Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons^™

Experimental Study On Bending And Shear Performance Of Joint With Looped Reinforcement In Prefabricated Components, Liu Zhiquan, Hu Ke, Shi Xuefei, Zhong Yuzhuo

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

A joint with looped reinforcement is a type of steel bar connection structure with wet joints characterized by quick construction.In order to study the bending and shear stress performance and load-bearing capacity characteristics of the wet joints,four bearing capacity tests for bending and shear were designed and conducted for common application scenarios.The load,strain,and displacement changes of the specimens during the test process were tested,and the failure characteristics,load–displacement changes,and ultimate bearing capacity of this type of wet joint were analyzed.The results show that the wet joint with looped reinforcement has good ductility and conforms to the design principles of reinforced concrete.The …

Bending Moment Calculation And Reinforcement Recommendations For Cast-In-Place Cover Slabs In Slab Culverts, Li Yukun, Wan Kecheng, Fu Fulin

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

To address the complexity and lack of practical methods for calculating bending moments of cast-in-place cover slabs in slab culverts,the slabs were simplified as one-way slabs with a pair of opposing edges simply supported and the other pair of edges free.Theoretical formulas for calculating the bending moments within the slabs under uniformly distributed loads were derived using elastic theory.The accuracy of the theoretical formulas was validated through case studies via finite element software.Various combinations of length,width,and fill heights exist in highway projects,making the use of theoretical formulas for bending moment calculations cumbersome.Therefore,a simplified method for calculating maximum bending moments in …

Research On Whole-Hole Testing Technology For Under-Anchor Tension In Prestressed Concrete Girders, Zhu Jianzhao, Dong Hao, Gu Jungang, Feng Lu, Li Shuyang, Zhang Shoulong, Chen Chaung

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

This study aims to propose a new testing method,namely whole-hole back-pull testing technology,to reduce costs and increase efficiency in under-anchor tension testing,effectively addressing the engineering challenges of large testing volume and tight schedules.Based on the principle of the traditional back-pull method,the mechanism of whole-hole back-pull testing technology was explained through theoretical analysis and formula derivation.Technical optimization was carried out in conjunction with experimental research,and a complete application method was proposed.A feasibility analysis was carried out.The study obtained the simplified mechanical model and typical test curves of the whole-hole back-pull testing technology and proposed a formula and application method for determining …

Settlement Mechanism And Re Inforcement Measure For Large-Diameter And Small-Clearance Parallel P Ipe Jacking Undercrossing Complex Building, Tang Gang, Huang Wen Jie, Zhang Wenbo, Li Wenjie, Liang Bin

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

This study aims to study the settlem ent changes and distribution of various parts of a complex building during the construction of a large-diameter and small-clearance parallel pipe jacking undercrossing complex building.On the basis of the pipe jacking project of water quality guarantee engineering 2# for Tiegang –Shiyan Reservoir in Shenzhen,the settlement mechanism of pipe jacking undercrossing construction was analyzed.Through numerical simulation,the influence of the presence or absence of grouting reinforcement,and parameters such as longitudinal spacing and burial depth of pipe jacking on the variation trend and distribution law of building settlement was analyzed.The theoretically predicted values,numerical simulation values,and on-site …

Bridge Damage Detection And Bim Localization Methods Based On Image Recognition, Li Yu, Guo Hongjun

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

To overcome insufficient information of 2D detection data in traditional bridge maintenance,which hinders precise decision-making,this study proposed an automated method based on deep learning and structure from motion (SfM ) technology,which realized the complete process from image recognition to the accurate mapping of damage information in a building information model (BIM ).First,the YOLOv 8 deep learning model was used to automatically detect bridge surface damage.Second,the SfM technology was applied for the local 3D reconstruction of the damage area and to determine the 3D coordinates of the damage.Then,the least squares method was used to align the local coordinate system with the …

Bending Capacity And Strengthening Design With Bonding Steel Plates Of Concrete Sections In French Standards, Wu Zi

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

In the French general technical clauses widely used in Francophone African countries,only the calculation principles for the bending capacity of normal concrete sections are provided,with explicit formulas not listed,and the strengthening design of structures is not involved.According to the fundamental principles of concrete structures and French standard regulations,the calculation formulas for the bending capacity of normal concrete sections were derived.On the basis of the assumptions of strengthening design,calculation formulas for strengthening with bonding steel plates were derived.Through practical engineering calculations conducted on the VDN Expressway project in Senegal,the applicability and reliability of the proposed formulas were verified.This study can offer …

Quantitative Evaluation Of Tunnel Rock Mass Integrity Based On Mwd Technology, Zhang Kunmu, Peng Hao, Liang Ming, Han Yu, Song Guanxian

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

In tunnel construction,the quantitative evaluation of rock mass integrity heavily relies on information from the exposed face,and there are challenges when drilling data is used for integrity evaluation.To this end,this study introduced a novel method for quantitative evaluation of rock mass integrity during drilling,integrating numerical statistics with machine learning.A substantial dataset of digital drilling data was collected,covering three common types of rock mass integrity:relatively intact,relatively fractured,and fractured.Subsequently,a high-performance random forest model for the classification of rock mass integrity was developed through data preprocessing and hyperparameter optimization.The interpretability of the model ’s predictive results was enhanced using Shapley additive explanations (SHAP …

Object Detection And Tracking Based On Fusion Of Radar And Camera On Highway Side, Zeng Yongqiang, Zhang Yonghua, Zhao Hui, Liu Xin, Xu Mingsheng, Shen Jianwei, Hu Zhiwei, Chen Zhenquan

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

Camera is the most widely used sensor in intelligent transportation systems (ITS),but the decline of detection and positioning accuracy caused by target occlusion and external environment interference has always been an important factor restricting the development of ITS.In order to solve this problem,a multi-mode fusion target detection and tracking method based on millimeter-wave radar (MWR ) and camera on highway side was designed.Compared with cameras,high-resolution MWR had better measurement accuracy and weather robustness,serving as a better complement to camera perception.The proposed method used the center point-based radar and camera fusion algorithm for target detection and adopted the greedy algorithm for …

Nashville Bus System Efficiency, Koryn Harms

Student Scholar Symposium

Nashville’s recently approved “Choose How You Move” plan creates a dedicated funding source for transportation improvements in the city. A key component of the plan is to increase transit service throughout Nashville to make it more accessible and reliable. In order to optimize the use of the funding, an analysis of existing conditions would allow officials to locate and target specific areas in need of improvement. The aim of this research is to determine the efficiency of different bus routes in Nashville based on ridership and on-time rates. The analysis will focus on the eight primary bus routes in the …

Smart Traffic Lights, Roa Ghanem

Student Scholar Symposium

Nashville is quickly growing, and as a result, traffic congestion is becoming a bigger challenge for commuters. Longer travel times and increased vehicle emissions are major concerns. This research examines how smart traffic lights can improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in the city. By analyzing peer-reviewed journal articles, this study explores how AI, IoT, and machine learning can optimize traffic signal timing in real time. In particular, simulation models illustrate how these technologies adapt dynamically to changing traffic patterns in cities similar to Nashville. Furthermore, this research compares the cost-effectiveness of smart traffic lights with other solutions, such as …

Development Of A Kytc Highway Geometric Design Workshop, Jill Asher, Jeff Jasper, Travis Thompson, Chris Van Dyke

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In-depth knowledge of geometric design principles is a prerequisite for delivering road projects that provide safe and efficient multimodal mobility for all users. Historically, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) early-career design staff arrived at the agency with little design experience. The agency has relied on a combination of short courses and mentorship provided by experienced personnel to bring early-career design staff up to speed on design best practices. However, this approach to training carries limitations. Employee turnover and imposing workloads make it challenging for early- and even mid-career design professionals to receive guidance from seasoned designers who have long tenures at …

Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting From Roadways: Challenges, Advances, And Future Directions, Heba Gaber, Mohamed Abdelraheem

Faculty Publications

As the global demand for renewable energy intensifies, piezoelectric energy harvesting from roadways has emerged as a promising avenue for sustainable power generation. This systematic literature review analyzes 61 peer-reviewed studies to assess the feasibility, performance, and potential of integrating piezoelectric systems into roadway infrastructure. While technology faces challenges, such as high installation costs, limited energy output, and a scarcity of thorough economic evaluations, findings suggest it holds considerable promise as a supplementary renewable energy source. The review analyzes the operational characteristics and efficiencies of various piezoelectric transducers, identifies key factors influencing system performance, and evaluates recent technological advances. It …

Curbless By Design: Revitalizing Downtown Infrastructure For Pedestrians, Alex Duran, Steve Cherry

Civil Engineering Professional Development Seminar

This presentation will discuss the design of a curbless, pedestrian-focused corridor as part of a small-town downtown reconstruction in Sylvania, Ohio. The project team will share how they balanced community goals, accessibility, and utility coordination, along with considerations for drainage, hardscape, lighting, and power. The session will also highlight early construction lessons learned from Phase 1.

Guardrail Design And Placement 101, Katherine Smutzer

Civil Engineering Professional Development Seminar

Not all “guardrail” is created equal. Within the last 10 years INDOT has adopted the MASH-compliant Midwest Guardrail System (MGS). While similar to the previous standard w-beam guardrail, there are nuances that aren’t well understood by designers. The presentation would reinforce the fundamentals of guardrail as a safety barrier, explain the function of various components of a guardrail system, and review important design considerations.

Evaluating Tire-Pavement Noise Reduction Of Porous Asphalt Using Close Proximity Tests: Comparative Performance And Long-Term Effectiveness, Jin Hwan Kim, Kyungnam Kim, Oh Sun Kwon, Woo Young Cho, Youngguk Seo

Faculty Articles

The objective of this study was to understand the long-term noise reduction effect of Porous Asphalt (PA) in an expressway environment. To this end, PA was compared with that of Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA), tined concrete, and Next-Generation Concrete Surface (NGCS) at the time of construction. Then, the evolution of PA’s acoustic performance was characterized on 82 pavement sections over the period of 1–18 years. The Close Proximity (CPX) method was used to measure tire-pavement noise at three cruising speeds: 80, 100, and 120 km/h. Mean Profile Depth (MPD) and permeability time were considered as key functional measures of PA …

Advancing Transportation Decarbonization Through Electrification: Insights From Transit And Rideshare Scenarios, Ajay Ghimire

Theses (2016-Present)

The transportation sector remains a major source of criteria pollutants globally, with passenger vehicles contributing significantly to energy demand. While electric vehicles (EVs) offer a promising path toward energy efficiency, few studies have evaluated their impact at the metropolitan scale using integrated, high-fidelity modeling frameworks. This study investigates the energy implications of rideshare electrification in the Houston metropolitan area using a multi-stage simulation workflow. Travel demand is modeled using POLARIS, an agent-based, activity-based framework; vehicle trajectories are translated into second-by-second speed profiles using SVTrip; and energy consumption and criteria pollutant emissions are estimated using the Autonomie vehicle simulation platform. The …

The Impact Of Relative Bridge Width On Highway Crashes In Nebraska, Mujahid Ali Bahadur

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This research examines how bridge width relative to the approach roadway affects crash occurrence on Nebraska highways. The Nebraska Department of Transportation-(NDOT) Bridge Design Manual sets minimum bridge widths based on roadway classification, traffic projections, and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ (AASHTO) Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) criteria. While these guidelines ensure structural and functional adequacy, they do not incorporate safety performance analyses based on crash data. This leaves an important gap in understanding how bridge and approach roadway width decisions influence safety outcomes.

This research has four objectives: (1) evaluate crash frequency across different …

Crack Propagation Behavior Of Polyurethane Grouting Sma Asphalt Mixtures, Ji Guoqi, Ma Hui, Zheng Junqiu, Huang Yujie

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

To reveal the influence me chanis m of polyurethane grouting on the crack propagation behavior of SMA-13 asphalt mixtures, this paper first conducted a semi-circular bending (SCB) test to validate the effectiveness of the PFC2D discrete element model, which was employed to simulate the microscopic responses of mixtures under different notch positions and grouting conditions. The analysis focused on load-displacement curves, crack propagation paths, crack number evolution, and force chain distribution characteristics. The results indicate that polyurethane grouting significantly increases the peak load and peak displacement of the specimens, thereby enhancing the fracture load-bearing capacity and deformation tolerance, with the …

Co2-Induced Changes In Rheology, Structural Evolution, And Particle Characteristics Of Cement Paste, Seongho Han, Tae Yong Shin, Seung Mo Kim, Jae Hong Kim, Kamal H. Khayat

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The injection of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into cementitious systems has emerged as a promising approach to enhancing sustainability in concrete production. This study explores the impact of CO₂ injection on the rheological behavior, structural build-up, and particle size evolution of cement paste by systematically varying the water-to-cement ratio (w/c) (0.35, 0.4, and 0.5) and CO₂ concentration (0.06, 0.28, and 0.84 mol). Rheological analysis revealed a significant increase in initial yield stress with CO₂ injection. Using the Modified Bingham model, yield stress increased by 72 % and 150 % for 0.28- and 0.84-mol CO₂, …

Investigation Of Its-Cvo Technologies, Mallory Brown, Andrew Martin, Valerie Keathley-Helil, Jennifer Walton

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Staff shortages and reduced budgets have made transportation agencies increasingly reliant on intelligent transportation systems (ITS) for commercial motor (CMV) vehicle enforcement activities. Technologies such as license plate readers, US Department of Transportation (USDOT) number readers, weigh-in-motion scales, static scales, and preclearance systems like PrePass and Drivewyze help automate enforcement and free up personnel to focus on inspecting those vehicles most likely to pose compliance and/or safety risks. To document adoption rates of different technologies, researchers surveyed transportation agencies, vendors, and law enforcement agencies. Surveys responses provided useful insights into how jurisdictions are approaching the use of advanced technologies to …

Air Traffic–Collegiate Training Initiative Program Feasibility In Kentucky, Gayle Marks, Bryan Gibson

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Each day, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic control specialists (ATCSs) handle over 44,000 flights and oversee 29 million square miles of the United States National Airspace System. However, staffing shortages have grown more acute over the past 10 years, which has led to delayed and cancelled flights, a higher number of close misses over a short period of time, and frustrating air travel experiences. While the FAA has redoubled its efforts to recruit more ATCSs, it has limited training capacity. To expand training options available to prospective ATCSs, the FAA is working with postsecondary educational institutions to expand its …

0894: G. W. “Jerry” Sutphin River Transportation Collection, 1832-2024, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

Gerald W. “Jerry” Sutphin was a nationally recognized river historian from Huntington. He graduated from Mullens High School and Marshall University and became an army officer. Sutphin worked for and retired from the United States Army Corps of Engineers before spending twenty years operating his own business, Visual Information Ltd. The author of Sternwheelers on the Great Kanawha River, he also wrote a number of articles and contributed to numerous publications with words and/or photographs. Sutphin provided historical presentations on the Delta Queen and other large sternwheel excursion boats and served as a consultant for several documentaries and exhibits. Sutphin …

Dissociation Of Subjective And Objective Measures Of Trust In Vehicle Automation: A Driving Simulator Study, Samuel Petkac, Tetsuya Sato, Kun Xie, Yusuke Yamani

Psychology Faculty Publications

Trust is a crucial factor that influences human-automation interaction in surface transportation. Previous research indicates that participants tend to display higher levels of subjective trust toward lower-level automated systems compared to high-level automated systems. However, administering subjective trust measures via questionnaires can interfere with primary task performance, limiting researchers' ability to measure trust continuously in a real-world manner. In the current driving simulator study, 25 drivers using an advanced driving system (ADS) were randomly assigned to either an active (L2) or passive (L3) automated driving condition. Participants experienced eight near-miss driving scenarios with or without obstructions in a distributed driving …

Performance Evaluation Of Kytc Bridge Deck Overlays Used For Maintenance Activities, Sudhir Palle, Christopher Goff

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

State departments of transportation use bridge deck overlay systems to prolong bridge deck service lives. Consisting of a thin layer of material applied to a concrete bridge deck surface, overlays form a protective barrier that improves ride quality, protects embedded reinforcement from harsh environmental conditions, enhances structure durability, and improves deck drainage. Over the past 20 years, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has made significant investments in overlays, rehabilitating nearly 5,000 bridge decks with them — roughly ¹/₃ of all bridges statewide. Given the significant investment in overlays, and the fact they degrade over time — eventually re-exposing bridge …

Formation Of A Prism-Focused Working Group To Address Mcrs Issues And Expanded Prism Requirements, Brian Howell, Robin Baskette, Jennifer Walton

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study, sponsored by the International Registration Plan (IRP), Inc. in partnership with the Kentucky Transportation Center (KTC), examined systemic challenges and opportunities to strengthen two critical safety oversight mechanisms in U.S. commercial vehicle operations—the Motor Carrier Responsible for Safety (MCRS) and the Expanded Performance and Registration Information Systems Management (PRISM) program. The research traced the evolution of federal and state data systems used to identify and monitor carriers, emphasizing the modernization role of the IRP Data Repository (IDR). The IDR now provides a secure, centralized platform for daily vehicle registration data and financial transactions, facilitating the exchange of carrier …

Kentucky Model Minimum Uniform Crash Criteria (Mmucc) Sixth Edition Report Card, William Staats, Nikiforos Stamatiadis, Eric Green, Nathaniel Swallom

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration published the Model Minimum Uniform Crash Criteria (6th Edition) (MMUCC) in 2024. This updated version of the MMUCC contains recommendations for improving and standardizing electronic crash data. Its guidelines address the collection and presentation of 105 data elements and 1,056 data attributes. To facilitate a possible redesign of Kentucky’s crash reporting process, Kentucky Transportation Center (KTC) researchers reviewed the updated criteria and evaluated the degree to which the state complies with its recommended methods of gathering, storing, and presenting crash data. At the level of data elements, Kentucky is 25 percent compliant; for data …

Kentucky Traffic Collision Facts Calendar Year 2024 Report, Paul Ross, Eric Green, Christopher Blackden, Kenneth Agent, Christopher Van Dyke

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

No abstract provided.

2025 Safety Belt Usage Survey In Kentucky, Erin Lammers-Staats, Derek Young, Kenneth Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

No abstract provided.

Irp Commercial Trailer Data Feasibility Study, Brian Howell, Jennifer Walton

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study evaluates the feasibility for developing and maintaining a comprehensive tractor truck trailer database. The commercial motor vehicle (CMV) community currently lacks a cross-jurisdictional, centralized repository for commercial trailers registered in United States and Canadian jurisdictions. Existing federal databases provide information on interstate commercial motor carriers, vehicles, and drivers but exclude trailers. Similarly, IRP and IFTA do not collect trailer-level data, and trailer data is displayed inconsistently across its customer base. Approximately one fifth of violations in Kentucky during inspections from 2020 to 2022 were attributed to trailers, including worn tires, inadequate brakes or improper registration. The rise of …

Repair/Preservation Of Concrete Compression Members In Bridges Using Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (Uhpc), Mohammed Hedia, George Morcous

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

As of 2024, approximately 36% of bridges across the United States require repair or replacement, with 7% classified as structurally deficient. The estimated cost to address these deficiencies exceeds $260 billion. In recent years, Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) has emerged as a repair material for infrastructure preservation, drawing increased attention from transportation agencies and researchers worldwide. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has notably advocated for UHPC’s adoption in bridge preservation initiatives, recognizing its exceptional mechanical properties and durability.

This report presents a comprehensive literature review on the application of UHPC as a repair and strengthening material for bridge compression members. While …