Engineering Commons^™

Evaluation Of Geocomposite Pavement Panel Drains Installed In A Sand Backfill Under Revised Installation Specification, L. John Fleckenstein, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Prior to 1989, highway edge drains were backfilled with the existing trench material and dynamically compacted with a tamping shoe. The net result was damage to the inner core of the edge drain.

In response to these problems the installation specification was revised in 1989 to insure the integrity of the drainage system. The revised method of installation consisted of moving the panel to the shoulder side of the trench and then flushing a sand slurry into the trench for backfill. Flushing the sand eliminates the need for mechanical compaction.

Since 1989, two projects have been completed using the revised …

Evaluation Of Flexible Delineator Posts, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study was to install a small number of lightweight metal u-channel posts with a round delineator and a small number of commonly used flexible posts and evaluate their performance. Three types of flexible posts were installed. They included two posts manufactured by Carsonite and one manufactured by Safe-Hit.

The results of the limited field tests does not support widespread use of flexible posts. Substantial durability problems were encountered with the flexible posts. Future use of flexible posts should be limited to potential high-hit areas such as gores at urban interchanges. While the durability of the metal …

Performance Evaluations Of Crushed Sandstone Aggregates In Bituminous Bases, David Q. Hunsucker, R. Clark Graves

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The principal objective of the research effort was to develop historical performance data for bituminous sandstone pavements and bituminous limestone pavements relative to visual distress, pavement rutting characteristics, and structural condition using deflection measurements. Data relative to Road Rater deflections, pavement rutting, condition ratings based on subjective visual surveys and objective data such as skid resistance and rideability, were collected and analyzed during the course of the study and reported herein for the routes investigated.

It was concluded, based upon information gained during the evaluation period and presented in this report, that pavements constructed with bituminous sandstone bases do not …

Performance Evaluations Of Crushed Sandstone Aggregates In Bituminous Bases (Data Appendix To Report Ktc-90-26), David Q. Hunsucker, R. Clark Graves

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The principal objective of the research effort was to develop historical performance data for bituminous sandstone pavements and bituminous limestone pavements relative to visual distress, pavement rutting characteristics, and structural condition using deflection measurements. Data relative to Road Rater deflections, pavement rutting, condition ratings based on subjective visual surveys and objective data such as skid resistance and rideability, were collected and analyzed during the course of the study and reported herein for the routes investigated.

It was concluded, based upon information gained during the evaluation period and presented in this report, that pavements constructed with bituminous sandstone bases do not …

Ground Modification Systems (Stone Columns And Wick Drains In Jefferson County), Bobby W. Meade, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The purpose of this study was to document construction procedures, monitor field performance, and make recommendations as to the effectiveness and future use of stone column and wick drains for ground modification purposes. This project involved the use of wick drains to accelerate consolidation in bridge approach foundations and stone columns to improve foundation support for reinforced soil walls supporting bridge abutments.

This effort was executed by use of field inspections, photologs, and instrumentation to monitor field response. Instrumentation included earth pressure meters, multipoint settlement gages, slope inclinometers, settlement platforms, and piezometers. Wick drain performance was satisfactory. One reinforced soil …

Safety Belt Usage Before And After Enactment Of A Mandatory Usage Ordinance (Lexington-Fayette County, Kentucky), Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

No abstract provided.

Analysis Of Traffic Accident Data In Kentucky (1985-1989), 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 1985 through 1989. 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 …

Road Rater Correlation, R. Clark Graves, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In this study, a correlation has been conducted between the Model 400B and the Model 2000 Road Rater. Also contained in this study, is a study of the linearity of the Road Rater measurements. Information gained from this study will provide better understanding of Road Rater measurements.

1990 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 1990 safety belt and child safety seat usage rates in Kentucky. Data were collected at 100 sites and combined based on vehicle miles travelled 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 32 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). Usage rates had increased significantly in 1990 …

Correlation Of Astm And Kentucky Cbr Methods For Fayette County, Tony L. Beckham, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

No abstract provided.

Pavement Deflection Test Database, Bobby W. Meade, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Pavement deflection measurements have been collected on various pavement types by both research and the Pavement Management Branch of the Transportation Cabinet for several years. This report outlines the establishment of a data base of deflection measurements which have been collected. A index program has been developed to search the available data base for pavement sections which meet given criteria. This data base will provide up-to-date information which may be used for both research and pavement management activities. The presence of historical data will assist in evaluating the structural performance of various pavement types. It will also provide additional information …

Proposed Revisions To Kentucky Revised Statutes, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Donald G. Hartman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

No abstract provided.

Estimation Of Equivalent Axleloads Using Data Collected By Automated Vehicle Classification And Weigh-In-Motion Equipment, Herbert F. Southgate

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The primary objective of this research study was to modify the existing EAL estimation system to include data obtained using the Golden River Weigh-In-Motion system and automated vehicle classification equipment. Data are to be collected over a three-year cycle in accordance with the FHWA Traffic Monitoring Guide. Having the capability of moving the portable weigh-in-motion scales to locations other than interstate sites permits the collection and analyses of specific data at sites on other highway functional classifications. Such data permits estimating both accumulated and future EAL requirements for that site. Such data permits estimating EAL requirements for sites on the …

Large-Stone Mixes For Reducing Rutting, Kamyar C. Mahboub

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Large-stone mixes are becoming a very popular means for reducing rutting in flexible pavements. Aggregate interlock in large-stone mixes provides for very efficient dissipation of compressive and shear stresses that are known to be responsible for rutting and shoving in flexible pavements. This report documents mix design procedures and laboratory testing for characterization of rutting potential of large-stone asphalt mixes (LSAM) in Kentucky and particularly the Louisa Bypass project.

A series of large-stone aggregate gradations were studied. A promising aggregate gradation was selected in cooperation with Kentucky Department of Highway officials and representatives of the asphalt industry. Based upon the …

Louisa Bypass Experimental Project, Kamyar C. Mahboub, L. John Fleckenstein

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In an effort to reduce rutting in the new Louisa Bypass in Lawrence County, Kentucky, a large-stone asphaltic base mix (Class K) was used in the base layer. A one-inch surface wearing course was used in this project, a polymer-modified asphalt was used in the surface course on half of the project. In order to facilitate subsurface drainage, a free draining subbase (No. 57's) was placed between the large-stone base and a dense-graded aggregate (DGA) layer. The drainage design was further enhanced by edge and median drains. Construction processes were monitored and photographed. Laboratory and field studies were conducted to …

Performance Report On Corrugated Polyethylene Pipe, N-12, L. John Fleckenstein, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This paper documents the installation and performance ofN-12 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, and US 68/KY 80 in Warren County. The pipe is manufactured by Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc., and is designated as ADS N-12. ADS N-12 is a corrugated high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe. The pipe has a corrugated exterior for increased strength and a smooth interior to provide maximum flow capacity.

The N-12 pipe requires less equipment and fewer personnel than steel or concrete pipe for installation. From …

Summary Of Results Of 1989 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 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 …

Instrumentation Of The Twelvemile Bridge, Theodore Hopwood Ii, David Q. Hunsucker, Edgar E. Courtney

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

An experimental precast, post-tensioned concrete segmental girder bridge over Twelvemile Creek in Campbell County was instrumented with stress and strain sensors. Those sensors were read during beam fabrication and the initial portion of construction. The work was performed to address Transportation Cabinet questions about structural performance and also to assess the effect of long-term creep. The study and bridge were not completed as originally designed due a beam failure during post-tensioning.

A variety of stress, strain, and deflection measuring techniques were to be employed during the study. Several of those including concrete stress and strain meters, and vibrating-wire strain gages …

Plan For Continuing Earthquake Mitigation And Recommended Emergency Response Procedures For Western Kentucky, L. John Fleckenstein, David L. Allen, Vince P. Drnevich

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Concern has grown in recent years over the seismic activity of the New Madrid seismic zone in Western Kentucky. In 1987, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet commissioned the Kentucky Transportation Center to analyze and assess the possible effects of an earthquake on highway facilities. Since 1987, over 1,000 miles of priority routes have been recommended for the transportation of goods and services after a major earthquake. This report summarizes the mitigation research that has been conducted. This report also discusses a plan for continuing earthquake mitigation in Kentucky through seminars, discusses bridge retrofitting, and makes recommendations for a post earthquake response.

Seismic Analysis And Retrofitting Priorities For Highway Bridges On Earthquake Priority Route System In Western Kentucky, Yu Ouyang, David L. Allen, Vincent P. Drnevich, L. John Fleckenstein

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Concern has grown in recent years over the seismic activity of the New Madrid seismic zone in Western Kentucky. Bridges, as the vital links of the priority route system, need to be prevented from sever earthquake damages in order to keep the routes passible after an earthquake has occurred. In this report, seismic rating and seismic analysis were performed for each of 276 bridges on the priority route system. A priority order of retrofitting for the bridges was listed according to their vulnerability to the earthquake. At least 111 bridges need retrofitting based on the results of seismic analyses. The …

Tort Liability Related To Highways In Kentucky, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

An objective of this study was to review and analyze claims made against the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet through the Board of Claims. Another objective was to review the current state-of-the-art related to tort liability and highway agencies. This was accomplished by reviewing the literature and contacting other state highway agencies. Using information obtained from these various sources, recommendations were made relating to the establishment of an effective risk management program.

Information from Board of Claims cases was obtained for the years 1981 through 1989 and then analyzed. This information included the date of the claim, the county where the action …

Evaluation Of Wick Drain Stabilization Of Approach Fill Foundation (Bullitt County), Bobby W. Meade, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The purpose of this study was to document construction procedures and evaluate the effectiveness of prefabricated wick drains for dewatering and stabilizing an approach fill foundation. Construction was observed and photologged. Foundation pore pressure was monitored with pneumatic piezometers. Settlement of the entire structure was monitored by use of control points on the retaining wall and pavement.

Construction procedures were acceptable. Wick drains have functioned as expected and the approach fill has been stable for approximately four years since construction.

Field Inspections Of High-Performance Bridge Paints, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Edgar E. Courtney, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Paint inspections were performed on 19 steel bridges. Those structures employed various high-performance sacrificial and barrier paints. Those paints were used singly and in combination. The surface preparation varied for some of those paint systems.

The inspections included four girder bridges that had original paint and 15 others, mostly trusses that were repainted. Kentucky Transportation Center personnel also monitored several bridges during repainting operations. The inspections revealed that the original paint was in excellent condition. Most of the coatings on the repainted bridges were performing well. Some of those bridges have some spot corrosion. Only one of those bridges showed …

Review And Analysis Of Pavement Management Practices In Kentucky, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Pavement Management is becoming increasingly more important in an era of limited budgets and aging pavement structures, State Highway Agencies (SHA) are attempting to manage the pavements under their jurisdiction more carefully and economically. All pavement management systems include all or some of the following items as inputs: (1) pavement distress, (2) serviceability or rideability, (3) inventory of the system, (4) structural adequacy, (5) traffic volumes and loadings, and (6) some form of performance history. This report documents Kentucky's present pavement management system. In addition, the duties and goals of the Pavement Management Branch are catalogged and described. Methods for …

Investigation Of Premature Cracking On The National Turnpike, Jefferson County, L. John Fleckenstein, R. Clark Graves, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report discusses the investigation of the premature cracking that occurred on the National Turn pike, Jefferson County (1989). A detailed distress survey was performed evaluating each slab throughout the project site. Falling Weight Deflectometer testing was performed on every third slab. In addition subgrade samples were taken, along with the installation of three water monitoring wells. Laboratory test were conducted on the subgrade samples.

Damage that occurred near the curb inlets and manholes is probably due to insufficient compaction. The remaining damage is most likely related to the combined effects of a very soft subgrade, high water tables, and …

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

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This highway cost and revenue allocation study is the fourth of a recent Kentucky series begun in 1982. Experience gained with each study has resulted in subsequent refinements that have enlarged the data base, enhanced the accuracy, and simplified the study process. One of the long-term aims is to develop an easy-to-use process for continuously monitoring effects of changes in traffic patterns, in finance and tax policy, and in highway expenditures.

The primary objective of the current study was to determine the 1989 levels of revenue contribution and cost responsibility for each of several classes of Kentucky highway users. As …

Kentucky Traffic Accident Facts 1990 Report, Kentucky State Police

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

KENTUCKY'S TRAFFIC ACCIDENT FACTS report for 1990 is based on accident reports submitted to the Ken­tucky Accident Reporting 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 …