2012-2013 Projects
Research Information
Total Dollars: $216,366
Source Organization: Purdue University, West Lafayette
Principal Investigators: Satish Ukkusuri, Purdue University; Yanfeng Ouyang, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Summary of Research
One way to deal with response time during a disaster is by improving preparedness. Preparedness involves the activities intended to help communities respond for any possible disaster. One of these activities requires the adequate location of distribution centers and facilities that will enhance the response time and ensure coverage of the affected region. To this end, researchers will focus on identifying a strategic set of locations for a pre-specified number of facilities. This project will propose an innovative decision support tool which considers the traffic network congestion and the in-facility congestion at the shelters on the supply side in addition to social factors which influence the choice of shelters from the demand side. These facilities could be used as distribution centers for critical supplies in an area, with enough capacity to assure coverage and minimize response time in case of a disaster.
TRID Database: http://trid.trb.org/view/1235448
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Abstract
This study is a continuation of an ongoing NEXTRANS study on agent-based reinforcement learning methods for signal coordination in congested networks. The ongoing study is a joint effort between University of Illinois and Purdue University, where each intersection is controlled by and agent and some information is shared between adjacent agents. Researchers will aim to develop a framework to study signal coordination and real-time adaptive routing within an agent based model. The agent based approach has clear advantages over more traditional approaches as the learning method does not require modeling the system and the operation is free of restrictions imposed by cycle-based strategies.
TRID Database: http://trid.trb.org/view/1235431
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Abstract
This project proposes a model-based analysis of air freight fuel use, derived from air freighter movement between hub locations and their connected destinations. The study focuses on three types of hubs: Memphis (MEM) a large air express operation including long range international routes; Indianapolis (IND) primarily domestic air express; and Rickenbacker (LCK) an emerging intermodal facility. This research will link prior work on hub location and network optimization to the more realistic fuel burn parameters that emerge from operational consideration of freight aircraft.
TRID Database: http://trid.trb.org/view/1235427
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Abstract
This study seeks to address the transit network design problem which identifies the optimal route and location of stations considering user behavior and advanced traveler information systems. In general, network design problems are mainly focused on finding solutions to minimize the travel cost and delay without explicitly considering traveler behavior related to travel mode and route choices. Using the mode choice models, travel demands by travel mode will be projected and used as inputs to the network design problem. The study will also explore the ability to leverage Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS) technologies to enhance the amenability of Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) services.
TRID Database: http://trid.trb.org/view/1312521
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Research Information
Start Date: 08/01/2012
Total Dollars: $120,932
Source Organization: Purdue University, West Lafayette
Principal Investigator: Erol Tutumluer, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Summary of Research
Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) overlays are among the most effective maintenance and rehabilitation alternatives in improving the structural as well as functional performance of flexible pavements. This study aims to: (i) demonstrate advantages/disadvantages of HMA overlay design procedures currently in use in Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, (ii) document and compare the estimated construction and life cycle costs of the different design alternatives, and finally, (iii) develop an advanced procedure for HMA overlay design that can incorporate critical pavement responses achieved by performing FWD testing on pavement sections.
TRID Database: http://trid.trb.org/view/1235438
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Abstract
In a previous report the authors described their geo-fence approach for determining truck activity times at the United States-Canadian border. The approach took advantage of onboard position, timing, and communication systems already installed on many truck fleets. In this study, the authors collected additional data and processed these and other recently collected data to produce updated activity times. The data collection and processing effort is summarized in Section 2. Parallel to past efforts, Transport Canada (TC) and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation were using a Bluetooth-based approach to collect truck data at these major border crossings. In the project described in this report, the authors refined and expanded the empirical comparisons between their single carrier, geo-fence based crossing times and the TC crossing times determined from the broader population of carriers using the Bluetooth-based approach. The reprocessed data also allowed a better temporal match of “approximately concurrent” crossings in the two datasets. In Section 3, the authors present the revised investigations conducted with these reprocessed data and additional investigations that confirm the strong positive associations seen in the previous investigation for both directions of traffic at the Ambassador Bridge facility and for the Ontario-to-Michigan direction at the Blue Water Bridge facility. The authors also conducted multiple empirical studies using the newly processed data. In Section 4, empirical results are presented that quantify changes in geo-fence times resulting from a change in inspection facilities for Canada-bound traffic at the Blue Water Bridge, document the effect on truck times of the Black River Bridge construction project, identify systematic changes to duty free times for US bound trucks, and portray time-of-day patterns in times incurred on surface streets in Windsor.
TRID Database: http://trid.trb.org/view/1308715
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Abstract
Current practice in traffic signal timing mainly focuses on the mobility needs of motor vehicles, while the needs of users of other transportation modes are often considered secondary factors. Efforts to integrate the auto users’ needs and other modes of transportation have been very limited, even though the interactions among users of transportation modes have significantly increased. This study aims at analyzing the signal timings not only from a multi-mode perspective, but also using real-time decision support tools based on continuous learning.
TRID Database: http://trid.trb.org/view/1235433
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Abstract
This study seeks to explore the opportunities and barriers to maximize rail line-haul capabilities and expand the types of equipment utilized in intermodal rail freight operations so that systematic steps can be identified to propose solutions for the rail freight sector to harmonize their capabilities for collaborative intermodal rail-truck transportation. Since such collaboration is typically market-driven, the study will analyze the commodities transported using the trucking sector to identify where win-win propositions exist for the rail and trucking sectors through collaboration. Further, it will examine the roles of government policy and the increasing emphasis on green transportation as potential additional catalysts for such collaboration.
TRID Database: http://trid.trb.org/view/1312518
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Research Information
Start Date: 08/01/2012
Total Dollars: $120,326
Source Organization: Purdue University, West Lafayette
Principal Investigator: Yanfeng Ouyang, Rapik Saat, Kuilin Zhang, and Chris Barkan, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Summary of Research
Development of high-speed passenger rail (HSR) can improve mobility, reduce highway congestion, contribute to sustainable development, and reduce foreign oil dependency. As a result of the interest in HSR, there is a need to understand the complex interactions between high-speed passenger trains and freight trains in shared railway corridors. This project will develop a decision support tool that can help evaluate the impact of higher-speed passenger trains on freight corridor capacity while answering the following fundamental questions: i) how does the introduction of higher-speed passenger trains on freight railroads affect line and network capacity; ii) how is this impact related to various design factors; and iii) what policies will be suitable for public agencies and the private sector to support the development and deployment of the proposed high-speed passenger trains.
TRID Database: http://trid.trb.org/view/1235434
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Research Information
Start Date: 08/01/2012
Total Dollars: $90,212
Source Organization: Purdue University, West Lafayette
Principal Investigators: Rabi Mishalani, Prem Goel, The Ohio State University
Summary of Research
The objectives of further investigating the impact of transit market share on GHG emissions as part of this continuing project are threefold: (i) expand the dataset to address the transit utilization limitation and acquire a wider range of travel characteristics, (ii) further enrich the modeling features as a result of an expanded dataset, and (iii) broaden the scenario analyses based on the enriched models to demonstrate their value as policy-making support tools.
TRID Database: http://trid.trb.org/view/1235421
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Abstract
The ultimate objective of this study is to develop techniques that will improve the measurement accuracy of a given detector station both at the time of installation and throughout its working lifetime. Until recently it has been difficult to validate the detector measurements, but the research team has developed a suite of tools that will greatly facilitate such validation. These improved measurements will in turn improve real time traffic control (e.g., ramp metering and traveler information), vehicle classification, and aggregate performance measures from the vehicle detector infrastructure.
TRID Database: http://trid.trb.org/view/1235420
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Abstract
This study seeks to develop an integrated deployment architecture for predictive real-time traffic routing that considers the human factors aspects related to information processing. It has multiple dimensions of research: (i) developing predictive routing algorithms by combining historical and instantaneous traffic feeds as well as employing behavioral models in real-time, (ii) data fusion from multiple sources to obtain reliable estimates of traffic flow conditions, (iii) developing a mechanism for personalized travel information to travelers based on their individual preferences and attitudes; that is, behaviorally-consistent information, and (iv) identifying information dissemination mechanisms that are safe from the perspective of human factors related to information processing while driving.
TRID Database: http://trid.trb.org/view/1312520
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Abstract
This study intends to build upon previous work in the field of general equilibrium by developing an analytical framework that integrates the transportation and energy sectors in terms of their interdependencies, and policy instruments, to provide a quantitative tool that can analyze the long-term effects of different types of transportation policies (such as pricing, and various other demand-side or supply-side ones) on the energy sector. The tool will also aim to capture the qualitative evolution of transportation systems due to specific policy decisions related to energy usage or energy mandates (such as fuel efficiency rating of vehicles, and those related to blended fuels and alternative fuels, etc.).
TRID Database: http://trid.trb.org/view/1235445
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Abstract
This project will combine traditional survey and data collection vehicle based pavement condition survey techniques with a cutting-edge, Android-type smart phone-based pavement roughness mapping application to accomplish short- and long-term objectives related to the implementation of software tools developed in previous NEXTRANS projects. The short-term objectives include calibration and validation of newly developed links between pavement cracking predictions to the prediction of pavement roughness and other forms of deterioration (crack spalling, potholes) as a function of pavement maintenance, traffic and climate. The distress predictions are then used to assess vehicle wear-and-tear and associated user costs.
TRID Database: http://trid.trb.org/view/1235435
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Abstract
This research proposes a holistic perspective to quantify the potential benefits of internally cured concrete mixtures compared to conventional concrete mixtures in a transportation system. This research will seek to determine the opportunity costs and the short-term, long-term, and life cycle savings arising from the traffic side. These include: (i) quantifying the durability under various congestion/demand levels, (ii) analyzing the costs-benefits ratios under various traffic conditions to determine the optimal situations which would warrant their usage for bridge decks, (iii) the opportunity costs associated with avoiding renewal/repair expenses and traffic disruption impacts due to the reduction in the frequency of repair and renewal, (iv) the traffic situations in which they are warranted as replacements compared to conventional concretes, and (v) whether they can be used as effective and sustainable repair mechanisms in high traffic areas to reduce the negative impacts of traffic disruptions. In addition, this work will seek to ascertain the environmental impact of using these materials.
TRID Database: http://trid.trb.org/view/1235441
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Research Information
Start Date: 08/01/2012
Total Dollars: $143,006
Source Organization: Purdue University, West Lafayette
Principal Investigator: Rabi G. Mishalani, The Ohio State University
Co-Principal Investigator: Gulsah Akar & Mark McCord, The Ohio State University
Summary of Research
Over the past several years, The Ohio State University (OSU) Transportation and Parking (T&P) services, the office that plans and operates all transportation related services associated with the campus, has been interested in reducing single occupancy vehicle travel to, on, and from campus. The objective of this study is to: (a) investigate the viability and potential for real-time ridesharing to and from the OSU campus under a variety of incentive and travel behavior scenarios, and (b) planning for an OSU-based real-time ridesharing demonstration for field testing to be implemented in follow-up projects.
TRID Database: http://trid.trb.org/view/1235422
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Abstract
Concrete railroad crossties are well-established within the North American railway industry as an economic and effective means of providing vertical and lateral track restraint and transferring axle loads to the ballast and subgrade. There are, however, notable deficiencies in their service life and overall performance under the repeated heavy-axle load environment seen on high-density freight rail corridors in North America. The objective of this work is to increase understanding of the mechanism of abrasion, determine the role of different combinations of rail seat and tie pad materials on the occurrence of abrasion, and develop rail seat surfaces that are resistant to abrasion. This project will involve the refinement of an abrasion model that will act as a design tool for future concrete tie mix designs and tie pad materials.
TRID Database: http://trid.trb.org/view/1235439
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Abstract
Traffic congestion is a major problem. As the U.S. population continues to grow and move towards urban areas, the impact of traffic congestion on human mobility, the economy, and the environment is ever increasing. In many cases, solutions to traffic congestion will ultimately depend on improved management of existing infrastructure through the use of innovative, integrated solutions in technology and policy. This research will investigate the problem of simultaneously estimating the traffic state and the traffic model parameters online and in real-time, through the development of a new joint traffic state and parameter estimation algorithm relying on ensemble Kalman filtering.
TRID Database: http://trid.trb.org/view/1235436
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Abstract
Active traffic and demand management (ATDM) is a collection of innovative approaches to dynamically manage traffic demand and efficiently utilize available roadway capacity by using real-time operational strategies. Speed harmonization in ATDM is possible by placing dynamic advisory speed signs and activating them based on real-time demand and capacity. The spacing of the dynamic signs and the degree of speed control would determine the degree of harmonization. This study will aim to find the optimal level of speed harmonization by addressing the following issues: i) what level of speed harmonization is needed; ii) how far apart and how many speed signs should be used in a given condition; iii) what speeds would be optimal solutions and how dynamic should they be over time; and iv) what level of demand control would create maximum speed harmony.
TRID Database: http://trid.trb.org/view/1235432
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Abstract
NEXTRANS investigators, various OSU entities, and Clever Devices, Inc., will continue their work upgrading OSU's Campus Area Bus Service (CABS) with a state-of-the-art "smart bus" system. The implementation of technological upgrades including: sensing, communications, and passenger information systems, has improved the level of service to riders while providing valuable high-resolution data on operating performance and rider characteristics. Through research, education, and outreach, the results of this showcase project will have positive implications for a variety of stakeholders within the NEXTRANS region and beyond.
TRID Database: http://trid.trb.org/view/1308845
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Abstract
Freeway congestion results in lost time and resources for travelers. To date, the structure of traffic resulting from bottlenecks and congestion has only been studied with point detectors, which are limited in their scope. This research will use an instrumented probe vehicle to go beyond what is possible with point detectors and assess the events that occur between the point detector stations. The probe vehicle is equipped with positioning sensors (GPS, INS) to track its location and ranging sensors (LIDAR, Radar) to monitor nearby vehicles in the ambient traffic. The probe vehicle collects data throughout the bottleneck region and can observe important signals that may not propagate all the way to the point detectors.
TRID Database: http://trid.trb.org/view/1235424
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Research Information
Start Date: 08/01/2012Total Dollars: $88,060
Source Organization: Purdue University, West Lafayette
Principal Investigator: Sam Labi, Purdue University
Summary of Research
This study seeks to utilize a state-of-the-art traffic assignment technique to establish more reliable volumes of future truck traffic flows at each segment, for the purpose of estimating more reliable costs of pavement damage in a disaggregate fashion. An appropriate software package will be identified for use, and segment-specific data will be collected (on the Indiana highway network) to serve as input data. At each pavement segment, the expected pavement damage costs will be determined from the expected level of truck volume (and thus the estimated loading) at that section. Using life cycle analysis, the estimated damage costs will be allocated over the remaining life of the pavement. Further, the study will quantify the deviation, for each pavement segment, of the pavement damage.
TRID Database: http://trid.trb.org/view/1235440
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