Transportation Engineering Commons^™

Use Of Reflective Armbands To Improve Adolescent Pedestrian And Pedalcyclist Safety, Nancy Dunaway, Eric R. Green, Jerry G. Pigman, Monica L. Barrett

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this effort was to determine if elementary and middle school students could be educated to use reflective armbands to increase their visibility to motorists while walking or bicycling to school. The number of armbands and surveys distributed totaled slightly over 7,000. Responses were received from approximately 12 percent (873) of the pre-surveys and slightly over 3 percent (119) of the post-surveys. Respondents to the survey indicated nearly 15 percent of schoolchildren receiving reflective armbands were wearing the armband “every day” or “most days”. Of the parents responding, 21 percent indicated their children would continue to wear the …

Stockpiling Hydrated Lime-Soil Mixtures, Tommy C. Hopkins, Tony L. Beckham, Charlie Sun

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The concept and feasibility of stockpiling and reusing hydrated lime-soil mixtures to stabilize particular areas on stabilization projects after the mixing contractor has departed were examined. In chemical stabilization of subgrades, situations often arise where additional areas need to be stabilized after the specialty contractor and mixing equipment have left the project. Field and laboratory investigations were performed to determine if a soil mixed with hydrated lime during routine lime subgrade stabilization could be mixed, stockpiled, and used later. In laboratory studies, hydrated lime-soil mixtures were stockpiled loosely in the laboratory. CBR specimens of the stockpile material were remolded and …

Improve Safety Of Workers During Highway Construction And Maintenance, Donn E. Hancher, Kenneth Bussey, Robin Meagher, Jonathan Ross, Kristin Smith

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

There is an inherent risk of injury or fatality in all occupations. Even secretarial occupations face jobsite hazards such as carpal tunnel and back injury. The nature of the construction industry combined with the required physical demand and rigorous work processes, make it an industry with higher risk of injury or fatality. In an effort to decrease that inbuilt jobsite risk that construction workers face, this study will analyze the current best safety practices, examine new safety technologies, and collaborate with construction workers themselves to gain a better perspective of what jobsite hazards they face.

Specifically, this study will focus …

Recycling Practices For Environmental Materials, Sudhir Palle, Steve Higgins, Theodore Hopwood Ii

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Two environmental materials, tree and brush debris and large animal roadkill carcasses were investigated. The disposal methods for these materials were reviewed as opportunities/methods for possible recycling. KYTC established several pilot composting operations in 2006. These were monitored during their preliminary stages of operation.

Prevention Of Voc Releases From Bridge Painting Operations, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Rick Younce, Sudhir Palle

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Bridge maintenance painting employs solvent-based coatings that generate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to air-quality problems. Methods for capturing VOCs during normal Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) maintenance painting operations were investigated. One method, activated carbon adsorption, is adaptable to KYTC operations. Related factors including area of bridge, coating systems, containment volumes and VOC out gassing rates were reviewed. A commercial source of activated carbon adsorption equipment was identified and issues related to employing that technology for bridge painting were identified.

Compaction Of Mixtures Of Hard Rocks And Soft Shales And Non-Durable Shales Using Impact Compactors, Tommy C. Hopkins

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Impact roller compaction has been used to improve embankment and highway subgrades in South Africa, Australia, Europe, and China and other areas of the world. In September of 2003, the International Technology Scanning Program, sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and the National Cooperative Highway Research Program of the Transportation Research Board, identified this technology as one of several foreign technologies and innovations that could significantly benefit U.S. transportation systems. The technology was high-lighted at the Fifth International Conference on the Bearing Capacity of Roads and Airfields in 1998 …

Retrofit Of The Louisa-Fort Gay Bridge Using Cfrp Laminates, Ching Chiaw Choo, Tong Zhao, Issam E. Harik

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report details the processes pertaining to the repair and strengthening of the Louisa-Fort Gay Bridge, Lawrence County, KY, using advanced composite materials. Site inspections revealed flexural cracks in the reinforced concrete girders of the continuous bridge structure. To determine the cause of these cracks, an evaluation was initiated based on vehicle classification and truck weight data. The results confirmed that certain reinforced concrete girders were stressed beyond the limits allowed by the AASHTO Code. A retrofit scheme using carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite was devised and the amount of CFRP laminates needed for flexural strengthening was determined from …

Dry Stone Masonry Culvert Restoration, Rick Younce, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Jane M. Wooley, Neil Rippingale

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A damaged dry stone masonry culvert on KY 1268 Jessamine County was restored by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. The work was performed by the Dry Stone Conservancy, a non-profit agency promoting dry stone masonry. The work included replacement of a retaining wall and widening of the culvert. The project also included a partnering effort to improve the skills of local stone masons.

Archived Data Management System In Kentucky, Mei Chen, Jingxin Xia

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Archived Data User Service (ADUS) was added to the national ITS architecture in 1999 to enable multiple uses for ITS-generated data. In Kentucky, ARTIMIS and TRIMARC are collecting volume, speed, occupancy, length-based classification, and incident data on a continuous basis. This study developed the Kentucky Archived Data Management System (ADMS) to archive and disseminate data collected by sensors in ARTIMIS and TRIMARC systems. This system is designed to be the prototype of ITS data clearinghouse in Kentucky.

The Kentucky ADMS operates on a web server that allows users to retrieve traffic data (i.e., volume, speed, lane occupancy) in 15 minute …

Evaluation Of Linking Pavement Related Databases, Yuhong Wang, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In general, the objectives of this study were to identify and solve various issues in linking pavement performance related database. The detailed objectives were: to evaluate the state-of-the-art in information technology for data integration and data mining, to review the existing KyTC databases and study their potentiality for being linked for pavement performance evaluation, to prepare data linking alternatives for the KyTC’s review, to prepare an implementation plan for linking pavement related databases. The study reviewed the current practices of data integration by other organizations that face the similar challenges as KyTC. In addition, a review was conducted of the …

Evaluation Of Geophysical Methods And Geophysical Contractors On Four Projects In Kentucky, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report details four geophysical testing projects that were conducted in Kentucky for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. The four projects were as follows: KY 101, Edmonson and Warren Counties, US 31-W, Elizabethtown Bypass, Hardin County, KY 61, LaRue County, and US 27, Pulaski County.

Two contractors conducted the investigations for this study and they were as follows: KY 101 – (PELA) Electrical Resistivity and Microgravity, US 31-W – (CCKS) Microgravity, KY 61 – (CCKS) Electrical Resistivity and Microgravity, and US 27 – (CCKS) Electrical Resistivity and Microgravity.

These two methods preformed well and this report recommends that these geophysical methods …

The International Fuel Tax Agreement (Ifta) And International Registration Plan (Irp): Allocating Commercial Fuel Tax And Registration Fee Payments Across Multiple Jurisdictions, Lenahan O'Connell, Juita-Elena Wie Yusuf, Merl Hackbart

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report provides: (1) an overview of the IFTA and IRP processes for allocating fuel tax revenues across jurisdictions; and (2) an assessment of these systems in regard to their effectiveness at allocating the tax and fee burden among commercial carriers in an efficient and accurate manner. Three aspects of the system were assessed by answering the following questions: (1) Is the system effectively fostering cooperation among the 58 jurisdictions governed by the IFTA and IRP agreements? (2) Is it effectively promoting the allocation of tax burdens and payments among the jurisdictions? and (3) Is it effectively collecting tax payments …

Route Disruption Analysis, Adam Kirk, Mei Chen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In today’s society, transportation has become a vital component of our economy, our national defense, our emergency response systems, and our day-to-day life. Disruption of major highway systems can have serious social, health, economic, security, and environmental consequences. Disruption of highway systems can result from natural or man-made causes, and it may be intentional or unintentional. Examples of the wide-ranging causes of highway disruption include weather, natural disasters, vehicle crashes, hazardous material spills, barge impacts with bridge piers, and acts of terrorism. Disruption of key transportation chokepoints, such as bridges or tunnels, could have disastrous impacts on Kentucky. With this …

Kentucky Traffic Collision Facts 2007 Report, Kentucky Transportation Center, Kentucky State Police

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

KENTUCKY’S TRAFFIC COLLISION FACTS report for 2007 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 …

Best Management Practices Used By Kytc For On-Site Erosion Control, David L. Allen, Sudhir Palle

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

New erosion control procedures (ECP) have recently been implemented by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC). Previously, consultants and designers developed the ECP as a part of the design plans. In many cases these did not work in the field. The new procedures allow construction personnel to develop and implement their own ECPs on site.

This study conducted a survey of construction personnel in the KYTC to determine their level of familiarity with the new ECPs and to determine any issues that may have developed with the new procedures. The results of the survey concluded that most KYTC construction personnel were …

Utilization Of Index Stations For Prediction Of Interstate Traffic Volumes, R. Clark Graves, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

To facilitate the collection of traffic volumes along the Interstate System and better utilize the available resources. A method to factor adjacent traffic count locations from index counts collected on an annual basis has been proposed. This process utilized the current permanent stations along with other stations identified as Index Stations to calculate the AADT at the Estimated from Index (EFI) stations. This report provides a summary of the process which was developed and a measure of the potential accuracy of the predicted traffic volumes.

Annual Update Of Data For Estimating Esals, Jerry G. Pigman, Clark Graves, Brad Rister, David Cain, Neil Tollner

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A revised procedure for estimating equivalent single axleloads (ESAL’s) was developed in 1985. This procedure used weight, classification, and traffic volume data collected by the Transportation Cabinet’s Division of Planning. The procedure was developed and documented as Research Report UKTRP-85-30, and was titled “Estimation of Equivalent Axleloads”. Since the revised procedure was adopted, there have been several changes; the most recent being documented as Report KTC-95-7 titled “Equivalent Single Axleload Computer Program Enhancements”. Results documented in Report KTC-95-7 included improvements in the processing of ESAL data by aggregation of the functional classes to increase the accuracy of the estimates within …

Traffic Control Procedures For Emergency Responders, Jennifer Walton, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study was to develop a training course and handbook to guide on-scene emergency responders responsible for controlling traffic during a roadway crash and subsequent clearance.

Traffic control is an essential component of incident response in order to move road users safely and expeditiously past or around a traffic incident, and to reduce the likelihood of secondary crashes. Emergency responders, with the exception of law enforcement, are provided limited or no training in traffic control but yet by nature of their job often have to perform such duties. There is a need to provide basic knowledge and …

Detailed Seismic Evaluation Of Bridges Along I-24 In Western Kentucky, Ching Chiaw Choo, Issam E. Harik, Peng Yuan

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report presents a seismic rating system and a detailed evaluation procedure for selected highway bridges on/over I-24 in Western Kentucky near the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ). The rating system, based upon structural vulnerability, seismic and geotechnical hazards, and socioeconomic factors, was used to rank 127 (82 on and 45 over I-24) bridges on/over I-24. A total of 14 bridges were selected and subsequently evaluated using a capacity/demand ratio method outlined in the Seismic Retrofitting Manual for Highway Bridges by the Federal Highway Administration. The focus was on four bridge components; namely the expansion joints, bearings, columns, and footings. …

Seismic Evaluation Of The Cumberland River Bridges On I-24 In Western Kentucky, Wael A. Zatar, Wei-Xin Ren, Issam E. Harik

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The main objective of this study is to assess the structural integrity of the I-24 parallel bridges at the Cumberland River crossing in western Kentucky. Due to its importance, the bridge is evaluated for the 250-year event and the maximum credible 500-year event. The scope of the work included: 1) Field testing of the main bridge; 2) Finite element modeling and calibration; 3) Time-history seismic response analysis for the main spans; and 4) Seismic evaluation for both the main and the approach spans. The seismic analysis for the 250-year event indicates that the main spans of the bridge can resist …

Seismic Evaluation And Ranking Of Bridge Embankments Along I-24 In Western Kentucky, Wael Zatar, Issam E. Harik, Peng Yuan, Ching Chiaw Choo

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study represents one of the Seismic Evaluation of I-24 Bridges investigative series. The focus is on slope or embankment stability and liquefaction potential of embankments of bridges along I-24 in Western Kentucky. A rating system is derived to assist in identifying and prioritizing bridge embankments that are susceptible to failure during to projected seismic events. Embankments of one hundred and twenty seven (127) bridges along I-24 in Western Kentucky are evaluated for 50-year and 250-year seismic events. Fifty-two (52) of the 127 embankments were rated as ‘critical’ for the 50-year event, and 60 were rated as ‘critical’ for the …

Site Investigation Of Bridges Along I-24 In Western Kentucky, Wael Zatar, Issam E. Harik, Peng Yuan

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Determination of the seismic risk of the I-24 bridges requires evaluating the current condition of all individual elements of the bridges. All bridges along the I-24 were visually inspected, pictured, and the records were stored in a database. Data of the visual inspection and the pictures were combined to form the completed site inspection forms of the I-24 bridges. Main visually observed deficiencies of the bridge elements were pointed out. The site inspection forms of all bridges on/over the I-24 in western Kentucky are used together with the bridge inventory to obtain different statistical figures regarding the characteristics of the …

Seismic Evaluation Of The Tennessee River Bridges On I-24 In Western Kentucky, Tong Zhao, Wei-Xin Ren, Issam E. Harik, Jin-Dong Hu

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report presents the seismic evaluation of the approaches and parallel bridges on I-24 crossing the Tennessee River between Marshall and Livingston counties in Western Kentucky. The main bridges are steel tied-arch bridges. The bridges are situated within the influence of the New Madrid Seismic Zone. The seismic evaluation program consisted of field testing, 3-dimensional finite element modeling and seismic response analysis. The dynamic properties of the main bridges are determined through field testing, and are used to calibrate the finite element models. The finite element model is then subjected to time histories of the 250-year and 500-year earthquake events. …

Preliminary Seismic Evaluation And Ranking Of Bridges Along I-24 In Western Kentucky, Wael Zatar, Issam E. Harik, Peng Yuan, Ching Chiaw Choo

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study represents one of the Seismic Evaluation of I-24 Bridges investigative series. The focus is on preliminary seismic evaluation and ranking of bridges according to their seismic vulnerability. Bridges along I-24 are considered in this investigation. The ranking will assist in identifying and prioritizing bridges for secondary evaluation, retrofit measure, or other course of action. The rating system described herein is based on a methodology provided by the FHWA Retrofitting Manual for highway bridges. One hundred and twenty seven (127) highway bridges were evaluated and rated in this process for projected 50-year and 250-year seismic events. The Tennessee River …

Post Earthquake Investigation Field Manual For The State Of Kentucky, Ann G. Sardo, Thomas E. Sardo, Issam E. Harik

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The rapid assessment of a bridge structure’s safety and functionality is an essential component to restoring vital lifeline routes after a major earthquake. Appropriate posting categories are used to assure the safety of the traveling public. The objective of this manual is to provide a rapid and efficient method of inspecting bridge structures after an earthquake. The primary users of this manual are intended to be the initial Kentucky Transportation Cabinet personnel who will initially reach the bridge sites. It is recognized that such first-line personnel will possess a variety of backgrounds and, therefore, a systematic method of evaluating the …

Seismic Evaluation Of I-24 Bridges And Embankments In Western Kentucky–Summary Report, Wael A. Zatar, Issam E. Harik, Ching Chiaw Choo

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

I-24 is considered as one of the high priority and emergency routes in the region. Hence, it is essential that I-24 remains functional and operational after an earthquake event. The objective of this study is to perform seismic evaluation and risk assessment of bridges and embankments along I-24 in western Kentucky. The assessment assists identifying and prioritizing bridges that are susceptible to failure.

The study aims at evaluating the seismic risk for 127 bridges, of which 82 bridges lies on I-24 and 45 bridges cross over I-24. This report is the first (1st) in a series of seven reports for …

2006 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 2006 safety belt and child safety seat usage rates in Kentucky. The 2006 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 2006 (67.2 percent) was slightly higher than that …

An Analysis Of The Direct And Indirect Costs Of Utility And Right-Of-Way Conflicts On Construction Roadway Projects, Paul M. Goodrum, Fady Kari, Adam Smith, Ben Slaughter, Chris N. Jones

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Utility conflicts are unfortunately a common occurrence on many roadway projects. This report examines the frequency and severity of utility conflicts both within and outside of Kentucky. Understanding which type of utility conflicts most likely occur and the potential magnitude of their costs when will help the Cabinet better understand the risk of utility conflicts on future projects. The report details a series of five case studies that quantified the direct and indirect costs of utility conflicts on previous projects. The report also reports on the result a national survey of 45 state utility directors (out of a possible of …

Analysis Of Traffic Crash Data In Kentucky (2001 – 2005), 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 2001 through 2005. 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 …

Quantification Of The Benefits Of Access Management For Kentucky, Adam Kirk, Jerry G. Pigman, Barry House

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report describes the benefits quantification performed for the proposed access management plan for Kentucky. This study evaluates the capacity, safety and economic impacts associated with access management programs. The proposed Kentucky access management program will seek to standardize driveway and traffic signal spacing on all state maintained roadways in the state. The TRB Access Impact Calculator developed as a part of by NCHRP Report 420, was used to evaluate the potential benefits of the proposed plan on a sample of Kentucky roadways. The results of this analysis were then extrapolated to the statewide system to estimate total annual savings …