Engineering Commons^™

1985 Safety Belt And Child Safety Seat Usage Rates In Kentucky And Evaluation Of A Public Information Campaign, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Two objectives of the survey are summarized in this report. One was to establish 1985 safety belt and child safety seat usage rates in Kentucky and compare those to 1982, 1983, and 1984 rates. The other was to evaluate the effectiveness of public information campaigns as a means of increasing safety belt and safety seat usage rates.

Statewide usage rates in the 19 cities previously surveyed in 1982, 1983, and 1984 indicated that driver safety belt usage had increased to 9.2 percent in 1985 while the child safety seat and belt usage rate of 29.1 percent remained at the 1984 …

Traffic Trends And Their Relationship To Highway-Use Revenues, Jerry G. Pigman, Manouchehr Vaziri

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

With increasing concerns about the present level of highway funding, this study was initiated to investigate historical trends and to develop predictive methodologies for considering alternatives available for increasing highway revenues. Emphasis was placed on historical trends, and a data base of highway-related and socio-economic variables were prepared to document the relationship between these variables and highway-user revenues. A historical file of 37 variables was prepared for the period 1964 through 1984.

As a means of investigating future alternatives that will affect highway-user revenues, a series of nine equations or models were developed that represented historical data. Input data necessary …

Guidelines For The Use Of Protected/Permissive Left-Turn Phasing, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study was to develop guidelines that may be used to aid the traffic engineer in deciding whether protected/permissive (permissive) phasing is appropriate to use at a given location. An inventory identified 58 intersections in Kentucky where permissive phasing was used. Characteristics of these intersections were related to accident data to determine the effect permissive phasing has had on p.eft-turn and total accidents.

Left-turn accidents increased dramatically when permissive phasing replaced protected-only (exclusive) phasing and when it was used at approaches where the speed limit was over 45 mph. There were no substantial changes in left-turn and …

Biomass Gasifier Combustor, Frederick A. Payne

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Patents

The present invention is directed to a biomass gasifier combustor which operates by gasification and combustion of the biomass to produce a clean effluent gas which can be used directly for grain drying or other applications where thermal energy is required. The biomass gasifier combustor burns crop residue clean enough so that the combustion gases can be used directly for grain drying without the need for a heat exchanger to isolate the combustion gases from the drying air. The biomass gasifier combustor includes a screw feeder tube having a screw feeder disposed therein. The screw feeder forces the biomass into …

Problem Identification For Highway Safety Plan, Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent

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 sixth in a series of annual reports which have been prepared 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 …

Storage Of Burley Tobacco In Bales And Bundles, Linus R. Walton, M. E. Casada, Joseph L. Taraba, James H. Casada, W. H. Henson Jr., Larry D. Swetnam

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Bales and bundles of burley tobacco were stored for seven months from spring to fall. Leaves darkened during storage at all moisture levels and stalk positions with the exception of the bottom stalk position, which darkened only slightly. There was no difference in color change and dry weight loss between burley tobacco in bales and bundles. Normal and high moisture bales and bundles were often graded as unsound because of a deviant odor caused by bacterial activity. A bale weight loss of about 8% occurred at normal moisture with the loss being divided evenly between moisture and dry weight losse.

Sampling Techniques For The Collection Of Vehicle Classification Data, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The question of what length of time is necessary to collect statistically reliable vehicle classification data is an important issue when manpower is limited. Varying local conditions may necessitate more classification data be collected at some locations than others. The use of short-term counts could produce significant savings. Supplementing manual counts with automatic classification equipment could reduce data collection costs and improve accuracy.

The objectives of this study were to review literature to determine the capabilities of automatic classification equipment and to analyze toll road data in Kentucky to determine if short time periods may be used to represent the …

Summary Report Of Ranking Methodologies, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Participants in the ranking methodologies workshops were a good representation of those various actors (types of agencies or organizations) in the pavement management process. There were nineteen participants, nine of whom were from the United States, six from Canada, and four from European countries. Of the nineteen, eight represented state or provincial governmental units, three represented municipalities, four were employees of national highway agencies, and another four were either consultants or representatives of universities. Unfortunately, however, all participants represented the technical levels involved in pavement ranking. No one was present to provide the viewpoint of the ultimate decision makers -- …

Effects Of Load Distributions And Axle And Tire Configurations On Pavement Fatigue, Herbert F. Southgate, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Damage factor relationships for axle and tire configurations are presented. Adjustment factors are provided to account for variations in load distributions within axle groups, distances between axles of a tandem, and variations in tire pressure for both dual and flotation tire configurations.

Properly accounting for accumulated fatigue of a pavement requires an accurate Measure of traffic volume, proportions of vehicle styles (classifications) within the traffic stream, dates of service, estimate of the average damage factor for each classification, and estimate of the tire contact pressure. Weigh-in-motion equipment in its current form provides all of the above ingredients except for the …

Feasibility Of Computerization Of The Bid Item Section Of Bid Proposals, Jesse G. Mayes, Mark Isenhour

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The feasibility of computerizing the bid item listing in bid proposals has been studied. As a result, a system of computer programsfor the IBM PC microcomputer has been written and submitted to the Division of Contract Procurement, Kentucky Department of Highways, for implementation. This software is menu driven and provides the capability of building and maintaining a bid item code file and interactively building a bid sheet file for producing blank bid sheets as well as a bid estimate. Additionally, a restricted version of this program has been provided to allow the contractor to produce a computerized bid proposal.

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

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

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

After calibration of the STAMINA 2.0 model, noise measurements were conducted at 39 receiver locations during off-peak and peak traffic conditions. The noise barrier reduced the noise level reaching …

Method And Apparatus For Harvesting Tobacco, George A. Duncan

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Patents

A support beam is formed of two wooden members held in spaced relation to each other by spaced blocks to provide openings to receive tobacco sticks with tobacco stalks thereon. Each end of the support beam has a longitudinal slot extending therethrough to enable a cable, which is attached to a rafter in the upper end of the barn, to extend therethrough. The lower end of each cable has a loop for attachment to a drum of a hoist mechanism, which has a portion bearing against the bottom surface of the support beam. The support beam has a depending projection …

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.

Equilibrium Moisture Properties Of Corn Cobs, G. M. White, Thomas C. Bridges, Samuel G. Mcneill, Douglas G. Overhults

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Equilibrium moisture content-equilibrium relative humidity data for broken corn cobs have been determined for both desorption and adsorption conditions for three temperature levels and five moisture levels. The Modified Henderson and Chung equilibrium moisture equations have been fitted to these data by using non-linear regression procedures to estimate equation parameters. Both equations adequately represented the experimental data. A test of varietal differences indicated no significant difference in cob desorption ERH values for three selected corn varieties.

Farm Accidents - How To Respond, Larry R. Piercy

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

Human nature leads us to believe that accidents always happen to the "other guy". Yet farming along with mining are the two most hazardous occupations in the Nation. If an accident struck your farm, would all family members know how to respond?

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. …

Self-Flushing Piston Assembly For Slurry Pump, David T. Kao

Civil Engineering Faculty Patents

A slurry pump is provided having a self-flushing piston assembly mounted in a mating cylinder. The piston assembly includes a first piston having a peripheral sealing member and a reciprocating piston rod for driving the first piston for pumping action. A second piston mounted adjacent to the first piston includes a sealing member and forms an enclosed chamber with the first piston. A lost motion coupler connects the pistons together and varies the size of the chamber. On the return stroke of the piston assembly, flushing liquid on the non-slurry side is sucked into the chamber as the chamber expands. …