Engineering Commons^™

Interim Guidelines For Design Of Highway Pavements, Gary W. Sharpe, Ronald D. Hughes, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The adequacy of a pavement design is directly related to the accuracy of traffic data, axle load information and materials data. It is assumed that appropriate construction procedures will be employed and that the pavements will be maintained periodically during the course of their service lives.

It is assumed that the subgrade will be constructed at or near the optimum moisture content and to the maximum dry density as specified in appropriate standard specifications. It is also assumed that the base course materials meet design requirements, that the aggregates will meet soundness and durability requirements and that the aggregate base …

Impact Evaluation Of The Louisville-Shively-Jefferson County Traffic Alcohol Programs, Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent, Patricia L. Hardyman, Knowlton W. Johnson, Richard Mccleary

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report is an evaluation of alcohol enforcement programs conducted by the Louisville, Jefferson County, and Shively police agencies in the Louisville metropolitan area. The following four types of data were collected in order to evaluate the traffic alcohol programs; accident data, arrest and adjudication data, cost-effectiveness, and public opinion data.

Results from the before-and-after comparisons and time-series analysis show alcohol-related accidents decreased significantly during the study period, There was a 34.4 percent reduction in alcohol-related accidents during hours of special enforcement and a 30.4 percent reduction during all hours of the day. Time-series analysis of accident data showed a …

Fatigue Analysis Of The I-75 Bridge Over The Kentucky River At Clays Ferry, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Vishwas G. Oka

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Fatigue analysis was performed on AASHTO category E welded connections on the southbound I 75 bridge over the Kentucky River at Clays Ferry, Kentucky. That analysis was based on the stress-range histogram data provided by Law Engineering of Louisville, Kentucky. That data were obtained from strain gages installed at 6 test locations on the downstream truss.

The fatigue analyses consisted of safe-life and fatigue-crack growth analyses. Safe-life predictions were based on AASHTO fatigue design (SN) curves. To use those curves, equivalent constant-amplitude stresses were derived from the stress histograms. Those stresses and loading frequencies were modified to reflect anticipated increases …

Analysis Of Accident Data In Kentucky (1983-1987), Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Kentucky has a systematic procedure to identify locations that have abnormal rates or numbers of accidents. This procedure utilizes average accident rates and numbers. A primary objective of this study was to determine average accident statistics in Kentucky. An annual safety program for Kentucky, which includes the identification, programming, budgeting, and evaluation of safety projects, is prepared each year. The data presented in this report may be included as the problem identification portion of Kentucky's Annual Highway Safety Plan.

Average and critical accident rates were calculated by highway type for rural and urban highways. A summary of results and recommendations …

1988 Usage Rates And Effectiveness Of Safety Belts And Child Safety Seats In Kentucky, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of the survey summarized in this report is to establish 1988 safety belt and child safety seat usage rates in Kentucky to compare to those determined from previous surveys. Also included in this report is an analysis of accident records evaluating the effectiveness of safety belts.

Statewide usage rates in the 19 cities previously surveyed in 1982 through 1986 showed that both driver safety belt usage and child safety seat and safety belt usage increased significantly in 1988 compared to previous years. The statewide usage rate of safety belts by drivers was 20.5 percent in 1988 compared to …

Calcium Nitrite As A Corrosion Inhibitor In Reinforced Concrete Bridge Decks, Theodore Hopwood Ii, David Q. Hunsucker, Edgar E. Courtney

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The use of calcium nitrite es a corrosion-inhibiting admixture in reinforced concrete hes been studied on two bridges· the Kentucky 152 Bridge in Washington County and the Gose Road Bridge in Boyle County. Calcium nitrite was added to concrete used in the slabs, diaphragms and barriers of the KY 152 bridge and only in the slab of the Good Road bridge.

Construction of both structures was monitored in the fall of 1986. Placement of concrete on both bridges was satisfactory; however, problems were experienced in finishing the concrete. The finishing problems were related to: 1) concrete 'stickiness', 2) use of …

Asphalt Surface Treatments For Local Roads And Streets, Ellis G. Williams

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Surface Treatments are thin applications of asphalt, with or without aggregate, to an existing pavement surface. There are many types to choose from when selecting a treatment for a specific purpose.

Because of the broad range of materials and methods available, surface treatments satisfy many needs in effective operation of road and street systems. They are major tools for preventive maintenance and also satisfy many corrective maintenance needs. They are widely and effectively used as the initial surfacing over granular bases. They are increasingly used over cracked, existing surfaces to reduce reflection cracking in asphalt overlays.

It is apparent that …

Highway Safety Research, Development, And Technology Transfer, John A. Deacon

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Late in 1987, the Federal Highway Administration assembled a seven-member panel which, guided by a primary contractor, Harrison Boyd & Associates, was charged with the task of developing a recommended five-year research, development, and technology transfer program for highway safety starting in the 1990s. As a part of the task, each panel member prepared an individual position paper to stimulate and focus panel discussions and, ultimately, to provide the basis for a consensus paper. This represents one such individual paper.

Although it is believed that significant safety gains can be achieved in the 1990s and beyond simply by more extensive …

Comparison Of Rigid Pavement Thickness Design Systems, Herbert F. Southgate

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Rigid pavement thickness design systems investigated during this study were the 1986 AASHTO, American Concrete Pavement Association (ACPA), Portland Cement Association (PCA), and Kentucky methods. The ACPA system is a computer program based upon the 1966 AASHTO design equation. It was difficult to evaluate and compare the Kentucky method to the PCA system because the input and analysis procedures differ greatly.

The Kentucky method is based upon the fatigue relationship involving the value of work at the bottom of the concrete pavement caused by the applied load and repetitions of an 18-kip single axleload. The AASHTO method was derived from …

Soil-Bridge Abutment Interaction, Bobby W. Meade, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Presented herein are analyses of 6 bridge approaches. Lateral movement and settlement of the foundations and embankments are discussed. Result·s of slope stability and finite element analyses are related to measured movements. A graph for predicting approach pavement settlement is included. A theoretical approach model was used to run an extensive series of finite element analyses. Movements resulting from these analyses are presented with several variable model conditions. Variable conditions include embankment and foundation configuration, soil cohesion, and soil friction angle.

Earthquake Priority Routes For Mclean County, Kentucky, David L. Allen, Vincent P. Drnevich, L. John Fleckenstein, Mostafa Sayedsadr

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of A Polymer Asphalt Additive -- Kraton (1118 And 4141), L. John Fleckenstein, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report documents the use of two types of asphaltic concrete mixture designs. Both the control mixture and a Kraton rubber mixture were placed on sections of the Hazard Bypass, in Hazard, Kentucky. The location of the project is shown in Figure 1.

Evaluation Of Hydraway Edge Drain On Pennyrile Parkway, David L. Allen, L. John Fleckenstein

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

No abstract provided.

Analysis Of Accidents In Construction And Maintenance Work Zones, Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report includes documentation of the two following phases of the study : 1) analysis of statewide accidents for the period 1983 through 1986 in which "road under construction" was listed as a contributing factor; and 2) analysis of accident data and traffic control devices used at 20 case study locations. At the case study locations, accident data were analyzed for a three-year period before construction and compared to the period during construction.

Results from the statewide analysis indicate that even though the level of construction and maintenance activity is higher and traffic volumes have increased, there have not been …

Laboratory Evaluation Of Edge Drains, L. John Fleckenstein, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report documents laboratory test results performed on four brands of highway edge drains. The four brands included in this study are Hydraway (by Monsanto), Akwadrain (by International Construction Equipment, Inc.), Advantage (by Advanced Drainage Systems), and PDS 40 (by Pro Drain Systems).

Evaluation Of Extruded Thermoplastics As Lane Delineation, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study involved an evaluation of large-scale installations of both hydrocarbon and alkyd extruded thermoplastics as lane delineation on sections of interstate highways having open-graded surfaces. The objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of thermoplastics as lane delineation and to compare the performance of hydrocarbon versus alkyd formulations.

Data were collected on a periodic basis over an 18-month period. Data collection consisted of daytime observations of the appearance and durability of the thermoplastic material along with reflectivity measurements using a portable retroreflectometer.

The evaluation revealed that both the hydrocarbon and alkyd extruded thermoplastic material maintained their appearance, …

Evaluation Of Lime Stabilized Road Bed, Bobby W. Meade, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In October 1986, the Transportation Research Program of the University of Kentucky published a report evaluating the addition of hydrated lime to the subgrade soils of Section 19 of the Ashland-Alexandria (AA.) highway (1). That study involved laboratory testing only and concluded that the engineering properties of these subgrade soils were significantly improved with the addition of 6 percent (by weight) hydrated lime. It was decided to add hydrated lime to the subgrade soils on Section 19.

Because that procedure had not previously been used in Kentucky, a study was approved to monitor construction procedures and the performance of an …

Excessive Beam Deflections On The Ky-52 Bridge Over Dix River (Boyle-Garrard County Line), Theodore Hopwood Ii, Vishwas G. Oka, David Q. Hunsucker, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Upon rehabilitation, beams and deck of the Ky 52 bridge over Dix River were observed to have excessive deflections. An investigation of the problem included field inspections, structural analyses, and interviews with relevant KYDOH and other personnel.

Field measurements were made of the beam deflections. Those were compared to construction field measurements and dead-load calculations.

The beam deflection problem is attributed to 1) a failure to provide for sufficient camber in the beams to accommodate for construction dead loads, and 2) pre-existing sags in the beams when placed prior to casting the deck. Part of the deck deflection problem can …

Allocation Of Highway Costs And Revenues, Jerry G. Pigman, John A. Deacon

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A continuing task related to highway financing is determination of the appropriate level of taxation for each class of highway user. Cost allocation in various forms has traditionally been the tool used to achieve an equitable assignment of user responsibility. Following is a summary of results from such a cost-allocation study undertaken by the University of Kentucky's Transportation Research Program. The objective of this study is to determine highway cost responsibility of various user classes and to assess revenues relative to costs under existing levels of taxation and under various alternatives considered in the 1988 legislative session.

Evaluation Of Procedures For Testing Aggregates, David Q. Hunsucker

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report summarizes findings of a research study conducted to evaluate aggregate testing procedures as related to aggregate soundness and durability. The objectives of the study were to determine a suitable replacement or modification of Kentucky's existing Sodium Sulfate Soundness Test for aggregates which would more accurately reflect in-service performance of concrete pavements and bridges, to correlate freezing and thawing durability data and other test data with sodium sulfate soundness data, and to develop a rational implementation criterion for use of new or modified testing procedures.

There were no observable correlations between the various test methods evaluated and the Sodium …

Evaluation Of Stability And Rutting Potential Of Asphaltic Concrete Using Big-Stone Gradations, David L. Allen, Hossien Roghani

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Considerable interest has been generated in recent years in using big stone gradations to reduce rutting and shoving in asphaltic concrete. This report documents mix design procedures and a laboratory testing program to determine the stability and rutting potential of a big-stone gradation. A series of creep tests was performed on a big-stone gradation and the results were compared to creep tests performed on a Class I base mixture. The big-stone mix average approximately 50 percent rutting potential as compared to the Class I base. One creep specimen of the big-stone mixture was compacted using polymer-modified AC-20 grade asphalt cement. …

Evaluation Of Ads Polyethylene Pipe, L. John Fleckenstein, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Construction and performance evaluations of ADS Polyethylene Pipe N-12 are presented. Construction procedures and visual inspection data are included. The pipe appears to be performing well.

Long-Term Evaluation Of The Acoustic Emission Weld Monitor, Theodore Hopwood Ii

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Kentucky Transportation Research Program conducted an extended 10- month evaluation of the Acoustic Emission Weld Monitor (AEWM) in a bridge fabrication shop. That device was used to detect welding flaws during typical production of butt-welds on flanges and webs used in steel bridges. A total of 153 welds were monitored.

AEWM test results were compared with visual inspection and double- blind results of conventional nondestructive testing routinely conducted on the welds. The AEWM did not miss any flaws detected visually or by nondestructive testing. Three AEWM flaw indications were confirmed by conventional nondestructive testing (radiography).

A large number of …

Review Of Work Zone Literature, Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A literature search was conducted with the objective of identifying sources of information related to safety in highway work zones. Included is an annotated bibliography of 165 references. From the references, a list of recommendations were made to improve safety in highway work zones. The recommendations were organized into the six categories listed below.

1. Flagging
2. Delineation
3. Traffic Control Devices
4. Accidents
5. Design
6. Policy

Earthquake Hazard Mitigation Of Transportation Facilities, David L. Allen, Vincent P. Drnevich, Mostafa Sayyedsadr, L. John Fleckenstein

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Concern has grown in recent years, over the seismic activity of the New Madrid seismic zone located in the central United States. Western Kentucky is located in this region. To permit emergency medical, supply, and equipment traffic into this area after an earthquake has occurred, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is interested in the possibility of keeping selected routes passable. This report lists the routes that have been investigated and recommended as being routes that should be maintained in passable conditions. These recommended routes have been visually surveyed and all seismically significant features cataloged. These features are listed in the Appendix. …

Shear Strength Of Compacted Shales, Tommy C. Hopkins

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Some basic physical and engineering properties of a broad range of different types of shales located in Kentucky are examined. Physical testing included liquid limit, plastic limit, specific gravity, particle-size analysis, natural water content, and jar-slake determinations. These tests were performed on some forty different types of shales selected from various geological formations of different periods. Geological periods included Recent, Cretaceous, Tertiary, Pennsylvanian Mississippian, Silurian, Ordovician, and Devonian. Engineering tests included slake-durability, bearing ratio, consolidated-undrained triaxial compression tests with pore-pressue measurements, moisture-density relationships, well deflection and pressure, mineralogy, and Shore sclorescope. Ten different slake-durability testing procedures, including the original procedure …

Evaluation Of Unmanned Radar Installations, Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent, John A. Deacon, Richard J. Kryscio

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Several unmanned radar devices were installed on I75 in northern Kentucky in an attempt to reduce speeds. It was assumed that drivers use radar detectors to exceed the speed limit with a resulting variance between their speeds and others in the traffic stream. Therefore, a reduction in overall speeds and variance was expected to reduce the probability of accidents. Historical data indicated an unusually high accident rate for the study area.

Emphasis was placed on collection and analysis of speed-related data. In addition, a survey of radar detector usage was made and accident patterns were documented.

Speed measures analyzed included …

Traffic Volume Estimates And Growth Trends, John A. Deacon, Jerry G. Pigman, Ahmad Mohsenzadeh

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study was to develop a procedure to forecast highway traffic volumes through the use of growth factors representative of Kentucky highways and reflecting effects of important socioeconomic and demographic variables. A two-stage modeling process was used. In the first, linear regression models were used to relate average daily travel on Kentucky roadways to personal income, price of fuel, and total miles of streets and highways. In the second, cross-tabulation models were used to relate growth in volume at a specific site--expressed relative to the statewide ADT--to highway functional classification rural/urban location, county population growth, SMSA/non-SMSA designation, …

Native Aggregates For Skid Resistance, Scott P. Hall, David Q. Hunsucker, David L. Allen, Gary W. Sharpe

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objectives of the study were 1) to identify sources of native aggregates with varying histories of skid resistance performance; 2) to evaluate and correlate native aggregate characteristics, processing techniques, and other factors with skid resistance and surface mixture performance; and 3) to provide guidelines for implementation of research findings. Limestone, sandstone, river gravel, and control aggregates (granite, traprock, and slags) were subjected to a battery of tests to determine physical relationships between aggregate type and skid resistance.

Laboratory results were analyzed for correlations among themselves and for correlations with skid number data obtained from pavements containing aggregates involved in …

Breaking And Seating Of Rigid Pavements, Gary W. Sharpe, Mark Anderson, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Breaking and seating has been utilized extensively in Kentucky to rehabilitate portland cement concrete pavements. Experience over three or four years with this type of design and construction are summarized and reported. Breaking to a range of nominal fragments is evaluated. Evaluation of two roller weights for seating is reported. The use of dynamic deflections to evaluate the effectiveness of the breaking and seating process and to measure the appropriateness of the asphaltic concrete overlay.