Highway Reconstruction Research Articles

Dynamic Stability Control Criterion for an Asphalt Surface Course under Different Traffic Volumes

To control the rutting resistance of a semi-rigid-base asphalt pavement under different traffic volumes, a rutting test is conducted to simulate the actual pavement internal temperature field on full-depth asphalt surface course samples excavated from different sections (different corresponding traffic volumes) and rutting depths in an expressway reconstruction and extension project. The relationship between dynamic stability and rutting depth on the main lane is analyzed. The dynamic stability control criteria, which are dynamic stabilities corresponding to 15 mm rut depth, to fit the traffic volumes of different sections are determined. The accumulative equivalent axles of different sections are collected and calculated. The relationship between the dynamic stability control criterion of each section and its accumulative equivalent axle is analyzed to obtain a fitting equation. A dynamic stability control criterion for the asphalt pavement structure at heavy traffic level is suggested based on this fitting equation. Afterward, a method of determining the dynamic stability control criterion for the entire asphalt surface course under different traffic volumes is recommended.

Application of Non-pressure Reinforced Concrete Pipes in Modern Construction and Reconstruction of Highways

Modern highway construction technologies provide for the quality water discharge systems to increase facilities’ service life. Pipeline operating conditions require the use of durable and reliable materials and structures. The experience in using reinforced concrete pipes for these purposes shows their utilization efficiency. The present paper considers the experience in the use of non-pressure reinforced concrete pipes manufactured by the German company SCHLOSSER-PFEIFFER under the Ural region geological and climatic conditions. The authors analyzed the actual operation of underground pipelines and effective loads upon them. A detailed study of the mechanical properties of reinforced concrete pipes is necessary to improve their production technology and to enhance their serviceability. The use of software-based methods helped to develop a mathematical model and to estimate the strength and crack resistance of reinforced concrete pipes at different laying depths. The authors carried out their complex research of the strain-stress behaviour of reinforced concrete pipes and identified the most hazardous sections in the structure. The calculations performed were confirmed by the results of laboratory tests completed in the construction materials, goods, and structures test center. Based on the completed research, the authors formulated their recommendations to improve the design and technology of non-pressure reinforced concrete pipes.

Analysis of Limiting Speed and Traffic Capacity at Central Median Opening during Freeway Reconstruction and Extension

As “operating while constructing” model is widely used in the freeway reconstruction, in this paper, by analyzing the traffic conversion characteristics of vehicles, influence factors of the median opening capacity to build limited speed at median openings calculation model were respectively discussed, empirical formula and reference values of limiting speed at the median opening were given. And the median opening limiting traffic capacity of expression was given under the condition of different limiting speeds.

Stability Analysis on Cataclastic Rock High Slope of Highway Reconstruction in Eastern Yunnan Province

This study on right side roadbed slope (No.2 Zhu-gen mountain) project relies on K33+020~K33+240 of Xiao-Long highway in mountain areas of eastern Yunnan province. Research focus on cataclastic rock slope stability of highway reconstruction project and strength degradation of saturated cataclastic rock. With sandstone sampling by ultrasonic-rebound combined method, mechanical and deformation behavior of natural samples and saturated samples were tested by the dynamic tri-axial instrument of MTS815.04. On the factors of experimented data, field data and field condition, numerical simulation analysis on slope stability by MIDAS was took. Results shows that factors of saturated samples as compressive strength decreased 31.12%, cohesion decreased 22.47%, angle of internal friction decreased 28.57% and elastic module decreased 28.98%, for which is water-sensitive rock. Slope safe factor on natural state was 1.7625 and on saturated state was 0.5125 after excavating, which demonstrates that slope was stable on natural state and unstable on saturated state. The results provide guidance for slope protection and construction.

Application Research of High Modulus Asphalt Mixture Using Hard Grade Binder

Hard grade binder was the most effective method to achieve the high modulus asphalt mixtures. Taking advantage of the project of the reconstruction and extension of Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao highway, the proportioning design, road performances, mechanical performances and construction processes of high modulus asphalt mixture using 20 Pen grade binder were studied during the construction of the test section. Results showed that high modulus asphalt mixture was not a binder substitution, a specialized design methodology and construction techniques are also needed.

Operational and Safety Performance Investigation of Skew Superelevation Runoff

Hydroplaning and the corresponding hydroplaning speed of a vehicle are critical road safety concerns. To avoid hydroplaning, nine technical measures are available. One of the most effective is the construction of skew superelevation runoff at the critical pavement section of a highway, especially in highway rehabilitation and reconstruction projects. The concept was introduced in the German RAS-L design guide of 1984; its implementation is found mainly in central European countries. Skew superelevation runoff was adopted in recent freeway projects, some of which are reconstructions of existing two-lane highways into freeways to address identified sections with high potential for hydroplaning. Its use under normal traffic has resulted in concerns about its safety and comfort effectiveness. To investigate the operational and safety performance of the constructed skew superelevation runoffs, accurate triaxial acceleration measurements were carried out on the Korinthos-Patra freeway in Greece for a combination of vehicles and speeds along these skew superelevation runoff sections. Resulting limitational thresholds were shown to be adequate for safe operation of the skew superelevation runoff. Vehicle occupant comfort thresholds, however, are narrow and require specific additional construction improvements when design values are not observed.

基于自助收费的高速公路收费车道扩容最优化方案设计及实施

针对高速公路大修工程中需增加收费车道受工程红线限制问题，结合无人值守自动发卡机操作简便、自动安全、机身轻薄等优势，研究分析自动发卡机在高速公路改造工程中应用方案及效果；该方案为实现沪嘉高速公路改造中收费站扩容改建目的，利用自动发卡装置替代原有人工发卡，突破常规收费车道限制增加车道，节约占地空间，并利用自动化手段提升收费通行效率。该工程运行后，通行量显著提升，安全性也得以保证，表明该方案适用于高速公路改造中增设车道情况，可推广应用至场地有限的已有或新建高速公路中，免除土地征用、结构改建、搬迁等制约因素，减少人力、财力投入，并有效提升通行效率，具有突出的应用前景和推广价值。 In order to increase the highway overhaul engineering charge lane restricted by engineering red line problem, a scheme using automatic card machine is proposed for Hujia expressway recon-struction in Shanghai. The application and effect of the Automatic Card Machine were analyzed. The scheme is for the realization of the Hujia expansion and reform of the highway toll station renovation, which uses automatic card device to replace the original artificial hairpin and saves space. The automated ways also enhance the efficiency. Hujia expressway project has been oper-ated for nearly a year. The results of gaining a significant traffic number boost and ensuring safety at the same time show that the proposed scheme is especially suitable for the reform of the highway added lanes. This scheme can be applied to the limited space of existing or new highway, avoid rebuilding and relocating of land requisition, structure constraints, so as to save money, manpower and effectively improve the traffic efficiency, which has the outstanding application prospect and spreading value.

Evaluation of a Nontraditional Approach to Fund, Finance, and Manage Metropolitan Freeways

The purpose of this paper is twofold: ( a) to present a nontraditional, performance outcome–based public–private partnership (PPP) approach to finance and fund freeway reconstruction that relies not just on generating new revenue but also on optimizing scope and costs to achieve financial viability and ( b) to demonstrate how the approach can be evaluated for a specific project with an innovative value for money (VfM) assessment method that considers financial parameters, risk elements, and social benefits. The paper assesses the potential effects of the approach for a hypothetical project on ( a) the public agency’s financial position and ( b) public welfare. For this assessment, the effects of the project itself are assessed first by comparing conventional delivery of the project with “no build,” assuming that the project can be conventionally delivered in the same time frame as the PPP. Next, the effects of project acceleration are assessed by analyzing the effects of delaying conventional project delivery because of the public agency’s fiscal constraints. Finally, the PPP approach is compared with conventional delivery using public financing. The evaluation approach demonstrates how current VfM analysis practice may be enhanced by ( a) including a quantitative assessment of public welfare benefits and ( b) considering “no build” operations and maintenance cost savings to assess the net effect on the financial position of the agency.

Analysis and prevention of sinkhole collapses during the reconstruction and extension of Guang-Qing freeway, china

The Guang-Qing freeway reconstruction and extension project is located in Guangdong province, China, extending from Guangzhou city to Qingyuan city. The total project length is 57.6 km, 33 km of which is in a karst area where sinkhole collapses are common. Therefore, there were concerns about the safety and security of the roadbed, bridge piles, and other structures associated with the original roadway. The study addresses karst development, covering layer (overburden), and external factors that contribute to catastrophic sinkhole collapse along the project. The study found that the formation of sinkhole collapses is affected significantly by the degree of karst development and soil characteristics, including thickness. Collapses may be triggered directly by external factors that disturb the natural equilibrium. Such factors include heavy rainfall that impacts soil and groundwater conditions, as well as vibration and groundwater flow disruptions that are caused by pile construction and other engineering activities. Prevention measures were adapted to local conditions and optimized based upon safety, reliability and cost-effectiveness.

Models of Long Term Forecasting of Surface Waters State in Reconstruction of Highway

The main prediction models of surface waters state in highways reconstruction are given. Balance, one-component and two-component water quality models used in long-term forecasting in the reconstruction of highways are considered in detail. Two and three dimensional equations of turbulent diffusion as well as the longitudinal dispersion equation with specifying boundary conditions are presented.

Study of the Mean Value of the Non-stationary Acoustic Emission at Reconstruction of Highways

The main statistical characteristics of non-stationary acoustic processes are considered in the given article. The key dependences necessary to estimates the mean value of the acoustic non-stationary emission and the mean values of squares of the non-stationary random radiation process are presented. Particular attention is paid to the correlation functions of the non-stationary random process. The current, local and average statistical characteristics of non-stationary acoustic processes are identified.

Integrating 4D modeling and discrete event simulation for phasing evaluation of elevated urban highway reconstruction projects

Elevated urban highway reconstruction projects have complex geometry and limited space available, which may lead to spatiotemporal clashes. In addition, maintaining an acceptable flow of traffic without compromising safety in highway construction zones is another major issue for planners. This paper proposes a new method for generating and assessing reconstruction phasing plans and calculating the probability of stochastic spatiotemporal clashes associated with the optimal feasible phasing plan. A phasing plan assessment approach using a constraint-based system and 4D modeling is presented to define the feasible sequences in which the segments can be constructed or demolished. The result of this step is an optimal feasible phasing plan that meets a set of predefined constraints and creates no spatiotemporal clashes. This plan is then examined to calculate the probability of potential stochastic spatiotemporal clashes, which may happen when the variability of construction and demolition durations is considered, and to recommend the starting date of operations to minimize the probability of these clashes. The feasibility of the proposed method is explored through a case study.

Highway-user fees for overweight trucks: Consequences of deviations from the fourth-power law

ABSTRACTIn updating road-user fees, highway agencies are motivated by the twin objectives of equity and efficiency. The concepts of marginal pavement consumption cost (MPCC) and the fourth-power law have been used in past research in a bid to establish efficient and equitable user fees. Over the past few decades, the use of the fourth-power law has faced some criticism that the actual power of the relationship between loading and pavement deterioration deviates significantly from 4.0. In addressing this issue, this article presents a methodology that investigates the consequences of the power variations to the estimated MPCC and the distributional (equity) impacts of road-user fees for overweight (OW) trucks. The methodology incorporates practical schedules of highway maintenance, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. The analysis suggests that there are extremely small differences between the MPCC values that result from using different values of the exponent in the power law. However, different values of the exponent in the power law result in significantly different equity impacts. This article demonstrates that the equity impacts are moderate in the case of OW trucks whose individual axles are loaded close to standard axle weights. For OW trucks that are loaded within 10% of the maximum permissible weight, this article estimates that variation of the power value from 3.0 to 5.0 results in a 1%–10% surplus or deficit of their road-user charges.

Life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions associated with a highway reconstruction: a New Jersey case study

A comprehensive greenhouse gas (GHG) life-cycle assessment was conducted for a large highway reconstruction project in New Jersey. The GASCAP model was used to determine the total life-cycle GHG emissions associated with the materials used, construction equipment, mobilization of resources for the project, traffic disruption during construction, and materials used for life-cycle maintenance. The focus of the case study was to determine the relative share of these various components, as well as the importance of accounting for non-CO2 GHG emissions. Results suggest that non-CO2 emissions are substantial enough that they should be included and that various smaller material components, not just those associated with materials in the pavement should also be included. For this specific case-study, traffic disruption was a minor component of total emissions, though this result will differ depending on project and road network details. GHG emissions associated with this reconstruction project account for about 20% of the total emissions expected to be generated from traffic using the highway over a 50 year lifetime.

Pavement damage cost estimation: a synthesis of past research

In order to generate the funds needed for preserving highway infrastructure, highway agencies impose various types of fees on road users. For purposes of efficiency and equity, user fees must reflect appropriately the share of pavement damage occasioned by each vehicle class. This paper presents a review of the state of practice of pavement damage cost estimation, identifies the drawbacks in past approaches and makes suggestions for enhancement. The paper explains how past highway pavement damage cost estimation studies were plagued with a number of debilitating limitations, ranging from the lack of appropriate data or unrealistic or impractical assumptions, to inadequate consideration of criteria that influence such costs. The paper demonstrates that, for the equitable and efficient estimation of pavement damage cost, the methodology used should be comprehensive. In other words, it should clearly distinguish between strength-driven and capacity-driven expenditures; make use of relevant historical agency cost and traffic data spanning a sufficient length of time; incorporate realistic highway agency maintenance, rehabilitation, and reconstruction practices; and recognise that pavements in any network are not uniform but rather have different ages, surface types and functional classes. Other desirable features of a pavement damage cost estimation study include the use of an appropriate road use measure, due consideration of all the relevant costs associated with pavement damage and incorporation of the effectiveness of maintenance and rehabilitation treatments.

Visible Project Management System for Highway Construction Based on 3D Virtual Reality and Information Technology

The visualizing technology of project management is the most effective method for improving highway construction management and monitoring. In this paper, based on the analysis of the highway construction engineering project management needs such as comprehensive visualization, visual progress management, visual measurement management, visual safety management, visual monitoring requirements, etc. and combining the operational requirements of highway construction project management, the visual project management system is established using the three-dimensional virtual and information technology, including project management platform and visualization display platform, in order to achieve visible and controllable project construction and management process. The visualization project management system has been preliminarily applied to the process of expressway reconstruction project. The example analysis showed that the visualization project management system can be a better way for the expressway reconstruction project management services, which can effectively improve the level of construction projects.Keywords: Highway construction;Visible project management system;Three-dimensional (3D) virtual Reality;Information technology

Optimal Staging Area Locations and Material Recycling Strategies for Sustainable Highway Reconstruction

AbstractHighway reconstruction consumes large amounts of energy and material resources and at the same time produces significant quantities of emissions during material processing, transportation, and site construction. Sustainable highway reconstruction requires strategies that optimally utilize recycled or virgin material from supply locations (e.g., existing roadway, material markets), assign material use in reconstruction process, select fixed staging area(s) and mobile unit location(s) to process material, and ship the material to the destinations (e.g., markets, landfills, highway construction sites). We present a decision support system based on a network optimization model that determines (i) optimal locations of fixed staging areas and mobile processing units and (ii) optimal material recycling and shipment strategies that minimize the total cost for material procurement, transportation, staging area and mobile processing unit investment, and CO2 equivalent (CO2e) emissions. A hypothetical case study of a 35‐mile reconstruction project was conducted to test the performance of the model and to draw insights on how different system parameters influence the optimal staging locations, recycled material use, and traffic management plan. It was found that the use of mobile processors and/or recycled material can have significant impacts on hauling costs, emissions, and optimal locations of staging areas.

Old and New Embankment Splicing Technology in Highway Reconstruction Project

In order to make a better convergence of old and new roadbed,according to treatment technology about highway reconstruction project of new and old roadbed lap,we introduced the four good construction technology detailedly used in the construction process. Four kinds of processing technology can significantly reduce differential settlement caused by road diseases,and strengthen the widening subgrade integrity.The results show that the appropriate cutting slope and excavation steps, a good degree of compaction, the rational use of geosynthetic materials, the use of the use of high quality packing can make the new and old roadbed integrity, achieve good effect of design and construction and reduced the incidence of disease.

PRIORITY PROGRAMMING FOR HIGHWAY RECONSTRUCTION

An adequacy rating procedure was developed for use in priority programming for highway reconstruction. The procedure makes use of 15 roadway and traffic elements to rate highway sections in urban and rural areas based on a 100-point scale. Condition elements (35 points) include a subjective rating of highway foundation, pavement surface, drainage, and maintenance economy. Safety elements (35 points) are stopping-sight distance, highway alignment, skid resistance, accident experience, and traffic-control devices. Service elements (30 points) include shoulder width, passing opportunity, rideability, surface width, volume-capacity ratio, and average speed. Some of the advantages of the new procedure include computerized analysis of all input data and detailed output summaries. All highway sections are referenced by milepoints, reference points, and federal-aid route numbers. The procedure incorporates the 1978 design standards. New adequacy concepts include the use of the rate-quality control method for accident analysis, a formal rating scheme for traffic-control devices, and a rating of lane width based on design level of service. Other advantages include measured skid numbers and a roadway-condition rating guide for subjective evaluations of six different roadway elements. /Author/

Cadastral justification of land allotment in highway projects

This article deals with the land allotment for construction of new highways and reconstruction of existing highways and their subsequent use. On the basis of current methods in highway sphere the parameters of sanitary protection zones after reconstruction of state highways have been defined in accordance with the parameters of international auto transport corridors in open terrain. The functional land zoning of auto transport corridors has been developed and the parameters of their rights of way have been defined with the appliance of environmental measures. The roadsides of various technical categories have been defined according to the directions of auto transport corridors with regard to the use of adjacent areas. The dimensions of reserved areas of auto transport corridors with implementation of environmental and public health protection measures have been justified, considering highway protection from the negative impact of processes and phenomena in the adjacent areas. The results of the research can be applied in planning of the network of international highways. Cadastral justification of land allotment will enable the rational use of the territory in road projects.