Transportation Library Connectivity and Development Pooled Fund Study Final Report

This report is a record of the major activities and accomplishments of the Transportation Library Connectivity and Development pooled fund study, TPF-5(237), from its approval by FHWA in 2010 through its fifth and final annual meeting in August 2015.

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Report number: cmr16-005
Published: December 2015
Project number: TRyy1127
Author: Maggie Sacco
Performing organization: HS InFocus LLC

Field Testing of Hand-Held Infrared Thermography, Phase II

This report describes research completed to develop and implement infrared thermography, a nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technology for the condition assessment of concrete bridge components. The overall goal of this research was to develop new technologies to help ensure bridge safety and improve the effectiveness of maintenance and repair. The objectives of the research were to 1) Quantify the capability and reliability of thermal imaging technology in the field; 2) Field test and validate inspection guidelines for the application of thermal imaging for bridge inspection; and 3) Identify and overcome implementation barriers. The project provided hand-held infrared cameras to participating state Departments of Transportation (project partners), trained individuals from these states in camera use, and conducted field tests of the technology. The reliability of the technology was assessed, and previously developed Guidelines for field use were evaluated through systematic field testing. The implementation of infrared thermography within the participating states was studied during the course of the research to identify implementation challenges experienced by users of the technology. Finite element modeling of the thermal behavior of concrete under typical environmental conditions was also completed to study the effects of defect depth and thickness and the effect of asphalt overlays. Overall, the verification testing and results reported through the implementation study showed that the Guidelines provided suitable conditions for detection of subsurface damage in concrete.

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Report number: cmr16-007
Published: December 2015
Project number: TRyy1144
Author(s): Dr. Glenn Washer, Mike Trial, Alan Jungnitsch and Seth Nelson
Performing organizations: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Missouri-Columbia

MODOT Pavement Preservation Research Program

To achieve the goal of reducing maintenance costs and improving minor road ratings, MoDOT has embarked upon a plan of formalizing its maintenance/preservation planning. To assist in developing the plan, MoDOT contracted with Missouri S&T and UMC to conduct a research project, entitled “MoDOT Pavement Preservation Research Program.” The product of this research would become a part of MoDOT’s overall Pavement Management System (PMS). The overall objective of the research was to provide a process that would allow MoDOT to do more selective planning, better engineering and more effective maintenance to minimize costs while maintaining adequate safety and performance of Missouri’s pavements.  In addition to a summary report, six Guidance Documents were created which will act as guidelines for MoDOT’s Pavement Specialists and Pavement Engineers. The work was divided into six tasks, each with its own research (Task) team. The focus of the research was on preservation strategies applied to minor routes.

Volume I , Summary Report
Volume II (Task 1), Data Collection for Pavement Management: Historical Data Mining and Production of Data
Volume III (Task 2), Development of Pavement Family and Treatment Performance Models
Volume IV (Task 3), Pavement Evaluation Tools--Data Collection Methods
Volume V (Task 4), Site-Specific Pavement Condition Assessment -- coming soon
Volume VI (Task 5), Pavement Treatment Trigger Tables/Decision Trees and Treatment Candidate Selection Process
Volume VII (Task 6),  Re-Calibration of Triggers and Performance Models

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Report number: cmr16-004
Published: October 2015
Project number: TRyy1141 
All Authors Involved: David N. Richardson, S. Michael Lusher, Andrew Boeckmann, Ronaldo Luna, Neil Anderson, Lesley Sneed, Brent Rosenblad, and John Bowders
Performing organizations: Missouri University of Science and Technology and University of Missouri-Columbia

Improving Striping Operations through System Optimization

Striping operations generate a significant workload for Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) maintenance operations. The requirement for each striping crew to replenish its stock of paint and other consumable items from a bulk storage facility, along with the necessity to make several passes on most of the routes to stripe all the lines on that road, introduce the potential for inefficiencies in the form of “deadhead miles” that striping crew vehicles must travel while not actively applying pavement markings. These inefficiencies generate unnecessary travel, wasted time, and vehicle wear. The research detailed in this report provides an optimization-based approach to determining a striping schedule that minimizes these deadhead miles. A computer program was developed for scheduling and routing road striping operations. This report contains details on the theoretical foundations of this optimization model, along with a user’s guide that details the preparation of input data necessary to utilize this computer program and step-by-step instructions on the use of the model.
 
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Report number: cmr16-003
Published: September 2015
Project number: TR201501
Author(s): Ronald G. McGarvey, Timothy Matisziw, James Noble, Charles Nemmers, Gokhan Karakose, Marina Materikina, and Alec Page
Performing organization: Center for Excellence in Logistics and Distribution (CELDi), University of Missouri

A Report Card from Missourians 2015

Abstract: Overall statewide satisfaction with MoDOT and additional feedback about MoDOT’s operations was obtained from a representative sample of the general adult public in Missouri. A professional calling center was engaged to obtain a diverse sample across Missouri. Specific minimums were given, such as 500 responses per district, with gender and age-range targets for each county in Missouri. 3,527 completed responses were obtained between May 18, 2015 and June 22, 2015. With the exception of a few questions (e.g., demographics), all statewide results presented in this document are weighted results. The data was weighted in accordance with the true distribution of the regional population in terms of geographic (county), gender, and age distributions using the most recent (2010) US government census information available. Following past practice, all district measures presented in this document are unweighted. With a minimum of 500 responses per district, the district measures have a 95% level of confidence with a precision (margin of error) of +/- 4.4%. The statewide results for the stratified-random sample of 3,527 Missourians have a 95% level of confidence with a precision of +/- 1.65%.

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Report number: cmr15-012
Published: August 2015
Project number: TR201228
Author: Lance Gentry
Performing organization: Heartland Market Research LLC

Freeway Travel Time Estimation Using Existing Fixed Traffic Sensors (Phase 2)

Abstract: This project is aimed at fully utilizing the data gathered by existing fixed sensors to estimate point-to-point freeway network travel time in the MoDOT St. Louis District. The objectives of the project were achieved by accomplishing three major tasks: 1) A new travel time estimation model was developed and its ability to outperformed two traditional models, the instantaneous and time-slice models, demonstrated using real-world data. 2) The verification of the proposed model relies on the ground truth travel time. Collecting ground truth travel time is both time-consuming and challenging, so a novel Vehicle Re-identification (VRI) method was developed to facilitate the ground truth data collection process with satisfactory results.  3) A point-to-point network travel time estimation prototype system was also developed. In addition to the primary module of travel time estimation, both data assurance report production and traffic volume report production were modularized. The prototype system was then applied to four case studies measuring: freeway corridor performance (both with and without a turning junction), the impact of severe weather events on traffic volume, and travel time reliability. The prototype system clearly demonstrated its capability and efficiency through these case studies. Because of its high design flexibility, the system is confidently expected to support additional case studies with minimal system revision and tune-up.

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Report number: cmr16-002

Published: August 2015

Project number: TR201407

Author(s): Yao-Jan Wu, Shu Yang, Zhaozheng Yin, and Wenchao Jiang

Performing organizations: Department of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, University of Arizona and Department of Computer Science, Missouri University of Science and Technology

Evaluation of Resistivity Meters for Concrete Quality Assurance

Abstract: This research evaluated a series of MoDOT concrete mixtures to verify existing relationships between surface resistivity (SR), rapid chloride permeability (RCP), chloride ion diffusion, and the AASHTO penetrability classes. The research also performed a precision and bias evaluation to provide acceptable limits should SR be implemented for quality assurance and to refine language in the AASHTO test standard. The extensive amount of surface resistivity testing (>4500 tests) on 14 concrete mixtures at ages from 3 hours to 90 days using multiple labs, equipment, operators, and curing conditions has verified RCP relationships and allowed refinement of a testing procedure for a MoDOT standard in the Engineering Policy Guide. Surface resistivity presents an opportunity to improve MoDOT concrete mixtures and specifications to increase durability without adding significant additional testing costs.

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Report number: cmr16-001
Published: July 2015
Project number: TR201414
Author(s): John T. Kevern, Ceki Halmen, and Dirk Hudson
Performing organization: University of Missouri-Kansas City

Evaluation of Mobile Work Zone Alarm Systems

Abstract: Maintenance of highways often involves mobile work zones for various types of low speed moving operations such as striping and sweeping. The speed differential between the moving operation and traffic, and the increasing problem of  distracted driving can lead to potential collisions between approaching vehicles and the truck-mounted attenuator (TMA) protecting the mobile work zone. One potential solution to this problem involves the use of a mobile work zone alarm system. This report describes the field evaluation of two types of mobile work zone alarm devices: an Alarm Device and a Directional Audio System (DAS). Three modes of operation were tested: continuous, manual, and actuated. The components of the evaluation included sound level testing, analysis of merging distances and speeds, and observations of driving behavior. The sound level results indicated that the sound levels from both systems fall within national noise standards. All of the tested configurations increased the merging distance of vehicles except for the Alarm Actuated setup. The DAS Continuous setup also reduced vehicle merging speeds and the standard deviation of merging distance. In some instances, undesirable driving behaviors were observed for some of these configurations, but it is unclear whether these driving behaviors were due to the presence of the mobile work zone alarm device. Analysis of alarm activations indicated that factors such as horizontal curves and movement of the TMA vehicle created false alarms and false negatives. The research demonstrated that mobile work zone alarms have the potential to be an effective tool in improving safety by providing audible warnings. Further refinements to the systems, such as modifications to the alarm sound and warning message, could improve system effectiveness.

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Report number: cmr15-011
Published: June 2015
Project number: TR201412
Author(s): Henry Brown, Carlos Sun and Tim Cope
Performing organization: Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Missouri

Air-Launched GPR Evaluation for Rapid Assessment of MoDOT Bridge Decks

Abstract: This study demonstrates the utility of the air-launched ground penetrating radar (GPR) tool in terms of evaluating the condition of MoDOT bridge decks. The objective was to confirm that the air-launched GPR tool can be implemented as a part of a long-term program that enables faster, better, and more cost-effective assessments of MoDOT bridge decks.

Title: Air-Launched GPR Evaluation for Rapid Assessment of MoDOT Bridge Decks

Published: May 2015
Report number: cmr15-009
Project number: TR201411
Author(s): Lesley Sneed, Neil Anderson, and Evgeniy Torgashov
Performing organization: Missouri University of Science and Technology

Hollow-Core FRP-Concrete-Steel Bridge Columns under Extreme Loading

Title: Hollow-Core FRP-Concrete-Steel Bridge Columns under Extreme Loading


Published: April 2015
Report number: cmr15-008
Project number: TR201408
Author(s): Omar I. Abdelkarim, Ahmed Gheni, Sujith Anumolu, Song Wang, and Mohamed ElGawady, PhD
Performing organization: Missouri University of Science and Technology

Abstract: This report presents the behavior of hollow-core fiber reinforced polymer-concrete-steel columns (HC-FCS) under combined axial-flexural as well as vehicle collision loads. The HC-FCS column consists of a concrete wall sandwiched between an outer fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) tube and an inner steel tube. Four large-scale columns including a conventionally reinforced concrete (RC) column having solid cross section and three HC-FCS columns were investigated during this study. The proposed model was able to predict the behaviors of the investigated columns with good accuracy. The AASHTO-LRFD design force was found to be non-conservative when the column was collided with heavy vehicles of a weight more than 35 kips or high-speed vehicle more than 70 mph. A new equation for estimating the equivalent static force (ESF) based on the vehicle’s mass and velocity was developed. This approach will allow Departments of Transportation (DOTs) to design different bridge columns to different impact force demands depending on the anticipated truckloads and velocities. In general, the PDF values of the HC-FCS columns were lower than those of the RC column when they were subjected to vehicle collision.

Assessing MoDOT’s Efforts to Provide the Right Transportation Solution

Title: Assessing MoDOT’s Efforts to Provide the Right Transportation Solution
Published: February 2015
Report number: cmr15-007
Project number: TR201234
Author(s): Lance Gentry
Performing organization: Heartland Market Research LLC

Abstract: The basic research design for the project was to sample opinions on a variety of projects spread across the state. A small, medium, and large project from each of the seven MoDOT districts was selected by a regional manager for the project for a total of 21 projects. The sample included 500 addresses per project area for a total of 10,500 Missouri addresses being mailed a copy of the survey. Each survey was focused on one of 21 individual projects, which was briefly described on the survey, and the majority of survey questions related to the recently completed project, such as determining if the completion of the project increased safety, convenience, and made it easier to drive.

Track Inspection Planning Risk and Measurement Analysis

Title: Track Inspection Planning Risk and Measurement Analysis
Published: January 2015
Report number: cmr15-005
Project number: TR201409

Author(s): Dr. Dincer Konur, Dr. Suzanna Long, Dr. Ruwen Qin, Dr. Curt Elmore, and Hadi Farhangi 
Performing organization: Missouri University of Science and Technology, Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering

Abstract: This project models track inspection operations on a railroad network and discusses how the inspection results can be used to measure the risk of failure on the tracks. In particular, the inspection times of the tracks, inspection frequency of the tracks, and times between consecutive inspections on the same tracks should be considered for scheduling inspections on the railroad tracks. Furthermore, an inspection plan should schedule inspections considering the characteristics of different tracks. Therefore, it is important to schedule track inspections such that the potential defects are captured as much as possible within minimum times to increase safety. The project formulates a mathematical optimization problem for the track inspection planning considering the practical settings of track inspection operations such as inspection times, inspection frequencies required, time between consecutive inspections, and importance of distinct tracks. The two objectives simultaneously captured in this model are minimization of total inspection times and maximization of the weighted inspections. An efficient solution method is proposed for solving this model. The solution method is compared to a scheduling procedure, which can be used in absence of the findings in this project, on a set of railroad track networks of different sizes. Based on the comparison, the solution method proposed proves to find improved inspection schedules regardless of the railroad network size. A review of the techniques on how to use the inspection results to measure risk of failure is provided.

Safety Evaluation of Diverging Diamond Interchanges in Missouri

Title: Safety Evaluation of Diverging Diamond Interchanges in Missouri
Published: January 2015
Report number: cmr15-006
Project number: TR201406

Author(s): Dr. Praveen Edara, Dr. Carlos Sun, Boris R. Claros, and Henry Brown 

Performing organization: University of Missouri-Columbia, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering 

Abstract: The Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) has gained in popularity in the United States during the last decade. The operational benefits and lower costs of retrofitting a conventional diamond with a DDI have contributed to its increased use. Existing research on DDIs has focused primarily on the assessment of operational benefits. Unfortunately, formal safety evaluations of DDIs are lacking. This study filled the knowledge gap by conducting a safety evaluation at the project-level (interchange) and the site-specific level (ramp terminals) of DDIs using three types of before-after evaluation methods: Naïve, Empirical Bayes (EB), and Comparison Group (CG). All three methods showed that a DDI replacing a conventional diamond decreased crash frequency for all severities. At the project-level, the highest crash reduction was observed for fatal and injury (FI) crashes – 63.2% (Naïve), 62.6% (EB), and 60.6% (CG). Property damage only crashes were reduced by 33.9% (Naïve), 35.1% (EB), and 49.0% (CG). Total crash frequency also decreased by 41.7% (Naïve), 40.8% (EB), and 52.9% (CG). Similarly, in the site-specific analysis, the highest crash reduction was observed for fatal and injury (FI) crashes – 64.3% (Naïve), 67.8% (EB), and 67.7% (CG). Property damage only crashes were reduced by 35.6% (Naïve), 53.4% (EB), and 47.0% (CG). Total crash frequency also decreased by 43.2% (Naïve), 56.6% (EB), and 53.3% (CG). A collision type analysis revealed that the DDI, as compared to a diamond, traded high severity for lower severity crashes. While 34.3% of ramp terminal-related FI crashes in a diamond occurred due to the left turn angle crashes with oncoming traffic, the DDI eliminated this crash type. In summary, the DDI offers significant crash reduction benefits over conventional diamond interchanges.