Engineering Commons^™

Temperature Distributions In Asphaltic Concrete Pavements, Herbert F. Southgate

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 it was for Maryland. The main differences were in the ranges and mean temperatures. Values given herein are for straight-line equations for all 24 hours and for the depths of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 inches (5.1, 10.2, 15.2, 20.3, 25.4, and 30.5 cm). The original concept appears to be valid and may be used with confidence for estimating pavement temperatures at other latitudes and longitudes.

Identification Of Hazardous Locations On Rural Highways In Kentucky, Charles V. Zegeer

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The purpose of this study was to determine the most effective method of identifying hazardous locations for on-site investigations. To decrease the possible effect of random or spurious accidents on the identification of hazardous locations, a 0.3-mile (0.48-km) segment was chosen along with 1- and 2-year periods for accumulating and comparing accident data. An optimal method for identifying hazardous locations and sections was determined to be one which (1) maximizes benefits from improvements, (2) identifies locations with critically high accident rates, and (3) identifies potential hazards. A sample of 170 locations was used to compare several location-identification methods. The procedure …

Acoustic Emission Testing Of Shielded Metal-Arc Welds Using Astm A 36 Steel, Theodore Hopwood Ii

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Manual, shielded metal-arc welds on ASTM A 36 structural steel were monitored with acoustic emission equipment. The listening device detected operator inconsistencies and improper electrode deposition during the welding operation. On completion of the weld, acoustic emission monitoring detected slag inclusions, cracking, and martensite formation.

Shear Strength Of Cohesive Soils And Friction Sleeve Resistance, Vincent P. Drnevich, C. Thomas Gorman, Tommy C. Hopkins

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Cone penetrations tests were performed on the silty clays of Kentucky, U.S.A., using a boring rig to push the Dutch, friction sleeve, cone penetrometer. Thin-walled tube samples were taken from nearby boreholes. For the first four sites, unconfined compression tests and unconsolidated-undrained triaxial test were performed on the samples. For the last four sites, consolidated-undrained triaxial tests were performed on the samples. A procedure for estimating in situ shear strength from triaxial test stress paths was developed.

Small rock fragments in these residual soils caused erratic cone resistance at many locations. As a result, the friction sleeve resistance provided the …

Before-And-After Analysis Of Safety Improvements On I 75 In Northern Kentucky, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In September 1971, the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight met in Covington, Kentucky, to discuss the accident experience and remedial procedures taken to alleviate the frequency of accidents occurring on approximately five miles of I 75 just south of Cincinnati. This section of highway had been and was continuing to be the subject of several safety improvements. The objective of this study was to conduct before-and-after investigations of the effectiveness of the following safety improvement projects: (1) five variable message signs within a two-mile section, (2) a New Jersey-type median barrier wall extending approximately four miles, …

"Before" Evaluation Of Economic Growth Center Developmental Highway (Us 25e: Corbin-Barbourville), Joseph T. Farmer, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Before-and-after impact studies were selected as the means of determining the effect of reconstructing a 4.886 mile (7.862 kilometer) section of US 25E between Corbin and Barbourville. A comprehensive analysis of the "before" statistics revealed the area designated as a potential growth center suffered from social and economic mediocrity. Many characteristics considered essential for economic prosperity are lacking. Per capita income and educational achievement levels are lower than statewide averages. Transportation is dependent upon highways and many existing routes provide a very low level of service.

On the other hand, the area has adequate industrial and recreational potential to insure …

A Rock Evaluation Schema For Transporting Planning In Kentucky, C. D. Tockstein, M. W. Palmer

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The initial goal was to devise an engineering classification system for intact rock samples based on simple index tests which could be used to categorize Kentucky surface and near-surface rock types and assist Kentucky Department of Transportation personnel in planning for transportation facilities. While conducting the literature survey, several facts become apparent:

1. a large number of rock classification systems, geologic and technical, general and specific, already existed;
2. an equally large number of index tests had been devised; and
3. there was a lack of communication among those involved in specialized areas of rock-related work (geologists, civil engineers, mining engineers, etc.), and, …

Operational Characteristics Of Lane Drops, Don L. Cornette, Robert C. Deen, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Traffic behavior studies were conducted at seven lane-drop locations, representing three lane-drop classes. These studies consisted of conflict observations (that is, erratic movements and brakelight applications), spot-speed observations, and lane volume counts. Such a study was made before and after each different traffic control device installation in an attempt to determine which device was the most effective in minimizing conflicts at existing lane drops. A study of conflict deviations indicates that no single type of traffic control device studied was significantly effective in reducing erratic movement and brakelight rates at all seven lane-drop locations. Rather, it appears that different traffic …

Loads On Box Culverts Under High Embankments, Harry F. Girdler

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The structural design of culverts requires a reliable estimate of the earth pressures which will come to bear on the structure during and after construction of the embankment. The actual bearing pressure at a given time and under various conditions of differential settlement may be greater or less than the deadload of the fill or embankment over the structure. This report describes the instrumentation and construction of three box culverts designed by the imperfect trench method. A total of 42 Carlson earth pressure cells were installed in conjunction with strain gages and settlement measuring devices, including inverted settlement plates and …

Relationships Between Roadway Geometrics And Accidents (An Analysis Of Kentucky Records), Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Statewide average and critical rates of accidents were determined from 1970-1972 Kentucky accident records for each type of rural highway. Four-lane undivided highways had the highest average accident rate; parkways (toll roads) had the lowest rate. The severity of accidents was related to types of accidents, highways, and traffic control and to safety belt usage. Accidents involving pedestrians were the most severe types; single-vehicle accidents ranked next highest in severity. Excluding accidents at railroad crossings, accidents which occurred on curves had the highest severity index. The use of safety belts was associated with reduced severity.

Raised Pavement Markers As A Traffic Control Measure At Lane Drops [No. 418], Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Raised pavement markers are an effective means of reducing erratic movements at lane-drop locations, particularly under nighttime driving conditions. The cost of raised pavement markers and their installation is nominal (approximately $150 per lane-drop location). It is recommended that raised pavement markers be installed at other lane-drop locations. Markers installed at locations described in this study have not been in place for a sufficient time to determine their durability; however, reports from other states indicate their durability is sufficient to render them economical. If raised pavement markers are installed routinely, steps should be taken to insure they are not damaged …

Raised Pavement Markers As A Traffic Control Measure At Lane Drops [No. 384], Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Raised pavement markers are an effective means of reducing erratic movements at lane-drop locations, particularly under nighttime driving conditions. The cost of raised pavement markers and their installation is nominal ($150 per location). It is recommended that raised pavement markers be installed at other lane-drop locations. Markers installed at locations described in this study have not been in place for a sufficient time to determine their durability; however, reports from other states indicate their durability is sufficient to render them economical. If raised pavement markers are installed routinely, steps should be taken to insure they are not damaged by snowplow …

Porous Sand-Asphalt Mixtures, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Size is relative. Densely graded sand-asphalts are relatively similar to conventional, bituminous concretes. Porous sand-asphalts possess the same attributes as other porous, bituminous mixtures. Surely, sand-asphalt mixtures, can be designed to be as porous as the so-called, open-graded plantmix seals. Particle shape and texture otherwise define skid-resistance. Stability remains an assurance against scaling. Stability is assured by maximum utilization of filler-bitumen ratio and the stiffness of asphalt cement.

Recommendations For Implementation Of Uniform Project Identification From The Upi Task Force, Herbert F. Southgate

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

For years project identifications have been based upon county, section, subsection, and phase of work. While this system worked well in the beginning, overlay constructions, widening efforts, etc. have caused overlapping of projects to the point that identification of a given portion of a highway has become very difficult. Furthermore, each of the many separate phases of work has its own project number and may not be so readily identifiable as the succeeding work phase.

Management came to realize there was a need for a numbering identification system that would be readily understandable. The direct result was the development of …

The Creep Response Of Cohesive Soils: A Method Of Design Using Rheological Strength Parameters, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The creep response of four remolded soils and undisturbed soils from two landslide sites is presented. A method for obtaining the yield stress of soil from creep test data is presented and discussed. "Viscosity diagrams", showing the location of the yield stress is approximately 50 percent of peak stress, were obtained from conventional triaxial tests. There is more scatter in data from undisturbed soils than in data from remolded soils. Mohr's failure envelopes, constructed from yield stress data, give internal friction angles having values from approximately five to ten degrees. Strength data, calculated indirectly from peak relaxation modulus, are also …

Auto-Utility Trailer Combinations On Rural Highways In Kentucky, Bruce S. Siria, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

An analysis of accident records indicated that auto-utility trailer (A-UT) combinations are involved in a disproportionately high number of traffic mishaps. Locations which have a history of accidents involving A-UT vehicles indicated that differential crosswinds and unanticipated driving maneuvers contribute to the driver's loss of control. A-UT combinations contributed to the fatigue loss in pavement life approximately 50 percent as much as single-unit, two-axle, six-tire trucks (per vehicle). In general, this vehicle type constituted approximately three percent of the total traffic stream. Analysis of speed distributions indicated an equivalency factor for A-UT combinations equal to that for trucks for similar …

Traffic Control For Maintenance On High-Speed Highways, William M. Seymour, Robert C. Deen, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Observations were first made at lane closures on interstate highways where yellow warning signs were erected routinely in conjunction with contract work. Later data provided direct comparison between new yellow and new orange signs. One sign scheme was used throughout the study. Driver obedience improved when new signs of either color were used; this finding implies that signs should always be maintained in good condition. Orange signs were slightly more effective than yellow signs in reducing traffic conflicts and merges near the traffic cones. Results of the study tend to support the adoption of orange as the standard color for …

Evaluation Of The Traffic Noise Prediction Procedure, Kenneth R. Agent, Charles V. Zegeer

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Approximately 270 noise-level recordings were obtained at 39 highway sites and compared with the noise-level predictions obtained by the procedure outlined in NCHRP Report 117. The measured noise levels were computed in terms of the A-weighted L₁₀ value (level exceeded 10 percent of time) and then compared to the predicted noise levels. A significant discrepancy was found between predicted and measured noise levels; generally, the predicted values exceeded the measured values. Average error per location was 4.8 dBA; the maximum error was 13 dBA. A nomograph was devised to correct the predicted value; this nomograph involves observer-to-roadway distances, truck …

Traffic Accident Reporting In Kentucky, Donald R. Herd

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study reviews the organizational structure and processing procedures used in accident surveillance. Consideration was given to the techniques that various state governmental agencies use in their analysis of accident reports and statistics. It was concluded that Kentucky should enact uniform accident reporting legislation. A standard form should be prescribed for use by law enforcement agencies in complying with the reporting requirement. The creation of an Accident Records Unit to receive, process, and statistically analyze the reports is recommended.

Accidents On Rural Interstate And Parkway Roads And Their Relation To Pavement Friction, Rolands L. Rizenbergs, James L. Burchett, Cass T. Napier

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Friction measurements were made with a skid trailer at 70 mph (31 m/s) on 770 miles (1240 km) of rural, four-lane, controlled-access routes on the interstate and parkway systems in Kentucky. Each construction project was treated as a test section. Accident experience, friction measurements, and traffic volumes were obtained for each. Various relationships between wet-weather accidents and skid resistance were analyzed. The expression of accident occurrence which correlated best with skid and slip resistance was wet-weather accidents per 100 million vehicle miles. Accidents increased greatly as Skid Numbers (70 mph or 31 m/s) decreased from 27 ± 1. Analysis of …

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.

In Situ Shear Strength Parameters By Dutch Cone Penetration Tests, C. Thomas Gorman, Tommy C. Hopkins, Vincent P. Drnevich

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Dutch cone penetration testing was performed and undisturbed samples were collected at four Kentucky highway sites. Shear strength, as determined by consolidated, undrained triaxial testing of the undisturbed samples, was correlated with friction resistance as measured by the Dutch friction cone. Statistical analysis of all data showed shear strength to be about 80 percent of friction resistance. Recommendations for the use of the Dutch cone penetration test in Kentucky soils were also made.

Design Guide For Bituminous Concrete Pavement Structures, James H. Havens, Robert C. Deen, Herbert F. Southgate

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The proposed design guide includes procedures for estimating design EAL's, CBR, modulus of the asphaltic concrete, and an array of tables and graphs to determine pavement and layer thicknesses.

Stolvac: A Traffic Data System, Donald R. Herd

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The purpose of this study was to design a traffic data inventory system and to develop operating procedures for that system. This report outlines the general design of such a system that will be called STOLVAC (acronym for Speed, Turning movements, Origin destination, Loadometer, Volume, Accident, and Classification data). The report also presents recommendations relating to the development and maintenance of STOLVAC. Staging of the system development is recommended.

Stability Analysis Of Slide At Milepost 152.7, I 64, Carter County, Harry F. Girdler, Tommy C. Hopkins

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A visual inspection of a slide near Milepost 153 on I 64 was made April 11, 1972, and reported in a memorandum prepared by B. H. Banks on April 12, 1972. The Division of Research made recommendations for correcting this situation in a memorandum to A. R. Romine on June 30, 1972. These recommendations were based on a limited field investigation and a stability analysis of a proposed berm to be located near Station 3483+00. In a letter dated August 18, 1972, Mr. A. J. Horner of FHWA requested borings be made at the site to establish rock depth and …

Tartan Surfacing For An Equestrian Overpass, Donald C. Newberry Jr.

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The location of I 64 in Jefferson County traverses Seneca Park, noted for its scenic beauty and superior recreational facilities. A bridle path in Seneca Park necessitated construction of an overpass for equine traffic. A non-slip and sound-deadening, resilient surface was essential for aesthetics and safety. Tartan, a rubbery mat developed primarily for race course and paddock surfaces, was specified and installed on the overpass.

High-Intensity Reflective Materials For Signs, Rolands L. Rizenbergs

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Field observations and laboratory tests and evaluations were conducted on High-Intensity and Engineering grade materials (Scotchlite), manufactured by the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, and were compared in regard to reflectivity, durability, and cost.

The High-Intensity type materials were found to have outstanding performance characteristics in comparison to Engineering Grade materials. The material significantly enhances sign legibility under low-beam illumination, and accelerated weathering tests showed superior durability.

Characteristics And Models Of Outdoor Recreational Travel, Jerry G. Pigman, John A. Deacon

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the characteristics of outdoor recreational travel and to evaluate models of travel flow from population centers throughout the United States to outdoor recreational areas in Kentucky. Data were obtained by means of a license-plate, origin-destination survey at 160 sites within 42 recreational areas and by means of a continuous vehicle counting program at eight of these sites.

Among those characteristics of outdoor recreational travel which were examined in more detail were vehicle occupancies, vehicle classifications, and trip-length distributions. Vehicle occupancy was found to depend on the type of recreational area, distance traveled, …

Engineering Geognosy Of The Western Coal Field, W. Mccann, Tommy C. Hopkins, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Engineering soils and geologic reports are invaluable tools for engineers, industrial leaders, community planners and administrators during preliminary stages of planning and site selection for construction projects. Such information can be used to great advantage by planners in making soil and geologic reconnaissance surveys, in organizing and checking field surveys, in correlating and predicting performances of soil and geologic materials, and in locating construction materials and resource deposits. Recognizing the need for this type of information, the Division of Research, Bureau of Highways, Kentucky Department of Transportation, has undertaken a study to report the engineering geognosy of Kentucky. The report …

Pavement Roughness, Measurement And Evaluation, Rolands L. Rizenbergs, James L. Burchett, Larry E. Davis

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Vertical accelerations of a passenger in an automobile are automatically summed while traveling a section of road at 51.5 mph (23.0 m/s). A roughness index is obtained by dividing this sum by the time elapsed during the test. Continuity in measurements since 1957 has been preserved through correlations among successive vehicles involved and reference pavements.

In general, bituminous construction has yielded smoother-riding surfaces than concrete construction. The smoothness of concrete pavements, however, has improved on those projects where slip-form paving was used. Interstate and parkway (expressway) construction continues to yield smoother pavements than other major construction. The rate of increase …