Transportation Engineering Commons^™

Compost For Steep Slope Erosion, Sudhir Palle, Stephen F. Higgins, Theodore Hopwood Ii

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study was initiated to develop guidelines for maintenance erosion control measures for steep slopes. The study focused on evaluating and monitoring KY-31 fescue germination rates using two media treatments 1) 100 percent by weight compost and 2) 70 percent compost with 30 percent soil) with different seeding rates on a pilot project to establish vegetation on slopes with grades of 3:1 or steeper.

The pilot program demonstrated that weed infestation and erosion problems on slopes can be minimized by use of properly formulated compost with sufficient seed. It also showed that the seeding rate of 1 lb/1,000 ft2 slope …

Experimental Concrete Coating Application On The Median Barrier Of I-65 In Louisville, Rick Younce, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Sudhir Palle

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objectives of this research were to evaluate the experimental protective coating that was applied to approximately 1,200 linear feet of concrete median barrier along the paving project on a section of I 65 between mile points 131.289 and 136.421 in downtown Louisville.

The project was completed generally in accordance with the specifications and special notes. This experimental project is the first trial of concrete coatings identified under KYSPR 05-271 Coatings, Sealants and Fillers to Address Bridge Concrete Deterioration and Aesthetics-Phase 1. The coatings systems identified under that study were intended to provide improved protection and aesthetics for reinforced concrete. …

Multi-Barge Flotilla Impact Forces On Bridges, Peng Yuan, Issam E. Harik, Michael T. Davidson

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The current AASHTO equations for barge impact loads are based on scale models of barges, and may not accurately predict impact loads on bridge piers. The results of this study produce more realistic flotilla impact design loads, potentially leading to a reduction in construction costs of bridges over navigable waterways. The objectives of this study are: (1) To conduct theoretical finite element analysis on various types of flotillas impacting bridge piers. The flotillas and the respective barges will be of the type commonly traversing Kentucky’s waterways; and (2) To generate design equations for barge/flotilla impact loads. The study concludes the …

Seismic Evaluation And Ranking Of Embankments For Bridges On And Over The Parkways In Western Kentucky, Han Shan Ding, Issam E. Harik, Ching Chiaw Choo

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study represents one of the Seismic Evaluation of Bridges on and over the Parkways in Western Kentucky investigative series. The effort is focused on the seismic vulnerability of bridge embankments against slope instability and liquefaction potential. An evaluation and rating procedure is presented to assist in identifying and prioritizing bridge embankments that are susceptible to failure due to projected seismic events.

To expedite the process, the algorithm titled Seismic Assessment System for Bridges (SASB) was programmed. Three hundred and eight-nine (389) bridge embankments (parallel bridges included) along the five western Kentucky parkways – Audubon, Pennyrile, Purchase, Western Kentucky, and …

Seismic-Hazard Maps And Time Histories For The Commonwealth Of Kentucky, Zhenming Wang, Issam E. Harik, Edward W. Woolery, Baoping Shi, Abheetha Peiris

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The ground-motion hazard maps and time histories for three earthquake scenarios, expected earthquakes, probable earthquakes, and maximum credible earthquakes on the free surface in hard rock (shear-wave velocity >1,500 m/s), were derived using the deterministic seismic hazard analysis. The results are based on (1) historical observations, (2) instrumental records, and (3) current understanding of the earthquake source, recurrence, and ground-motion attenuation relationship in the central United States. It is well understood that there are uncertainties in the ground motion hazard maps because of the uncertainties inherent in parameters such as earthquake location, magnitude, and frequency used in the study. This …

Detailed Seismic Evaluation Of Bridges On And Over The Parkways In Western Kentucky, Jian Xie, Issam E. Harik, Tong Zhao

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report outlines a rating system and details an evaluation procedure for the seismic evaluation of highway bridges. These processes are later used to investigate the structural integrity of selected highway bridges on and over the parkways in Western Kentucky. A total of 349 bridges were rated with the bridge ranking system, and 17 were selected for detailed seismic evaluation.

The capacity/demand ratio method developed by the Federal Highway Administration is employed for the detailed evaluation of bridges. The evaluation involves creating three-dimensional finite element models for all 17 bridges. Dynamic analysis is performed for a projected 250-year event. Among …

Operational And Safety Efficiency Of Traffic Signal Installations, Nikiforos Stamatiadis, Chris Jones, Nithin Agarwal

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The basic principle of signalization is the provision of a safe and effective means for time and space allocation at an intersection for both vehicular and pedestrian needs. The safety community concurs on the fact that there is the potential for safety improvements after signalization of an intersection, but there is a great disagreement on their magnitude as well as their potential negative operational impacts. This research reviewed the safety and operational efficiency after the installation of traffic signals at several locations throughout Kentucky. The report presented here mainly addresses the operational impacts from signal installation, since the safety aspects …

Traffic Forecasting Report – 2007, David Hamilton

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This is the sixth edition of the Traffic Forecasting Report (TFR). This edition of the TFR contains the latest (predominantly 2007) forecasting/modeling data as follows:

• Functional class average traffic volume growth rates and trends
• Vehicle miles traveled statewide total by functional class
• ATR locations, K-factors, and ADTs
• Functional class average K-factors and D-factors
• Functional class average truck volumes, truck percentages, ESAL calculation factors, and vehicle types
• Kentucky Statewide Model Summary
• List of MPO (urbanized) and county-level models
• Socioeconomic data sources for models and summary of MUG (model users group) meetings
• ADT and DHV Count Factors
• Hourly Volume Percentage by Functional …

Access Management Implementation In Kentucky – Technical Support Document And Status Report, Barry House

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report describes the efforts of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Access Management Implementation Task Force. The task force was established in May 2004 and was charged with the responsibility of reviewing and refining the recommendations in the Access Management for Kentucky research study for the purpose of implementing a comprehensive access management program for the state of Kentucky. The Kentucky Transportation Center provided technical and administrative support to the task force. This report provides documentation of the information considered by the task force, the deliberations over that information, and the decisions and recommendations made by the task force. Although a …

Evaluation Of 70 Mph Speed Limit In Kentucky, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study was to document the change in operating speeds of cars and trucks on rural interstates and parkways as a result of the change in speed limit from 65 mph to 70 mph. The 85th percentile speed increased 1.3 mph for cars (74.6 to 75.9 mph) and 0.6 mph for trucks (69.8 to 70.4 mph) on rural interstates and 2.0 mph for cars (73.5 to 75.5 mph) and 1.2 mph for trucks (69.5 to 70.7 mph) on four-lane parkways. The increase in speed limits on a limited number of roads did not result in an increase …

Low-Cost Safety Measures At Signalized Intersections, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objectives of this study were to: a) identify intersections with a high number of crashes involving a driver disregarding the traffic signal, b) identify types of low-cost safety measures which may be used as a countermeasure for red light running, and c) evaluate the effectiveness of the installation of some of these countermeasures at a sample of high-crash intersections. Low-cost countermeasures such as double-red signal heads and retro-reflective backplates were installed at locations either identified as a high-crash location or by district traffic engineers. Crashes decreased at these locations with a positive public response. The investigation warrants additional use …

Evaluation Of Pavement Marking Performance, Eric R. Green, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of the investigation was to evaluate the useful life of pavement markings. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) provides general guidelines for the application and installation of pavement markings. However, performance requirements for various types of pavement markings are not included. Retroreflectivity data were collected throughout Kentucky on various longitudinal pavement markings using mobile and manual techniques. Data were collected on two-year old and one-year old lines. The retroreflectivity levels were analyzed and the several recommendations were made. Minimum levels of retroreflectivity should be set for determining what roads to restripe annually. These values should be …

Evaluation Of Noise Impact Mitigation Protocols To Support Css, Ted Grossardt, Lou Cohn, Al Harris, Keiron Bailey, John Ripy

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This research project developed and evaluated practical ways of involving the public in context sensitive sound mitigation strategies. The integrated use of photo montage, PowerPoint presentation, linked traffic sound files, and audience response systems demonstrated that significant visual and aural differences could be clearly portrayed and clear preferences could be expressed by citizens and professionals alike, even where the choice menu was quite complex.

Investigation Of Voids/Cracking On The I-275 Twin Bridges Over The Ohio River In Kenton County - Phase I, Brad Rister, Theodore Hopwood Ii

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

An evaluation of the northbound bridge approach and the abutment wall of (Combs-Hehl) bridge on I-275 in Kenton County was conducted in September 2007. The inspection consisted of using ground penetrating radar to look for potential voids beneath the concrete approach slab and a video camera inspection to inspect the void space beneath the pier cap/concrete beam in front of the abutment wall.

Results of field testing and recommendations:

A possible void approximately 1-2 inches in depth resides under the approach slab approximately 105 feet before the bridge abutment in the fast lane. It is recommended that this section be …

Kentucky Traffic Collision Facts 2008 Report, Kentucky Transportation Center, Kentucky State Police

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

KENTUCKY’S TRAFFIC COLLISION FACTS report for 2008 is based on collision reports submitted to the Kentucky State Police Records Branch. 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 collisions for such purposes as will improve the traffic safety program in the Commonwealth. Data contained in this report are based solely on the observations …

Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of Pavement Rumble Strips, Adam Kirk

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report analyzes the effectiveness of continuous shoulder rumble strips (CSRS) and center line rumble strips (CLRS) on rural two lane roads in Kentucky. This study evaluates the safety benefits, and design details associated with the application of the CSRS and CLRS. The recommended practices proposed as a result of the crash analysis have the potential to reduce both run off the road and opposite direction crashes on rural two lane roads in Kentucky. These recommendations provide benefits for narrow roadways with little to no shoulder as well as larger roadways with wider paved shoulders.

Measuring The Value Of Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement Activities, Jennifer R. Walton, Joseph D. Crabtree, Candice Y. Wallace, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The responsibility for monitoring commercial vehicles on Kentucky’s roadways and enforcing the applicable laws and regulations falls primarily on Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement (KVE). KVE personnel are involved in a variety of activities including commercial vehicle size and weight enforcement, work zone speed enforcement, and general traffic monitoring and enforcement. The objectives of this study were to identify, describe, and (where possible) quantify the benefits associated with the activities of KVE. The primary benefits provided by the activities of KVE are: reductions in crashes, injuries, and fatalities; protection of the revenue streams that replenish Kentucky’s Road Fund; reduced damage to Kentucky’s …

Use Of Edge Line Markings On Rural Two-Lane Highways, Kenneth R. Agent, Eric R. Green

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study was to review roadway characteristics and crash data in Kentucky and determine if revisions should be made to current guidelines for the use of edge lines. Recommendations were made concerning the use of edge lines, centerlines, and paved shoulders on rural, two-lane roadways with varying pavement widths.

Crash History After Installation Of Traffic Signals (Warranted Vs. Unwarranted), Kenneth R. Agent, Eric R. Green

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study was to determine the change in crash history at intersections after installation of a traffic signal. Signals installed based on the warrants from an engineering study resulted in a decrease in angle collisions with an increase in the less severe rear end collisions. At intersections where signal warrants were not met, there was a smaller decrease in angle collisions and a larger increase in rear end collisions. The removal of unwarranted traffic signals did not result in a crash problem. The analysis shows that the warrants given in the MUTCD should be followed when determining …

Rideability Issues For Asphalt And Concrete Specification Modifications, Brad Rister, Clark Graves

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Concerns have been raised regarding the differences between the incentive/disincentive determination procedures as well as the pay adjustments for rideability between asphalt and concrete projects. This report will attempt to do the following:

1. Address the differences between concrete and asphalt rideability specifications by looking at Kentucky’s historical rideability specifications and the specifications of peer states.
2. Review the necessity to revise current specifications based on historical rideability data, peer states rideability specifications, technological advancements in placement of roadway materials, and technological advancements in measuring rideability after construction.
3. Evaluate the monetary impact of a revised rideability specification on the latest year’s data. …

Fiscal Year 2007 Fhwa-536 Report For The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Steven Douglas Kreis

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requires state transportation agencies to submit a biennial report on local highway finances. The purpose of these reports is to provide FHWA with the data it needs to capture the financing of highway activities at the local level. Based on this information, it can identify trends in revenue, expenditures, investments, and program development, and in turn make decisions about future investments. The report, FHWA-536, asks agencies to report on four areas of local highway finance: 1) disposition of highway-user revenues; 2) revenues used for roads and streets identified by source and funding type; 3) road …

Resilient Modulus Of Compacted Crushed Stone Aggregate Bases, Tommy C. Hopkins, Tony L. Beckham, Charlie Sun

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In recent years, the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) has recommended the use of resilient modulus for characterizing highway materials for pavement design. This recommendation evolved as result of a trend in pavement design of using mechanistic models. Although much progress has been made in recent years in developing mathematical, mechanistic pavement design models, results obtained from those models are only as good as the material parameters used in the models. Resilient modulus of aggregate bases is an important parameter in the mechanistic models. The main goal of this study was to establish a simple and efficient …

A Comparison Of State Policies For Complying With The Endangered Species Act, Lenahan O'Connell, Ted Grossardt

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In recent years the number of biological assessments (BAs) for the presence of endangered species conducted by KYTC has risen significantly. This was primarily due to new/additional restrictions imposed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in 2005. The most consequential restriction was the listing of the Indiana bat as potentially present in all Kentucky counties. Previously BAs for the Indiana bat were only conducted when a project occurred in a county in which the Indiana bat had been observed (a known occurrence). This study reviewed the policies of the states adjacent to Kentucky, as well as those …

Analysis Of Procurement Processes And Development Of Recommendations For Intelligent Transportation Systems (Its) Procurements, Joseph D. Crabtree, Christopher W. Frost, Jennifer Walton, John Crossfield

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Traditional state procurement processes are not well-suited to the procurement of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). The objective of this study was to analyze Kentucky’s existing procurement processes, identify strengths and weaknesses of each, and develop recommendations for a revised process (or processes) that would meet the unique requirements of ITS procurements. Four existing processes were identified, studied, documented, and assessed. The study also looked at design-build processes, both in Kentucky and in other states. Recommendations were developed for statutory changes to improve Kentucky’s ability to procure ITS technologies and systems.

Evaluation Of Us 119 Pine Mountain Safety Improvements (Final Report), Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Transportation Center at the University of Kentucky was requested to perform an evaluation of the safety improvement project over a 7.1-mile section of US 119 on the Whitesburg side of Pine Mountain in Letcher County to determine whether the types of improvements undertaken affected the overall safety of the roadway. Specific attention was given to the effects of a ban on truck traffic that was implemented in March 2001. In addition, there was a need to determine if the use of flexible design was successful after removal of the truck restriction by permitting trucks with dimensions up to the …

Analysis Of Traffic Crash Data In Kentucky (2002 - 2006), Eric R. Green, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report documents an analysis of traffic crash data in Kentucky for the years of 2002 through 2006. A primary objective of this study was to determine average crash statistics for Kentucky highways. Average and critical numbers and rates of crashes 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 crashes. The other primary objective of this study was to provide data that can be used in the preparation of the problem identification portion of Kentucky’s Annual Highway Safety …

Developing A Byproduct Materials Information Systems For The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, David Q. Hunsucker, Justin Jones, Tom Hopkins, Charlie Sun

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Kentucky has numerous coal-fired, electric generating facilities and, as a result, there are abundant byproduct materials being produced from these facilities that have environmental, engineering, and economic potential as materials for use in common highway construction and maintenance related activities throughout the Commonwealth. Other byproduct materials are being produced and are available that may have potential uses as well. Although large quantities of byproduct materials are produced in Kentucky and many of those materials have positive or neutral environmental impacts and excellent engineering properties, a formal regulatory framework for selecting, characterizing, recovering, and recycling these material types does not exist. …

2007 Safety Belt Usage Survey In Kentucky, Kenneth R. Agent, Eric R. Green

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study was to establish 2007 safety belt and child safety seat usage rates in Kentucky. The 2007 survey continues to document the results after enactment of the original “secondary enforcement” statewide mandatory safety belt law in 1994 and the change to “primary enforcement” which was enacted in 2006. Data were collected at 200 randomly selected sites spread across Kentucky. Data from the individual sites were combined into a statewide percentage considering roadway functional classification, geographic region, and vehicle miles traveled. The data show that the usage rate in 2007 (71.8 percent) increased several percentage points compared …

Evaluation Of Kentucky’S “Buckle Up Kentucky: It’S The Law & It’S Enforced” 2007 Campaign, Kenneth R. Agent, Eric R. Green, Ronald E. Langley

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this report was to document the results of the “Buckle Up Kentucky: It’s the Law & It’s Enforced” 2007 campaign in Kentucky. Data were also taken to document the change in usage after enactment of the primary enforcement law. The campaign involved a combination of earned media, paid media, and enforcement. The earned media started about five weeks prior to Memorial Day 2007 and continued through the enforcement periods. The paid media campaign was for the two weeks prior to Memorial Day while the enforcement period was a two-week period including the week before and the week …

Context Sensitive Solutions For Construction And Maintenance, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Donald L. Hartman, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this research was to conduct a survey to assess the state of practice related to state highway agencies (SHAs) implementing context sensitive solutions including its application in Construction and Maintenance and to prepare a workshop enabling SHA officials to adopt practices promoting context sensitivity beyond Planning and Design.

Deliverables from the study efforts include a survey summary of context sensitive solutions and workshop materials/presentation suitable for use in training a wide range of SHA personnel working in Construction and Maintenance.