Carriage Way Research Articles

Use of Engineering-Educational-Empowerment Model to Improve the Integrated Traffic Impact Analysis and Environment Impact Analysis Results

In order to control road carriage way capacity and/or road environment degradation due to transport activities, the Traffic Impact Analysis TIA document has been directed to be integrated within the Environment Impact Analysis EIA document. However, only medium and high trip attractiveness was considered. Consequently, cumulative impact due to dense small scale concentrated in a certain corridor not only decrease road capacity but also increase road environment degradation. These unintended situations, especially at fast growth corridors, was recorded, including the parking index, on-street parking impacts due to inadequacy in existing parking space capacity. This activity aims to socialized and discussed the technical and environmental impacts due to on-street parking in order to improve better knowledge and transport policy decision. Therefore, an integrated approaches - using a Focus Group Discussion - based on engineering, educational and empowerment method was undertaken to identify a change in stake holder’s perception towards the correlation between transport and land use. It was found that, although within low trip attractiveness level category, but a dense small scale of activities produces great roadside friction and contribute negative impact on roadway capacity and air pollutant essence. This strongly indicate that a micro zoning regulation is required to control the type, number, scale and dense of social-economic activities, particularly in fast growth corridors.

Safety impact of highway geometrics and pavement parameters on crashes along mountainous roads

Having the capability of estimating both the number of crashes and their severity levels, crash prediction models are a precious tool in highway safety. However, there hasn't been any research on predicting traffic crashes on Indian mountainous rural highways. The primary objective of this research is to develop safety performance functions (SPFs) for traffic crashes occurring on rural roads located in the mountainous region of Uttarakhand, India.For analysis, the study utilized five years of crash data collected from different types of rural roads. The road network was divided into constant segments of 500m each, and separate models were developed for single (TSVC) and multi-vehicle (TMVC) crashes using the negative binomial regression approach. These SPFs highlight important significant variables in terms of positive and negative association and a potential change in subject crash frequencies. The results concluded that different types of risk factors impact both types of crashes, with horizontal (HC) and vertical curves (VC) in common. For instance, spot speed increases TSVC crashes by 3.87 %, whereas HC and VC tend to increase subject crashes by 8.32 % and 29.95 %, respectively.Similarly, TMVC is influenced by carriageway (CW) and shoulder width (SW). The result proposed that an increase in CW and SW can decrease frequencies by 0.668 times and 0.819, respectively. Additionally, the model highlighted the importance of rut-depth and the presence of pavement markings in the road safety analysis. At last, further research scope is suggested based on the limitations of this study.

Критические интервалы и интервалы следования из очереди на двухполосных кольцевых пересечениях

Over the past decade, a number of manuals have been developed for rural road roundabouts in the Russian Federation. However, two- and three-lane roundabouts are designed and operated in cities of the Russian Federation do not yet have manuals that take into account the specific features of this urban intersections. The development of such do not yet have manuals involves defining all multi-lane roundabout characteristics which used in consistent calculations of capacity, traffic delays and queue length. The objective of the study is to develop a methodology of multi-lane roundabout capacity estimation. At this stage, a study was done to determine the values of critical headway and follow-up time for two-lane roundabouts. Research methodology. Video rings were received from the city of Bratsk, Petrozavodsk, Pskov. The headways measured between the front bumpers of cars, were recorded on each lane of the circular roadway. Accepted and rejected headways were highlighted, as well as the number of vehicles using each accepted headway. Critical headway and follow-up time were determined using linear regression models. Study Result. It was found that the values of critical headway and follow-up time of the left and right entry lanes have different values. These results proved the validity of capacity calculation methods based on a separate consideration of each of entry lane. Objectives for further research. Further research will focus on estimation of critical headway and follow-up time for three-lane roundabouts. It is also necessary to establish the influence of traffic volumes on the headway distribution on two- and three-lane circular carriage way. Consistent solving of mentioned above research tasks will allow to form an estimation methodology for all characteristics of multilane roundabouts. Key words: two-lane roundabouts, conflict points, critical headway, follow-up time, regression analysis.

Analysis and Design of R.C.C T-Beam Bridge Superstructure by using Different Codes & Load Combination for Performance Assessment

This study summarized comparative design and analysis of RCC T-Beam Bridge superstructure for Different Codes i.e., Indian Road Congress (IRC) codes and American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Specification Load Combinations for varying span length. The several codes are used to design the bridges. IRC 21-2000 used for designing bridges by working stress method (WSM), also IRC: 112-2011 introduced by Indian Road Congress for RCC and Pre- Stressed bridges by limit state method (LSM). Both the codes have different guidelines and procedure for design of bridges. This study based on IRC 112-2011 (LSM) and IRC: 6- 2017 is used for load considerations. In which this analysis depends on the analytical modelling by Finite Element Method (FEM) for in STAAD-Pro software and comparing the structural parameter Bending moment, Shear Force, Deflection and Area of Reinforcement for different girder span length 16M, 20M, 24M as per the IRC and AASHTO code. Class A & Class 70R consider from IRC 6-2017 and HS93 is the vehicular loading consider from AASHTO. Form the analysis understanding suitability design technique and the behavior of two-lane carriage way width of T- Beam bridge superstructure under different loading condition and by using different code and comparing the result, conclusions will be made that up to what extents similarities between both standards. Keywords: IRC: 21-2000, IRC: 112-2011, AASHTO (LRFD), STAAD-Pro.

Deterioration and Failure Rates of Maintained Roads in Nigeria

This study evaluated failure rates of roads maintained by FERMA in Delta state and its effects. The three roads investigated are: Benin-Asaba dual carriage way (266km), Warri-Sapele-Benin dual carriage way and Asaba -Allah-Ebu Edo state border road(47km). Road condition survey was carried out on the three roads to ascertain the extent of deterioration. Sieve analysis, liquid limit, compaction and CBR tests were conducted on the material used for the maintenance works for quality control purpose. Liquid limit, optimum moisture content, unsoaked CBR values were 21%, 8.5% and 117% respectively. These were observed to be within the FMW highway manual guidelines. It was observed that beyond 12months, Benin-Asaba and Warri-Benin roads experienced 2% and 5% failure rates while Asaba-Illah recorded 30% failure rate within a 12month period. These failures were attributed to heavy traffic with heavy duty wheel. Challenges of road maintenance in the field and remedial measures for highway maintenance is also discussed. The authors recommend that FERMA should seek redress and go back to the establishing blue print for operations and funding and also refers to Federal Roads Authority bill (2015) for backups. These tools have been provided to equip the agency to carry out her mandate effectively keeping the road infrastructures in good condition.

Asphaltic Concrete Pavement Strength and the Impact of Rainfall

Studies have shown that moisture impacts on the strength of flexible pavement surface of asphaltic concrete. Several investigations and relevant researches treated the effect of subsurface and surface water sources, on the durability of flexible pavements. This study is focused on the surface water sources, as a result of precipitation (rainfall), on the surface of flexible pavements. To conduct this experiment, the considerations made include (i) the continuous exposure of the pavement surface to annual rainfall (ii) application of pavement exposure to moisture in the field. This study considered the amount of rainfall each day, as the duration (age) of pavement exposure to moisture (being under water during rainfall). For the purpose of this experiment, the Owerri to Onitsha about 90km of dual carriage way in south east of Nigeria, was considered. This is a flexible pavement that traverses through the rain forest belt, characterized with high amount of annual rainfall values. Flexible pavement specimens from this road were obtained, cleaned and immersed in water after weighing, to keep vital records of the necessary parameters, before further tests at 7days intervals. Values of strength obtained after days in water, that approximated to the appropriate field situation of exposure to rainfall, showed a consistent loss of strength, from the crushing strength results.

ВСТАВКИ РОЗМІЧАЛЬНІ ДОРОЖНІ. ІСТОРІЯ ВИНИКНЕННЯ. ТЕХНІЧНИЙ АНАЛІЗ ТА РОЛЬ У БЕЗПЕЦІ ДОРОЖНЬОГО РУХУ

Road studs is dotted devices with retroreflective elements or internal light sources fixed or embedded in the pavement of carriage way and / or on the roadside and by light signals warn, inform or guide road users in conditions of insufficient lighting. Road studs are intended for improving the visual orientation of drivers at dark time of the day and in adverse weather conditions on the highways, streets and roads of settlements. According to statistics, about 50% of all traffic accidents and accidents with fatalities and / or injuries occur on the highways in the dark time (night, morning and evening twilights). First road studs occurred on the roads in 1947. The inventor, Percy Shaw, had patented the device and opened his own factory for its production. After that their mass production, improvement and distribution worldwide, including Ukraine started. After the analysis of road studs usage in different countries, a new edition of GOST was developed, which allow considering in detail the location, requirements for color, installation methods, forms of the road studs, etc. According to foreign experts, the retro reflectivity is important for visual orientation in the dark time and has a positive impact on the traffic safety. Usage of retroreflective elements on the highways will increase the visibility of path of movement and stationary objects, which will significantly improve the safety of road users. Keywords: road studs, retroreflective elements, road safety, road accidents, highway.

A Real-time Pothole Detection Based on Deep Learning Approach

Today, the number of vehicles using the road including highways and single carriage way is increasing. road structure safety monitoring system that is safe for road users and also important to ensure long-term vehicle safety and prevent accidents due to road damage such as potholes, landslides and uneven roads. Most news reports of road accidents are also caused by potholes that are almost 10-30 cm deep, coupled with heavy rainfall that reduces visibility among drivers, significant damage to the suspension system to the vehicle or unnecessary traffic congestion. In this paper, deep learning detection with YOLOv3 algorithm is proposed apart from researches ranging from accelerometer detection, image processing or machine learning based detection as it is easier to develop and provide more accurate results. After pothole has been detected in real-time webcam, the location will be logged and displayed using Google Maps API for visualization. a total of 330 sets of data were sampled for the implementation of the pothole detection training model. As the results, the model provided 65.05 mAP and 0.9 % precision rate and 0.41 recall rate. The limitation of YOLOv3 algorithm detection can be improve further using GPU with higher specification performances and can sample 1000 to 10,000 datasets. The proposed algorithm provides acceptably high precision and efficient pothole monitoring solution under different scenarios for the users and may benefit the public and the government to monitor pothole in real-time.

Analysis of Side Friction Impacts on Urban Road Links

With development in population and vehicular thickness in metropolitan zones in agricultural nations, metropolitan streets present a negative picture with streets not having the option to take into account the limit with respect to which they are intended for, expansion in vehicular populace and blockage alongside lack of metropolitan street space is showed as street side contacts. Side friction factors are the activities identified with the exercises that happen at the edges of the street and here and there inside carriageway of the street, which meddle with the traffic stream along the voyaged way. Erosion factors are been seen to influence the ordinary traffic unfavorably in the heterogeneous rush hour gridlock condition in agricultural nation like India much than the streets of homogeneous traffic. By and large, side gratings go under transports halted in carriageway of transport stops, people on foot strolling in the sides of carriage ways and unlawful stopping and road distributing exercises. The principle point of this research work is to recognize the issues that influence the metropolitan traffic zones because of side friction factors. Keywords: Side friction, traffic congestion, friction factors, carriageway

Assessment of Traffic Safety Problems and Awareness of Road Users, the Case of Shashemene Town

Now days, road traffic accidents are one of the public health problems all over the worlds especially in developing countries like Ethiopia. This study was conducted using both descriptive and analytical methods. The sampling method used for this research was purposive sampling methods and the population represents this study was selected arbitrary. According to the finding of these research, the current road traffic safety problems of shashemene town are lack of awareness of pedestrians on traffic rule, lack of drivers skill, poor enforcement of law, insufficient speed breaker, width of road way, width of bridge, poor road side furniture, insufficient road safety consideration, drivers not respecting others road users, excessive speed, failure to give priority for pedestrians, risky overtaking, following each other’s too closely and not respecting right hand rule are some of the variable that cause traffic accidents. Based on the vehicle type, the majority of accident is caused by dry freight vehicle (Isuzu, Sino and FSR) which covers 44%, transport bus which covers 28%, Minibus 14.5%, motor cycle 7% taxi 3.6 and cart covers 3%. the researcher also found that the major accident happen at study area is by human error (89%) and the other are due to road problems, mechanical problems and environmental problems. According to vulnerability of road users to RTA, are categorized in to pedestrians 46.7%, passengers 20.7%, drivers 14.5%, motorcyclist 6.9%, cyclist and others covers 9.65%. the researcher also identified black spot area and contributing factor of RTA at those areas. Accordingly the major traffic crashes are occurs on Kuyera road which covers 24%, on kofele road 18%, 13% on Alaba road, exit of Awassa road 7% and also tekliye, kebele 010 around gomista 7%, around Dadimos College 4% and in front of dr. urgessa clinic 7% and zerihun garage covers 5% from all the accident. Most of the traffic accident caused on this area is due to speed, not giving priority for pedestrians, lack of awareness on road traffic safety, due to poor law enforcement, due to driver’s error (concerning skill and in attentiveness, driving after they take drug like chat and shisha) narrowness of the carriage way, absence of pedestrian’s walkway and lack of road side furniture’s.

Optimization of backpack loads using gait parameters in school boys

BackgroundBackpacks are an efficient way of manual carriage used by people of all ages, and is commonly used by schoolchildren. Carrying heavy backpacks may result in cumulative trauma later in life due to biomechanical adaptations during gait. Gait parameters are known to be sensitive to force vectors, which can be altered by load carrying. This study attempts to find the most favorable backpack weight using gait changes as an indicator. MethodsThis was an observational study conducted on twenty typically developing boys aged between 9 and 14 years. Gait analysis was done using standard recommendations, with increasing backpack loads with respect to their body weights. Gait cycles were captured using video cameras and analyzed using Kinovea0.8.25 motion analyzing software. ResultsAs the backpack load increased, significant kinematic changes were noted in the child's ankle, knee, and hip joints. These changes were evident when the backpack load increased beyond 15% of their body weight. ConclusionsThis study concludes that the optimum weight that can be carried without having an impact on dynamic posture will be less than 15% of the body weight.

CONTRIBUTION TO THE IMPROVEMENT OF BITUMINOUS ENROBES: APPLICATION TO THE DEVELOPMENT WORKS OF THE YAOUNDE-DOUALA MOTORWAY IN CAMEROON

The frequent closure of roads for the sake of maintenance and refurbishment is an increasing problem for the road administrators and users, because of induced high costs, restrictions and influence they impose, traffic jam, and the many other disruptions such interventions have on traffic. In these circumstances, carriageways with long life span, with adapted tar, have much to offer, especially if they can exhibit optimum performances without requiring major repairs for over 30 years. On high traffic roads, research have shown that binders with elevated modules are a reliable and credible alternative to render their life span more sustainable and durable. In this context, the advantages presented by the absence of important repairs and refurbishing can be enough to justify the initial high costs of these advanced carriage way coatings. Studies on the different binders to be used were done, which have permitted in accordance with the performance of the layers, the required tests and the different study levels. Also, this has permitted us to analyze the obtained results and conclude that due to the expected needs, the LA and MDE tests, the PSV tests are the criteria that determine the selection of aggregates; The complexes modular methods, fatigue resistance (level IV), seem to be necessary for the forecasting of the mechanical behavior of bituminous materials.

Interpretation of CBR Test Consequences for Subgrade Soil Preserved Through Geo-Grid

The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) is a parameter for evaluation of the mechanical strength of sub grade, base course and other layers of a new carriage way. It depends on various factors and nature of soil. The service life of pavement on weaker soil sub grade is quite low due to the high compressibility and plasticity behavior of soils. Some soils possess less strength, CBR value and have high affinity to moisture content. Hence it is important to increase the strength of soil for sustainable performance of Indian roads. To increase the sub grade soil strength, geogrids are used in roads. Geogrids are cost effective polymeric materials used as soil reinforcement. It helps to increase the stability and bearing capacity of soil, enables good drainage and involves less maintenance. Increase in CBR value of the sample with use of geogrids leads to reduction in the thickness of pavement. Two soil samples are collected from the nearby construction sites. Basic tests are to be conducted on the samples to determine its engineering and index properties followed by CBR test under optimum moisture content. This paper deals with the experimental results of CBR tests on different types of sub grade soil by increasing the number of geogrid layers in each trial. This gives the optimum number of geogrid layer to attain the maximum CBR value. This paper also includes the application of CBR value in the design of flexible pavements as per IRC recommendations.

Box Type Minor Bridge- As a Sustainable Option Over Small Rivers in Alluvial Region

time immemorial, mankind has been using various techniques to cross the rivers, streams or any depression without closing or obstructing the original flow through a structure called bridge. With the span of time and advancements in civil engineering, several types of bridges have come into existence like wooden, steel, masonry arches, RCC and prestressed concrete bridges. Indian Roads Congress categorizes three types of the bridges on the basis of length i.e. culverts up to 6.0 m, minor bridges above 6.0 m to maximum 60.0 m length and major bridges above 60.0 m. In present scenario, minor bridges over small rivers has become necessary for development and prosperity of nation as most of the roads have to cross small rivers at several places to connect remotest corner of the country. Bridges, though a man made structure, over a period of time become an important part of environment because in most of the cases water flowing below is used for drinking, irrigation and underground recharging. The alluvial region of India spread from Punjab to West Bengal has a peculiar nature because soil is almost soft in nature consisting of mainly sand, clay and silt which is fertile for vegetation. Water retention and its movement condition are high throughout the year. Several type of water bodies which exists in this type of region are pond, small drain, small and medium rivers which drains into the big rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Ghahgra, Gomti and Sai etc. Since long time, road system on the earthen track and pucca road has been introduced for traffic like chart, chariot and motorised vehicle. There were little number of bridges over major rivers i.e. bridge alone to cross over the river Ganga except in few places like Allahabad, Kanpur and Varanasi and over the Ghaghra Algine bridge, Maghighat, Bhatni. Some bridges were constructed over small and medium rivers in medieval period by local rulers and business men which have now become obsolete. It is found that most of the bridges are of masonry arches wooden and trusses having insufficient water and carriage way. After independence, the road network system has been improved to meet out socio economic needs of people. The new bridges have been constructed with standard road width and sufficient water way. Study has been conducted for existing new constructed bridge system over small river and alluvial region of Uttar Pradesh to set guidance for future course of action in replacing and providing new bridges to optimize the needs of the people. Bridge system being provided over small & minor rivers for the road network for new and replacement of older bridge at different site is varying from place to place. For this purpose, study has been conducted for sustainable option of minor bridges over small rivers discharge upto 300 m3/s. It is found that the box type minor bridges are best option on small & minor rivers.

RESEARCH ON TECHNICAL CONDITION OF VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH THE USING MODERN DEVICES

While investigating traffic accidents that took place during darkness hours on unlighted area of carriage way, investigating authorities are interested in reasons that, from a technical point of view, could lead vehicle to run down a pedestrian or a stationary obstacle, to a collision of vehicles. Furthermore, while performing research on technical condition of a vehicle lighting system using modern equipment, forensic autotechnician experts are faced with problems related to the lack of skills in using such equipment. Moreover, while solving certain issues related to the technical state of lighting system, posed questions are not fully disclosed by forensic autotechnician experts, “narrow” conclusions are made, so far as during examining technical state of vehicle lighting system, most forensic autotechnician experts do not apply to State Standard DSTU 3649:2010 requirements. This article details the order of actions of specialists, forensic experts while performing research on technical state of the vehicle lighting system using the modern OMA 684D device. The minimum values of headlamp intensity for certain types of headlights bulbs in according to Rules ECE UNO (Economic Commission for Europe the United Nations Organization) requirements are described. Recommendations for use of DSTU 3649:2010 are given while performing research technical condition of vehicle lighting system. To obtain result values in candelas, as required by DSTU 3649:2010, the calculation of the translation of the values of headlamps light intensity from luxes to candelas is offered. Minimum and maximum values of the headlamps light intensity for certain types of light distribution according to DSTU 3649:2010 are also indicated. The decoding of headlight types with values of light intensity is given. For better perception of the correctness of the research results, images of the control points location depending on the type of light distribution are indicated.

Analysis of traffic characteristics of urban roads under the influence of roadside frictions

With increase in population and vehicular density in urban areas in developing countries, urban roads present a dismay picture with roads not being able to cater to the capacity for which they are designed for. This situation not only leads to huge economic wastage, but also endangers safety of road users. Increase in vehicular population along with shortage of urban road space is manifested in the form of road side frictions. Side friction factors are defined as those activities which take place on the sides of carriage ways or even on the carriage ways that are likely to affect the normal traffic flowing through the carriage ways. Friction factors are observed to affect the normal traffic adversely in the heterogeneous traffic condition in developing countries like India much severely than the roads catering homogeneous traffic. In general, side frictions can be in the form of buses stopped at bus stops, pedestrians walking along the sides of carriage ways and crossing at random, on-street parking, exits and entries from approach roads, slow moving vehicles etc. The present study conducted on four lane divided urban roads considering the most commonly observed forms of side frictions on Indian roads like buses stopped on curb side bus stops, pedestrians walking along carriage ways, on-street parking and a combination of all these factors was done to quantitatively assess the impact of these on traffic characteristics of flow on the roads. Analysis was conducted to determine the speed reduction and capacity deterioration observed on such stretches and speed prediction models were modelled with the above friction parameters as independent variables for each category of side friction.

Modelling Assessment on Causes of Road Accidents Along Kilimanjaro-Arusha Highway in Tanzania

This paper aims on assessing the risk factors which are associated to the cause of road accidents in Kilimanjaro-Arusha highway 78.46km. Road accidents have been one of the paramount road cases in Tanzania. However, when ensuring road safety rules in Tanzania, it is important to assess the nature and causes of road accidents in the country. It is also necessary to find out the factors which lead to an obstacle of achieving road safety and regulations. This paper focuses on the assessment of road accidents in Tanzania and the associated factors such as inadequate road signs, inadequate carriageway width, lack of pedestrian facilities and law enforcement are considered to be critical shortcomings. The findings have shown the considerable proportions of accident and its outcomes of death and injuries at various black spot such as Kikavu River 60%, Kikatiti 20%, Nduruma bridge 10%, Kilala slope 5%, and Sadec 5%. Also missing and poor road makings and road signs from CH: 0+200 -22+600 needs to be rectified. In order to reduce road accidents in Kilimanjaro-Arusha section, the Government should rectify black spot areas by considering geometric standard in highway, set aside fund for provision and maintenance of traffic control devices, train road users on traffic laws and regulations, set aside fund for increasing road width with consideration of dual carriage way and climbing lane along mountain Kikavu area to reduce the action of overtaking. This study has revealed the pattern and trends of road accidents in Kilimanjaro-Arusha from 2013 to 2016. It shows that the accident occurrence was showing sign of decreasing from 2015 up to 2016. Passengers and pedestrians are the groups which identified to be always at highest risk of being injured or highly prone to motor traffic accidents. Driving under alcoholic behaviour (drugs, alcohol), distraction, over speed driving, overtaking, poor vehicle parking management and pedestrian fault are among of road user behaviour identified to cause accidents within the stretch.

MODEL CAR TRANSPORT SYSTEM - MODERN ITS EDUCATION TOOL

The model car transport system is a laboratory intended for a practical development in the area of the motor traffic. It is also an important education tool for students’ hands-on training, enabling students to test the results of their own studies. The main part of the model car transportation network is a model in a ratio 1:87 (HO), based on component units of FALLER Car system, e.g. cars, traffic lights, carriage way, parking spaces, stop sections, branch-off junctions, sensors and control sections. The model enables to simulate real traffic situations. It includes a motor traffic in a city, in a small village, on a carriageway between a city and a village including a railway crossing. The traffic infrastructure includes different kinds of intersections, such as T-junctions, a classic four-way crossroad and four-way traffic circle, with and without traffic lights control. Another important part of the model is a segment of a highway which includes an elevated crossing with highway approaches and exits.

Shortest Route Optimization for Emergency Service: Case Study in Kumasi, Ghana

It is becoming difficult for emergence services to find the best route especially in Kumasi to any destination in order to save lives in real time. This study deals with the problem of finding shortest paths in traversing some locations within the Kumasi Metropolis in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Dijkstra‘s Algorithm was selected to determine the shortest distances from any location to any destination within the Kumasi metropolis. The objective of thesis is to use Dijkstra‘s algorithm in constructing the minimum spanning tree considering the dual carriage ways in the road network of Kumasi metropolis within the shortest possible time for emergence services. The distance between 51 locations of the towns with the major roads was measured and a legend and a matrix were formulated. A visual basic program was prepared using Dijkstra‘s algorithm. The distances were used to prepare an input deck for the visual program. The methodology employed included review of relevant literature of the types of Dijkstra‘s algorithm and methods employed in the solution of the Dijkstra‘s algorithm and to develop computer solutions – ArcGIS and VB.net for faster computation of Dijkstra‘s algorithm. The result shows a remarkable reduction in the actual distance as compared with the ordinary routing. These results indicate, clearly the importance of this type of algorithms in the optimization of network flows. Hence the shortest distance from any area in Kumasi metropolis to another can easily be calculated using this thesis so as to minimize the average loss of lives in case emergences.

Effect of Side Frictions on Traffic Characteristics of Urban Arterials

The urban transportation system is the hub of all economic activities in urban communities all over the world, and thus sustains livelihood of the people living there. The increase in population has led to increase in vehicular population. The land resources being constant, this vehicular growth has adverse effect on smooth traffic flow. Increase in vehicular population along with shortage of urban road space is manifested in the form of road side frictions. Side friction factors are defined as those activities which take place on the sides of carriage ways or even on the carriage ways that are likely to affect the normal traffic flowing through the carriage ways.The present work aims at analyzing the impact of road side frictions on traffic characteristics of urban roads in India. Study was conducted on urban roads in some of the thickly populated urban cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru and Thiruvananthapuram. The side friction factors were limited to buses stopped at bus stops, pedestrians walking along sides of carriage ways and on-street parking of vehicles. Multiple linear regression analysis was chosen to relate the factors contributing to reduction in speed caused by side friction factors. Reduction in speed was studied for stretches with individual side frictions as well as stretches under the combined effect of all the factors. The result showed that there was significant impact of side friction on vehicular speed on urban roads and could also bring about the extent of impact of individual factors on speed. The results highlight the need to include side friction factors on all traffic related studies for proper planning of urban roads.