Transportation
Systems and Materials
Research Project Abstracts: 2005
- 2006
In-Vehicle Energy and Emissions Information System (IVEEIS)
H.C. Frey and N.M. Rouphail
National Science Foundation
03/03 to 12/06
The key objectives of this research project are to: (1) develop a micro-scale
predictor of energy use and emissions that is deployable at the individual vehicle
level in real-time; (2)identify, compare and evaluate alternate energy use and
emissions sampling/reporting schemes that are appropriate at the vehicle and
network levels; (3) Develop and test a prototype In-Vehicle Energy and Emissions
Information System (IVEEIS); and (4) formulate and assess the utility of IVEEIS
in developing transportation design and control measures aimed at energy and
emission management policies.
The Human Factors Affects of Nine-Panel Logo Signs
J.E. Hummer
NC Department of Transportation
01/06 to 06/06
Logo signs provide vital information and minimize the need for billboards. At
many interchanges in NC, the number of qualifying businesses providing a service
exceeds the maximum of six logo panels allowed per sign. One option in this
case is to increase the number of logos allowed per sign to nine. The main concern
regarding this option is that drivers will take longer to read the larger signs
and may be distracted from more important driving tasks. The objectives of this
project are to conduct driver surveys and lab tests to determine whether larger
logo signs cause problems or drivers.
Assessing the Impact of Port Security Measures on Traffic Operation
J.E. Hummer
NC Department of Transportation
08/05 to 07/06
Truck traffic through the gates of seaports in the US is expected to increase
dramatically in the near future. However, tightened security measures at the
port gates may mean long delays for trucks, which in turn could lead to other
traffic delays, safety problems, air quality issues, and other impacts. During
this project, we will construct and exercise a microscopic traffic simulation
model of the gates of the Port of Wilmington, NC to gauge the effects of extra
security and to allow the testing of mitigation strategies.
An Evaluation of the Safety Effects of Speed Enforcement Camera
J.E. Hummer
NC Governor's Highway Safety Program
10/03 to 09/05
Speed enforcement cameras that automatically record the license number of a
vehicle exceeding a limit are one technologically-feasible way to address speed-related
safety problems. The North Carolina Legislature has recently given the City
of Charlotte approval to use speed enforcement cameras. The purpose of this
project is to help evaluate those installations, to see whether other highway
agencies could expect collision reductions should they also use speed enforcement
cameras. The project will consist of a literature review, an examination of
public opinion through focus groups, and before-and-after collision and speed
studies at camera sites.
Railroad Crossing Wayside Horn Evaluation
J.E. Hummer
North Carolina Department of Transportation
07/02 to 06/06
The noise from train horns is irritating to people living and working along
railroad tracks, and causes opposition when new train service is proposed. However,
the train horn is also an essential safety device for motorists at grade crossings.
A device called a wayside horn has been marketed in the U.S. that promises to
reduce that irritation by mounting the horn at the road crossing and directing
the sound at motorists. The purpose of this project is to evaluate the device
at a crossing in North Carolina by means of driver surveys, resident surveys,
and roadway operational measures.
Tensile Strength - A Design and Evaluation Tool for Superpave Mixtures
N.P.Khosla
NCDOT/FHWA
07/04 to 06/06
Tensile strength plays and important role in the performance of an asphalt concrete.
A minimum tensile strength value can be calculated at a given traffic for fatigue
life and an allowable rut depth for rutting and can be used as an additional
criterion for evaluating the moisture susceptibility of a mix. Thus, the original
values of tensile strength of conditioned and unconditioned specimens along
with TSR values should be employed in assessing the effect of water damage on
the performance of pavements. This study will provide a simple, reasonable and
dependable method for mix design and performance evaluation of Superpave mixtures.
Development of APA Design Criteria for Surface Mixtures
N.P.Khosla
NCDOT/FHWA
07/04 to 06/06
The APA test is the most widely used simulative test to assess the rutting potential
of a mixture. A comprehensive study will be conducted on all the surface mixtures
used in North Carolina to develop the rut depth criteria. The correlations estimated
using the data obtained from the APA and Shear tests would be used to develop
the rut depth criteria for the APA test. This study will provide a simple and
effective methodology and design criteria for using APA for Superpave mixtures.
The rut depth criteria could be implemented for all the new surface mix designs
and test contractor submitted specimens for compliance.
Performance Based Analysis of Polymer-Modified Emulsions in Asphalt Surface
Treatments
Y.R. Kim
NC Department of Transportation
07/06 to 06/08
This project focuses on the performance evaluation of polymer-modified emulsions
in asphalt surface treatments. Limited research and data exist on quantifying
the overall performance of polymer-modified surface treatments and associated
cost-effectiveness. This project will test the improvement in surface treatment
performance resulting from modifying the emulsion with polymers and its cost-effectiveness,
in addition to providing baseline performance information about standard surface
treatments which will be most valuable in planning maintenance activities. Recommendations
will be made on the selection of a proper surface treatment option based on
existing pavement distress, traffic volume, and road functionality.
Local Calibration of the MEPDG for Flexible Pavement Design
Y.R. Kim
NC Department of Transportation
07/06 to 06/08
The objective of this study is to calibrate the NCHRP 1-37A Mechanistic-Empirical
Pavement Design Guide with local data by developing a material database using
typical layer materials (HMA and unbound materials) for flexible pavements in
North Carolina. The scope of research includes both fatigue cracking and rutting.
The primary products of the proposed research are the flexible pavement layer
materials performance database and the MEPDG HMA performance model coefficients
for typical North Carolina HMA mixtures. An additional product will be an implementation
plan with instructions for modifying the MEPDG to incorporate the local coefficients.
This plan will shorten the delay between the research and the implementation
of the pavement design.
Development of a Virtual Testing Module for an Undergraduate Course on Materials
Design
Y.R. Kim
LITRE Grant, North Carolina State University
01/06 to 08/07
The short-term objective of this project is to enhance the students' understanding
of the behavior of asphalt concrete through virtual microstructure fabrication
and virtual testing. The medium-term goals are: (a) to help develop graduate-level
asphalt materials courses into distance-learning courses and (b) to help enhance
student learning in other materials related course in the department, and elsewhere
in the university, state and country.
Evaluation of Geosynthetics and GlasGrid for Rutting Prevention in Asphalt
Pavement
Y.R. Kim
Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics
08/05 to 10/05
The primary objective of this proposed research is to evaluate the performance
of geosynthetics and geogrids in retarding the rutting distress in asphalt pavements.
The third-scale Model Mobile Loading Simulator will be used to load the laboratory
hot-mix asphalt slabs composed of S9.5B mix.
Effects of Various Mix Designs on the Performance of Lime-Modified Asphalt
Mixtures
Y.R. Kim
Chemical Lime Company
10/05 to 02/06
The primary objective of this proposed research is to evaluate the differences
in performance among lime-modified asphalt mixes with different mix designs.
The performance characteristics to be evaluated in this study include the time-
and temperature-dependent stiffness characteristics, rutting performance, and
fatigue cracking performance. The following four mixes will be evaluated in
this study: control S9.5C mix; control S9.5C mix plus 1% lime with new mix design;
control S9.5C mix with 1% passing #200 materials replaced by 1% lime, and S9.5C
mix with adjusted gradation and 1% lime.
Top-Down Fatigue Cracking of Hot-Mix Asphalt Layers
Y.R. Kim
NCHRP 1-42A, Subcontract from the University of Florida
06/06 to 05/08
In this research, the viscoelastic continuum damage model implemented in the
finite element program (VECD-FEP++) will be used to investigate the top-down
fatigue cracking mechanism in hot-mix asphalt pavements. The VECD model and
the dynamic modulus from the IDT test will serve as the primary experimental
tools. The resulting VECD-FEP++ will be used to simulate the behavior of asphalt
pavements with varying loading, environmental, and pavement factors. The results
from the simulation will be investigated to develop mechanistic procedures to
evaluate the top-down cracking propensity of asphalt pavement as a function
of various factors and to predict the top-down cracking performance of asphalt
pavement.
Development of Multi-axial VEPCD-FEP++ and its Extension to Indirect Tension
Test
Y.R. Kim and M.N. Guddati
Federal Highway Administration
09/05 to 08/07
Over the past decade, the NCSU research team has been successful in developing
HMA models that can accurately capture various critical phenomena such as microcrack
induced damage, strain rate - temperature interdependence, and viscoplastic
flow that is critical for high temperature modeling; the resulting model is
termed the viscoelastoplastic continuum damage (VEPCD) model. The primary objectives
of this research are: (1) to extend the VEPCD model to multiaxial state of stress;
(2) to develop a three-dimensional finite element program with the multiaxial
VEPCD model; and (3) to extend the principles used in the VEPCD modeling to
the indirect tension mode.
Calibration of Rutting Models for HMA Structural and Mix Design
R. Kim and M.N. Guddati
NCHRP 9-30A, Subcontract from Applied Research Associates, Inc.
11/05 to 10/08
The objective of this research effort is to recommend revisions to the HMA rut
depth prediction model in the mechanistic-empirical pavement design guide and
software developed in NCHRP Project 1-37A for consideration by the NCHRP Project
1-40 panel and the AASHTO Joint Task Force on Pavements. The recommended revisions
will be based on the calibration and validation of distress models with measured
materials properties and performance data from existing field and other full-scale
pavement sections that incorporate modified as well as unmodified asphalt binders.
Implementation Plan for the New Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide
Y.R. Kim
North Carolina Department of Transportation
05/05 to 06/06
The goal of the research project is to develop an implementation plan for the
Guide. This goal will be attained by accomplishing the following objectives:
develop a summary of the design practices outlined in the Guide that differ
from the current design practice used by the NCDOT;
perform a sensitivity analysis on the design input parameters using realistic
input ranges;
develop a local calibration plan; and
develop a local training programn
Quantifying the Benefits of Improved Rolling of Chip Seals
Y.R. Kim
NC Department of Transportation
07/05 to 06/07
This research is aimed at "low hanging fruit," that is, relatively
low cost changes in compaction procedures that could significantly improve
the chip seal performance in North Carolina. The performance measures to be
evaluated in this study include aggregate embedment depth, aggregate retention,
skid resistance, bleeding, and rutting. The research approach utilizes the
chip seal performance test methods that have been used and refined in the
ongoing NCDOT HWY 2003-09 project, Optimizing Gradations for Surface Treatments.
The experimental program involves both laboratory and field experiments.
Viscoelastoplastic Continuum Damage Modeling of Modified and Unmodified
Asphalt Mixtures
Y.R. Kim
Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship to Mr. Benjamin Shane Underwood
US Department of Transportation
09/04 to 09/06
The primary objectives of this research are: (1) to characterize polymer-modified
asphalt mixtures being tested under the Accelerated Loading Facility (ALF)
at the Federal Highway Administration Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center
in McLean, Virginia using the viscoelastoplastic continuum damage (VEPCD)
model; (2) to incorporate the VEPCD model into the finite element code (VEPCD-FEP++);
and (3) to calibrate the VEPCD-FEP++ using the pavement performance data obtained
from the FHWA ALF testing.
Development of the Asphalt Pavement Performance Prediction Methodology
Based on the Viscoelastoplastic Continuum Damage Theory
Y.R. Kim and M.N. Guddati
Korea Highway Corp.
10/04 to 12/06
The primary objectives of this research are: (1) standardization of test and
analysis methods for the determination of viscoelastic properties and performance
of asphalt mixtures; (2) development of the multiaxial viscoelastoplastic
continuum damage (VEPCD) models using the indirect tension test and triaxial
permanent deformation test; (3) development of the VEPCD finite element program
(VEPCD-FEP++); (5) calibration of the VECPD-FEP++ using the data measured
from the KHC Test Road pavements; (6) development of transfer functions for
the 33 asphalt pavements in the Test Road; and (7) development of a user-friendly
graphic interface for pre- and post-processing of the VEPCD-FEP++.
Characterization of ALF Mixtures Using the Viscoelastoplastic Continuum
Damage Model
FHWA
Y.R. Kim and M.N. Guddati
08/03 to 08/05
The primary objectives of the proposed research are: (1) to verify the time-temperature
superposition principle in damaged states for various asphalt mixtures used
in the current ALF study; (2) to characterize the ALF mixtures using the viscoelastoplastic
continuum damage model; and (3) to predict the performance of various ALF
pavements using finite element analysis and the VEPCD model.
Designing an Efficient Nighttime Sign Inspection Program that Ensures
Motorist Safety
W.J. Rasdorf and J.E. Hummer
NC Department of Transportation
07/04 to 06/06
The major objective of the research is to revise and expand out simulation
of the effectiveness of sign inspection programs so that NCDOT can optimize
its program. The main revisions to allow NCDOT to use the simulation are to:
Model the performance of NCDOT sign inspectors,
Expand the simulation to include other sign colors besides yellow and red,
and
Include the best sign deterioration functions.
Blind Pedestrian Crossing at Complex Intersections
N. Rouphail and Richard Long (WMU)
National Eye Institute through WMU
07/05 to 05/06
A pedestrian crossing at roundabouts is initiated by a pedestrian upon detecting
a crossable gap, a driver yielding to a pedestrian, or a driver stopping due
to an external control mechanism (e.g., signal) that forces gaps to occur in
the traffic stream. This program of work is focused on the development and behavioral
evaluation of technologies that can detect or create these events and convey
the fact that they have occurred to blind pedestrians. The study will extend
recent work on induction-loop yield detection by developing and testing improved
yield and gap detection systems that rely on video-zone detection technology.
Testing the Feasibility of a Video-Image Processing System for Tracking
Signalized Arterial Traffic
N. M. Rouphail
National Institute for Advanced Transportation Technology (NIATT), University
of Idaho
02/06 to 10/06
A prototype Video Image Processing system has been developed at ITRE. The
system is capable of tracking all vehicle, bicyclist, and pedestrian movements
in the field of view at high resolutions. Data generated include origin-destination
flows, speed profiles, gap and lag acceptance, entry and exit headway distributions,
and queue size. From the pedestrian perspective, the system generates micro-scale
data on waiting and crossing time distributions, gap and lag acceptance, driver
yielding behavior (to pedestrians), and the distribution of the position of
yielding vehicles at the crosswalk. This study will duplicate the effort at
signalized intersection approaches located in Idaho.
Low-Cost Improvements for Recurring Freeway Bottlenecks
N. Rouphail and Richard Dowling (Dowling and Associates)
NCHRP 3-83, through Dowling and Associates
12/05 to 01/07
Low-cost geometric and operational improvements can mitigate the effects of
a bottleneck. The benefits may not be as extensive or long-lasting as those
of a major reconstruction project, but improved system performance can easily
justify its use. Improving a bottleneck may result in the congestion moving
downstream to a new bottleneck that was not apparent previously, greatly reducing
the expected benefits. Analysis of the entire network is necessary to accurately
estimate the benefits and effects of different improvements. The objective
of this project is to develop a technical guide for identifying and treating
existing and future recurring freeway bottlenecks.
Crossing Solutions At Roundabouts and Channelized Turn Lanes for Pedestrians
With Visions Disabilities
Nagui Rouphail
UNC-CH, NCHRP 3-78
01/04 to 01/09
The objective of this research is to produce recommendations for geometric
designs, traffic control devices, and other treatments that enable pedestrians
who are visually impaired to cross roundabouts and channelized turn lanes
(CTL's) independently and safely. These recommendations should be suitable
for inclusion in transportation-industry practice and policies, including
the AASHTO Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets and the FHWA
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Consideration should be given to
the impact of the recommendations on all users of roundabout intersections,
including occupants of passenger car and trucks, pedestrians (including pedestrians
with vision impairments), and bicycles.
Regional Development, Population Trend and Technology Change Impacts on
Future Air Pollution Emissions
N.M. Rouphail and H.C. Frey
UNC-CH, EPA
11/04 to 11/07
The research tests the hypothesis that smart-growth development patterns can
significantly influence the quantity and location of direct and indirect emissions
from mobile sources. The patterns of interest include the type of development
and its location. We will develop a general method for exploring the leverage
that smart-growth development patterns have on the spatial pattern and quantity
of emissions from mobile sources. We will explore scenarios and chart the
envelope of the effectiveness of smart growth as a means for reducing emissions.
We will determine whether substantial emissions reductions are feasible with
forecasts of the market penetration of smart growth.
Evaluation and Application of Pedestrian Modeling Capabilities Using Computer
Simulation
Nagui M. Rouphail
UNC-CH and National Institutes of Health
01/03 to 05/06
Modern roundabouts are increasingly being used in the United States in light
of their good capacity and safety performances compared to conventional signalized
or un-signalized intersections. Many recent applications show that by enhancing
priority control and speed enforcement, modern roundabouts can increase vehicle
capacity as well as reduce accident rates. Previous research on modern roundabouts
was mainly concerned with vehicle performance. Since roundabouts in urban
areas have the potential for servicing large volume of pedestrians, the evaluation
of their overall performance should also include analysis of pedestrian crossing
capacity, delay and safety issues.
Multi-Modal Arterial Level of Service
Richard Dowling (Subcontract to ITRE, PI: N.M. Rouphail)
NCHRP 3-70
03/03 to 06/07
The objective of this research is to develop and test a framework and enhanced
methods for determining levels of service for automobile, transit, bicycle,
and pedestrian modes on urban streets, in particular with respect for the
interaction among the modes. Two phases of the research have been funded.
Placement of Detection Loops on High Speed Approaches to Traffic Signals
G.F. List
North Carolina Department of Transportation
07/06 to 06/08
At high-speed, signalized intersections, the placement of detectors is critical
for safe and effective operation. Well-placed detectors and carefully chosen
signal timing parameters, such as yellow and all-red times, can reduce the
likelihood of both right-angle and rear-end collisions as drivers on the main
road deal with dilemma zone issues - whether to slow down and stop or continue
through the intersection. This project will explore the best placement of
detectors on such approaches through a two-pronged effort involving modeling
and field testing of alternative configurations. Recommended practices will
be developed based on the modeling and field test results and benefit-cost
analyses.
System of Systems Architecture Development Support
G.F. List
10/05 to 09/06
Sandia National Laboratories is involved in projects requiring the implementation
of the System of Systems (SoS) architecture. A significant compliment to this
approach is in optimizing system components. The project is focused on providing
expertise in formulating analytic and descriptive models that can compliment
and/or be integrated into the SoS architecture.
North Carolina Truck Traffic Profiles
G.F. List, J.R. Stone and L.F. Huntsinger
North Carolina Department of Transportation
07/06 to 12/07
Better trip profiles are needed to understand the extent to which heavy trucks
are using the state's various categories of highways, from rural secondary
roads to urban interstates. Pavement and bridge engineers need a better sense
of truck weights and axle spacings. Investment decision makers and planners
need a better picture of truck volumes, trip distances and weight distributions
by highway class and route category. To help meet these needs, this project
aims to create better truck trip flow profiles.
North Carolina Truck Network Model
J.R. Stone and L.F. Huntsinger
North Carolina Department of Transportation
07/05 to 12/06
Truck traffic is a primary determinant of design and maintenance of bridge
structures, pavements, and highways. Proximity to good truck routes enhances
community development and economic vitality. Therefore, accurate estimates
of future truck traffic are vitally important to NCDOT and the state economy.
This project will develop a statewide truck network model to estimate future
truck traffic and the network effects of alternative highway improvement policies.
Multi-Year Travel Model Research
J.R. Stone, L.F. Huntsinger, (ITRE), A. Khattak (UNC)
North Carolina Department of Transportation
07/04 to 06/07
NCDOT staff members develop transportation plans for all NC communities. To
simplify, streamline and standardize the travel demand modeling process we
will develop guidelines for best practices for developing travel demand models
and sub-models. In addition, we will develop recommendations for sources of
data, and we will undertake various kinds of validations of forecasts. These
products and associated tools will help assure that NCDOT staff members efficiently
use their time and resources to carry out their statewide transportation planning
and modeling mission.
Benefit-Cost Analysis Software for Transportation Planning
J.R. Stone and R.S. Foyle (ITRE)
North Carolina Department of Transportation
07/04 to 06/06
Evaluating transportation projects for feasibility purposes can be a time
consuming and difficult process. Over time and a variety of projects, the
process can also become very inconsistent as different engineers apply various
parameters. We will provide the North Carolina Department of Transportation
a decision-support tool and software that will provide a consistent methodology
for evaluating costs and benefits for NC transportation projects and amendments
to programmed projects.
EPA Truck Anti-Idling Demonstration Project
Anne Tazewell (NC Solar Center), H. Christopher Frey, and John Stone
08/05 to 08/06
The objective is to assess potential environmental benefits of heavy duty
diesel freight truck idle reduction technologies installed on trucks in NC.
A key goal is to quantify actual grams per gallons emissions with a portable
gas analyzer and compare this data with data extrapolated from an on-board
data logger and fuel use with and without idle reduction technologies.
Fatigue Testing for PMI Asphalt Mixtures
A.A. Tayebali
Petrochem Marketing Inc.
09/05 to 03/06
The objective of this testing program is to characterize the fatigue response
of PMI asphalt mixtures using beam fatigue testing device and establish strain
versus number of cycles to failure relationship.
Quantifying Anti-Strip Additive in Asphalt (Binder and Mixes)
A.A. Tayebali and D. Knappe
North Carolina Department of Transportation
07/03 to 12/05
The objective of this research will be to develop a reliable and repeatable
laboratory and/or field test procedure to determine the amount of organic
anti-strip agent in asphalt binders and asphalt mixtures. In this investigation,
two test methodologies will be investigated. These include 1) a colorimetric
test, and 2) a litmus test using the StripScan device. Both methodologies
utilize a spectrophotometer for the analysis of anti-strip additive concentration
in asphalt mixes.
Effectiveness of Traveler Information Tools
B.M. Williams and N. Rouphail
NC Department of Transportation
07/05 to 06/07
The NCDOT has been deploying Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) devices,
including Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS), throughout the state
over the last decade. However, owing to the limited knowledge about ATIS technology
effectiveness and associated benefits and costs we propose to assess whether
they are 1) effective, 2) accessible to a wide range of travelers and 3) accepted/used
by travelers. This study will allow the NCDOT to make more informed decisions
about ITS deployment. We will also determine if there are other/new ATIS technologies
that the NCDOT should consider for deployment.
CAREER: System-wide Traffic Condition Monitoring and State Estimation
for Intelligent Transportation Systems
B.M. Williams
National Science Foundation
06/02 to 05/07
This five-year research and education program involves the teaching and application
of rigorous and robust statistical modeling techniques to the process of assessing
and predicting traffic stream states based on remotely sensed traffic data
in advanced traffic management systems. Research results will include improved
real-time traveler information, more rapid incident detection and response,
and enhanced information support for dynamic transportation system management.
Environmental Implications of Current Domestic Trends in Goods Movement
B.M. Williams and G.F. List
Center for Transportation and the Environment (Prime Sponsor: US Department
of Transportation)
03/05 to 03/07
This research project will assess the environmental implications of global
and domestic freight trends with a primary focus on congested gateways, such
as deep water ports and border crossings. The project results will include
policy recommendations for addressing freight-related environmental issues
in a manner that will "ensure goods move efficiently and effectively
through our ports and freight hubs while protecting the environment."
I-40 Reversal Operational Traffic Analysis
B.M. Williams (PI) & S.S. Meinhold (Co-PI), N.M. Rouphail, Project
Advisor, and J.E. Hummer, Project Advisor
North Carolina Department of Transportation
07/03 to 06/05
The NCDOT developed a lane reversal plan for using the eastbound lanes of
I-40 for additional hurricane evacuation capacity. Traffic operation under
evacuation conditions, especially operation of reversed lanes, are not well
understood. This project involved investigational research of reverse lane
operation and modeling and analysis of the I-40 lane reversal plan. Results
will include recommendations for improving the current plan.
Best Practices Guidebook for Greenhouse Gas Reductions in Freight Transportation
B. Williams and H.C. Frey
U.S. Department of Transportation via Center for Transportation and the Environment
03/05 to 03/07
This research project involves a comprehensive scan of the freight sector,
including public and private sector players, to catalog the practices and
programs that are being used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the goods
movement. All transportation modes will be included. The final research product
will be a best practices guidebook to be published and disseminated by the
US Department of Transportation
| 