Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons^™

Highway Skid Resistance, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The physics of friction and traction are reviewed. Hypotheses are presented. Use of a scanning electron microscope to detect and identify polishing aggregate is presented.

Size reduction (crushing) produces greater concentrations of sharp edges, reducing flat and plane surfaces not otherwise contributing to traction.

Surface permeability and drainage through macrotexture was evaluated by an air-percussive device. An air-efflux device was contrived for evaluating hydroplaning potential and for evaluating open-graded surface courses. In-filling has been observed where road debris is abundant.

Grippers and sharpness are needed for wet traction . Drainage is needed to lower hydroplaning potentials. Sand-sizes optimize the concentration …

Structural Design And Installation Criteria For Rigid And Flexible Conduit, Ronald D. Hughes

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Structural design criteria according to current AASHTO guidelines for pipe, pipe-arch, and arch culverts are presented. Fill-height tables, based upon fhose criteria, and proposed bedding details are included.

Low-Strength (Pozzolanic) Materials For Highway Construction, Gary W. Sharpe, Larry Epley, David L. Allen, Herbert F. Southgate, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

No abstract provided.

Crushed Rock Bases, James H. Havens, Gary W. Sharpe

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Prepared in cooperation with the US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration.

Gradations containing high, medium, and low percentages of fines were evaluated by laboratory tests and by behavioral responses in situ. Significant differences in strength parameters were not found. Differences in densities were not significant.

Identification Of Shales, Tommy C. Hopkins, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Engineering tests were performed on 40 different types of shales. Both hard and soft shales, as well as shales having histories of embankment failures and shales having little known involvements, were tested. The suitability of ten different slake-durability test procedures were evaluated as a means of broadly characterizing the engineering performance of Kentucky shales. Two procedures devised during the study appeared to better characterize slake-durability properties than procedures previously proposed. Natural water contents and jar slake tests were performed to determine if such tests might provide a fairly rapid means of identifying troublesome shales. The natural water content of a …

Geotechnical, Hydrologic, And Hydraulic Investigation Of Mill Creek Dam-Phase Ii, Tommy C. Hopkins, Ronald D. Hughes, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The general scope of this study, Phase II, was to assess the safety of Mill Creek Dam. Findings obtained from detailed geotechnical, hydraulic, and hydrological investigations are presented. The structural stability, as well as the hydrological and hydraulic stability, were investigated. Specifically, objectives of the study were as follows:

1. To determine the engineering characteristics of the clay core, shells, and random fill. 2. To evaluate the potential for piping. 3. To evaluate seepage conditions at the site. 4. To evaluate the structural stability of the earth and rockfill dam. 5. To evaluate erodability. 6. To assess geologic conditions at …

Water Under Pavements, James H. Havens, Gary W. Sharpe

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report summarizes the construction and performance of a Cedergren-type underdrain system. Other installations of edge drains are reported for record. Outflows have been sufficient to cause minor erosion of fill slopes. Road Rater tests disclosed no weaknesses. Remaining life was estimated.

User’S Manual For Dynamic Programming For Highway Safety Improvement Program, Jesse G. Mayes, Joseph D. Crabtree

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The term, dynamic programming, was first used by Bellman to represent the mathematical theory of a multistage decision process. Dynamic programming is applied to allocate expenditures so that maximum benefits result. Three types of applications of dynamic programming are single-stage, multistage, and multistage with a time factor. Single-stage programming is used to evaluate a single project having several alternatives. Multistage programming involves selection of several projects having several alternatives. Multistage dynamic programming with a time factor is used where several projects and alternatives are considered and where various time periods are involved.

The Alabama Highway Department did considerable work on …

Mass Transit Study, Jacksonville Community Council, Inc.

Jacksonville Community Council, Inc.

A study to determine if mass transit is a current need in Jacksonville. Includes current user needs, ridership patterns, fare structures, potential sources of financial support, transportation modes used elsewhere and existing city transportation policies. Identifies major problems and recommends development of a varied mass transit system. PALMM

Traffic Accident Rates In Kentucky (1981), Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The primary objective of this study was to determine average accident statistics in Kentucky for 1981. Those statistics could then be used in Kentucky's high-accident location identification program. Similar statistics were determined in 1978 and 1980. The objective is to calculate rates on an annual basis to allow the most recently available data to be used as well as the possibility of combining several years of data or conducting trend analyses.

Average accident rates were calculated using several methods of classifying highways. A series of tables were prepared giving criteria that may be used to determine whether specific locations have …

Improved Structural Monitoring With Acoustic Emission Pattern Recognition, David W. Prine, Theodore Hopwood Ii

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A unique acoustic emission monitoring system originally developed for inprocess weld monitoring has been used to monitor fatigue crack growth in a highway bridge during normal traffic loading. The system was able to clearly and reliably detect the presence of fatigue cracks that were adjacent to a row of bolts. The results of the brief experiment show that the signal processing used in this AE system may allow drastic improvements in the ability of acoustic emission to reliably detect propagating bridge flaws under adverse conditions.

Development Of A Portable Retroreflectometer, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

There is a need for a portable retroreflectometer which can perform reflectivity measurements in the field . This could eliminate the need for subjective ratings or taking samples of materials from the field to test in the laboratory. This report describes the development of a portable retroflectometer (PRR).

A PRR was built with the objective of approximating the angles of incidence and divergence used in the ESNA Reflex-Photometer (ESNA). Tests showed a good relationship between readings taken with the PRR and ESNA. The recommendation was made that the PRR is suitable for use as a means of measuring reflectivity in …

Design Of Oil Shale Disposal Embankment, Vincent P. Drnevich, Tommy C. Hopkins, Samuel S. Hale

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Mining processes and associated regulations for oil shale development in eastern United States are discussed with emphasis given to overburden and spent shale disposal at the mining site. Curves are presented which allow for quick determination of stripping ratios, overburden quantities and oil shale quantities. Procedures are outlined for determining quantities of materials to be disposed and graphs are given for sizing various zones of the disposal embankment. These procedures are demonstrated with an example.

Stability of slopes and magnitude of settlement are functions of the engineering properties of the embankment materials. Procedures for obtaining these data are from field …

Engineering Properties Of Two Spent Shales And Minus 1/4-Inch Raw Shale For The Means Project, Vincent P. Drnevich, David L. Allen, Tommy C. Hopkins

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A geotechnical investigation was performed to determine the physical properties (classification) and engineering properties of the Sunbury oil shale from a proposed oil shale mining site in Montgomery County (Means Project). Three materials were recieved in sealed metal drums and were labeled Raw Oil Shale (only material less than 0.25 inch), Sunbury, spent shale, and Sunbury shale (2.5-inch to 1/4-inch). The material labeled Sunbury, spent shale, (hereafter referred to as Spent Shale No. 1), has very little fines and the particles were angular in shape. The Sunbury, spent shale, 2.5-inch to 0.25 inch, (hereafter referred to as Spent Shale No. …

Traffic Safety Analysis: University Of Kentucky Area, Kentucky Transportation Research Program

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The concept of Transportation System Management (TSM) is based on the use of transportation facilities for the efficient and safe movement of people and goods. Through a grant administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government contracted with the University of Kentucky (UK) to develop and implement a "Ridesharing Program" and a "Minor Traffic Control Improvements Program".

Discussions of the traffic safety problems around the University area by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council coincided with UK's initial work in the traffic safety portion of the grant. Following those discussions, a request was made by the Council …

A Computerized Analysis Of Flexible Pavement Rutting Behavior (Pavrut), David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Flexible pavements are known to fail in several modes, one of which is rutting. In an effort to determine where in the pavement structure and to what extent rutting occurs and to determine the factors that control rutting, a comprehensive laboratory testing program was performed. Various traffic and environmental parameters were controlled in the study; and from the data, mathematical models that describe the rutting characteristics of an asphalt concrete, a dense graded aggregate, and a subgrade soil were formulated. Details of the materials, equipment, and laboratory procedures were reported by Allen in a previous report. Also, the mathematical models …

Analysis Of Lost Times At Signalized Intersections, Kenneth R. Agent, Joseph D. Crabtree

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

When determining the capacity of a signalized intersection, knowledge of certain traffic parameters is necessary. The previous investigation conducted under this study dealt with an analysis of saturation flow values. The objective of this investigation was to determine appropriate values to use for lost times at signalized intersections. The lost times at the beginning and ending of the phases were analyzed, as well as lost times during the phase due to the interference of pedestrians, local buses, and opposing traffic for left turns. Factors affecting those lost time values were identified. The lost time values, along with the previously identified …

Development Of A Thickness Design System For Portland Cement Concrete Pavements, Herbert F. Southgate, James H. Havens, Robert C. Deen, Donald C. Newberry Jr.

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report covers the merger of criteria used in the Portland Cement Association's and MSHTO's pavement thickness design systems. The combined criteria is coupled with the principle of equal work as defined in classical physics to produce thickness design curves for portland cement concrete pavements. The thickness of portland cement concrete varied by approximately 0.15 inches for the same CBR and design EAL when the thickness of crushed-stone base varied from 3 to 6 inches. Therefore, the design thickness of the portland cement concrete is relatively insensitive to changes in thickness of the crushed stone base.

Sandstone As A Construction Material Ky 80, Hazard To Watergap, Gary W. Sharpe, Herbert F. Southgate, David L. Allen, James H. Havens, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

KY 80 (Hazard to Watergap) was constructed using abundantly available crushed sandstone. The pavements were designed to have adequate load-carrying capibilities and stability but were considered to be experimental (see Figure 1). It was intended that performance would be monitored and that undesirable features and performance would be identified and studied. Such surveillance was discontinued before construction was completed.

Recently, the need has arisen for testing and evaluation of some of the experimental sections. Some spalls, scuffs, and artesian water have been observed. Excessive water has appeared in the shoulder, median, and mainline. There has been at least one spot …

Mechanical And Engineering Properties Of A Cherty Paleozoic Material, Robert C. Deen, David L. Allen, Tommy C. Hopkins

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In September 1982, Research Report UKTRP-82-16 was issued to document the sampling of a cherty Paleozoic material from a test pit on Divide Cut Section 3A of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. Results of laboratory testing of the samples were also reported.

Subsequent to the issuance of Report UKTRP-82-16, additional testing and analyses have been completed. The purpose of this report is to document the results of those tests and analyses.

Engineering Properties Of Overburden Materials For The Means Project, Vincent P. Drnevich, David L. Allen, Tommy C. Hopkins

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A geotechnical investigation was performed to determine the physical properties (classification) and engineering properties of the overburden material from a proposed oil shale mining site in Montgomery County (Means Project). Three overburden materials were received in sealed meal drums and were labeled Nancy Member, Borden Formation; Clay City Bed, Farmers Member, Borden Formation; and Henley bed, Farmers Member, Borden Formation. Hereafter, they will be referred to as the Nancy, Clay City and Henley, respectively. the various types of geotechnical laboratory tests performed on these materials are listed in Table 1.

Review Of Pertinent Contract Documents Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Divide Cut Section 3a, Ronald D. Hughes, Robert C. Deen, David L. Allen, Tommy C. Hopkins

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

During construction of a portion of the Tombigbee Canal near Corinth, Mississippi, southward from Pickwick Lake (Station 13,118+00 to 13,337+50), the Contractor reported various problems, which he termed "differing site conditions." Some of the items considered as problems by the Contractor were: the amount of cherty Paleozoic material was far less than he expected or anticipated, there were deep deposits of bluish muck, the alluvial was not sufficiently stable to place in 1-foot lifts, excessively wet materials made it necessary to shift equipment frequently, the equipment had to travel over bad roads, and the materials had no bearing strength.

Strain Energy Analysis Of Pavement Designs For Heavy Trucks, Herbert F. Southgate, Robert C. Deen, Jesse G. Mayes

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The first portion of this paper summarizes classical concepts of work, or strain energy, as applied to the analysis of stresses, strains, and deflections under various vehicular load configurations on pavement systems. Controlling equations for strain energy density are presented. When considering strain energy density, strain energy, or work, all components of stresses or strains must be taken into account so that total internal behavior can be evaluated. Previously, pavement thickness design systems have been developed using only a single component of strain, typically at the bottom of the asphaltic concrete layer or at the top of the subgrade. Strain …

Effects Of Construction Variations Upon Dynamic Moduli Of Asphaltic Concrete, Herbert F. Southgate

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The two variables that most influence the behavior of asphaltic concrete pavements are subgrade modulus and thickness of the asphaltic concrete. Other significant variables are: temperature of the asphaltic concrete, asphaltic concrete modulus, frequency of the dynamic loading, asphalt content by weight in mix, and voids in the asphaltic concrete mix.

During a series of Road Rater tests on a experimental pavement in Kentucky, deflection test data varied widely from expected values. Test data reported by Kallas and Riley permitted the development of an equation relating asphaltic concrete modulus to its temperature and to the frequency of loading. However, after …

Engineering Properties Of Kentucky Oil Shales, Vincent P. Drnevich, Tommy C. Hopkins, David L. Allen, Samuel S. Hale

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Excavation, handling, and the environmentally safe disposal of spent oil shale and overburden materials require a knowledge of their geotechnical engineering properties. To determine these properties a laboratory investigation of the physical and geotechnical engineering properties was made. The physical tests consisted of mechanical analyses, Atterberg Limits, and specific gravity determinations. Geotechnical properties were determined by moisture-density analyses, triaxial compression, permeability tests, slake-durability, one-dimensional compression tests, and Los Angeles abrasion. A one-dimensional compression test was devised to address the problem of placement, loading, and saturation of the spent shales and overburden materials. The compacted, unprocessed oil shales were more susceptible …

Warrants For Left-Turn Lanes, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Warrants for the installation of separate left-turn lanes were developed. Literature was reviewed, and policies and practices in other states were surveyed. Accident analyses of locations with and without separate left-turn lanes were conducted. Computer simulation was used to determine relationships among traffic delay, load factor, traffic volume, percent left-turns, cycle length, and cycle split. The relationship between left-turn accidents and conflicts was investigated.

Warrants were developed involving the following three general areas:

1. accident experience,
2. volumes (based on delay), and
3. traffic conflicts.

Mechanical Properties Of Kentucky Oil Shales As Related To Mine Design Application, Tom F. Fudge Jr., David L. Allen, Tommy C. Hopkins

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

To develop oil shales as an alternate energy resource, it will be necessary to develop appropriate mining techniques. In this regard, the mechanical properties of the ore must be determined. Section I of this paper presents data from a laboratory study to determine these properties. Uniaxial compression tests, longitudinal frequency tests, indirect tensile tests, and triaxial tests were performed. Section II uses data from section I to design an example underground mine. Strength properties are considered in the design of roof spans and pillars. It is concluded that underground mining of Kentucky oil shale is feasible with a possible extraction …

Child Restraint Usage In Kentucky (Pre-Legislation), Kenneth R. Agent, Joseph D. Crabtree

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In an attempt to increase child restraint usage, a law was enacted by the 1982 Kentucky Legislature requiring use of child restraints for children forty inches or less in height. To evaluate the effectiveness of this law, a usage survey had to be completed before the law became effective. Objectives of this study were to determine statewide child restraint usage and statistics relating to improper usage. Seatbelt usage of drivers was also analyzed.

A statewide child restraint usage rate of 14.4 percent was obtained. Only 44 percent of restraints were coded as used properly. Several factors, such as population, age …

Deflection And Evaluation Of Flexible Pavements For Design Of Overlays, Herbert F. Southgate, Gary W. Sharpe, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Personnel from the University of Kentucky Transportation Research Program (KTRP) were requested by the Tennessee Transportation Center to conduct a demonstration project concerning the collection and use of deflection data (Road Rater) for evaluation of the existing condition of flexible pavements for use in overlay design. The demonstration project involved using the Road Rater to collect deflection data on specific pavement sections selected by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). Deflection data were evaluated in a way that provides input parameters for an overlay design procedure (see Appendix A). The Kentucky overlay design procedure was used to make recommendations concerning …

Snow-Melting System, 9th Street And I 64, Louisville, Wm. Vernon Azevedo

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The 9th Street - I 64 interchange in Louisville was equipped with an automated electrical heating system for snow and ice removal. The system is capable of maintaining a clear and safe passageway. This report summarizes the performance of the heating system and describes the factors that will influence future use of this or other nonconventional methods of snow and ice removal.