Transportation Engineering Commons^™

Effect Of Driver, Vehicle, And Road Related Factors On Crashes At Intersections And Non-Intersections: A Naturalistic Driving Study, Grace Naa Ashley

LSU Master's Theses

Traffic accidents in the U.S. have declined over the last two decades but continue to cost the country billions of U.S. dollars each year. Intersection accidents alone account for 23% of the 32,675 deaths that occurred by motor vehicle crashes in 2014. In light of this, the first part of this study sought to identify driver behavior and secondary tasks that influenced the occurrence of a crashes at controlled, uncontrolled and non-intersections with multiple logistic regression. The second part of the study used decision tree which applied machine learning algorithms to identify significant factors that influenced the occurrence of crashes …

Making Strides: State Of The Practice Of Pedestrian Forecasting In Regional Travel Models, Patrick A. Singleton, Joseph C. Totten, Jaime P. Orrego-Oñate, Robert J. Schneider, Kelly J. Clifton

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Much has changed in the 30 years since non-motorized modes were first included in regional travel demand models. As interest in understanding behavioral influences on walking and policies requiring estimates of walking activity increase, it is important to consider how pedestrian travel is modeled at a regional level. This paper evaluates the state of the practice of modeling walk trips among the largest 48 metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) and assesses changes made over the last 5 years. By reviewing model documentation and responses to a survey of MPO modelers, this paper summarizes current practices, describes six pedestrian modeling frameworks, and …

Achieving Public Health And Climate Change Goals: What Do We Need To Know About The Transportation System?, Mohammad Tayarani

Civil Engineering ETDs

The overall aim of this dissertation is evaluating what new knowledge can be gained about the environmental and public health outcomes of regional transportation planning strategies by implementing a suite of more spatially and temporally detailed transportation and air quality models. This new knowledge can be used to better understand the potential health effects of emissions exposure while also guiding the development of new transportation and land-use plans, and related policies that have the potential to achieve large reductions in pollution exposure and green house gas emissions at local and regional level.

City Of Tyler Hub-And-Spoke Bicycle Lane Network, Pedro A. Zavagna

Civil Engineering Theses

The purpose of this study is to showcase the up-to-date development of a Bicycle Lane Engineered Scoring System (BLESS) that will be utilized to map and identify the optimum feasible locations for bicycle lanes. The project was initiated for the City of Tyler, Texas where a Hub-and-Spoke bicycle lane will be designed around the city utilizing the BLESS. The design process is comprised of attentive planning, progressive development and a collective effort by the transportation engineering research team at the University of Texas at Tyler to design an exceptional bicycle lane network. The BLESS consisted of traffic analysis, lane configuration, …

Analysis Of The Contribution Of Transportation And Land Use To Citizen Perceptions Of Livability, Rebecca Lewis

PSU Transportation Seminars

What is livability? How does the built environment influence resident perceptions of livability? Although livability is a broadly used term and a key goal in land use and transportation plans at the state level, it is unclear whether residents think their neighborhoods are livable and what contributes to their perception of livability. The purpose of the project was to understand how Oregonians, in neighborhoods of varying densities and within Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), perceive livability at the nexus of transportation and land use. We sought to understand how residents define and perceive livability in three different MPOs in the state: …

Utah Salt Storage Facilities Guidelines And Best Management Practices, Weston Bellon

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

An environmental analysis was conducted at the Utah Water Research Laboratory of samples gathered from Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) salt storage facilities retention ponds across the state. The analysis indicated high levels of TSS largely made up of minerals directly associated with the deicing solution currently used by UDOT in roadway applications. As a companion to that analysis, best management practices have been identified and compiled to provide a resource for the proper management of salt storage facilities in the state of Utah. Topics included as best management practices include locating new storage facilities, proper salt storage, proper salt …

Essays On Applications Of Transportation Network Design And Optimization, Amirali Ghaharikermani

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In this dissertation, we address different transportation problems. The three main outcomes are: designing a battery swap station network, studying gaps in Empty Container Management literature, designing a model with similar characteristics to the vehicle routing problem as well as implementation scenario for it to be applied for a real-world case.

For the designed battery swap station, a model is developed for customer demand satisfaction that permits construction of different types of BSS in the planning network. Our solution methodology is a Tabu Search algorithm combined with a dynamic programming initialization. Numerous tests showed that the proposed TS approach provides …

A 3d Numerical Analysis Of The Railway To Compare The Performance Of The Granular And Asphalt Trackbeds., Thammapot Wattanapanalai

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In the last two decades, trains have been developed either to carry heavy weight of cargo or for high-speed rail transport. Nonetheless, track structure, have not been improved adequate to support the extra loads or dynamic vibrations of high-speed trains. As a result, the performance of track will be affected from heavy freight or high-speed trains. In the long term it results in trackbed damage by increasing the subgrade and ballast displacement. Besides, it negatively affects the performance of the locomotives. Therefore, alternative subballast, should be introduced to reduce the stress and deformation of the track under dynamic or heavy …

Road Diet Feasibility Analysis For Nebraska, Brandon L. Purintun

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

Many rural towns and cities throughout Nebraska have experienced consistent population decline over the past 50 years, and the highway system once built to accommodate hoped-for growth is not serving the population as well as it could. These towns and cities would benefit from implementing a road diet conversion on their main highways. Within rural communities, road diets are an increasingly popular method of improving safety along major arterials through the reduction of excess capacity in favor of increasing refuge areas for turning vehicles. A typical application might be the restriping of a four-lane undivided highway into a three-lane highway …

Road Weather Impact Based Decision Support Applications: Developing A Department Of Transportation Winter Severity Index, Curtis Louis Walker

Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Adverse weather conditions are responsible for millions of vehicular crashes, thousands of vehicular deaths and billions of dollars in economic and congestion costs. Many transportation agencies utilize a performance or mobility metric to assess how well they are maintaining road access. This research focuses on the development of a winter severity index for the State of Nebraska (NEWINS). NEWINS is an event-driven index that was derived for the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) and its districts across the state. The NEWINS framework includes a categorical storm classification framework and climatological aspect to capture atmospheric conditions more accurately across diverse spatial …

New Mixture Additives For Sustainable Bituminous Pavements, Gabriel Mukristu Nsengiyumva, Kommidi Santosh, Yong-Rak Kim, Helan Xu, Yiqi Yang

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

In an effort to improve mechanical properties of asphalt concrete, an exploratory research using mixture additives was attempted. Two different types of additives on two material scales were used: asphalt concrete (AC) level and binder level. At the start of this study, the effect of natural cornhusk fibers on the resistance of two types of AC mixtures on cracking were tested for hot-mix asphalt (HMA) and cold-mix asphalt (CMA). The results showed slight improvements in cracking resistance in cornhusk reinforced HMA, and in the case of the CMA, marshal flow. Overall, based on the test results, cornhusk-reinforced HMA and CMA …

Transportation System Vulnerability And Resilience To Extreme Weather Events And Other Natural Hazards — Final Results Of Vulnerability Assessment Of National Highway System For All Kytc Districts, Benjamin L. Blandford, Scott Schurman, Candice Y. Wallace

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Recent federal legislation and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) have directed state transportation agencies to identify potential vulnerabilities associated with extreme weather events and climate change, develop a risk-based asset management plan, and incorporate findings into transportation planning, design, and maintenance practices. The Kentucky Transportation Center and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet developed and led district-level workshops to elicit local expert knowledge on asset vulnerabilities to natural hazards. Combining the results of these workshops with analysis of available data on assets and hazards, they then performed a natural hazard vulnerability assessment of the state’s National Highway System (NHS) for each of Kentucky’s …

Impact Of Seasonal Tree-Cutting Restrictions On Construction Bids, Christopher W. Van Dyke, Steven Waddle, Bryan Gibson, Sarah M. Mccormack, Steven Douglas Kreis

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Many of the maintenance and construction projects undertaken by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) span late spring to early fall (April–October), with this period’s long days, abundant sunshine, and relatively dry conditions being ideal for performing work and minimizing delays from inclement weather. But this compressed timeline for accomplishing work introduces other challenges. Specifically, many of KYTC’s maintenance and construction activities can potentially impact summer habitat of the Indiana bat, which is listed as an endangered species. Removing trees classified as Indiana bat habitat is allowed, however, to do so the Cabinet is required to pay a mitigation fee. The …

Risk Analysis Of Autonomous Vehicle And Its Safety Impact On Mixed Traffic Stream, Plaban Das

Theses and Dissertations

In 2016, more than 35,000 people died in traffic crashes, and human error was the reason for 94% of these deaths. Researchers and automobile companies are testing autonomous vehicles in mixed traffic streams to eliminate human error by removing the human driver behind the steering wheel. However, recent autonomous vehicle crashes while testing indicate the necessity for a more thorough risk analysis. The objectives of this study were (1) to perform a risk analysis of autonomous vehicles and (2) to evaluate the safety impact of these vehicles in a mixed traffic stream. The overall research was divided into two phases: …

Introduction To Infrastructure - The Influence Of Natural Disasters On Infrastructure, Tri Tam Nguyen, Sean M. Raday, Daniel Leverick

STEM Student Research Symposium Posters

In this paper, three major hurricanes in 2017 were examined to determine the damage these hurricanes have done to the infrastructure. Infrastructure has an important role in the nation’s sustained economic development. Infrastructure consists of two main types which are “hard” infrastructure and “soft” infrastructure. Hard infrastructure is the physical networks which include transportation, power, etc. while soft infrastructure is institutions and human capital. Inadequate and inefficient performance of “hard” or “soft” infrastructure would prevent economy from achieving full growth. In the past decades, a significant increase in the number of natural disasters has had great impact on infrastructure systems. …

Fhwa Guidebook For Measuring Multimodal Network Connectivity, Joseph Broach

PSU Transportation Seminars

In 2016 the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) published a Guidebook for Developing Pedestrian and Bicycle Performance Measures that presents methods for measuring walking and bicycling performance and activities and embedding them into the transportation planning and decisionmaking process (U.S. Department of Transportation 2016). Building on the 2016 guidebook, this resource focuses on pedestrian and bicycle network connectivity and provides information on incorporating connectivity measures into state, metropolitan, and local transportation planning processes.

Connectivity measures can help transportation practitioners identify high priority network gaps, implement cost-effective solutions that address multiple needs, optimize potential co-benefits, and …

Analytical Hierarchy Process Evaluation Of The Proposed Slim Modular Flexible Electric Bus Rapid Transit System, Yunji Kim

Master of Science in Civil Engineering Theses

As metropolitan Atlanta area is the one of the fastest growing regions in the nation, its demand for transportation infrastructure has grown. The region between Cobb County and Fulton County experiences the heaviest congestion in Metro-Atlanta. CobbLinc Route 10 is the only form of public transportation serving this area. To relieve the congestion and provide more effective public transportation system, Connect Cobb Corridor project has been proposed with the possible implementation of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. Although BRT has gained popularity for its operational flexibility and efficiency, efforts have been put into developing a new concept vehicle that is …

Sensor Technologies For Intelligent Transportation Systems, Juan Guerrero-Ibáñez, Sherali Zeadally, Juan Contreras-Castillo

Information Science Faculty Publications

Modern society faces serious problems with transportation systems, including but not limited to traffic congestion, safety, and pollution. Information communication technologies have gained increasing attention and importance in modern transportation systems. Automotive manufacturers are developing in-vehicle sensors and their applications in different areas including safety, traffic management, and infotainment. Government institutions are implementing roadside infrastructures such as cameras and sensors to collect data about environmental and traffic conditions. By seamlessly integrating vehicles and sensing devices, their sensing and communication capabilities can be leveraged to achieve smart and intelligent transportation systems. We discuss how sensor technology can be integrated with the …

Comprehensive Bicycle-Vehicle Crash Investigation On Urban And Rural Roadways In Alabama, Naveen Mallipaddi

Research Horizons Day Posters

No abstract provided.

Bicycle Safety Investigation In Alabama Using Historical Crash Data And Stated-Preference Survey, Sydnie Fiocca

Research Horizons Day Posters

No abstract provided.

How Sustainable Are Drone (Uav) Deliveries?, Miguel Figliozzi

PSU Transportation Seminars

Private companies and public officials are seeking sustainable and cost effective ways to green supply chains and freight deliveries. There is enthusiasm regarding the potential benefits that innovative technologies such as drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can generate. This presentation discusses key issues and insights that arise from modeling the logistical, and environmental performance of UAVs.

Transportation Impacts Of Affordable Housing: Informing Development Review With Travel Behavior Analysis, Amanda Howell

PSU Transportation Seminars

Planning for affordable housing is challenged by development policies that often do not differentiate between the travel patterns of residents of market-rate housing and those living in affordable units. The development review process generally requires an evaluation of the anticipated additional transportation demand that new development places on the system and an assessment of fees or improvements to mitigate these impacts.

However, industry standard guidelines for assessment of travel demand outlined within the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation Handbook have been focused solely on vehicle trip rates for these traffic impact analyses. Given the public goals of providing …

A Methodological Framework For Quantifying Impacts Of Truck Traffic On Regional Network With Implications To Transport Policy, Chaitanya Narendra Pathak

Dissertations

Increased global trade has promoted the importance of shipping industry and the introduction of mega-ships has created an opportunity to be more cost-effective. Because of this, the expected change in freight transportation influences the operating regimes and schedules at the port terminals. Trucks being the predominant mode of transportation used to carry the freight transport, there is a growing concern about the impact of trucks in the region. The problems are further expected to grow as the improvements to resolve them are hindered by funding shortfalls. Public agencies are therefore involved in developing comprehensive state freight plans that outline immediate …

Longer Lasting Bridge Deck Overlays, David Q. Hunsucker, Kean H. Ashurst Jr., Brad W. Rister, David L. Allen, Eileen Grady

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this report is to determine the most effective method for bridge deck overlay construction and repair by assessing current practices; examining new products and technologies; and reviewing NCHRP (National Cooperative Highway Research Program) guidelines, state standard specifications, ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers) infrastructure ratings, and original bridge core chloride penetration data. Based on the review, this report offers the following conclusions. Latex modified concrete (LMC) overlays perform well, provide a long service life, and are the most commonly used method of bridge deck rehabilitation. Ohio considers microsilica concrete (MSC) overlays as state of the art due …

Developing Knowledge Management Strategies, Bryan Gibson, Candice Y. Wallace, Steven Douglas Kreis

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Retirements and other staff changes have led to a loss of institutional knowledge across public agencies. These changing workforce dynamics have highlighted the study of knowledge management, and how organizations can best retain their core knowledge bases. Key to understanding knowledge management is how organizations have approached the issue and the most effective methods and processes they have used to retain, store, and disseminate knowledge. Part of the knowledge management discussion includes core competencies, or what basic knowledge and skills are essential to an organization’s mission. Also, considering the impacts of outsourcing on public employment, is another key to understanding …

Redefining Commercial Vehicle Permitting And Credentialing Violations, Andrew Martin, Jennifer R. Walton, Valerie J. Keathley

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study was to analyze enforcement and adjudication of common commercial vehicle tax, credentialing, and safety offenses. This study examined violations of the International Fuel Tax Agreement and the Kentucky Intrastate Tax, Kentucky’s weight distance tax, Unified Carrier Registration, Kentucky size and weight laws, and federal safety regulations from 2004 to 2013. Statistical analysis showed declining conviction rates, increasing dismissal rates, and a drop in collections of court costs and fines associated with these offenses. In addition, adjudication varied significantly from district court to district court, which is creating an equity issue for motor carriers and the …

Mash Test No. 3-10 Of A Non-Proprietary, High-Tension, Cable Median Barrier For Use In 6h:1v V-Ditch (Test No. Mwp-9), Mojdeh Asadollahi Pajouh, Karla A. Lechtenberg, Ronald K. Faller, James C. Holloway, Robert W. Bielenberg, Scott K. Rosenbaugh

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

The Midwest Pooled Fund Program has been developing a prototype design for a non-proprietary, high-tension, cable median barrier for use in a 6H:1V median V-ditch. This system incorporates four evenly spaced cables, Midwest Weak Posts (MWPs) spaced at 8 to 16 ft (2.4 to 4.9 m) intervals, and a bolted, tabbed bracket to attach the cables to each post. Full-scale crash testing was needed to evaluate the barrier’s safety performance. According to the Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware 2016 (MASH) testing matrix for cable barriers installed within a 6H:1V median V-ditch, a series of eight full-scale crash tests are required …

Phase Ii Evaluation Of Floor Pan Tearing For Cable Barrier Systems, Dylan T. Meyer, Mojdeh Asadollahi Pajouh, Karla A. Lechtenberg, Ronald K. Faller, Robert W. Bielenberg, James C. Holloway

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

The objective of this research effort was to mitigate the potential for floor pan tearing and penetration into the occupant compartment by modifying the posts utilized in a prototype cable barrier system. A series of dynamic component tests were conducted on the modified Midwest Weak Post (MWP). A bogie vehicle was equipped with a simulated floor pan designed to replicate the height, thickness, and strength of the floor pan of a Kia Rio. Two methods of post modification were investigated, including edge protection on the top of the MWP as well as weakening of the MWP at the ground line. …

Operational Impact Of Shadow Evacuation On Regional Road Networks During Short-Notice Emergency Evacuations, Efe Emre Tuncer

LSU Master's Theses

As part of evacuation planning, development of effective tactical and operational strategies are essential to safely and efficiently mobilize the public away from the threat. Evacuations are classified by the time between notification and the anticipated arrival of the threat which can be categorized as short, or no-notice emergencies. Emergencies involve the computation of the time required to evacuate the area of risk, which is the time to clear a radius of up to about 10-miles around the nuclear power plant, known as the emergency planning zone (EPZ). These evacuation time estimates (ETE) also account for the evacuation of the …

Transit Demand Analysis And User Classification Using Automatic Fare Collection (Afc) Data, Alireza Khani

PSU Transportation Seminars

Development of origin-destination demand matrices is crucial for transit planning. The development process is facilitated by transit automated data, making it possible to mine boarding and alighting patterns on an individual basis. This research proposes a novel stochastic trip chaining method which uses Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) and General Transit Feed Specifications (GTFS) data to infer an origin-destination (O-D) matrix.