Engineering Commons^™

Performance Of A Modified Turned-Down Guardrail End Treatment In Traffic Accidents, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study was to report the results of the continued monitoring of the performance of the modified turned-down guardrail end treatment (Type 7) in traffic accidents. Data for a total of 67 accidents involving the modified turned-down guardrail end treatment were identified. Performance was classified as proper in 51 of the 61 accidents (84 percent) in which it was determined. In the majority of the accidents in which proper performance occurred, the vehicle either traveled onto the top at the guardrail beyond the breakaway section or broke through the breakaway posts and proceeded behind the guardrail.

The …

Design And Performance Of A Bituminous Surface Mixture Containing Bottom Ash Aggregate, David Q. Hunsucker

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A one-mile experimental bituminous surface overlay was placed in October 1987 on State Route 3 in Lawrence County, Kentucky. The experimental section utilized bottom ash aggregate from the Kentucky Power Company's Big Sandy Power Plant, near Louisa, Kentucky. Bottom ashes are generally angular and have very porous surfaces. Approximately 539 tons of the experimental bituminous surface material, containing 40 percent bottom ash (dry weight), were placed. Reported herein are results of laboratory tests and performance evaluations of the experimental surface mixture.

Performance of the experimental bottom ash surface has been excellent. Skid resistance tests indicate the surface is highly skid …

Youth Needs And Assessment Survey, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The characteristics of traffic accidents involving teenage (16 to 19 years of age) drivers are summarized in this report and compared to all accidents. This was accomplished through an analysis of statewide accident data for a three-year period (1989 through 1991). Counties having the highest overrepresentation of accidents involving teenage drivers were identified. The status of highway safety programs currently in place in school districts in Kentucky is presented. A survey was sent to 182 school districts in Kentucky with a 64 percent response rate obtained. Relevant literature was reviewed, and summary statements are given in the Appendix. This summary …

Experimental Road Base Construction Utilizing Atmospheric Fluidized Bed Combustion Residue, David Q. Hunsucker, R. Clark Graves

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report summarizes findings of laboratory and field trial evaluations of two experimental test sections constructed adjacent to one another. One experimental section contained a mixture of pulverized fuel ash, residue from an atmospheric fluidized bed combustion process, and limestone aggregate. The second section contained a similar mixture but included a small amount of Type Ill cement. Both experimental sections were constructed to a total nominal thickness of nine inches. The typical design section included six inches of the experimental mixtures, used as base materials, beneath three inches asphaltic concrete. A previous report documented construction of the test sections and …

Survey Of Current Bridge Painting Practices And Related Literature Search, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Christopher M. Oberst

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A survey on current bridge painting practices was conducted. Questionnaires were sent to all 50 state highway agencies concerning their present bridge painting practices, changes in those practices that they anticipate due to environmental regulations, and new or experimental painting practices they are investigating. Forty-three responses were received. Those are collated and presented in the appendices along with comments of the responders.

A literature search was conducted on publications related to painting of steel structures (since 1987). Forty-nine documents were identified as being relevant to the topic. Those documents are listed in bibliographic form in the appendices.

Summary Of Results Of 1991 Field And Laboratory Evaluations Of Pavement Marking Materials, Kentucky Transportation Center

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report summarizes the results of data collected as part of the 1991 field and laboratory evaluations of pavement marking materials for the SASHTO Regional Test Facility.The purpose of the Regional Test Facility (RTF) is to minimize the amount of field and laboratory research testing of specific types of materials. This is accomplished by combining efforts in an organized manner to reduce the monetary and man-hour requirements of both the states and industry. A RTF for the twelve SASHTO states was approved at the 1988 SASHTO convention. The twelve SASHTO states are Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North …

Laboratory And Field Evaluations And Correlations Of Properties Of Pavement Components, David L. Allen, R. Clark Graves, L. John Fleckenstein

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report documents the selection and sampling of 21 long-term pavement performance testing sites. Seven of those sites were also chosen to be a part of the LTPP portion of the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP). All sites were sampled in accordance with SHRP protocol and procedures.

The report includes three years of visual distress data and pavement deflection data obtained by a Road Rater. There were wide variabilities in backcalculated subgrade moduli and asphaltic concrete moduli within each 500-foot test section.

Laboratory resilient modulus tests were performed on undisturbed samples of the subgrade and asphaltic concrete cores. Again, there …

Review Of Highway Cost Allocation Methodologies, John A. Deacon, Jerry G. Pigman, Nikiforos Stamatiadis

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objectives of the current cost allocation study, the fifth in a series begun in 1982, include the following: 1) to evaluate current cost allocation methodologies and identify possible changes to Kentucky practices; and 2) to determine the 1991 fiscal year levels of cost responsibility and revenue contribution for each of several classes of highway users. Additional objectives include an evaluation of the equity of tax proposals advanced by the Kentucky Motor Transport Association, a preliminary determination of the revenue and cost implications of the Extended-Weight Coal Haul System, and an evaluation of the efficiency with which certain highway user …

Kentucky Rock Asphalt (Kyrock) Road Surfacing Material: Preliminary Investigation, Jerry G. Rose

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report documents a preliminary investigation of Kentucky Rock Asphalt (Kyrock) - as a road surfacing material. The indigenous bituminous impregnated sandstone was widely used as a premium quality skid resistant surfacing material during the first half of this century. Redevelopment efforts gained momentum during the 1960's, but for the last twenty years interest has waned.

Laboratory tests were conducted on the Kyrock to determine its applicability in bituminous surface mixes by blending Kyrock with virgin materials in a similar manner as adding recycled asphalt pavement. The findings indicated it was feasible to blend Kyrock and a continuation proposal was …

Recycled Materials In Kentucky Highway Construction, David Q. Hunsucker, Laura Whayne

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objectives of this study were to identify and list waste materials which should be recycled to reduce solid waste disposal; report current and past efforts of the Kentucky Department of Highways to utilize recycled and waste materials; determine through a thorough literature search and review, the efforts of other local, state, national and international transportation agencies to utilize recycled materials; and, present preliminary recommendations listing areas where additional recycling efforts appear promising, feasible and needed.

Waste materials that were identified which could be recycled to reduce solid waste disposal included demolition waste (building rubble, recycled concrete pavement, recycled asphalt …

Pavement Deflection Evaluations, R. Clark Graves, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In this study a procedure has been developed to evaluate the structural condition of pavements using Road Rater deflection measurements. These procedures compare actual field deflections with deflections calculated by the Chevron N-Layer linear elastic computer program. The results obtained from these procedures are the layer moduli of the pavement materials. Procedures have been developed for asphaltic concrete pavements and composite pavements, including broken and non-broken concrete layers. This report also contains a comparison of structural overlay determined using the results of the new procedure, with overlays calculated using results from the 2-3 Projected procedure currently used by the Pavement …

Roadway Related Tort Liability And Risk Management: 2nd Edition, Daniel S. Turner, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This training material has been prepared to address the tort liability problems faced by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and Kentucky local governments. The workbook defines the problem by reviewing the national picture of growing numbers of suits and escalating financial losses from suits against highway agencies.

The workbook also sets out solutions, and reviews actions which can decrease the exposure of highway agencies to these suits. This risk management concept is emphasized throughout the workbook.

Kentucky Traffic Accident Facts 1992 Report, Kentucky State Police

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

KENTUCKY'S TRAFFIC ACCIDENT FACTS report for 1992 is based on accident reports submitted to the Accident Unit housed in the Kentucky State Police Information Services Branch, Records Section. As required by Kentucky Revised Statutes 189.635, "every law enforcement agency whose officers investigate a vehicle accident of which a report must be made .. . shall file a report of the accident ... within ten days after investigation of the accident upon forms supplied by the bureau.· The stated purpose of this requirement is to utilize data on traffic accidents" for such purposes as will improve the traffic safety program in …

Seat Belt Attitudinal Survey, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The primary objective of this study was to conduct a statewide survey to determine public opinion of a statewide mandatory safety belt law. The survey was conducted so that opinions could be analyzed by areas of the state. The method used to separate the state into geographic regions was to use the boundaries of the 15 Area Development Districts (ADD). A mail survey was conducted with 1,000 questionnaires sent to each ADD. A response rate of 51 percent was obtained.

The respondents were in favor of a statewide law requiring use of safety belts. The statewide percentage in favor of …

Construction Evaluation Of Hydraway Edge Drains And Outlet Pipes On Interstate 64, L. John Fleckenstein, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report documents the installation of the Hydraway edge drain (version two) on 1-64 in Franklin·Woodford-Scott and Fayette Counties. The edge drain was placed on the back side of the trench against the shoulder and backfilled with a sand/slurry.

From observations on this project and several previous projects, the sand/slurry backfill helps to insure the integrity of the drainage system during initial backfilling. It is apparent that the sand slurry backfill provides a better installation in comparison to previous methods using excavated trench material. Notable trench settlement did occur on this project. It is apparent that insufficient water was used …

Field Performance Report On Corrugated Polyethylene Pipe, L. John Fleckenstein, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report documents the installation and performance of corrugated smooth lined polyethylene pipe installed during construction of South Forbes Road in Fayette County, KY 54 in Daviess County, US 62 in McCracken County, Nicholasville Road in Fayette County, US 68/KY 80 in Warren County, KY 127 in Franklin County, US 62 in Hardin County, Donaldson Road and KY 236 in Kenton County, KY 17 in Kenton County, and Anderson Road in Kenton County. The majority of the pipe installed was N-12 pipe manufactured by Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc., and is designated as ADS N-12. ADS N-12 is a corrugated high-density …

Sensitivity Study Of 1986 Aashto Guide For Design Of Pavement Structures, Herbert F. Southgate

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A sensitivity study of 14 items added to the 1986 AASHTO Guide for Design of Pavement Structures indicated: (1) variations in percent reliability were most influential on the design EAL for the same pavement structure while (2) variations in standard deviations had minimal effects. (3) Resilient moduli for base and subbase materials are very dependent upon stress state (or bulk stress). (4) A method was developed to quantify the effect of drainage capabilities for various soils and its effect upon reduction in structural coefficients for base and subbase materials. (5) Literature review revealed 13 relationships to define soil stiffness. The …

Evaluation Of Pe Film, James E. Funk, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Christopher M. Oberst

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Laboratory tests were conducted to assess the ability of a 3-mil thick adhesive-backed polyethylene film (Polymask) to protect vehicle paint finishes from acid-rain damage. The laboratory tests employed conditions known to be relevant to actual service conditions including: 1) automotive paints of various colors, 2) simulated acid-rain solutions (of pH values from 2.2 to 5.5), and 3) service temperatures (120 to 160 °F). Laboratory tests included cyclic evaporation and soak tests similar to those employed in a previous series of tests for Toyota (1). Cyclic evaporation tests were performed for 12 cycles and the soak tests were performed for 5 …

Value Of Research, Kentucky Transportation Center

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Transportation research in Kentucky has been ongoing since 1914. The Road Materials Testing Laboratory was established that year at the University of Kentucky. Operation of the laboratory commenced in 1915 under the guidance of Professor D.V. Terrell who later became Dean of the College of Engineering. Dean Terrell often noted that the purpose of research was not to save money but to make it go farther. Public funding was never sufficient to accomplish all that various agency personnel considered essential nor that which the public deemed necessary and research was conducted most often for the purpose of gaining more for …

Analysis Of Traffic Accident Data In Kentucky (1986-1990), Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report includes an analysis of traffic accident data in Kentucky for the years of 1986-1990. A primary objective of this study was to determine average accident statistics for Kentucky highways. Average and critical number and rates of accidents were calculated for various types of highways in rural and urban areas. These data can be used in Kentucky's procedure to identify locations that have abnormal rates or numbers of accidents.

Another objective of this study was to provide data which can be used in the preparation of the problem identification portion of Kentucky's Annual Highway Safety Plan. County and city …

Evaluation Of Stamark Brand Bisymmetric 1.75 Grade Pavement Marking Tape, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this project was to evaluate the performance of Stamark Brand Bisymmetric 1.75 Grade pavement Marking Tape (Series 320) on a large-scale installation on Interstate 24 in McCracken County. The evaluation consisted of periodic inspection of the tape to determine its durability, appearance, and reflectivity.

The tape has demonstrated good performance after two years in service. No durability problems were noted. While the appearance of the tape was not as bright as a typical traffic paint, it was adequate. The tape has maintained a high level of reflectivity. The performance of the material would potentially warrant additional use …

1991 Safety Belt Usage Survey And Evaluation Of Effectiveness In Kentucky, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of the survey was to establish 1991 safety belt and child safety seat usage rates in Kentucky. Data were collected at 100 sites and combined based on vehicle miles traveled for a given type of highway, rural or urban location, and county population category. Also included in this report is an analysis of accident records evaluating the effectiveness of safety belts.

Statewide usage rates were 39 percent for drivers and front-seat passengers (over 19 years of age) and 57 percent for children under four years of age (front and rear seats). Driver usage rates had increased significantly in …

Evaluation Of Headwalls And Outlets For Geocomposite Edge Drains On I-75 And I-71, L. John Fleckenstein, David L. Allen, Jack A. Harison

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Longitudinal, round, perforated pipe edge drains have been used along Kentucky roadways for approximately two decades. Panel (fin) edge drains were first used in Kentucky in 1984. Most of these edge drains were installed on the Interstate and Parkway systems.

Several problems related to the drains have been noted in the last seven years. A number of these problems have been observed to be related to flexible outlet pipes and headwalls.

A recent study was initiated to evaluate headwalls and outlets on I-75 from Lexington, Kentucky to Cincinnati, Ohio (approximately 70 miles) and on I-71 from Louisville, Kentucky to I-75 …

Engineering Estimates And Fhwa Accuracy Criterion, David Q. Hunsucker

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Federal Highway Administration requires the construction cost estimate of the highway engineer to be a projection of the low bid, and be within +/- 10 percent of the low bid for at least 50 percent of the projects awarded. Construction cost estimates developed by the Estimating Staff of the Kentucky Department of Highways have not always met this criterion in years past.

The Estimating Staff of the Kentucky Department of Highways use an actual cost approach to generate construction cost estimates. It was concluded that the Department's estimating staff possess the ability to do very thorough and accurate work. …

Protective Coating Program Final Report, James E. Funk, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Donald G. Hartman, Christopher M. Oberst, Rick D. Saylor, Anantha R. Sethuraman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This program consists of two primary segments: 1) installing an environmental monitoring station at the Toyota marshalling yard at Georgetown, Kentucky, and 2) conducting laboratory and field tests of paint and wax-coated painted specimens to assess the protection against acid rain damage afforded by a protective transient coating.

Summary Of Results Of 1990 Field And Laboratory Evaluations Of Pavement Marking Materials (Sashto Regional Test Facility), Kentucky Transportation Center

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report summarizes the results of data collected as part of the 1990 field and laboratory evaluations of pavement marking materials for the SASHTO Regional Test Facility. The purpose of the Regional Test Facility (RTF) is to minimize the amount of field and laboratory research testing of specific types of materials. This is accomplished by combining efforts in an organized manner to reduce the monetary and man-hour requirements of both the states and industry. A RTF for the twelve SASHTO states was approved at the 1988 SASHTO convention. The twelve SASHTO states are Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, …

Bearing Capacity Analysis Of Pavements, Tommy C. Hopkins

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A multilayered, mathematical model for analyzing the ultimate bearing capacity of soil subgrades and asphalt pavements is presented. Theoretical considerations and mathematical derivations of limit equilibrium equations, based on plasticity principles, for analyzing the ultimate bearing capacity of soil subgrades and partially completed asphalt pavements, and the extension of these equations to the analyses of asphalt pavements composed of multiple layers, are presented. The model is unique since shear strength parameters, Φ and c, (the angle of internal friction and cohesion, respectively) are used to describe each layer of material of the pavement structure and a factor of safety against …

Evaluation Of Modified Asphalt Mixtures, Kamyar C. Mahboub, Amy Simpson

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The primary objective of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis on various modified asphalt mixture systems in order to determine their suitability for conditions that are commonly encountered in Kentucky.

Several modified asphalt mixture systems were selected for laboratory and field testing (one-mile long field test section on KY 80, Pulaski County). These systems included the following asphalt mixtures: Control, Vestoplast, Polypropylene Fiber, Gilsonite, PMAC #1, Polyester Fiber, and PMAC #2. Laboratory testing included: Marshall stability and flow, mixture air voids and density, indirect tensile strength, moisture damage susceptibility, freeze-thaw damage susceptibility, resilient modulus, and repeated load permanent …

Cost Effective Maintenance Contracting -- A Literature Review, Bobby W. Meade, David Q. Hunsucker

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Faced with ever increasing maintenance needs and constrained resources for meeting those needs, government agencies are searching for the most cost effective means of conducting highway maintenance. One alternative being used is contracting highway maintenance to private agencies. This report includes the findings of a literature search of articles pertaining to contract maintenance.

Review of the articles acquired in the literature search indicates that contract maintenance is increasing in usage and is a cost effective alternative.

Evaluation Of Highway Geometrics Related To Large Trucks, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

One objective of this study was to determine the extent of highway safety and geometric problems associated with larger trucks using Kentucky's highways. The accident analysis involved both a general analysis of all truck accidents statewide as well as the identification of specific high-accident locations. A second objective was to identify criteria which can be used in identifying roadway sections that cannot safely accommodate large trucks.

The accident analysis given can be used to investigate locations which have a high number of truck accidents. The general accident statistics related to trucks can be used in the investigation of the high-accident …