Research Digest FORWARD ALL REQUESTS TO: The University of Texas at Austin Center for Transportation Research LIBRARY 1616 Guadalupe St. | Suite 4.202 | Austin, Texas 78701 Phones: (512) 232-3126 and (512) 232-3138 Email: ctrlib@austin.utexas.edu In this Issue:
TxDOT Reports
Table of Contents Item 1.
Development of a Model Performance-Based Sign Sheeting Specification Based on the Evaluation of Nighttime Traffic Signs Using Legibility and Eye-Tracker Data. Volume 1 : Technical Report (TTI 5235-1 vol.1)........................................................................................................................ 1
Item 2.
Development of a Model Performance-Based Sign Sheeting Specification Based on the Evaluation of Nighttime Traffic Signs Using Legibility and Eye-Tracker Data. Volume 2 : Data and Analyses (TTI 5235-1 vol.2)..................................................................................................................................1
Item 3.
Geometric Design and Operational Factors that Impact Truck Use of Toll Roads : Technical Report (TTI 5377-1)......................................................................................................................................................2
Item 4.
Guidance for Erection and Construction of Curved I-Girder Bridges : Technical Report (CTR
Item 5.
Effective Prime Coats for Compacted Pavement Bases (TTI 5635-1/P2)..................................................
Item 6.
Guidelines for Operating Congested Traffic Signals (TTI 5998-1)......................................................................3
Item 7.
Operations Manual for Portable Profiler : Installing and Using the Portable Profiler (UTA 6004-
Item 8. Item 9.
5574-1).......................................................................................................................................................................... 2
3
P3)..........................................................................................................................................................................
4
Proposed Test Protocol for Video Imaging Detection at Intersection Stop Lines (TTI 6030-P2)..........
4
Toll Roads : What We Know About Forecasting Usage and the Characteristics of Texas Users (CTR 6044-P1)......................................................................................................................................................
5
Item 10.
Feasibility and Applications of RFID Technologies to Support Right-of-Way Functions : Technical Report (TTI 6142-1).................................................................................................................................. 5
Item 11.
Estimated Impacts of the 2010 Census on the Texas Transit Funding Formula : Technical Report (TTI 6199-1)............................................................................................................................................
6
Item 12.
On-Going Evaluation of Traffic Control Devices (TTI 6384-1)......................................................................
6
Item 13.
Alternative Methods for Developing External Travel Survey Data : Final Report (TTI 6583-1)..........
7
Item 14.
Interim Report and Presentation for the TxDOT Administration (CTR 6655-CT-1)................................
7
Item 15.
Peer State Review of TxDOT Maintenance Practices : Austin District Road Rally October 6, 2010, Austin, TX (CTR 6664 Road Rally).............................................................................................................. 8
Item 16.
Peer State Review of TxDOT Maintenance Practices : Workshop Materials October 4-7, 2010, Austin, TX (CTR 6664 Workshop)........................................................................................................................
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Research and Technology Implementation Office
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Research Digest Item 1 Development of a Model Performance-Based Sign Sheeting Specification Based on the Evaluation of Nighttime Traffic Signs Using Legibility and Eye-Tracker Data. Volume 1 : Technical Report TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY. TEXAS TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE (TTI)
TTI 5235-1 vol.1 • 2010 This project focused on the evaluation of traffic sign sheeting performance in terms of meeting the nighttime driver needs. The goal was to develop a nighttime driver needs specification for traffic signs. The researchers used nighttime sign legibility and eye-tracker data to assess the performance needs of nighttime drivers on a closed-course facility as well as on the open road. The researchers also used internally illuminated signs during the research to control the sign luminance (rather than being constrained to the luminance curves provided by the retroreflective sheeting materials on the market). Using the results of the nighttime legibility and eye-tracker studies, the researchers developed a classification scheme for retroreflective sheeting materials based on luminance requirements derived from the study. Then the researchers modeled the retroreflective geometries resulting from common roadway scenarios (sign position, roadway type and cross-section, vehicle size, etc). Using the luminance requirements derived from the study and market-weighted headlamp flux matrices, the researchers developed an approach to sign sheeting specification that is based on nighttime driver needs. (190 pages) Full-text PDF of this report (2.6 MB) is available for free download from: http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-5235-1-VOL1.pdf
Item 2 Development of a Model Performance-Based Sign Sheeting Specification Based on the Evaluation of Nighttime Traffic Signs Using Legibility and Eye-Tracker Data. Volume 2 : Data and Analyses TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY. TEXAS TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE (TTI)
TTI 5235-1 vol.2 • 2010 This report presents data and technical analyses for Texas Department of Transportation Project 0-5235. This project focused on the evaluation of traffic sign sheeting performance in terms of meeting the nighttime driver needs. The goal was to develop a nighttime driver needs specification for traffic signs. Full information on the project is presented in Report 0-5235-1 Volume 1. (144 pages) Full-text PDF of this report (1.1 MB) is available for free download from: http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-5235-1-VOL2.pdf
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Research and Technology Implementation Office
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Research Digest Item 3 Geometric Design and Operational Factors that Impact Truck Use of Toll Roads : Technical Report TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY. TEXAS TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE (TTI)
TTI 5377-1 • 2010 The purpose of this project was to identify the potential factors that could impact truck use of toll roads and managed lanes. The researchers outlined the trucking and freight industry needs through synthesis of existing literature. Identification of geometric and operating factors that are important to truck drivers and operators in terms of safety and efficiency will better characterize what makes toll roads attractive to those users. The factors are organized around industry needs (e.g., safety, travel reliability), facility design characteristics, (e.g., access, ramp design, system connectivity), operating characteristics (e.g., signing and pavement markings), and corridor operating characteristics (e.g., traffic, congestion). The research resulted in published guidelines to help transportation planners, highway designers, and transportation operations professionals determine the geometric design and operational factors important to attract the trucking and freight industry to toll roads. The research was done through known relationships of design, safety, and operations. (78 pages) Full-text PDF of this report (1.6 MB) is available for free download from: http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-5377-1.pdf
Item 4 Guidance for Erection and Construction of Curved I-Girder Bridges : Technical Report UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN. CENTER FOR TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH (CTR)
CTR 5574-1 • 2010 This report summarizes the methods, results, and recommendations from a research investigation on the behavior of horizontally curved girders during construction. The primary focus of this study is the behavior during early stages of construction when little or no bracing is provided. Girder behavior during placement of the concrete bridge deck was also considered. Research on the bridge behavior during early stages of construction provides valuable insight into the accuracy of past practices and is necessary to formulate safe construction procedures during girder erection and construction. In this research project all phases of girder erection and deck placement were investigated. The goal for the project was to provide a set of design guidelines that provide safe yet economical erected steel plate girders. The necessity of shore towers or holding cranes were also considered in the study. The research study included: (1) Field monitoring of curved girders during lifting, erection, and concrete slab construction; (2) Surveys of erectors to determine common erection practices; (3) Parametric finite element modeling of girders during lifting as well as partially erected bridges; (4) The derivation of analytical expressions for predicting the behavior of curved I-girders during lifting; (5) Development and verification of a macro-enabled spreadsheet design tool (UT Lift) to calculate curved girder behavior during lifting; and (6) Development and verification of a PCbased three-dimensional finite element program (UT Bridge) for analyzing steel bridges during construction. This report provides a description of the entire body of research that was conducted and pertinent to understanding the basis for the design guidelines that were developed. The data from the field results were used to validate the finite element model used in the parametric studies and to compare to the PC-based finite element program developed in the project. The information provides guidance on critical issues the bridge engineers face when designing curved steel plate I-girders. (240 pages) Full-text PDF of this report (5.8 MB) is available for free download from: http://www.utexas.edu/research/ctr/pdf_reports/0_5574_1.pdf _______________________________________________________________________________________________
Research and Technology Implementation Office
March 2011
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Research Digest Item 5 Effective Prime Coats for Compacted Pavement Bases TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY. TEXAS TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE (TTI)
TTI 5635-1/P2 • 2010 Prime coats have long been used to seal the surface pores in the base, reducing the migration of moisture and absorption of the first application of surface treatment binder. Prime coats also strengthen the granular base near its surface, binding the finer particles of aggregate, and help protect the base from inclement weather and limited vehicular traffic before the next pavement layer is constructed. Prime coats promote adhesion between a granular base and a subsequently applied bituminous surface of the base by penetrating the voids near the surface. The main objective of this research project was to evaluate the effectiveness of prime coats and determine which combinations of methods and materials provide the most benefit to TxDOT. Testing methods and equipment were developed to measure the penetration of the prime coat into the base course and to determine the increase in adhesion and cohesion at the surface of the base course provided by the prime coat. Product 5635-P2 is available for download at http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-5635-P2.zip (150 pages) Full-text PDF of this report (10 MB) is available for free download from: http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-5635-1.pdf
Item 6 Guidelines for Operating Congested Traffic Signals TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY. TEXAS TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE (TTI)
TTI 5998-1 • 2010 The objective of this project was to develop guidelines for mitigating congestion in traffic signal systems. As part of the project, researchers conducted a thorough review of literature and developed preliminary guidelines for combating congestion. Then, the researchers conducted a survey of selected practitioners in Texas to get feedback on their concerns about congestion and opinions about a list of strategies developed after literature review. researchers also conducted simulation studies to analyze the impact of bay length, traffic distribution, and phasing sequence selection on the throughput capacity of left-turn bay and adjacent through lane under loaded traffic conditions. Researchers also conducted filed and simulation studies to show the applications of preliminary guidelines. Finally they modified guidelines to account for lessons learned through field studies. (120 pages) Full-text PDF of this report (6.9 MB) is available for free download from: http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-5998-1.pdf
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Research Digest Item 7 Operations Manual for Portable Profiler : Installing and Using the Portable Profiler UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON (UTA) / TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY. TEXAS TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE (TTI)
UTA 6004-P3 • 2010 This manual is divided into two sections. The first is using the UTA-Profiler Program with the portable profiler for generating surface profilers. The second is installing the portable profile module on a typical van or truck. The calibration and initialization files used by the UTA-Profiler Program are compatible with the standard TxDOT files used with VAMOS and WinTK. Information on deriving these files are explained in the TxDOT Profiler Operations Manual. The generated profile obtained when using the UTA-Profiler Program with the portable profiler is consistent with the TxDOT PF9 VNET data file specifications and as such the generated profile can be directly used with current TxDOT and PROVAL application programs. / -- Introduction, p.6 / (31 pages) Full-text PDF of this report (1.4 MB) is available for free download from: http://ranger.uta.edu/~walker/Reports/Final_0-6004-P3.pdf
Item 8 Proposed Test Protocol for Video Imaging Detection at Intersection Stop Lines TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY. TEXAS TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE (TTI)
TTI 6030-P2 • 2010 Test protocols for non-loop detectors have often required comparing the performance attributes of these detectors with those of loops or other point detectors, or to manual counts. However, that comparison is not always appropriate for a variety of reasons, and it does not provide all of the critical information needed to make acceptance or rejection decisions. In the case of video image vehicle detection systems (VIVDS), comparison with loops (i.e., simple count comparisons) provides only a limited glimpse on performance since the two systems have different perspectives on approaching vehicles... In this task, the research team developed a proposed VIVDS test concept and a set of performance measures that can be incorporated in future purchasing decisions and used to uniformly evaluate VIVDS products. The motivation for drafting this new concept for specifying vehicle detection performance is to define an improved framework for TxDOT and other agencies to use for procurement and testing, and perhaps "pushing" the industry in the direction of improved performance. This concept acknowledges the stochastic detection characteristics of VIVDS rather than the more precise detection characteristics of point detectors." / -- Background/Overview, p.1-2 / (viii,21 pages)
Full-text PDF of this report (344 KB) is available for free download from: http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6030-P2.pdf
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Research Digest Item 9 Toll Roads : What We Know About Forecasting Usage and the Characteristics of Texas Users UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN. CENTER FOR TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH (CTR)
CTR 6044-P1 • 2010 Inadequate funding from fuel taxes, increased demand for transportation, and increased maintenance needs due to an aging highway system, have resulted in significant deficits along with renewed interest in toll road development, both to finance new roads or add capacity to existing roads. A number of U.S. State Departments of Transportation, including Texas, are actively pursuing tolling as a means to provide much needed capacity sooner. As tolling is considered, reliable traffic and revenue (T&R) forecasts informed by a robust understanding of potential users becomes increasingly important to toll road owners, developers, financiers, and investors, in addition to the consultants who perform these studies. The objectives of this TxDOT research study were to (a) expand upon analysis conducted by the bond rating agencies that alluded to the existence of an optimism bias in T&R forecasts, and (b) characterize users and nonusers of Texas toll roads in an effort to conceptualize incentives that can be used to encourage the use of toll roads. / -- Introduction / (31 pages) Full-text PDF of this report (874 KB) is available for free download from: http://www.utexas.edu/research/ctr/pdf_reports/0_6044_P1.pdf
Item 10 Feasibility and Applications of RFID Technologies to Support Right-of-Way Functions : Technical Report TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY. TEXAS TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE (TTI)
TTI 6142-1 • 2010 Radio frequency identification device (RFID) technology provides the capability to store a unique identification number and some basic attribute information, which can be retrieved wirelessly. This research project studied the feasibility of using RFID technology to support managing assets in the TxDOT right-of-way (ROW). The project focused on using RFID to support managing utilities, outdoor advertising, ROW marker/survey control, and other highway infrastructure features and attributes. Research activities included synthesizing existing information on RFID applications and specific information on utility management, conducting laboratory evaluations of the performance of RFID tags in selected buried applications, developing an integration schema for RFID application, assessing the feasibility of TxDOT using or requiring RFID to manage assets in the ROW, and identifying implementation opportunities for RFID in ROW applications. RFID markers are commercially available for identifying underground utilities and are used by some utility companies for this purpose. But no state transportation agency has required their use on a widespread basis, although one agency has used such markers during a utility relocation project and found the application to have significant benefits. The research team found that RFID technology, while widely used for inventory control, has limited application for a transportation agency in the highway right-of-way. based on the findings generated from the activities of this project, the research team does not recommend the widespread use of RFID technologies for managing assets in the ROW. However, the research team found that there may be some benefits to using RFID technology in limited applications, such as utility relocation projects and survey monumentation. (116 pages) Full-text PDF of this report (1.2 MB) is available for free download from: http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6142-1.pdf
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Research and Technology Implementation Office
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Research Digest Item 11 Estimated Impacts of the 2010 Census on the Texas Transit Funding Formula : Technical Report TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY. TEXAS TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE (TTI) / UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO (UTSA). INSTITUTE FOR DEMOGRAPHIC AND SOCIOECONOMIC RESEARCH
TTI 6199-1 • 2010 Changes in the population and land area of urbanized areas in Texas will play a significant role in determining the allocation of public transportation funds to service providers in Texas after Census 2010. The purpose of this research report is to review the impacts of the changes in urbanized area population and non-urbanized (rural) population and land area for 2010 on the current Texas Transit Funding Formula for allocation of Federal Section 5311 and state rural and urban funds. This collaborative effort between the Texas Transportation Institute and the Institute for Demographic and Socioeconomic Research at the University of Texas at San Antonio draws upon the complementary expertise of public transportation planners, demographers, and geographic information systems professionals of the two research organizations. The research project identifies areas with the potential to exceed 200,000 in population and those non-urbanized areas that have potential to become urbanized (over 50,000 people) in 2010. The implications of these changes will be examined relative to the current public transportation funding allocations. The research staff provides a comprehensive assessment of these changes for the state as a whole and for individual transit service providers. (322 pages) Full-text PDF of this report (10.5 MB) is available for free download from: http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6199-1.pdf
Item 12 On-Going Evaluation of Traffic Control Devices TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY. TEXAS TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE (TTI)
TTI 6384-1 • 2010 This project was established to provide a means of conducting small scale research activities on an as needed basis so that the results could be available within months of starting the specific research. This report summarizes the smallscale research activities that were conducted between September 2008 and August 2009. There were four primary activities and two secondary activities. The four primary activities were: developing a temporary sign support with cross bracing, providing technical support on an AASHTO retroreflective sign sheeting material specification, conducting human factors research on sign sheeting materials, and monitoring lead-free pavement marking test deck performance. In addition, the researchers also provided support for hurricane evacuation routing and started a research activity focused on identifying traffic signs with supplemental light emitting diodes (LEDs).This project was established to provide a means of conducting small-scale research activities on an as needed basis so that the results could be available within months of starting the specific research. This report summarizes the small-scale research activities that were conducted between September 2008 and August 2009. There were four primary activities and two secondary activities. The four primary activities were: developing a temporary sign support with cross bracing, providing technical support on an AASHTO retroreflective sign sheeting material specification, conducting human factors research on sign sheeting materials, and monitoring lead-free pavement marking test deck performance. In addition, the researchers also provided support for hurricane evacuation routing and started a research activity focused on identifying traffic signs with supplemental light emitting diodes (LEDs). (134 pages) Full-text PDF of this report (8 MB) is available for free download from: http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6384-1.pdf
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Research Digest Item 13 Alternative Methods for Developing External Travel Survey Data : Final Report TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY. TEXAS TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE (TTI)
TTI 6583-1 • 2010 The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has a comprehensive on-going travel survey program that supports the travel demand models being developed for transportation planning efforts in urban areas throughout Texas. One component of the survey program is the external travel survey. External travel surveys provide data on travel movements into, out of, and through urban areas. In recent years, there has been a heightened sensitivity to the methods used to collect external survey data as well as the type of data that is collected. This research examines alternative methods for collecting data on external travel movements and evaluates the potential for synthesizing / modeling external travel in lieu of conducting external surveys. The research will provide recommendations to TxDOT on the most viable methods to estimate external travel movements for use in travel demand models in urban areas in Texas. (126 pages) Full-text PDF of this report (1.5 MB) is available for free download from: http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6583-1.pdf
Item 14 Interim Report and Presentation for the TxDOT Administration UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN. CENTER FOR TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH (CTR)
CTR 6655-CT-1 • 2010 This report presents four documents created by the TxDOT Multi-tier Pavement Management Workgroup. CONTENTS: White Paper, February 12, 2010: Multi-Tier Pavement Condition Goals : White Paper Prepared by Texas Department of Transportation Construction Division, Materials and Pavements Section Michael R. Murphy, Zhanmin Zhang, Magdy Mikhail, Bryan Stampley, and Robert Harrison -Interim Report #1, April 2010: Multi-Tier Pavement Condition Goals: Issues and Concerns, Interim Report #1 Prepared by The Multi-Tier Pavement Management Workgroup Zhanmin Zhang, Michael R. Murphy, and Robert Harrison-Interim Report #2, May 2010: Multi-Tier Pavement Condition Goals: DOT MTG Survey Summary, Interim Report #2 Prepared by The Multi-Tier Pavement Management Workgroup Michael R. Murphy, Zhanmin Zhang, Magdy Mikhail, Bryan Stampley, and Robert Harrison-PowerPoint Presentation, March 15, 2010: Initial Meeting of the Multi-Tier Pavement Management Workgroup. (112 pages, includes foldout maps and tables)
Full-text PDF of this report (2.3 MB) is available for free download from: http://www.utexas.edu/research/ctr/pdf_reports/0_6655_CT_1.pdf
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Research Digest Item 15 Peer State Review of TxDOT Maintenance Practices : Austin District Road Rally October 6, 2010, Austin, TX UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN. CENTER FOR TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH (CTR)
CTR 6664 Road Rally • 2010 Slides and Rating Sheet handouts from Day 2 (Austin District/Road Rally) of Peer Review Workshop. (121 pages) Full-text PDF of this report (11.6 MB) is available for free download from: http://library.ctr.utexas.edu/pdf1/6664_Road_Rally.pdf
Item 16 Peer State Review of TxDOT Maintenance Practices : Workshop Materials October 4-7, 2010, Austin, TX UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN. CENTER FOR TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH (CTR)
CTR 6664 Workshop • 2010 Slides and Questionnaires from the Peer Review Workshop. Agenda/Contents: Day 1 Workshop at CTR: Purpose of the Peer Review (David Casteel); Group Introductions (Mike Murphy); 1) Texas Highway Network and Maintenance Program (Toribio Garza) Discussion; 2) TxMAP, TxTAP and PMIS Overview (Neal Munn, Brian Stanford, Jeff Seiders) Discussion; 3) Maintenance Funding Allocation Process and Formulas (Tammy Sims) Discussion; 4) Maintenance Contracts (Bob Blackwell) -Day 2 Workshop at Austin District: Discussion of Rating Form with Q/A (Jorge Prozzi); Road Rally – Austin District; Day 2 at North Austin Area Office – 1001 Parmer Ln.: 1) Tour / Discuss Maintenance Facilities & Operations (Lowell Choate); Staffing and Training Maintenance Equipment display Profiler / Skid Truck / FWD / GPR display District Lab; Discussion; 2) 4 year Pavement Management Plan (Mario Jorge) -Day 3 Workshop at CTR: 1) Open Discussion – Comments from Peers; 2) Facilitated Consensus Meeting on Ratings (Mike Murphy); 3) Meeting Summary and concluding remarks (Torbio Garza / Mike Murphy) -- (197 pages) Full-text PDF of this report (13.7 MB) is available for free download from: http://library.ctr.utexas.edu/pdf1/6664.pdf
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