Engineering Commons^™

Truck Route Access Evaluation: Hopkinsville Industrial Park, Off Us 41 South Of Hopkinsville, Site #41, Kenneth R. Agent, Brian Aldridge, Lisa Aultman-Hall, David Cain, Nicole Lefever, Nikiforos Stamatiadis, Joel M. Weber

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Freight Movement and Intermodal Access in Kentucky Study (SPR 98-189) is being conducted on behalf of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC). There are two major objectives of the study: evaluation of the access for trucks between intermodal or other truck generating sites and the National Highway System (NHS); and furthering the understanding of freight commodity flows throughout the state. This report summarizes the access evaluation for one cluster of facilities located in Christian County in the Pennyrile Area Development District (ADD) and KYTC Highway District# 2. The location of the site is shown in Figure I. Work on other …

1998 Safety Belt Usage Survey And Evaluation Of Effectiveness In Kentucky, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study was to establish 1998 safety belt and child safety seat usage rates in Kentucky. The 1998 survey documents the continuing results from enacting a statewide mandatory safety belt law in 1994. Data were collected at 100 sites and combined based on vehicle miles travelled for a given type of highway, rural or urban location, and county population category. Also included in the report is an analysis of accident records evaluating the effectiveness of safety belts.

The data show that the usage rate has stabilized at a level slightly below the high value which occurred in …

Truck Route Access Evaluation: Paradise Power Plant, Muhlenberg County, Site #1113, Kenneth R. Agent, Brian Aldridge, Lisa Aultman-Hall, David Cain, Nicole Lefever, Nikiforos Stamatiadis, Joel M. Weber

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Freight Movement and Intermodal Access in Kentucky Study (SPR 98-189) is being conducted on behalf of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC). There are two major objectives of the study: evaluation of the access for trucks between intermodal or other truck generating sites and the National Highway System (NHS); and furthering the understanding of freight commodity flows throughout the state. This report summarizes the access evaluation for The Paradise Power Plant facility located in Muhlenberg County in the Pennyrile Area Development District (ADD) and KYTC Highway District # 2. The location of the site is shown in Figure 1. Work …

Response Of Runoff Diazinon Concentration To Formulation And Post-Application Irrigation, Joshua R. Evans, Dwayne R. Edwards, Stephen R. Workman, R. Michael Williams

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Pesticides used in urban environments can be transported in runoff to downstream waters and cause adverse environmental consequences. This experiment assessed the effects of post-application irrigation depth (0, 6.4, and 12.7 mm) and formulation (liquid and granular) on concentration and transport of diazinon (a pesticide commonly used for lawn insect control) in runoff from “tall” fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) plots. The post-application irrigation was applied using rainfall simulators immediately following diazinon application. The rainfall simulators were again used approximately 2 h after diazinon application to apply the equivalent of a heavy rainfall (64 mm/h for approximately 1.5 h) to generate …

Radiation Modulator System, M. Pinar Mengüç, Bruce L. Walcott, Stephen R. Swabb, Michael A. Marra Iii

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Patents

A radiation modulator system and related method for actively controlling a flame in a combustion system are provided. The system includes a plurality of radiation modulators positioned adjacent the flame. A sensor arrangement is provided for sensing combustion characteristics of the flame and generating a sensor signal representative of the combustion characteristics. The sensor signal is received in a computer which then generates a control signal for transmission to a linkage arrangement which provides for the repositioning of the radiation modulators. Thus, the flame is actively controlled by continually repositioning the modulators in response to the sensor signal and the …

Field Performance Report On 1219 Mm Hdpe Pipe On Us 127, Owen County, L. John Fleckenstein, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report documents the installation and performance of a 1219 mm (48-inch) corrugated smooth lined polyethylene (HDPE) pipe installed during reconstruction of US 127 in Owen County. The pipe installed was manufactured by Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc., and is designated as ADS N-12. pipe.

The culvert was installed in a 6-meter (20-foot) high embankment. The culvert pipe was installed in two sequences. The first half of the structure was bedded and backfilled with No. 8 stone and the second half of the structure was bedded and backfilled with pipe sand (crushed limestone).

The pipe appears to be performing well. The …

Experimental Analysis And Analytical Modeling Of Bridges With And Without Diaphragms, James J. Griffin, Issam E. Harik, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Two prestressed concrete (P/C) I-girder bridges along the coal haul route system of Southeastern Kentucky were constructed with a 50 degree skew angle. One of the bridges has concrete intermediate diaphragms, while the other bridge has no intermediate diaphragms. Bridges of similar design along coal haul routes have experienced unusual concrete spalling at the interface of the diaphragms and the bottom flange of the girders. The purpose of this report is to identify the cause of the damage, and to evaluate the effectiveness of intermediate diaphragms.

Experimental static and dynamic field testing was conducted on both bridges. All field tests …

A Methodology For Evaluating Large Truck Access To Intermodal And Other Facilities, Lisa Aultman-Hall, Michael Hill, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In a recent project for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), researchers were tasked with developing a method to objectively evaluate the access for large trucks between intermodal or other truck traffic generating sites and the National Highway System (NHS). The routes evaluated were the actual roadway segments used by large volumes of trucks traveling between the intermodal or other facilities and the NHS. This choice to evaluate specific heavily used roadway segments, as opposed to evaluating an entire highway or roadway corridor was based on the recommendation of the state-wide Intermodal Advisory Panel which advised the Cabinet on intermodal issues. …

Comparison Of Observed And Simulated Grow-Finish Swine Performance Under Summer Conditions, Larry W. Turner, Thomas C. Bridges, Richard D. Coffey, Richard S. Gates, Gary R. Parker, Tami M. Brown-Brandl, Douglas G. Overhults

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

As a part of a National Pork Producers Council educational program, our research and extension team at the University of Kentucky was linked with an independent commercial swine producer to test the NCPIG model against observed commercial on-farm data. This experience provided improved information for model development as well as increased producer insight into the data input needs and potential benefits of modeling. Detailed production information comparisons between the NCPIG model and producer data are presented for summer time conditions to assess the validity of the NCPIG model for simulation of grow-finish swine performance. Results demonstrated that the NCPIG model …

Quality Of Runoff From Plots Treated With Municipal Sludge And Horse Bedding, Elizabeth L. Busheé, Dwayne R. Edwards, Philip A. Moore Jr.

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Land application of horse stall bedding and municipal sludge can increase runoff concentrations of nutrients, organic matter, and bacteria as well as steroidal hormones such as estrogen. Concentrations of materials in runoff from sites treated with animal manure can be reduced by aluminum sulfate, or alum [Al₂(SO₄)₃•14H₂O] treatment. The objectives of this study were to assess plots treated with horse stall bedding or municipal sludge for: (a) runoff quality [concentrations of nitrate nitrogen (NO₃-N), ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N), orthophosphate-phosphorus (PO₄-P), fecal coliform (FC), chemical oxygen demand (COD) …

Evaluation Of Condition-Responsive Work Zone Traffic Controls At The I-75 Clays Ferry Bridge, Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent, Joel Weber

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study was to document the effectiveness of the application of advanced technologies for the real-time control and management of traffic in the work zone at the I 75 Clays Ferry Bridge reconstruction project. A description is given for each of the condition-responsive traffic control devices used on the project. A summary of the usage of each system is given along with a rating of its performance and effectiveness. The evaluation includes an analysis of accident data in the vicinity of the Clays Ferry Bridge for the period of January 1990 through June 1997. The possibility of …

Evaluation Of Kentucky's Driver License Point System, Kenneth R. Agent, Nick Stamatiadis, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objectives of this study were to: a) summarize the characteristics of drivers in Kentucky involved in traffic crashes and b) evaluate and recommend improvements to Kentucky's driver license point system. Comparisons of driving record were made by driver age and sex. The relationship between violations and traffic crashes was analyzed. The change in driving record after various interventions was investigated. Based on a review of the point systems used in other states and the analysis of the driver's license file, a revised point system was recommended for use in Kentucky.

Method And Apparatus For Triboelectric-Centrifugal Separation, John M. Stencel, John L. Schaefer, Heng Ban, Dennis Finseth

Center for Applied Energy Research Faculty Patents

A method for separating two species of particles present in raw feedstock includes electrically charging at least one of the species of particles being separated. Next is the subjecting of the particles to both centrifugal and electrostatic forces. This is done in a manner so as to provide an additive effect and thereby achieve enhanced separation of the two particle species. An apparatus for processing the raw feedstock in accordance with the method is also disclosed.

Diffuse Reflectance Changes During The Culture Of Cottage Cheese, Frederick Alan Payne, R. Carol Freels, Sue E. Nokes, Richard S. Gates

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

A sensor for measuring diffuse reflectance of milk during the typical 6-h culture of cottage cheese was installed in a local manufacturing facility. Diffuse reflectance was found to increase slowly during the first three hours of the culture and increase rapidly toward the end of fermentation. The correlation between parameters generated from the diffuse reflectance profile and cutting time was sufficient to develop an algorithm for cutting time prediction. An algorithm incorporating t_max (time from adding culture to the maximum rate of change in reflectance) and slope of the reflectance curve at t_max predicted the operator selected cutting …

Intelligent Transportation Systems Strategic Plan (Phase I Report), Joseph D. Crabtree, Ted H. Grossardt, Donald G. Hartman, Jerry G. Pigman, Jennifer R. Walton, Joel M. Weber, Study Advisory Committee

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This interim report on an Intelligent Transportation Systems Strategic (ITS) Plan has been developed as documentation of the process of offering a vision for ITS and recommending an outline for organizational structure, infrastructure, and long-term planning for ITS in Kentucky. This plan provides an overview of the broad scope of ITS and relationships between various Intelligent Vehicle Highway Systems (IVHS) functional areas and ITS user service areas. Three of the functional areas of ITS have been addressed in this interim report with sections devoted to mission, vision, goals, and potential technology applications. Within each of the three areas, recommendations have …

Seismic Isolation Of A Highly Skewed, Prestressed Concrete Girder Bridge, Bradley Neil Robson, Issam E. Harik, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A relatively new approach for designing or retrofitting highway bridges in seismic zones involves isolating the superstructure from the substructure. Through experimental and analytical investigations, this study evaluates the effectiveness of isolating one particular bridge: a highly skewed, prestressed concrete, slab-on-girder bridge. Dynamic testing of the bridge was performed using the pullback, quick-release method. A three dimensional finite element model of the bridge was created. It was refined, or calibrated, to match experimentally determined natural frequencies and mode shapes. Time-history analyzes, using site-specific acceleration records, were conducted for the seismically isolated bridge model and an identical, non-isolated bridge model.

For …

Multidirectional Ecg Coherent Optimal Timing Of Defibrillation Shocks, Abhijit R. Patwardhan, Fabio M. Leonelli

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Patents

A method for of delivering a defibrillation shock to a heart at an optimal time to stop ventricular fibrillation which involves obtaining an electrocardiogram of a heart in at least two directions, determining a time-coherency of the electrocardiogram based upon each of the at least two directions, and computing a tracking function from the time-coherency. An optimal time to apply a defibrillation shock to the heart is determined by locating a local maximum on the tracking function. The method utilizes spacia characteristics of the ventricular fibrillation. The method can be incorporated into implantable cardioverter defibrillators utilizing existing hardware technology.

Evaluation Of Corrugated Steel Pipe Culverts On Ky 61, Cumberland County, L. John Fleckenstein, David L. Allen, Brad W. Rister

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In February of 1998, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet requested that the Kentucky Transportation Center investigate three corrugated metal pipe culverts on the relocation project of KY 61. The pipes were installed in June and July of 1997. The embankments over the three pipes were completed In October of 1997. Based on the information that was gathered, it appears that the pipes were manufactured according to specifications. The gage of the pipe is on the lower end of acceptance. The pipes appear to have been well aligned and properly bedded. Some of the dents and buckles in the pipe may have …

A Report On County Road Program Finance, Patsy Anderson, Kris Koehler

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report reflects the findings of a study of county road finance in Kentucky. Statistics contained in the report were derived from financial statements submitted by the counties to the Kentucky Department of Local Government.

Investigation And Analysis Of Heavy Truck Accidents, Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objectives of this study were to investigate and analyze traffic accidents involving trucks and to study the relationship between heavy loads and truck braking efficiency. Field tests were made to determine the effect of increased loads on the ability of a truck to brake to a stop and determine if the trucks could meet the requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. The test combination truck with a gross weight of up to 151,180 was able to meet both braking distance and maximum G requirements. The test single-unit truck failed to meet requirements only at the maximum weight …

Performance Evaluation Of Recycled Pcc Pavement Used As A Crushed Stone Base And Dense Grade Aggregate, Mike Shull, David L. Allen, L. John Fleckenstein, Clark Graves, David Q. Hunsucker

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Kentucky Highway Investigative Task No. 24, "Recycled Concrete Pavement", (SSP-059-7965) involved the use of Recycled/Crushed Portland Cement Concrete (RPCC) for use as Crushed Stone Base (CSB) on the Thomas More Parkway in Kenton County, Kentucky. The Parkway, which connects Dudley Road to South Loop Road in front of the Thomas More College campus, was the first roadway to be built in Kentucky using recycled Portland Cement Concrete for crushed stone base. The Kentucky Transportation Center was requested to evaluate the material's performance versus the normal limestone CSB and make appropriate recommendations. Both field and laboratory testing were required, along with …

Evaluations Of Wall Structures In Kentucky (Kyspr-85-107), L. John Fleckenstein, Brad W. Rister, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Approximately 209 retaining wall structures were visually evaluated under this study for long-term performance. The inspection included concrete crib, single-barrel and double-barrel culvert wing, metal bin, Gabion, rigid concrete, Keystone block, tiedback, mechanically stabilized earth (M.S.E.), Tech Wall, and sound walls. Significant structural distress was observed in several of the wall systems. This report discusses the performance of each wall system and makes recommendations on the future use of these systems.

Survey And Visual Inspection Of Keystone Block Wall And Embankment Slide At Mist Lake Plaza In Lexington, Kentucky, L. John Fleckenstein, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Kentucky Transportation Center was requested by Bhate Engineering Corporation and A.B. Shopping Center Properties, Inc. to evaluate and monitor apparent movement in the Keystone Block retaining structure and the earth embankment located next to the Walmart Department Store at Mist Lake Plaza in Lexington, Kentucky. In June 1997, a report (KTC-97-11) was submitted which summarized work that had been conducted prior to June of 1997. The initial report included results of the inspection of the surface drainage, inspection of subsurface storm water drainage, inspection of the embankment, and inspection and photo-logging of visible wall distress. In June 1997, several …

Use Of Hydrated Lime Byproduct For Stabilization Of Subgrade Soils, Tony L. Beckham, Tommy C. Hopkins

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In January 1998, Minteck Resources requested that the Kentucky Transportation Center at the University of Kentucky perform a feasibility study to determine if a hydrated lime byproduct produced at the Carbide/Graphite facility in Calvet City, Kentucky can be used as a substitute for hydrated lime as a soil subgrade stabilizing agent. According to personnel of Carbide/Graphite Group, Incorporated, the byproduct contains a high percentage of hydrated lime.

Manipulation Of High Spatial Resolution Aircraft Remote Sensing Data For Use In Site-Specific Farming, Gabriel B. Senay, Andrew D. Ward, John G. Lyon, Norman R. Fausey, Sue E. Nokes

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Three spatial data sets consisting of high spatial resolution (1 m) remote sensing images acquired in 12 spectral bands, an on-the-go yield map, and a Digital Elevation Model were co-registered and evaluated for spatial variability studies in a Geographic Information Systems environment. Separate on-the-go yield maps were developed for 3, 5, and 12 statistically significant mean yield classes. For each yield class, the corresponding mean spectral and elevation data were extracted. The relationship between mean spectral and yield data was strongly linear (r = 0.99). Also, a strong linear relationship between mean yield and elevation data (r = 0.92) was …

Method For Reducing The Generation Of Wear Particulates From An Implant, David A. Pienkowski, Kwon-Yong Lee

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Patents

A method is provided for reducing the amount of wear particulates generated by a total joint orthopaedic implant. The implant consists of two matched articulating components wherein at least one of the components is made of polymer or other material with similar physical properties. The method includes the steps of placing the total joint orthopaedic implant in a fluid bath and articulating the implant in the fluid bath for at least 1,000 cycles. The articulation may be performed in three stages. In the first, the implant is articulated under a load of substantially 0.1-500 Newtons with sliding speeds of substantially …

Effect Of Parameter Distributions On Uncertainty Analysis Of Hydrologic Models, C. Thomas Haan, Daniel E. Storm, T. Al-Issa, Sandeep Prabhu, George J. Sabbagh, Dwayne R. Edwards

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Increasing concern about the accuracy of hydrologic and water quality models has prompted interest in procedures for evaluating the uncertainty associated with these models. If a Monte Carlo simulation is used in an uncertainty analysis, assumptions must be made relative to the probability distributions to assign to the model input parameters. Some have indicated that since these parameters can not be readily determined, uncertainty analysis is of limited value. In this article we have evaluated the impact of parameter distribution assumptions on estimates of model output uncertainty. We conclude that good estimates of the means and variances of the input …

Validating A Vegetative Filter Strip Performance Model, Puneet Srivastava, Thomas A. Costello, Dwayne R. Edwards, James A. Ferguson

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Vegetative filter strips (VFS) reduce losses of nutrients, solids, and other materials from land area treated with fertilizers and manures. A number of models are available that simulate nutrient and sediment transport in VFS. While VFS effectiveness is considered to depend on lengths of pollutant source area and VFS areas, few published studies have tried to validate these models using variable pollutant source area and VFS area. The objective of this study was to validate an event-based nutrient transport model (Chaubey et al., 1995) that simulates soluble nutrient transport in VFS. This model links three sub-models: modified Green-Ampt infiltration, non-linear …

Rops Retro-Fit Fact Sheet, Larry R. Piercy

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

ROPS were first introduced commercially in 1966.

ROPS first became available for most new tractors in the late 60's or early 70's.

ROPS became standard equipment on most new tractors manufactured after 1985.

Cost Comparisons For Burley Tobacco Housing And Curing Facilities And Methods, College Of Agriculture, University Of Kentucky

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

With the several options now available for housing and curing burley (conventional tobacco barn types, cable-hoist system and field curing structures), producers often ask and need to know comparative costs of the various options. Barns have a higher initial cost, long life and assessable value to the farm. The one-tier field structures initially cost about one-third that of a barn per acre of capacity and have labor savings and periodic plastic replacement cost. Low-cost cantilever type field curing structures and frames are even lower in cost and reduce labor but have annual plastic replacement costs and some higher weather risks. …