Local Roads Research Articles

Unregulated Warehouse Truck Traffic and Mitigating Community Noise Impacts

It seems that every year more and more warehouse construction, and the promise of more heavy truck traffic, is occurring across North America. And although U.S. Federal noise standards ensure mitigation of highway truck traffic, when necessary, they are not applicable to more heavy truck traffic on local roads associated with a new warehouse development. Furthermore, most local, and state noise regulations focus on stationary sources and typically do not include enforcement of prescribed noise limits for on-road trucks. And the development of new warehouse developments in suburban and rural areas has amplified community concerns of noise (and air quality) associated with heavy truck traffic on local roads. This paper will include a discussion of the sources of sound associated with a typical new warehouse development, which sources are most concerning to suburban and rural communities based upon recent experiences, how they are typically regulated, what sound level metrics can be used for evaluating those sources, how they can be modeled and mitigated, and how a proactive approach to noise mitigation can lead to the successful approval of a new warehouse project and consensus of the community.

Structural and Mechanical Properties of Modified Hot and Warm Mix Asphalt Concrete

Statement of the problem. The problem of improving the structural and mechanical properties of hot and warm mix asphalt concrete based on mineral materials, produced by Ltd. «PavlovskNerud», Voronezh region, is considered, using the method of polymer-dispersed reinforcement. The effect of the modifier RTEP-M on the resistance of rutting for hot and warm mix asphalt concrete has been studied. Results. By studying hot and warm mixes asphalt with RTEP-M modifier in the amount of 0.3 and 0.6 % by weight in the mineral part, respectively, and the control composition, a significant improvement in structural and mechanical properties was achieved. It is shown that it is possible to increase the resistance of rutting for hot and warm asphalt concrete prepared on local road construction materials by increasing its viscous-elastic properties by using the method of dispersed reinforcement using the Russian additive RTEP-M. Conclusions. The efficiency of using the method of polymer-dispersed reinforcement to improve the structural and mechanical properties of hot and warm asphalt concrete based on local mineral materials has been proven. It is shown that the addition of the RTEP-M modifier to the mineral part of hot and warm asphalt concrete mix in the amount of 0.3 and 0.6 % by weight, respectively, improves the rutting resistance of the road surface. It has been proved that by applying the method of polymer-dispersed reinforcement, it is possible to optimize the properties of warm asphalt concrete for its use in hot climatic conditions for the introduction of warm technologies instead of hot ones in the construction and repair of road surfaces.

Development of Pavement Condition Index for Local Street of Pune

The project titled "Development of Pavement Condition Index for Local Streets of Pune" aims to assess the condition of local streets in Pune and develop a comprehensive and reliable index to measure pavement condition. The study involves field surveys to collect data on pavement distress and distress severity, followed by data analysis and the development of a new pavement condition index (PCI) specific to the local streets in Pune. The proposed index is expected to provide a standardized and objective approach for evaluating pavement conditions and prioritizing maintenance and repair activities. The study is expected to contribute to the development of more efficient and effective pavement management strategies for local streets in Pune, ultimately leading to improved road safety, reduced maintenance costs, and increased user satisfaction. Key Word: Pavment Condition index (PCI).

Non-unimodal and non-concave relationships in the network Macroscopic Fundamental Diagram caused by hierarchical streets

Unimodal, concave relationships between average network productivity and accumulation or density aggregated across spatially compact regions of urban networks—so called network Macroscopic Fundamental Diagrams (MFDs)—have recently been shown to exist on homogeneous street networks. When present, MFD relationships facilitate the modeling of traffic congestion at a regional level and have led to the development of various regional traffic control strategies. However, real street networks are not homogeneous—they generally have a hierarchical structure where some streets (e.g., arterials) promote higher mobility than others (e.g., local roads). This paper examines how the presence of hierarchical roadway structures may potentially cause non-unimodal patterns in a network's MFD. These are observed using three types of tools: analytical models of simple network structures, simulations of various idealized roadway networks, and empirical data. The impacts of street hierarchy depend on how vehicles use different roadway types to move within the network; i.e., their routing strategy. The findings suggest that the presence of roadway hierarchies may lead to MFDs that have non-unimodal or non-concave patterns on the free-flow branch when vehicles route themselves according to user equilibrium principles, which is closest to what would be observed in realistic situations. Such patterns are contrary to what is traditionally assumed in most MFD-based modeling frameworks. However, the unimodal and concave MFD should be expected under system optimal routing conditions that maximize network productivity for a given traffic state.

Measuring Access to Services of General Interest as a Diagnostic Tool to Identify Well-Being Disparities between Rural Areas in Europe

The gradual reorientation of rural policy paradigms away from competitiveness and economic growth and towards well-being and sustainability creates a need for more appropriate diagnostic tools to assess disparities and policy outcomes. One of the most cited determinants of rural well-being is access to Services of General Interest. Areas with relatively poor access to services can be described as “inner peripheries”, and peripherisation literature provides helpful insights into the challenges faced and policy needs. This paper presents a methodology for modelling and mapping access to a suite of ten key services, covering all of Europe at a 2.5 km grid square level. The approach is intrinsically relative, comparing the travel time to services from each grid square with the average for surrounding regions. Maps are provided for 2017 and 2021, and changes between these dates are described. ‘Inner peripheries’ are found in every country, their configuration being influenced not only by geographical features, but also by service delivery practices. Further analysis explores patterns of risk, identifying areas in which service provision is in a precarious position. The results presented are rich in practical policy implications, not least the suggestion that, in terms of patterns of well-being, local roads are at least as important as trunk infrastructure.

Association between short-term air pollution exposure and traumatic intracranial hemorrhage: pilot evidence from Taiwan.

The detrimental effects of air pollution on the brain are well established. However, few studies have examined the effect of air pollution on traumatic brain injury (TBI). This pilot study evaluated the association between short-term air pollution exposure and traumatic intracranial hemorrhage (TIH). Hospital data of patients with TBI following road traffic accidents were retrospectively collected from the electronic medical records at five trauma centers in Taiwan between 1 January and 31 December 2017. TIH was employed as an outcome measure. All road accident locations were geocoded, and air quality data were collected from the nearest monitoring stations. Air pollutants were entered into five multivariable models. A sensitivity analysis was performed on patients who are vulnerable to suffering TBI after road accidents, including motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Among 730 patients with TBI, 327 had TIH. The ages of ≥65 [odds ratio (OR), 3.24; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.85-5.70], 45-64 (OR, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.64-4.15), and 25-44 (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.13-2.84) years were identified as significant risk factors in the multivariable analysis. In the best-fit multivariable model, exposure to higher concentrations of particulate matter ≤ 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5) was associated with an elevated TIH risk (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.17-1.94). The concentration of nitrogen oxides (NOX) did not increase the risk of TIH (OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.32-0.61). After categorizing the air pollution concentration according to quartile, the trend tests in the multivariate model showed that the concentrations of PM2.5 and NOX were significant (p = 0.017 and p < 0.001, respectively). There was a negative borderline significant association between temperature and TIH risk (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.56-1.00, p = 0.05). Notably, the single-vehicle crash was a significant risk factor (OR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.30-3.42) for TIH. High PM2.5 concentrations and low temperatures are risk factors for TIH in patients with TBI. High NOX concentrations are associated with a lower TIH risk.

Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design for Low-Volume Roads Impacted by Freeze–Thaw

Low-volume roads (LVRs) make up more than half the centerline mileage in the United States and most of these roads are not designed. Instead, a standard thickness is used for all roads or a rough catalog is used to determine the thickness of the pavement layers. The Cornell University Local Roads Program worked with local highway agencies in New York State to develop a mechanistic-empirical (ME) pavement design tool that overcomes the limitations of expertise and time of most LVR highway officials but takes advantage of their knowledge of the LVRs within their jurisdictions. The goal was to use existing information and apply it to the limited design related to LVRs. The tool developed, RoadPE: LHI, uses two common pavement-fatigue criteria—surface tensile strain and subgrade vertical strain—with simplified inputs and built-in trend analysis to determine the thickness of the asphalt layers for overlaid, mill and filled, rehabilitated, and reconstructed LVRs. An ME-based tool will allow highway managers to prepare better designs that account for real-world variations.

Uncertainties in determining the responses of reinforced flexible pavements using in-situ tests

A 225m long full-scale testing lane was constructed at a local road in Australia to evaluate the performance of the flexible pavements over a weak soft subgrade. The pavements were reinforced with three types of geosynthetic products: High-density polyethylene (HDPE) geogrid, HDPE geocomposite and fibreglass geocomposite. The road was divided into 15 sections with different configurations such as the thickness of the base course, reinforcement types and locations, and base course materials. A series of in-situ tests were conducted on each section to compare the behaviour of the pavement structures, such as the moduli of the subgrade, base course and asphalt layer. The comparison shows that there is a large variation in the properties of the structures and great uncertainties in determining the properties even within the sections with the same configuration. When the base course is weaker, the FWD tests may be able to detect the effect of the reinforcements below the asphalt seal layer. Smaller plates are recommended when determining the modulus of thinner base course layers using FWD or LWD tests to minimize the influences from the subgrade.

Factors prompting and deterring suicides on the roads.

In addition to the devastating impact on the individual and their families, suicides on the roads can cause distress and harm to other people who might be involved in a collision or witness an attempt. Despite an increased focus on the characteristics and circumstances of road-related suicides, little is known about why people choose to end their lives in this way. The aim of the current study was to investigate the factors prompting and deterring the decision to attempt suicide on the roads. We conducted a secondary analysis of survey data, as well as seven in-depth qualitative interviews. Participants had lived experience of suicidal ideation or behaviour at a bridge or road location. We also carried out an online ethnography to explore interactions in different online communities relating to this method of suicide. Participants perceived a road-related suicide to be quick, lethal, easy and accessible and to have the potential to appear accidental. The proportion of participants who described their thoughts and attempts as impulsive appeared to be higher than had been observed with other method choices. The potential impact on other people was a strongly dissuasive factor. Measures designed to prevent access to potentially lethal sites may be particularly important, given that many participants described their thoughts and behaviour as impulsive. In addition, fostering a culture of care and consideration for other road users may help to dissuade people from taking action on the roads.

Road Accident Severity Prediction using Machine Learning

Road accidents have become a major concern globally, causing a significant number of fatalities and injuries every year. The aim of this project is to predict road accidents severity using machine learning techniques, in order to reduce their occurrence and mitigate the associated risks. The project uses data collected from various sources such as accident reports, weather conditions, and road infrastructure to train and evaluate various supervised learning algorithms and predict the accident severity. Four algorithms were compared, including Decision Tree, Naive Bayes, Random forest . Most probably occurring road accident locations are identified and that particular region is indicated as black pot. The proposed method can be used to provide real-time risk information to road users, helping them to make informed decisions and avoid potential accidents. The project highlights the importance of using machine learning techniques in road safety analysis, providing a foundation for further research in this field

English

One of the major issues currently facing developing countries is heavy urban traffic. Growing volumes of through traffic is often attributed to traffic flow challenges. To improve traffic flow in the city centre, bypass roads or alternative routes are being investigated. These Bypass/alternate routes divert through traffic away from town centers leaving local streets to local traffic. This paper aims to explore the feasibility of such a proposed route to serve as an alternative route or bypass to ease the traffic congestion in the cities of Kottayam and Changanassery in terms of expected divertible traffic. On the basis of the engineering survey and the traffic survey of the proposed route, the necessary improvements and the up gradation to two-lane standards are also recommended.

Road Sign Board Direction and Location Extraction and Recognition for Autonomous Vehicle.

Road Sign Board Direction and Location Extraction and Recognition for Autonomous Vehicle.

Updating forest road networks using single photon LiDAR in northern Forest environments

Abstract Knowledge about the condition and location of forest roads is important for forest management. Coupling accurate forest road information with planning and conservation strategies supports forest resource management. In Canada, spatial data of forestry road networks are available provincially; however, they lack spatial accuracy, and up-to-date information on key attributes such as road width is missing. In this study, we apply a novel approach to update forest road networks and characterize road conditions in Ontario’s Boreal and Great Lakes—St. Lawrence (GLSL) Forest regions. We use airborne laser scanning (ALS), to facilitate the identification of forest roads across densely forested landscapes. We categorized roads into four classes based on driveable width, edge vegetation, as well as surface and edge degradation as derived from high-density Single Photon LiDAR (SPL) data. Using a novel road extraction method, we produced a road probability raster and map road centerlines. We validated road location and attribute information using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) ground truth data in two Ontario forest management units, in the boreal forest and the GLSL. Road segments in some regions have been altered to account for land cover changes, such as flooding or fallen trees. In other situations, the road path may deviate from the planned layout of the road, which is not always followed in the field. Our results highlight inaccuracies in the existing road networks, with 30 per cent of ‘Full access’ roads and 29 per cent of ‘Partial access’ roads being undriveable by standard vehicles and 45 per cent of ‘Status unknown’ roads, which make up 48 per cent of the pre-existing network, being driveable by standard vehicles. Results show that the average positional accuracy of updated road centerlines is 0.4 m, and the average road width error is 2 m. The production of spatially accurate forest road networks and road attribute information is important for characterizing large road networks for which often minimal information is available.

Identification of adequate sample size for conflict-based crash risk evaluation: An investigation using Bayesian hierarchical extreme value theory models

The use of traffic conflict-based models to estimate crash risk and evaluate the safety of road locations is a popular direction for road safety analysis. However, a challenging issue of traffic conflict-based crash risk modeling is the selection of an appropriate sample size. Reliable conflict-based crash risk models typically require a large sample size which is always very difficult to collect. Further, when choosing a sample size, the bias-variance trade-off of model estimation is a constant concern. This study proposes an approach for identifying an adequate sample size for conflict-based crash risk estimation models. The appropriate sample size is determined by checking the model convergence and its goodness-of-fit. A quantitative approach for objectively testing the model goodness-of-fit is developed. Both the trace plots and the variation tendencies of Brooks-Gelman-Rubin statistics of parameter simulation chains are examined to inspect the model convergence. A graphical method is also used to check the model goodness of fit. If the model has not converged or fits poorly, then additional samples are required. The proposed method was applied to identify the adequate sample size for a Bayesian hierarchical extreme value theory (EVT) block maxima (BM) model using traffic conflict data from four signalized intersections in the city of Surrey, British Columbia. The indicator, modified time to collision (MTTC), was used to delineate traffic conflicts. A series of stationary and non-stationary Bayesian hierarchical BM models were developed using the cycle-level maximums of negated MTTC. The adequate sample sizes of stationary and non-stationary Bayesian hierarchical BM models were determined separately. Further, two methods of increasing the sample size (i.e., extending the observation period and combining data from different sites) were compared in terms of goodness-of-fit as well as crash estimate accuracy and precision. The results show that for both stationary and non-stationary models, the sample size used is adequate for model convergence and goodness-of-fit. Moreover, adding covariates to the stationary Bayesian hierarchical BM model does not affect the size of the required sample. Extending the observation period outperforms combining data from different sites in terms of goodness-of-fit as well as crash estimation accuracy and precision of non-stationary models. This is likely related to the existence of unmeasured factors that could impair model estimation and inference when merging data from several sites to augment the number of samples. Overall, the findings of this study can be applied to examine whether available data is adequate and the amount of additional data required for producing reliable statistical inference.

Optimizing timber transportation planning for timber harvesting using bees algorithm in Malaysia

Suitable extraction technique and the least cost while reducing the environmental impact is the primary concern in timber transportation planning in undulate topography. Two types of extraction machines with unique characteristics to be applied in timber harvest area in Malaysia is combined for timber harvesting with the aim each machine will extract timber suitable to their ability. A Bees Algorithm (BA) was proposed to find an optimum TTP for timber extraction, forest road, and landing locations with grid cell-sized 10 m × 10 m and attributed with fixed and variable costs. The result shows the log fisher (1351 timbers) as a preferable extraction technique with total cost of RM 86,551.73 than the crawler tractor (206 timbers); the timber extraction route is 2630 m for the log fisher and 9860 m for the crawler tractor with total cost of RM 10,453.03. The model finds a suitable timber extraction technique and estimates the extraction costs. Further studies are required to compare the BA with other optimization methods for better results.

КОМБІНОВАНІ ВОДОПРОПУСКНІ СПОРУДИ ТУНЕЛЬНОГО ТИПУ ДЛЯ ДОРОЖНЬОГО ГОСПОДАРСТВА

The paper consist developed the method of arranging combined structures used as foundations for fragments of regional and local roads over small streams and spillways, which combine the functions of standard monolithic slab-type bridge structures and floodgate box structures. The proposed method is a more reliable alternative to modern standard solutions in the form of prefabricated concrete spillways or non-pressure pipes of a round cross section, which are installed over natural and artificial barriers ofshort length. In addition, the proposed constructive solution can have a dual use –as a floodgatein normal mode and a temporary shelter (reinforced concrete dugout) for the civilian population at the time of the air raid. Have been detailed described the proposed design solution, have been developed a finite element model of the stress-strain state of a structure, taking into account soil conditions under the action of a complex of loads, including temporary effects from wheeled vehicles. Have been localized the sections of the structures where the largest tension. Have been proposed a rational variant of their reinforcement. Have been confirmed the reliability and effectiveness of the proposed design solutions in the process of analyzing the results of finite element modeling.Have been generalized practical experience in the design and construction of a combined tunnel-type structure in the Dzhugastra village, Kryzhopilskyj district, Vinnytsia region. Have been described the technological sequence of performing construction and installation works on the installation of a structure according to the methodology proposed by the authors of the article

Impact Evaluation of Network Structure Differentiation on Traffic Noise during Road Network Design

To evaluate the characteristics of traffic noise under different network structures, an evaluation method is established to clarify the mechanism of traffic noise impacted by variational network structures. First, a stochastic user equilibrium (SUE) model considering intersection delays is developed to allocate traffic flows of different network structures, and a flow-based univariate noise prediction model is used to simulate network noise distribution. Secondly, differentiation indexes including the coefficient of inhomogeneity (COI) and the concept of Lane Area Ratio (LAR) are set to quantify the network structure differences. Finally, a structural equation model (SEM) is developed to investigate the influence mechanism of network structure differentiation on traffic noise. The following conclusions are obtained: (1) The impact of network density differentiation on traffic noise is mainly reflected in the changes of road traffic flow and speed. Traffic noise decreases as the network density increases. In this case, when network density increases by 1 km/km2, traffic noise decreases by 1.6 dB. As network density increases, which means a dispensation of traffic flow, traffic noise is diminished by a reduction in traffic flow and speed. (2) The impact of road spatial location differentiation on traffic noise mainly depends on the number of noise sources. Traffic noise increases with the dense distribution of roads. In this case, when the COI increases by 1, the traffic noise increases by 3.0 dB. A higher COI indicates that the region will be exposed to more noise sources, which leads to traffic noise raises. The study can provide an effective basis for traffic noise control at the initial stage of network planning.

The impact of local protests on political elite communication: evidence from Fridays for Future in Germany

ABSTRACT The Climate Strike Movement (or Fridays for Future) is one of the most prominent transnational protest movements nowadays. In this paper, I examine the reactions of politicians to this movement to answer the research question: To what extent have German Members of Parliament (MPs) been responsive to local environmentalist street protests by focusing their attention on the Climate Strike Movement and Environmental Policy? To this end, I apply dictionary-based quantitative text-analytical tools to study German MPs’ political communication through 292,949 Facebook posts and 43,644 parliamentary debates between September 2017 and February 2020. Focussing on the effect of the first global climate strike in March 2019 and leveraging varying protest frequencies between the electoral districts, I show that MPs are responsive to protest events in their districts. More local street protest events in an electoral district led to more attention to the Climate Strike Movement and Environmental Policies by political representatives associated with that district. Comparing different discursive arenas, I show how politicians adjust their communication according to the arena’s audience, with protests affecting the political attention to environmental policies more in parliamentary debates than on social media.

Impartiality and fair play revisited

Impartiality and fair play revisited

A Study On the Effectiveness of Rolling Barrier System at Straight Road and Curved Road: A Review

The rolling barrier system is part of the road safety infrastructure that is used to improve and maintain road safety. It is also possible to overcome and reduce the number of crashes. A rolling barrier is a type of safety device that not only absorbs but also converts shock energy into rotational energy, thereby preventing fatal accidents for drivers and passengers. A rolling barrier should be installed in areas where vehicles are frequently collided. By absorbing shock energy, a rolling barrier will safely guide a vehicle back to the road or stopped the vehicle. This study was built on the findings of a previous study to determine the effectiveness of a rolling barrier system for use on both straight and curved roads. This research focuses on a new invention, the rolling barrier system, as opposed to the traditional barrier, in order to learn more about its mechanism and function. The study's scope was limited to focusing on the implementation of the rolling barrier system on straight and curved roads. According to the previous study, straight and curved roads have the highest incident rates compared to other types of roads. The Rolling Barrier System was strategically installed in three high-risk areas with a high incidence of fatal traffic incidents. The three high-risk road locations that require additional safety are straight roads, curving roads, and hilly roads, which are the most important locations to place Rolling Barrier Systems in order to decrease high-risk accidents and fatalities while also improving road safety. There are four types of roads that are appropriate for implementing a Rolling Barrier System. The Rolling Barrier types are straight roadside Rolling Barriers, curved roadside Rolling Barriers, steep roadside Rolling Barriers, and median Rolling Barriers.