Engineering Commons^™

Wind Drag On Burley Tobacco Plants, James H. Casada, Linus R. Walton, Larry G. Wells

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Drag coefficient and center of resistance to wind forces were determined for four varieties of burley tobacco at three stages of growth and using wind velocities ranging from about 3 to 17 m/s. Drag coefficients determined ranged from about 0.024 at the highest velocity to about 0.081 at the lowest velocity. Stage of growth and wind velocity had significant effects on drag coefficient. Variety did not have a significant effect on drag coefficient. Mean center of resistance varied from 42.3 percent of the distance from bottom leaf to top leaf at the early stage of growth to 71.2 percent at …

Limiting Swine Stress With Evaporative Cooling In Kentucky, Robert L. Fehr, K. T. Priddy, Samuel G. Mcneill, Douglas G. Overhults

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

During the summer, temperatures in swine buildings often rise to levels that adversely affect animal performance and the profitability of these operations. Heat stress reduces reproductive efficiency in the breeding herd, affecting both the boar and sow. During extended hot weather periods, death of farrowing sows may result.

Performance Of An Evaporative Cooling System In A Gestation House, Samuel G. Mcneill, Robert L. Fehr, J. N. Walker, G. R. Parker

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

This field study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of an evaporative pad cooler for modifying the environment in a gestation house in Kentucky and to compare the measured results with the calculated performance of evaporative cooling systems. The building used in the study was a 68-crate gestation house, as described in Figure 1. The building was oriented east-west and was well insulated. There were no windows in the facility. It was fully occupied, throughout the study, with sows with an average weight of 350 lbs. A negative pressure system was used to ventilate the building with a 36" single-speed …

Measurement Of Tractor Wheel Slip To Determine Proper Amount Of Weight Needed, Richard S. Hiatt

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

No abstract provided.

Passive Solar Heating, Blaine Parker, Richard Hiatt, Sandy Holland

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

There are 4 basic passive solar construction techniques.

Bicycle-Motor Vehicle Accidents In Kentucky, Kenneth R. Agent, Charles V. Zegeer, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics associated with bicycle related, motor-vehicle accidents in Kentucky. It was found that cyclists 10 to 14 years of age were involved in the largest number of motor-vehicle related accidents. Males were involved in four times as many accidents a s females. Most accidents occurred in urban areas, mostly on residential streets. The majority of accidents resulted from errors by the cyclists. The most common type was the right-angle accident, but the leading types varied with cyclist's age. Several factors were related to age and accident severity. The accidents were summarized …

Evaluation Of The Fhwa Highway Traffic Noise Prediction Procedure (Snap 1) [Jan. 1980], Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Traffic noise prediction procedures are used in the design of new highways to determine if noise is limited to specific levels. A previous study evaluated the procedure outlined in NCHRP Report 117 and developed a correction factor which was incorporated into Kentucky's noise prediction procedure. This adjusted NCHRP 117 procedure has been used in Kentucky for the past several years. The Federal Highway Administration has developed a new procedure to predict traffic noise levels. The objective of this study was to evaluate the new prediction procedure, designated as SNAP 1.

Comparisons of measured and predicted noise levels showed that predictions …

Occurrences Of Expansive Limestone In Kentucky, Ralph G. Coy, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

No abstract provided.

Rutting Models For Asphaltic Concrete And Dense-Graded Aggregate From Repeated-Load Tests, David L. Allen, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The development of models to predict rutting in the asphaltic concrete and dense-graded aggregate layers of flexible pavements is reported. The models were developed from data obtained from repeated-load triaxial tests. Details of equipment and methodology are reported.

An asphaltic concrete base mixture was tested at temperatures of 45 F, 77 F, and 100 F. Longitudinal stress levels of 20 psi, 50 psi, and 80 psi were used. The tests were performed unconfined. Most of the specimens were tested to 10,000 cycles of loading. Three sequences of loading were used.

It is noted that temperature and stress level are extremely …

The Effect Of Truck Design On Pavement Performance, Robert C. Deen, Herbert F. Southgate, Jesse G. Mayes

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

When work is done on some materials systems, their internal geometric states are altered in such a way that they have the potential to "give back" work when the force is removed and the system returns to its original configuration. This stored energy is called strain energy. Strain energy density (strain energy per unit volume) is a function of the Young's modulus of elasticity and Poisson's ratio and the nine strain (or stress) components; but it is independent of the coordinate system. Material properties are input into the Chevron N-layer computer program to calculate the strain components.

Having calculated the …

The Influence Of Harvesting Strategies And Economic Constraints On The Feasibility Of Farm Grain Drying And Storage Facilities, Otto J. Loewer Jr., Thomas C. Bridges, G. M. White, Douglas G. Overhults

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

The economic return to on-the-farm grain drying and storage facilities is influenced by many factors including harvesting strategies, facility management, market conditions, energy considerations, and facility design. This study evaluates the influence of these factors on expected net return.

Economic Comparison Of Alternative Burley Tobacco Harvesting Practices By Computer, Thomas C. Bridges, Larry G. Wells, George A. Duncan, John N. Walker

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

The computer model CATCH (Computer Analysis of Tobacco Cutting and Housing) was developed to provide the individual tobacco producer with management information concerning alternative methods of harvesting burley tobacco. CATCH utilizes specific producer in-puts to analyze 24 alternative burley production systems and presents up to four economic rankings containing costs, equipment and labor for each system. The economic rankings aid the producer in decision making with regard to his own operation.

Evaluation Of Triaxial Testing Equipment And Methodologies Of Three Agencies, Tommy C. Hopkins, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

To obtain reliable and consistent shear strength results, which are essential in the design of earth structures, from triaxial tests, careful attention, skill, and judgement must be given to testing procedures and equipment make-up. There are many sources of potential errors in the test, especially when pore pressures are monitored. Consequently, a question inevitably arises concerning tbe quality of triaxial test results obtained by different geotechnical laboratories. The intent of this study was to initiate and help establish a triaxial testing forum whereby any geotechnical laboratory engaged in triaxial testing can check the quality of their triaxial results, and therefore, …

Corrective Measures For Unstable Bridge-Approach Embankment Us 68, Licking River, Blue Licks, E. Gregory Mcnulty

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In January 1979, an in-depth investigation of the unstable bridge-approach embankment, Figure 1, on US 68 over the Licking River in the north central portion of Nicholas County (MP 91-68-B0027) was begun by the Division of Research. This investigation was a continuation of a project initiated by the Division of Materials in 1967. This site is approximately 0.3 miles (0.5 km) north of Stony Creek Road and approximately 7.5 miles (12.0 km) north of Carlisle and 0.8 miles (1.3 km) southwest of Blue Licks Battlefield State Park. The bridge is a three-span, continuous, welded plate girder structure with span lengths …

Seasonal Variations In The Skid Resistance Of Pavements In Kentucky, James L. Burchett, Rolands L. Rizenbergs

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Frequent measurements of skid resistance were made on 20 pavements in common use in Kentucky. Tests were conducted from November 1969 through 1973. Principal analysis involved relating changes in skid resistance to day of the year and relating skid resistance to temperature at the time of test, to average antecedent temperatures, and to average rainfall.

Seasonal variations exhibited an annual sinusoidal cycle. The changes in sand-asphalt and bituminous concrete surfaces under higher volumes of traffic were about 12 skid numbers. The changes in portland cement concrete and bituminous concrete under lower volumes of traffic were about 5 skid numbers. The …

Triangular Duct Solar Panel, Blaine F. Parker

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Patents

A solar panel suitable for panelized building construction as an integral part of a roof is described. The solar absorber plate of the panel consists of a thermally conductive sheet folded along a plurality of parallel lines to form sharp vees or corrugations. The folded solar absorber plate is attached to or formed as part of a flat sheet, also with high thermal conductivity. The folded absorber plate with its vee-shaped corrugations in combination with the flat sheet form a plurality of contiguous triangular ducts through which the fluid to be heated flows. The fluid is in direct contact with …

Truck Design And Usage And Highway Pavement Performance, Robert C. Deen, Herbert F. Southgate

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

When the term highway pavement is used, most people think of the moderate to thick systems on which their vehicles travel on intermediate- or high-type roadways. These pavement systems are typically constructed of bituminous concrete or portland cement concrete. This is not to say that low-volume roads do not have a pavement system; however, in case of low-volume roads, the pavement system usually consists of unbound aggregates, sod, soil materials, or at the most very thin or moderate applications of a binding material. It is the high-type pavement systems to which the comments in this paper will be addressed specifically. …

Cracking In Concrete Pavement, Robert C. Deen, James H. Havens, Assaf S. Rahal, Wm. Vernon Azevedo

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Cracking of portland cement concrete pavements is a common, even expected, occurrence. To minimize potentially detrimental effects, it is necessary to understand mechanisms that might be used to explain such behavior so that measures may be developed and implemented to control the occurrence of such cracking. Several "theories" are discussed that might provide the mechanisms of pavement cracking. An alternate meachanism, based on fatigue loading of the concrete by temperature expansions-contrations, for the development of so-called D-cracking is offered.

Obtaining, Seasoning & Burning Wood: Part One In A Series On Wood As A Fuel Source, Kathy Collier, Larry W. Turner

Agricultural Engineering Energy Series

Heating with wood has become increasingly popular in Kentucky because firewood is a renewable energy source which, when used properly, is relatively clean, efficient and safe. A wood heating system can reduce fuel costs, supplement other heating sources and provide aesthetic appeal.

Stoves, Furnaces & Fireplaces: Part Two In A Series On Wood As A Fuel Source, Kathy Collier, Larry W. Turner

Agricultural Engineering Energy Series

As the costs of all types of fossil fuels increase, more and more attention is being focused upon the role that wood may play in the heating of homes. Many people want to learn more about how to prepare firewood, how to choose and operate a wood heater, and the possible problems related to home heating with wood.

Installation & Operation Of Wood Heating Systems: Part Three In A Series On Wood As A Fuel Source, Larry W. Turner, Kathy Collier

Agricultural Engineering Energy Series

The installation and operation of wood heating units are both very important factors in the safe, efficient use of wood as a heating fuel. There are several considerations which should be taken into account when wood is used, that are not involved in common oil, gas, or electric systems. These include obtaining the wood; loading, starting and tending the fire; removing ashes; and inspection and cleaning of the chimney. Placement of the unit is also important in the distribution of heat and safe operation. The following guidelines should be helpful in planning, installing, and operating your wood heating system.

Cost-Effectiveness Of Lane And Shoulder Widening Of Rural, Two-Lane Roads In Kentucky, Charles V. Zegeer, Jesse G. Mayes

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The purpose of the study was to determine the cost-effectiveness of widening lanes and shoulders on rural, two-lane roads. Information concerning geometries, accidents, and traffic volumes was obtained for over 15,000 miles (25,000 km) of roads. Reductions in accident rates occurred as lane and shoulder widths increased. Run-off-road and opposite direction accidents were the primary accident types associated with narrow lanes and shoulders. Reductions in accidents ranged from 10 to 39 percent for lane widening and 6 to 21 percent for shoulder widening. Priority listings were prepared for 531 projects based on critical rate factor. Priority listings were also prepared …

Development Of Warrants For Left-Turn Lanes, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Warrants for the installation of separate left-turn lanes were developed. Literature was reviewed, and policies and practices in other states were surveyed. Accident analyses of locations with and without separate left-turn lanes were conducted. Computer simulation was used to determine the relationship between and among traffic delay and load factor and traffic volume, percent left-turns, cycle length, and cycle split. The relationship between left-turn accidents and conflicts was investigated.

Warrants were developed involving the following three general areas: (1) accident experience, (2) volumes (based on delay), and (3) traffic conflicts.

Statewide Survey Of Skid Resistances Of Pavements (1978), Rolands L. Rizenbergs, James L. Burchett

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Statewide survey of skid resistances continued in 1978 with the testing of 2,943 miles (4,736 km) of state primary roads and 2,405 miles (3,870 km) of state secondary roads. About 10 percent of both the state primary mileage and the state secondary mileage had an average skid number of 28 or less. These pavements, in pariticular, should be considered for de-slicking.

In 1977 and 1978, 35 percent of the mileage of rural, state-maintained roads in Kentucky were surveyed. These roads carried 87 percent of all traffic on rural, state-maintained roads.

Delineation Of Stop-Sign Approaches, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study was to use new types of delineation at a stop approach to determine if drivers could be made more aware of the "Stop" situation ahead. The treatments involved post delineators, raised markers, and transverse striping placed at various spacings in advance of the "Stop" signs. Speeds were measured 200 feet (61 m) and 1,200 feet (366 m) in advance of the "Stop" sign. Brakelight distances were also recorded.

The various delineations provided significant reductions in speeds. Post delineators in combination with transverse stripes were the most effective. No significant difference was found between results obtained …

Raised Pavement Markers At High-Hazard Locations, Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Even though a large number of potentially hazardous locations exist on rural, two-lane roads, guidelines have not been developed for use of raised pavement markers under night and during adverse weather conditions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of raised markers at a sharp curve and narrow bridge in Kentucky. Visual observations, speed data, encroachment data, and accident data were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the markers.

Extensive visual observations of the sharp curve and narrow bridge in this study have provided data to support recommendations for improved delineation at similar sites on rural, two-lane …

Kentucky Culvert Study: An Engineering Review Of Policies And Practices Related To Procurement Of Culvert And Sewer Pipe, Byrd, Tallamy, Macdonald And Lewis

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Objectives: This study was undertaken to provide the Kentucky Department of Transportation (KyDOT) with 1 ) information concerning the present state-of-the-art in the selection of culvert pipes with reference to the problem of drainage water from coal mines, shales and other excavations which may be highly acidic; and 2 ) recommendations on alternative materials and/or special treatments for pipes in areas of acid drain water.

Methodology: The study consisted of a review of the literature from selected highway agencies including Kentucky, a review of culvert pipe selection practices in other states and discussions with persons knowledgeable about pipe materials.

Findings: …

Road Rater And Benkelman Beam Pavement Deflections, Gary W. Sharpe, Herbert F. Southgate

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Benkelman beam has been one of the most commonly used methods of measuring surface deflections of a highway pavement. A Benkelman beam is based on a simple lever-arm principle and uses dial guages to measure surface deflection under an applied load. In 1971, the Commonwealth of Kentucky purchased a Road Rater for use by the Department of Transportation, Division of Research. The Road Rater applies a sinusoidal force to the pavement at a fixed frequency; surface wave velocities are measured and electronically integrated to obtain surface deflections, Since 1971, work has progressed toward the development of a pavement evaluation …

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

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

To comply with Section 402, Title 23 of the United States Code, each state is required to prepare a annual highway safety program. Kentucky's program, which includes identification, programming, budgeting, and evaluation of highway safety projects, is intended to have a positive impact on the reduction of traffic accidents. The first step in the program, problem identification, requires systematic, statistical analyses of accident records. In-depth analyses of accident data were performed, and 25 problem areas were investigated. Accident rates were found for counties and cities in the following categories: total accidents, fatal accidents, accidents by driver age and sex, and …

Energy In Agriculture: Energy For Greenhouses Part 1: Energy Conservation, George A. Duncan, John N. Walker, Larry W. Turner

Agricultural Engineering Energy Series

The increased cost and scarcity of all fuels have affected the greenhouse owner as badly as any segment of industry. For some, crops have been damaged or lost. For others, it has reduced the margin of profit. Growers, manufacturers, suppliers, horticulturists, engineers and many others have studied the situation thoroughly in order to come up with viable solutions and alternatives for conserving fuel.