conducted at 48 locations. Average speed reductions were only 3.6 mph (1.6 m/s) during flashing periods. Signs and flashers at high-speed (55-mph (25-m/s)) locations increased …

Accidents Associated With Highway Bridges, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study was to identify those principal features of bridges which may be related to accident frequency and severity and to provide some further insights toward highway safety. Accident data from interstate and parkway (toll) routes and from primary and secondary systems were compiled and summarized. The major findings were:

1. Bridge-related accidents, particularly involving severe accidents, were significant percentages of the total accident experience on interstates and parkways.
2. There were fewer bridges per mile on the primary and secondary highway system and a lower percentage of bridge related accidents than on interstates and parkways.
3. The severity of …

First-Year Effects Of The Energy Crisis On Traffic In Kentucky (Rural Highways) [May 1975], Kenneth R. Agent, Donald R. Herd, Rolands L. Rizenbergs

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Arab oil embargo in mid-October 1973 curtailed availability of gasoline. Fuel conservation measures resulted in reduced travel and decreased traffic speeds. On March 1, 1974, posted speed was set at 55 mph (24.6 m/s) on rural highways in Kentucky. Traffic volumes, speeds, and accidents for the rural highway during the period known as the "energy crisis" and its after effects were compared to the corresponding period a year earlier.

Traffic volumes began to decline in December 1973 and continued through September 1974. Total travel in the 12 months through November 1974 decreased by 2.3 percent; traffic increased by five …

Discussion Of M.W. Witczak's A Comparison Of Layered Theory Design Approaches To Observed Asphalt Airfield Pavement Performance, Herbert F. Southgate, Robert C. Deen, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of Raised Pavement Markers, Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent, Rolands L. Rizenbergs

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the operational applicability of raised pavement markers and to determine their effectiveness with respect to brightness and durability. Seven different types of markers were evaluated. The primary application of markers in this study was as a supplement to lane lines. They were also used as a traffic control measure at lane drops, as delineation for hazardous curves, and as directional arrows.

Luminosity and durability were monitored for approximately one year. It was found that raised pavement markers can be a very effective method of roadway delineation. Markers evaluated had varying levels of …

Coding Urban Accident Locations, Donald R. Herd

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study reviews urban traffic accident location reference methods. Consideration is given to techniques used in other states and various cities. The needs for the Commonwealth of Kentucky were examined and a recommended location reference method and coding scheme are presented.

At-Grade Intersections Versus Grade-Separated Interchanges (An Economic Analysis Of Several Bypasses), Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In an effort to reduce traffic in central business districts, bypasses have been built to provide through traffic a circumferential route and also to ease the burden of traffic in downtown areas. In many cases, though, bypasses have created a serious accident potential because they were built with at-grade intersections and no access control. This has led to commercial developments along the bypass and congestion at major intersections. When congestion increases at an intersection, traffic signals must be installed; this increases vehicle operating and time costs and creates a rear-end collision potential. In some cases, the bypass circumvents a relatively …

Engineering Data System For Bedrock Occurrences And Properties, D. J. Hagerty, Robert C. Deen, M. W. Palmer, C. D. Tockstein

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The initial work plan included the development of a classification system based on index tests. An investigation of previous works in classification of rock on the basis of index tests showed that a variety of classification systems utilizing many different index tests had been developed. However, this survey showed that no generally applicable system had been developed and that little communication had been established between field investigators, facility designers, and those in charge of construction and maintenance of facilities. Therefore, the initial plan for work was modified to include the development of a comprehensive methodology for evaluation of rock. The …

Pedestrian Accidents In Kentucky: 1972-1973, Charles V. Zegeer

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Pedestrian accident data in Kentucky were analyzed for 1972 and 1973 on a rural, urban, and statewide basis. Results showed that about 1500 pedestrian accidents occur in Kentucky each year and cost over $11 million. About 30 percent of pedestrian accidents in rural areas and 4 percent in urban areas are fatal. Although about 78 percent of Kentucky's pedestrian accidents occur in urban areas, over 62 percent of the pedestrian fatalities occur in rural areas.

Specific characteristics of pedestrian accidents were identified and related to human, environmental, and time factors. Highway and street improvements and safety programs generally considered to …

Vehicle Noise Survey In Kentucky, Kenneth R. Agent, Rolands L. Rizenbergs

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Individual noise measurements were obtained on 10,500 motor vehicles operating on Kentucky highways. The roadways were selected to represent varied geometric and environmental conditions and posted speed limits. Percentages of automobiles and trucks exceeding a given level of noise were determined. As expected, noise levels of trucks were significantly higher than for automobiles, and larger trucks produced higher noise levels than smaller trucks. For any vehicle type, noise increased with an increase in speed limit.

Temperature Distributions In Asphaltic Concrete Pavements, Herbert F. Southgate, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The straight-line relationship between temperatures at a given depth and the surface temperatures combined with 5-day average air temperatures appears to be as valid for upper New York state and Arizona as for Maryland. The main differences were in the annual ranges and annual mean temperatures. The concept for estimating pavement temperature distributions appears to be valid and may be used with confidence for estimating pavement temperatures at all latitudes and longitudes.

Effect Of Pavement Texture On Traffic Noise, Kenneth R. Agent, Charles V. Zegeer

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Tire noise is one of the primary sources of highway noise, particularly at high speeds. Different types of road surfaces generate different noise levels. Noise data were collected on eight different surface types found in Kentucky. Noise measurements were made using a reference car, and noise recordings were obtained from the traffic stream. A reference truck was used for one test. It was found that portland cement concrete; Class I, Type A and A(Modified) bituminous concrete; chip seals; and open-graded, plant-mix seals were more or less "normal" surfaces in regard to generated noise. Sand-asphalt and Kentucky rock asphalt surfaces were …

Data Acquisition And Management For Rock Evaluation, M. W. Palmer

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The primary goal of this thesis was the formulation of an integrated effort to collect, maintain, exchange, and evaluate engineering data on rock materials from a variety of information sources. The proposed rock evaluation program provides a data base of accumulated information by establishing procedures for characterizing rock, from specimen acquisition through indexing, classification and correlation studies of data, and the application of data for site selection, use tables, establishment of design parameters and alternatives, and maintenance of engineered facilities. The co-ordinated evaluation system detailed herein provides guidelines for implementation of an extensive system of data storage and retrieval to …