Engineering Commons^™

Model Study Of Flow Through Culverts, Eugene M. West

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Within the past four years, the Highway Materials Research Laboratory has expended considerable effort upon investigating and developing new approaches to the problem of estimating the quantity of runoff from small drainage areas. Particular interest has been given to areas of sizes that require culverts or small bridges with less than twenty feet of span. The results of these studies have been included in the Drainage Manual recently adapted for use by the Department of Highways.

Kentucky Soils: Their Origin, Distribution And Engineering Properties, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Soil is the product of the action of climate and living organisms upon parent materials, as conditioned by local relief. The length of time over which these forces are operative is of great importance in determining the properties of the final soil product. Altogether, there are five principal factors in soil formation: 1.) climate, 2.) biological activity, 3.) nature of the parent material, 4.) topography, and 5.) time.

The major differences in the soils of Kentucky result chiefly from differences in 1.) the rocks from which the parent materials were derived and 2.) the topographic position of the materials.

A Study Of The Properties And Performance Of Kentucky (Natural Sandstone) Rock Asphalt, James H. Havens, Ellis G. Williams

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Kentucky (natural sandstone) rock asphalt derives its esteem as a highway surfacing material from its uniform appearance on the road, its riding characteristics, and the fact that it affords the highest protection against skidding (slipperiness) of any of the paving materials now generally available (see Appendix IV). The usual methods of handling, steaming, laying and spreading offer some of the conveniences and advantages of a ready-to-use material. Although its service history during the past 50 years has been generally favorable, there has also been a certain amount of risk involved in its use, particularly in recent years on roads sustaining …

A Concrete Pavement Without Transverse Joints [Jan. 1956], Dave H. Sawyer

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

For a period of more than six years the Research Division has had under observation the concrete pavement built without transverse joints on U.S. 31-W between Franklin and the Tennessee Line. The primary reason for observing performance year after year is to record the incidence of cracks and other more serious defects; but also the grooving of cracks in 1949 and the application of different joint sealing materials became an important part of the observations.

Observations On The Constitution And Characterization Of Paving Asphalts, James H. Havens, W. F. Daniels

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This paper contains results of analyses with asphalts of various composition and derivation. The objective of the study is to define and correlate constitution and fundamental character of asphalts in a manner significant to their use in highway pavements.

Further confirmation of the existence of three discrete solubility fractions in asphalts was obtained by extraction methods and by paper partition chromatography. Paraffin bodies were revealed by microscopic examination of thin films. Asphaltene fractions showed the presence of particulate material by electron microscopy and also revealed indications of peptized asphaltene bodies. Oils dialyzed from asphalt exhibited u.v. fluorescence similar to components …

Triaxial Acceleration Analysis Applied To The Evaluation Of Pavement Riding Qualities, L. E. Gregg, William S. Foy

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Traditionally the riding qualities of a pavement are expressed as some function of localized irregularities in the contour of the pavement surface. This is predicated on the fact that the portion of passenger comfort or discomfort imparted by all features of the pavement surface can not be isolated and determined separately from other influences such as vehicle characteristics or psychological and physiological aspects of the passenger himself.

Measurements of riding qualities have dealt almost exclusively with vehicle displacements in the vertical direction only, these having been and still being the most prominent and most amenable to measurement. By this procedure …

An Investigation Of The Binding Properties Of Limestone Dust, William E. Howard, Ellis G. Williams

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A proper quantity of dust particles of various sizes has long been recognized as important in the construction of stone bases and pavements. Screenings for water bound macadam bases are required to contain not less than a specified amount of dust sizes, and dense-graded limestone bases have controlling limits for the dust fraction. It is generally assumed that these particles serve a dual purpose: (1) in filling void spaces created by larger particles, thus enhancing the gross structure of the aggregate, and (2) in acting as a binder material in the presence of water. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that …

Studies Of The Suitability Of Expanded Shale Aggregate For Use In Cement Concrete, Claude M. Brown Jr., Loren H. Strunk, Dave H. Sawyer

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Expanded shale is one of several artificial lightweight aggregates currently used in the production of lightweight concrete. Its use has become rather widespread through recent improvements in production techniques, mix designs, placement methods, and air entrainment. However, various types of lightweight concrete as such is not of recent origin, having been used in this country for more than a half century.

Expanded shale aggregates are produced by heating a suitable shale to the point of fusion. Gases within the shale expand and thus form thousands of tiny air cells within the mass which are retained upon cooling and solidification. The …

Application Of Wire Mesh Reinforcement To Asphaltic Concrete Pavement Overlays, Ellis G. Williams

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In response to suggestions from the Wire Reinforcement Institute, the Department established during the past construction season some test sections to investigate wire mesh reinforcement in bituminous concrete. As in the case of most similar projects in other states, the intent was to determine the effectiveness of wire mesh for controlling "reflection cracking" in bituminous overlays placed on existing portland cement concrete pavement.

Inspection Of Full Depth Modified Dense-Graded Aggregate Base, Plant Mixed (Tennessee Project), William B. Drake

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

No abstract provided.

Roughness As A Factor In Culvert Hydraulics, Eugene M. West

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In conjunction with the oral discussion of Roughness as a Factor in Culvert Hydraulics, which has been scheduled for the coming meeting of the Research Committee, I have assembled a few notes and diagrams with which you may wish to become familiar. It is intended that this material serve as a guide in a simplified approach to some of the basic considerations in the analysis of culverts, and not to be all inclusive.

An Investigation Of Bituminous Coatings And Pavements On Corrugated Metal Culverts, Eugene M. West

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The object of this inspection was to determine the efficacy of bituminous coatings and paved inverts on corrugated metal pipe and culverts installed on Rural Secondary Projects during the past few years. The study originated after earlier investigations had led to recommendations concerning the resistance of various types of pipe and culvert materials in the presence of acid-bearing waters.

Blown Mulch For Roadside Erosion Control, Jason C. Taylor

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In May 1954, the Division of Construction brought to the attention of the Research Division the fact that an effort was being made (for the first time in Kentucky) to revise the conventional manner of applying straw mulch to a seeded right-of-way. This innovation was to be achieved with the use of a recently-invented machine known as the "Finn Mulch Spreader", which is capable of mixing a straw mulch with some adhesive substance and then blowing the mixture onto the seeded area. The intent was to achieve a reasonably homogeneous mat-like structure composed of pieces of straw attached to each …

Proposed Revision For Specification For Reflex-Reflective Materials For Highway Signs, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

There are several pertinent factors and considerations that have a direct bearing on the requirements contained in the attached Recommended Special Specification No. 50-R, and it seems appropriate to record them here as reference material either in support of the specification or as information.

Pavement Investigation: Middletown-Eastwood Portion Of Us 60, Louisville-Shelbyville Road, William B. Drake

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The attached report dealing with a "Pavement Investigation, Middletown-Eastwood Portion of US 60, Louisville-Shelbyville Road", is submitted in response to your directive of December 16, 1953. All of the field and laboratory work on the investigation was completed under Mr. Drake's supervision prior to his temporary transfer to the Division of Design on June 1, and during the past month he has been able to spend portions of his time toward completion of the report.

Polarographic Determination Of Germanium, Calvin Leo Stevenson

Bachelors Theses and Reports, 1928 - 1970

In the past germanium has been determined by either wet methods or by the spectograph; the spectograph being used for the determination of very small amounts of ger­manium and wet methods used when more than one hundredth of one percent germanium is present. Both of these analyti­cal schemes have weaknesses.

A Study Of The Effects Of The Chloride Ion On The Lead-Silver Anodes And On The Lead Tenor Of The Zinc Deposit In Zinc Electrolysis, William A. Mitchell

Bachelors Theses and Reports, 1928 - 1970

The electrolyte used in the commercial production of electrolytic zinc from zinc sulphate solutions contains small amounts of impurities each of which has its own effects upon the process. Impurities such as antimony, cobalt, nickel, and iron tend to lower the current efficiency while other impurities such as chlorine, fluorine, and nitrates tend to increase the corrosion of the lead anodes and thereby increase the lead tenor of the zinc deposit.

A Bank Gravel Base Containing Calcium Chloride [Report No. 2], William B. Drake

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Attached you will find our second progress report on "A Bank Gravel Base Containing Calcium Chloride," by W.B. Drake. This project pertains to that portion of the Paducah-Eddyville Road (U.S. 62) extending from Kentucky Dam to Kuttawa. You are quite familiar with the road having visited it in company with Mr. Bray on August 13, this year and I believe most of the members of the Research Committee are familiar with it. Discussions following presentation of Report No. 1 on the project at our meeting last April would have accomplished that, but the road is better known for the number …

A Compendium On Class I, Type C Mixes, Ellis G. Williams

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Recently the Class I, Type C Surface Mix has been the subject of numerous discussions resulting from present paving operations on Muldraugh Hill (U.S. 31W and U.S. 60) south of Louisville, and from performance of pavements placed heretofore on some Louisville Streets. Apparently, past difficulties have created some doubt about the suitability of Type C surfaces in heavy traffic areas for which it was intended. Type C does not represent the ultimate in stable mixtures, but it should be entirely adequate for the purpose intended.

A Concrete Pavement Without Transverse Joints [Dec. 1952], William B. Drake

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This project was last reported in January, 1951, or approximately two years ago. Three previous reports have been made. Report No. 2 was dated December, 1949, and Report No. 1 was made July, 1949. A memorandum report (for file only) covering the two 1951 inspections was made in February of 1952.

This road is a section of U.S. 31W in Simpson County designated as FI 239(4). It runs from Sta. 9-11 at the Tennessee State Line to Sta. 311-40 at the south city limit of Franklin (see layout plot). It consists of a 22-foot concrete pavement underlain by 1-1/2 inches …

The Performance Of Cold Mastic Joint-Sealing Compounds And Sawed Joints In Concrete Pavements, Dave H. Sawyer

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Included in this report are observations and data on the performance of various types of crack and joint sealing materials applied to three separate concrete pavements. The factors which are considered pertinent in evaluating the respective conditions of the materials are: length of service, tightness of joint, adherence to the concrete pavement, and ductility. The three materials used on these projects were cold mastic, hot-poured asphalt rubber, and OA-2 cut back with MC-3.

A Survey Of Acidity In Drainage Waters And The Condition Of Highway Drainage Installations, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

During the summer of 1949, approximately one year after installation, serious corrosion failures were discovered in a series of galvanized metal entrance culverts on U.S. 60 south of Ashland near Princess. Because of a unique disparity in their performance at this location, the problem was referred to the Research Division for possible explanation. An impromptu investigation ensued, and the cause of the failure was attributed directly to acid drainage water flowing from extensive strip-mining operations within the immediate area. A report (1)* describing the attendant conditions was made to the Research Committee in December of that year.

As an outgrowth …

An Investigation Of Lean Concrete Mixes As Base Courses For Bituminous Surfaces [Dec. 1952], Dave H. Sawyer

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

During the summer of 1950, the Kentucky Department of Highways placed a lean concrete mix for base construction and widening in Montgomery County. This project was a 4.415 mile section of U.S. 60 on the Winchester-Mt. Sterling Road, and was designed as SF 87-117. Four major revisions – three alignment and one grade – were completed on the project thus requiring full-width base replacement of sections of the old pavement with the lean concrete mix.

Evaluation Of Traffic Paint In 1952, A. C. Peed Jr.

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Following the program of in-service transverse stripe evaluation coupled with laboratory study of traffic paint samples submitted by various manufacturers who propose to bid on the Departments paint requirements, field stripes were placed August 19, 1952. For this test stripes were placed in the same general location as that used the two previous years (U.S. 27 south of Lexington at the junction of the concrete and bituminous pavements). Gradings contained herein were made December 27, 1952, and thus represent a somewhat premature five-month evaluation. However, the set of stripes placed in 1951 were scrutinized since they had sixteen months of …

A Limestone-Calcium Chloride Stabilized Base, William B. Drake

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report is mainly concerned with the calcium-chloride stabilized portion of a combination base. A 4-inch course of waterbound macadam was placed over a 1-inch insulation course overlying an existing traffic-bound stone surface. The next 4 inches of base above, the water bound material consisted of two 2-inch layers of calcium-chloride stabilized limestone of a design not used heretofore by the Department.

Bituminous concrete binder and surface courses laid over the base brought the total mat thickness to more than 11 inches. The surface width was 30 feet, and the length of the project was 1.1 miles.

Although the road …

Head Determinations For Structures On U.S 23 That Are Affected By Raising The Normal Pool Elevation Of Ohio River Lock And Dam No. 30 At Greenup, Kentucky, Eugene M. West

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

During a visit to this office on July 3, 1952, Mr. J.O. Cornell requested the assistance of the Hydraulics Section of the Research Laboratory in investigating the possible head to be expected on the drainage structures on U.S. 23, that would be influenced by the proposed raising of the normal pool elevation of Ohio River Lock and Dam No. 30 at Greenup, Kentucky.

In order to better evaluate the head to be expected, I have approached the problem from an analytical standpoint, outlining and comparing the results from three suggested methods. The results of the analysis of the three separate …

Corrosion Of Highway Structures By Acid-Bearing Drainage Water In Hopkins County, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Pursuant to your conversation with Mr. Hopgood concerning the above matter, Mr. Peed and I contacted Mr. Charlie Rogers, Resident Engineer, Madisonville, and made an inspection of the locations in question. In specific connection with this, you will recall from our Progress Report No. 1 on "A Survey of Acidity in Drainage Waters and the Condition of Highway Drainage Installations" that the acid conditions in Hopkins County were rated as extremely severe, if not the most critical in the state. It was, in part, due to the prevailing severity there that led to the selection of a location at Mortons …

Proposed Special Specification For Reflectorizing Glass Spheres, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In response to your request for a specification that will apply to glass beads for reflectorizing surfaces of signs, paints, and other night driving aids, we recommend the attached material which is drawn up in the form of a proposed specification. In general, the procedures. and ranges of performance characteristics conform with things that have been discussed by the A.S.T.M. Subcommittee on Traffic Paints. Actually, A.S.T.M. has not adopted a specification, but probably they will have one within the next year or two.

You will note the refractive index and size distribution or gradation are referred to in the specification, …

Field Trip To Daviess And Henderson Counties For Inspection Of Gravel-Bituminous Roads, Ellis G. Williams

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This series of inspections started April 28, with inspection of pavements containing gravel located in Daviess County. It was found that most pavements containing this aggregate has been resurfaced last year using a crushed limestone aggregate. There were, however, three hot-mix and one road-mix pavements remaining.

A Study Of Runoff From Small Drainage Areas And The Openings In Attendant Drainage Structures, Eugene M. West, J. O. Cornell

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In 1926, John T. Lynch read to the Kentucky Academy of Sciences a paper entitled, "The Relation Between Drainage Area and Waterway Required for Culverts and Small Bridges in Kentucky." The paper was based on a study of many small drainage structures then existing in the highway system, and a general evaluation of the performance of the structures in relation to rainfall and runoff from contributing watersheds.

As a result of this report, and in accordance with the suggestions contained in it, the Department of Highways adopted a system of runoff coefficients applicable to different sections of the state and …