High Traffic Intensity Research Articles

Modeling Road Surface Temperature from Air Temperature and Geographical Parameters—Implication for the Application of Floating Car Data in a Road Weather Forecast Model

AbstractPrecise forecasts of road surface temperature (RST) and road conditions allow winter roads to be maintained efficiently. The upcoming “big data” application known as “floating car data” (FCD) provides the opportunity to improve road weather forecasts with measurements of air temperature Ta from in-car sensors. The research thus far with regard to thermal mapping has mainly focused on clear and calm nights, which occur rarely and during low traffic intensity. It is expected that more than 99% of the FCD will be collected during conditions other than clear and calm nights. Utilizing 32 runs of thermal mapping and controlled Ta surveys carried out on mostly busy roads over one winter season, it was possible to simulate the use of Ta and geographical parameters to reflect the variation of RST. The results show that the examined route had several repeatable thermal fingerprints during times of relatively high traffic intensity and with different weather patterns. The measurement time, real-time weather pattern, and previous weather patterns influenced the spatial pattern of thermal fingerprints. The influence of urban density and altitude on RST can be partly seen in their relationship with Ta, whereas the influence of shading and sky-view factor was only seen for RST. The regression models with Ta included explained up to 82% of the RST distribution and outperformed models that are based only on the geographical parameters by as much as 30%. The performance of the models denotes the possible utility of Ta from FCD, but further investigation is needed before moving from controlled Ta measurements to Ta from FCD.

Soil compaction caused by harvesting, skidding and wood processing in eucalyptus forests on coarse‐textured tropical soils

AbstractEucalyptus forests play a major role in the world economy, providing raw materials for different purposes. In planted forests, harvest operations performed by heavy machinery may cause severe soil compaction. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a full‐tree harvesting system in planted eucalyptus forests from Northeastern Brazil. Different soils were evaluated (two Hapludults and one Haplorthod) in two horizons (BA and Bt). We tested different equipment, namely feller buncher, skidder (with traffic intensities of 3, 6, 12 and 16 passes), flail (at different ground‐contact points), grapple saw and loader. The soil physical attributes reflected not only the impact of equipment traffic but also the intrinsic differences between the soils. Bulk density (ranging from 1.36 to 1.80 t m−3 after trafficking) related well to soil class and horizon. Precompression stress (ranging from 203 to 430 kPa) and degree of compaction (76%–94%) following trafficking were well correlated, while increase in bulk density (reaching a maximum of 20%) related more strongly to soil moisture. A contingency table was constructed with the number of compacted samples and further examined by correspondence analysis. Compaction varied according to soil, horizon and equipment, indicating that machine–soil interactions are very specific and demand detailed research under different conditions. The Haplorthod experienced the greatest amount of compaction, whereas the Hapludult‐2 was more resistant (60% and 25% of compacted samples, respectively). The grapple saw and the skidder at higher traffic intensities (12 and 16 passes) exerted the highest mechanical impacts (81% and 67% of compacted samples, respectively).

Determination of As, Cu, Sr, and Zn in some plant leaves grown in different places of Kalar city by ICP-OES

The research work was conducted to determine the concentration of Arsenic, Cupper, Strontum, and Zinc in some plant leaves (Dodoneae, Eucalyptus, Albizia Lebbeck) grown in different location in Kalar- Sulaymaneyah, Iraq to investigat contamination caused by traffic related pollutant. The samples were collected in (City Center, Industrial Area, Salih Agha village, and Garmian university campus). Concnetration of the selected elemnts were measured by inducively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) after wet digestion with acid mixture of (HNO3:H2O2). The mean concentration ranges of heavy metals in different plant leaves samples were: As = ND – 0.9; Cu =0.4 – 1.9; Sr =15 – 797.7 Zn = ND - 20 mg/Kg. The highest concentrations of different heavy metals were found in the samples collected from heavy traffic. The study revealed that the concnetration ranges of Sr and Zn in samples collected in higher traffic intensities were several times higher than those collected from lower traffic intensities compared to Cu and As which the increase in thier concnetration is slight.

The Influence of Transport Load on Quality of Repair Works of Non-Rigid Pavements with Application by a Jet-Injection Method

Increased traffic intensity and increased axial Load from vehicles on road surfaces contribute to the formation of defects in the form of potholes and cracks. To improve the service Life and traffic safety timely care of the coating is required. Untimely work Leads to a decrease in the service Life of the pavement. The use of a jet-injection method of repair of road surfaces aLLows to perform work quickLy with minimaL cost in reLation to other methods of repair.
 The articLe considers the process of eLimination of defects on non-rigid road surfaces with the use of bitumen-mineraL mixtures by a jet-injection method. The resuLts of experimentaL studies carried out in the course of repair work on the second technicaL category road with high traffic intensity and increased axiaLLoad from vehicLes are presented. It was found out that the formation of the structure of the bitumen-mineraL mixture in the pothoLe of the road surface occurs over a reLativeLy Long period of time. Under the influence of contact stresses under the tire of the car, there are deformations of the material, the excess of whichLeads to its decompression.
 It is experimentaLLy proved that in order to increase the serviceLife of the repaired road surface, additionaL compaction of the bitumen-mineraL mixture is necessary. It was found that the excessLoad on the Layer of bitumen-mineraL mixture in the pothoLe coating at the stage of formation of its structure above the tensiLe strength contributes to the formation of pLastic deformations and reduce the required compaction coefficient. To improve the quaLity of repair work, it is necessary to Limit the axiaLLoad of vehicLes on the surface of the pothoLe for 20-30 days during the formation of the structure of the Laid materiaL in the pothoLe of the road surface.

Effect of skid trail curvature on residual tree damage

ABSTRACTSoil disturbances are unavoidable in ground-based skidding operations and it is well-known that the extent and severity of disturbances increase with increasing traffic frequency of harvesting equipment and soil conditions (e.g. soil moisture at the time of harvesting). It is unclear, however, how different traffic intensities and soil moisture contents affect the extent, size and intensity of damage inflicted upon residual trees and how these factors might further interact with the layout of skid trails. Skid trail layout in this study is concerned with the horizontal course of the trail that encompasses straight sections and curves of different deflection angles (i.e. narrower and wider curves). Due to expected rolling of logs and vehicle off-tracking in curves, we hypothesised that damage to residual trees would be greater in curves than on straight sections of skid trails and that damage would be greatest in the narrowest curves. We further hypothesised that the relationship between tree damage and curvature would hold regardless of traffic intensity and soil condition. To test these hypotheses, we conducted a survey of the residual stand damage caused by ground-based skidding operations for different trail curvatures and traffic intensities at two Hyrcanian forest sites in northern Iran with different soil conditions. The studied treatment combinations included three curvatures of the skid trail (i.e. narrow curve with a deflection angle of 60°–75°, wide curve with a deflection angle of 110°–130°, no curve (straight trail)), and three traffic frequencies (low, medium and high traffic intensity) of a rubber-tyred cable skidder operated on a clay soil with 18% soil moisture content (Site 1) and a clay-loam with 33% soil moisture content (Site 2). The percentage of damaged trees varied between 45% (Site 1) and 68% (Site 2). The results showed that the number of damaged trees as well as the distance from the skid trail edge to which trees were damaged increased significantly at both sites with increasing traffic frequency, increasing curvature (i.e. narrowing curve) and their interaction. Further, location, size and intensity of damage to residual trees varied significantly with curvature, traffic intensity and soil condition. At each traffic frequency, narrow curves exhibited more damaged trees and damaged trees were found at greater distances to the edge of the skid trail than in wide curves. The average damage area was 86 cm2 and 125 cm2 in Sites 1 and 2, respectively. The significant effect of trail curvature on the location, size and intensity of damage of residual trees has major implications for the design of a skid trail system capable of preserving residual tree quality.

Arrival Traffic Separations Modelling By Using Continuous Probability Distributions

This article presents a method that allows to analyze selected aspects of past arrival traffic by modelling distributions of time separations of arriving aircraft in a chosen navigationpoint of Terminal Manoeuvring Area with the use of continuous probability distributions. Modelling arriving aircraft time separations distribution with continuous probability density functions allows to apply various mathematical tools to analyze separations distributions. Moreover, by comparing distributions parameters, quantitative analysis of separations for days with various arrival traffic intensity can be performed. Assumptions, mathematical model, application in the exemplary experimental scenario with an airport and days with low and high traffic intensity, and results are presented in this article. Real air traffic data was used for the experimental scenario. Outcomes show that the method can be used for air traffic post-analysis, e.g assessment of maintaining separation.

INFLUENCE OF BUILDUP AREA ON THE VEHICLE MOVEMENT MODE ON AUTOMOBILE ROADS OF GENERAL PURPOSE

The zone of influence of the settlement depends not only on the length of the settlement and on the development of the distances from the edge of the traffic area, but also on the intensity of the movement. At an intensity of traffic of 200 car/h and a length of settlements more than 3.0 km, the zone of influence at the entrance to the settlement reaches 0,3 km (at the exit - 0,15-0,2 km). At an intensity of traffic of 400 car/h, the impact of the settlement at the entrance extends to 0.4 km, and at the exit to 0.2-0.3 km. At an intensity of traffic of 600 car/h or more, the impact of the settlement at the entrance is 0.5 km, and at the exit - 0.3-0.35 km. The maximum length of sections of roads on which there is a change of speed of movement and redistribution of cars in the stream, at high traffic intensities is about 500 m.

Effect of Seasonal Variation on the Levels and Behaviours of Formaldehyde in the Atmosphere of a Suburban Area in Cairo, Egypt

Formaldehyde (HCHO) is a carcinogenic pollutant, has an active role in tropospheric photochemistry, and can be affected by seasonal variations. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study of the effect of seasonal variation on the levels and behaviours of HCHO in the atmosphere of a suburban area (15 May City) in Cairo. Daytime and nighttime measurements of HCHO were performed from March 2014 to February 2015. The highest average daily concentrations of HCHO were found in summer and the lowest in winter. The difference was statistically significant (p≤0.001). Daily average HCHO concentrations in spring, summer, autumn and winter were higher than the corresponding values in many polluted cities in the world. This was true for both weekdays and weekends. HCHO was higher in daytime than nighttime on weekdays and weekends, and the differences in mean concentrations were statistically significant (p ≤0.001), except during the autumn and winter on weekends. Therefore, the contribution of photochemical reactions in the observed levels of HCHO might be greater than that of traffic emissions. This was further proved by the significant positive correlation found between daytime HCHO concentrations and temperature. HCHO concentrations were higher on weekdays than weekends, the differences in mean concentrations were statistically significant (p≤0.001). This may be attributed to higher emission of HCHO from higher traffic intensity during daytime. Significant positive correlations (p≤0.001) were found between daytime and nighttime HCHO concentrations, both on weekdays and weekends suggesting that HCHO comes from the same sources.

Using fracture mechanics principles in steel bridge renovation projects

Steel bridges built in the post war period were not built for the current traffic intensities and are therefore prone to fatigue damage. The combination of high traffic intensities, low quality steel and suboptimal weld detailing can generate fatigue problems in existing bridges that could compromise the structural integrity of the bridge. Fracture mechanics principles can be used in steel bridge renovation projects, when S-N based calculation procedures do not predict sufficient structural capacity, as an alternative to potentially unnecessary strengthening of the considered detail. These principles have been used in the renovation of a 231 m long, plate-girder bridge in The Netherlands. Inspection intervals were derived for a non-load carrying, double fillet welded connection between transverse stiffeners and an I-shaped main girder. Such an analysis requires a detailed insight of the material’s condition and therefore should be completed in close cooperation with the inspection operator to verify calculation assumptions. Using fracture mechanics allows the bridge owner to choose between inspecting a detail at a certain frequency or completing preventative strengthening.

Personal exposure to traffic-related air pollutants and relationships with respiratory symptoms and oxidative stress: A pilot cross-sectional study among urban green space workers

Exposure to ambient air pollution has been associated with various adverse health effects including respiratory, cardiovascular and neurological diseases. Exposure data for some specific pollutants and settings are however still insufficient and mechanisms underlying negative health outcomes are not fully elucidated. This pilot study aimed to assess individual exposure to three traffic-related air pollutants, black carbon (BC), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and benzene, and the relationship with respiratory and oxidative stress outcomes in a cross-sectional sample of 48 green space workers in Brussels, Belgium. Participants were followed during four consecutive working days in 2016–2017 during which their individual exposure to BC, PAHs, benzene and more generally air pollution was measured using aethalometers, urinary biomarkers (1-hydroxypyrene, 1-naphthol, 2-naphthol, S-phenylmercapturic acid) and questionnaires. Data on respiratory health and oxidative stress were collected using questionnaires and respiratory/urinary biomarkers (exhaled nitric oxide [NO], 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine [8-OHdG]). Associations between exposure and health outcomes were investigated using comparison tests and linear regression models, after stratification by present-day smoking status. Spatial variation in BC exposure was high, with concentrations varying between 0.26 and 5.69 μg/m3. The highest levels were recorded during transport and, to a lesser extent, in green spaces located in the vicinity of roads with high traffic intensity. Concentrations of PAHs and benzene biomarkers did not systematically exceed the limits of detection. Among smokers, respiratory inflammation increased linearly with exposure to BC measured over the four days of follow-up (β = 8.73, 95% CI: 4.04, 13.41). Among non-smokers, oxidative stress increased linearly with BC measured on the fourth day (β = 2.88, 95% CI: 1.52, 4.24). Despite some limitations, this work supports the hypothesis that BC induces respiratory inflammation and oxidative stress. It also highlights the value of this compound as well as exhaled NO and urinary 8-OHdG biomarkers to detect early/mild effects of air pollution.

Soil geochemistry as a tool for the origin investigation and environmental evaluation of urban parks in Mashhad city, NE of Iran

The total concentration of major oxides and trace elements, sequential extraction of heavy metals, and Pb isotope signatures of park soils were investigated in Mashhad, the largest city in northeastern Iran. The geochemical characteristics of park soils show two different trends: high silica soils (HSS) and low silica soils (LSS). The elements such as Mg, Fe, As, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, and Zn were concentrated in LSS, while HSS samples were enriched of Si, Ga, Li, Nb, Ta, Th, U, Y, Z, and rare-earth elements (REE). The REE composition and chondrite—normalized patterns of LSS [low ∑REE (20–68 mg kg−1) and low LaN/YbN (1.9–7.4)]—are compatible with ultramafic-derived soils. The HSS samples display distinct REE composition with high ∑REE (102–336 mg kg−1) and LaN/YbN (13–51) which would be originated from granitoid, metamorphic, and sedimentary derived soils. The available percentage of heavy metals in the park soils is much higher than natural samples. The Pb characteristics of park soils are distinct from natural soils. These samples are less radiogenic than natural soils with lower 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, 208Pb/204Pb, 206Pb/207Pb, and higher 208Pb/206Pb ratios. The calculated contributions of possible sources in Mashhad park soils release 6.6 and 93.4% for natural and anthropogenic (industrial and leaded petrol) sources, respectively. The central parks exhibit the highest pollution of heavy metals in Mashhad indicating high traffic intensity in this area. The concentration of potentially toxic elements in the surface soils of Mashhad parks is lower than the national maximum permissible concentration, but many of them such as Cd, Cu, Mo, Pb, Sn, Se, and Zn are highly enriched relative to non-urban soils.

Effects of forest roads on oak trees via cervid habitat use and browsing

Roads can affect animals in several ways, by affecting movement, space use, foraging behavior and mortality. As roads often have a negative effect on populations of birds and mammals, their effects are important for wildlife management. However, the effect of roads differ between different types of roads, and most studies of road ecology have focused on major roads with high traffic intensity, whilst effects of smaller unpaved forest roads in northern ecosystems are less known. We investigated the effects of forest roads in a mixed conifer forest in central Europe on cervid habitat use and browsing impact on forest regeneration during the winter season. We found that hunted cervid species avoided forest roads, and that browsing pressure was higher within the core of forest areas rather than close to roads. This led to an increased density of undamaged trees (by browsing) close to forest roads, whilst browsing damages were relatively high in the interior. Hunters often use these forest roads in the hunting season. We suggest that human disturbance creates corridors of fear along forest roads, and that cervids alter their habitat and browse use to avoid humans. This in turn has implications for forest and cervid management. This is the first study to document that gravel roads can affect oak trees through modifying cervid behavior. Future studies should use experiments to explore this question further and separate different effects of forest roads to understand the mechanisms; edge effects on vegetation, traffic, effects on natural predators and human disturbance.

Acoustic Influence of Vehicles on a Protected Natural Area in the Southwest of the Iberian Peninsula

Natural sounds are essential elements for ecosystems, and therefore necessary for many ecological functions, forming what is called “natural soundscapes”. The Natural Reserve Laguna del Portil (NRLP), located in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula, is an ecosystem which was declared by Spanish authorities as Protected Natural Reserve. In the south area of the NRLP, there is a regional road with high traffic intensity, which affects the soundscapes of this natural reserve. In this study, the road potential noise impact on the natural sounds of the NLRP is analysed. This analysis was done both in winter and summer, and also using two independent methods: 1) spatial sampling measures in 43 different points of the NRL; and 2) noise mapping using noise levels prediction software. From the comparison of the results of both methods and seasons the following conclusions were reached: 1) an approach to the natural soundscape of NRLP both in winter and summer, 2) the acoustic impact of the road on the NRLP, and 3) the variation of the traffic noise depending on the distance to the road, and its seasonal variation. This study could be to improve the management of the NRLP and to help to preserve the natural soundscape of the reserve.

Effects of foliage and traffic intensity on runoff and sediment in skid trails after trafficking in a deciduous forest

After ground-based skidding operations, soil particles are rearranged closer together resulting in increased bulk density, reduced total porosity, and decreased infiltration capacity. The aim of the present study was to assess and quantify runoff and sediment in both leafed and leafless periods (foliage) over a 1-year duration following three levels of skidder traffic intensity (low, medium, high) performed in the Hyrcanian forests, Iran. By increasing traffic frequency, soil bulk density increased significantly, whereas total porosity decreased as compared to undisturbed (control) plots. After trafficking, runoff and sediment yield were significantly affected by foliage and traffic frequency. Regardless of foliage, mean total runoff and sediment increased with increasing traffic frequency performed on the skid trail. Mean runoff in the low, medium, and high traffic plots in the leafless period were 95.5, 54.2, and 21.7% higher than the values of runoff in the leafed period, respectively. Mean sediment yield in the low, medium, and high traffic plots in the leafless period was 7.1, 5.1, and 3.3 times higher than the values of sediment in the leafed period, respectively. Based on regression analysis, the runoff and sediment response to rainfall for the control plots and three traffic intensity classes were linear and statistically significant for both leafless and leafed periods. The total runoff in the high traffic intensity plot was 239.8 mm (62%) during the leafless period, and 38% of total runoff (148 mm) occurred during the leafed period. The sediment response to runoff over both leafless and leafed periods at all the traffic intensity classes and control plots were significantly linear. Restricting ground-based skidding operations to trail segments where the machine traffic is less than 4 (low)—9 (medium) traffic cycles can be effective to reduce runoff and sediment over compacted soil after machine-induced traffic.

Accumulation of selected heavy metals in soils and common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) near a road with high traffic intensity

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine the levels of selected trace elements in soils and in the common dandelion depending on the distance from a traffic route. The study was conducted in Warsaw near one of the main roads in the suburb of Ursynów. Samples for testing were taken from the 0–25 cm layer at sites located directly alongside the roadway and at a distance of 30, 60 and 300 m from its edge. The amounts of Pb, Ni, Cu, Zn and Cd in the soils were determined by the AAS method, after extraction in HCl at a concentration of 1 mol·dm−3, and in the aboveground parts and roots of dandelion plants after wet mineralization in a mixture of HNO3 and HClO4 by the AAS method. On the basis of the results obtained, it was shown that the concentrations of the tested metals, both in the soils and in the biomass of the test plant, were highest directly at the edge of the roadway and decreased significantly with the distance away from the road. This correlation indicates a significant impact of road transport on heavy metal levels in the environment bordering a traffic route. It was also shown that dandelion plants accumulate higher amounts of heavy metals in the aboveground parts than in the roots, and the heavy metal contents in the dandelion biomass were found to be significantly positively correlated with the amounts of these elements in the soils.

Tourism in protected areas: Disentangling road and traffic effects on intra-guild scavenging processes

The expansion of road networks and the increase in traffic have emerged in recent years as key threats to the conservation of biodiversity. This is particularly concerning in many protected areas because the increase of recreational activities requiring the use of vehicles. Effects of roads and traffic within guild scenarios and ecological processes remain however poorly known. Here we examined how road proximity and traffic intensity influence patterns of resource use in an Old-World avian scavenger guild living in a protected natural park in northern Spain. We experimentally placed 130 carcasses at different distances from a scenic road in the centre of the park. Vehicles were recorded by means of traffic counters which revealed that maximum numbers were reached during weekends and holidays and during the middle hours of the day. Avian scavenger attendance at carcasses was recorded by means of camera-traps. Obligated scavengers, Eurasian griffon (Gyps fulvus) and Egyptian vultures (Neophron percnopterus) were frequently observed (59.4% and 37.7% of the consumed carcasses) together with five other facultative scavenger species. We found that the richness (number of species) and the probability of consumption of the resource were reduced the smaller the distance to the road and in days with higher traffic intensity. The same factors affected the probability of presence of all the scavenger species. Moreover, some of them, notably griffon vultures, showed hourly patterns of carcass attendance suggesting avoidance of maximum traffic levels. Our results highlight that roads and traffic would trigger consequences on the structure and functioning of scavenger food webs, which may be particularly concerning in protected areas with remarkable levels of biodiversity. Future regulations at protected areas should couple both traffic and tourist affluence with wildlife conservation. In this way important ecological processes would be preserved while maintaining a good dissemination of natural values.

Efficiency of Power Ramping During Random Access in LTE

In this paper, we examine the impact of power ramping, number of retransmission attempts, and limitations of the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) on the performance of random access in Long Term Evolution/Long Term Evolution-Advanced networks. We demonstrate that positive feedback exists between the maximum number of retransmissions, age-based power ramping, and PDCCH deficiency. As the result, system capacity is decreased and performance deteriorates abruptly under moderate to high traffic intensity. We show that, under power ramping and default PDCCH capacity, increasing the number of retransmissions beyond 1 or at most 2 does not bring any benefits and, in fact, is detrimental to system capacity. Increasing PDCCH capacity would enable the benefits of power ramping and allow more retransmission attempts. However, increasing the number of retransmissions combined with power ramping, while helpful under moderate to high load, will decrease system capacity.

Evaluation of the traffic signal regulation efficiency of crossroads with unstable transport demand by time

The article describes the results of the research, whose goal is to assess the effectiveness of the traffic light operation at crossroads with unstable transport demand in terms of time and directions. The modern way of cities development consists in creation of sustainable, and, hence, safe, harmless and comfortable environment for residing. This determines the separation of urban and industrial areas, the creation of transport infrastructure, in particular crossroads, which are equipped with traffic lights. As a rule, it is characterized by unstable transport demand in the direction of entry and exit from the territory of enterprises, which causes an inadvertent increase in the idle time of vehicles in the main direction. In the course of experimental studies, the authors found that the crossroads under consideration are parts of the road network that connect the industrial and urban areas, which causes a high traffic intensity in the main areas. At the same time, the share of ineffective resolving phase for entry and exit from the territory of the enterprise reaches 70-80%, which increases the idle time of vehicles in the main direction. The authors proposed an indicator that characterizes the proportion of inefficient operation of the traffic signal.

PCB content in soil and plants along routes with high traffic intensity

PCB content in soil and plants along routes with high traffic intensity

Relationship between the coordination of railway engineering works and the size of disruptions in train traffic

Carrying out renewal or modernization works on a railway line require temporary closures of track sections. An important issue is to plan the works to minimize the traffic disruptions associated with the track closures, but simultaneously limiting the total duration of engineering works. In this paper the influence of works coordination on different track sections on the size of traffic disruptions was examined. The analysis was performed for three different schedules of renewal project on a 30-kilometer section of double-track railway line No. 353 Inowroclaw – Nieszawka. The results of the study indicates that grouping works on many tracks and sections may be beneficial for low traffic intensity, while for high traffic intensity (lines with a high level of traffic capacity utilization) it results in significantly longer travel times and the need to cancel trains).