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OCR for page 106
106
strain for large scale production of CMA was conducted
at the University of Georgia. However, the product of
this research was not chemically pure CMA. Its calcium
and magnesium content and its purity varied from that
previously tested in the laboratory. Consequently, the
environmental impacts of CMA produced by this method
for economical, large scale production may not have been
comparable to the results of the previous laboratory stud-
ies done by Caltrans.
Research was needed on a regional and geographic basis
to determine any long-term (multiyear) environmental
impacts of CMA produced by the preferred process. Ad-
ditional laboratory, as well as control plot, studies were
necessary to address the environmental aspects of this
new material. Field studies to investigate the transport
and environmental fate of CMA as a highway deicer were
needed to identify and document field erects.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the transport
and environmental fate of CMA as a highway deicing
chemical. Research is complete; the results of laboratory
and controlled field plot studies are documented in
NCHRP Report 305, "Environmental Monitoring and
Evaluation of Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA)." This
published report also contains recommended procedures
for field monitoring that can be performed by potential
users of CMA.
AREA 5: ILLUMINATION AND
VISIBILITY
Project 5-2(1) FY '63
Effects of tItumination on Operating Charac-
teristics of Freeways- Traffic Flow,
Driver Behavior, and Accidents
Research Agency:
Principal Invest.:
Elective Date:
Completion Date:
Funds:
Yale University,
Bureau of Highway Traffic
Fred W. Hurd
Feb. 15, 1963 Feb. 1, 1967
May 31, 1966 July 31, 1967
$124,319 $21,530
Because of insufficient information on the requirements
in freeway illumination, thorough research needs to be
performed. A scientific basis for warrants and design cri-
teria for use in installing continuous and localized lighting
on freeways is needed, as is evaluation in terms of benefits
and costs.
A 5-mile segment of the Connecticut Turnpike in the
Bridgeport area was selected for the study site. The light
intensity was changed to reflect illumination at both the
0.2 and 0.6 average horizontal footcandle levels. The same
study area has been used for Projects 5-2~2) and 5-2~3~.
Yale University has evaluated the day and night op-
erating characteristics of traffic flow, driver behavior, and
accidents. Traffic characteristic data from more than
400,000 picture frames were transferred to punched cards
and analyzed by an electronic computer. Information was
obtained on lane use, variation of placement and velocity,
headway distributions, vehicle clustering by type, and use
of the on-ramp. Evaluations of day and night accident
data and traffic volume data have been made.
The project report has been published as: NCHRP
Report 60, "Erects of Illumination on Operating Char-
acteristics of Freeways."
Project 5-2(2) FY '63
Effects of lltumination on Operating Charac-
teristics of Freeways Driver Response,
Visibility, and Visual Discomfort
Research Agency:
Principal Invest.:
Elective Date:
Completion Date:
Funds:
The Ohio State University
Dr. Thomas H. Rockwell
Dr. H. Richard Blackwell
February 15, 1963
August 31, 1965
$81,187
The objectives of this research supplemented Project
5-2~1), the accent in this contract being on the charac-
teristics of driver response, visibility, and visual discom-
fort.
The results presented in the project report have been
combined with the results of Project 5-2~1) and have been
published as: NCHRP Report 60, "Effects of Illumination
on Operating Characteristics of Freeways."
Project 5-2(3) FY '63
Effects of ItIumination on Operating Charac
teristics of Freeways-Driver Discomfort
Research Agency:
Principal Invest.:
Effective Date:
Completion Date:
Funds:
The Institute for Research at
State College, Pennsylvania
Dr. Paul M. Hurst
February 20, 1963
February 2S, 1966
$37,460
As with Project 5-2~2), this research complemented that
of Project 5-2~1~. This study was concerned with only
one aspect, that of driver comfort as related to anxiety
as measured under various lighting conditions.
The results presented in the project report have been
combined with the results of Project 5-2~1) and have been
published as: NCHRP Report 60, "Erects of Illumination
on Operating Characteristics of Freeways."
OCR for page 107
107
Project 5-3 FY '64
Visual Information Needed by the Driver at
Night
Research Agency:
Principal Invest.:
Elective Date:
Completion Date:
Funds:
The Ohio State University
Dr. Thomas H. Rockwell
Dr. Ronald L. Ernst
September 1, 1964
March31,1967
$100,940
This research was designed to determine minimum in
formation necessary to maintain control stability ant
identify the information which is normally used.
The project report has been published as: NCHRP
Report 99, "Visual Information Needed by the Driver al
Night."
Project 5-4 FY '64
Economic Study of Roadway Lighting
Research Agency:
Principal Invest.:
Elective Date:
Completion Date:
Funds:
The Franklin Institute
Arno Cassel
July 20, 1964
August31, 1965
$19,412
The purpose of this project was to determine capital
cost ranges and operating costs for prevailing light sources
in relation to type of luminaire distribution system and
light intensity on the pavement.
The project report has been published as: NCHRP
Report 20, "Economic Study of Roadway Lighting."
Project 5-5 FY '65
Nighttime Use of Highway Pavement Deline-
ation Materials
Research Agency:
Principal Invest.:
Effective Date:
Completion Date:
Funds:
Southwest Research Institute
John M. Dale
Mar. 1, 1965 July 15, 1967
Dec. 31, 1966 Sept. 15, 1969
$50,000 $100,000
In this study, ways of improving delineation of road-
ways under wet and dry conditions by either improving
techniques utilizing existing materials or developing new
materials and techniques were investigated.
The project report on the laboratory phase of the re-
search has been published as: NCHRP Report 45, "De-
velopment of Improved Pavement Marking Materials-
Laboratory Phase."
The purpose of the continuation phase was to further
develop, optimize, and field test the new marking system
that emerged from the initial research effort. The project
report on the field phase of the research has been pub-
lished as: NCHRP Report 85, "Development of Formed-
in-Place Wet Reflective Markers."
In addition to the final report, a motion picture film,
"Pavement Marking Materials," was produced describing
the results of the research. Loan copies of the film are
available from the TRB Audio-Visual Library (see final
page of this section for ordering information).
Project 5-5A FY '71
Development of Optimum Specifications for
Glass Beads in Pavement Markings
Research Agency:
Principal Invest.:
Effective Date:
Completion Date:
Funds:
The Pennsylvania State University
Dr. Luke M. Shuler
May. 1, 1971
June 30, 1973
$99,350
This study was a continuation of recommended re-
search based on the findings of Project 5-5 as reported
in NCHRP Report 45.
Specific objectives were to:
1. Review and analyze world-wide research and prac-
tices involving the use and manufacture of traffic marking
beads.
2. Identify those variables that markedly influence the
effective utilization of glass beads in pavement markings.
Evaluate these variables by laboratory and field tests as
required in order to rate them in terms of their influence
on the effectiveness and serviceability of delineation under
actual traffic conditions. Field tests are to include mea-
surements of wet-nighttime reflectivity.
3. Determine the capability and economics of produc-
ing glass beads of specified gradation, composition, shape,
flow properties, color, etc.
4. Develop practical specifications and criteria for the
selection and use of beads for reflectorizing traffic paint
markings.
5. Evaluate for one or more states the probable benefits
that would accrue should the proposed specifications be
adopted in place of current specifications.
The research included a survey of current practice and
field applications of test lines using a variety of paint film
thicknesses and glass bead samples. A quantitative study
was also undertaken of the retroreflective characteristics
of glass beads in horizontal markings by calculations
based on general mathematical optical theory.
The final report was not published in the NCHRP
report series; however, microfiche of the report may be
purchased (see final page of this section for ordering
inflation.
OCR for page 108
108
Project 5-5B FY ,72
Pavement Marking Systems for improved
Wet-Night Visibility Where Snowplowing
is Prevalent
Research Agency:
Principal Invest.:
Effective Date:
Completion Date:
Funds:
Texas A & M University
Research Foundation
Dr. William M. Moore
September 1, 1971
December 31, 1974
$200,000
The objectives of this research were:
1. Develop one or more innovative concepts for pave-
ment marking systems that are practical, economical, and
effective under nighttime wet-pavement conditions and
compatible with snowplowing.
2. Conduct a laboratory and controlled field evaluation
of the systems) developed in objective 1 and demonstrate
its (their) practical and economic feasibility.
Interim reports submitted in September 1972 and Oc-
tober 1973 described the development and testing of the
"first generation" markers and the development of the
"second generation" markers modified in accordance with
the findings from the first winter field tests. The second
generation marking systems were tested at sites in Col-
orado, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Texas.
The research has been completed, and the final report
will not be published; however, microfiche of the report
may be purchased (see final page of this section for or-
dering information).
Project 5-6 FY '68
Highway Fog
Research Agency:
Principal Invest.:
Effective Date:
Completion Date:
Funds:
Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory
W. C. Kocmond
K. Perchonok
October 2, 1967
April 30, 1969
$99,955
The objectives of this research were: (1) to review past
and current research of warm and cold fog as it affects
highway operation; (2) to prepare a state-of-the-art sum-
mary of the review to include, but not be limited to, fog
abatement, guidance systems, measures of visibility, and
effect on traffic operations; (3) to determine the day and
night fog levels (standards of visibility) that produce sig-
nificant detrimental effects on driver performance and
traffic operations; (4) to explore the feasibility of warm
and cold fog abatement and vehicular guidance systems
under highway conditions; and (5) to suggest ways and
means of obtaining maximum effectiveness of systems to
combat reduced visibility due to fog.
The research has been completed, and the final report
has been published as: NCHRP Report 95, "Highway
Fog."
Project 5-6A FY '70
Highway Fog
Research Agency:
Principal Invest.:
Effective Date:
Completion Date:
Funds:
Sperry Rand Corporation
James O. Dyal
Richard T. Brown
William H. Heiss
September 1, 1970
May 31, 1973
$93,540
This research was a continuation of NCHRP research
in the general area of highway fog. The major objectives
of the research were to:
1. Analyze the highway fog problem and determine
the day and night fog levels (standards of visibility) that
produce significant detrimental effects on driver perform-
ance and traffic operations.
2. Explore the feasibility of active and passive guidance
systems for freeways and expressways that will inform
and warn the motorist of prevailing roadway fog and
traffic conditions ahead, and guide and control traffic
more safely and conveniently through the fog area.
The research was addressed principally to the first ob-
jective and developed a measurable fog visibility index
and related this index to potential actions that can be
taken to eliminate or minimize the detrimental effects of
fog.
The research has been completed, and the final report
has been published as: NCHRP Report 171, "Highway
Fog Visibility Measures and Guidance Systems."
Project 5-7 FY '69
Roadway Delineation Systems
Research Agency:
Principal Invest.:
Effective Date:
Completion Date:
Funds:
The Pennsylvania State University
Dr. J. I. Taylor
October 1, 1968
June 30, 1971
$469,526
The objectives of this research were: (1) to review past
and current research pertaining to roadway delineation;
(2) to prepare a state-of-the-art summary of the review;
(3) to detains the driver's delineation requirements dur-
ing various conditions, such as traffic, weather, highway
geometry, and illumination; (4) to establish rational tech-
niquets) for determining the effectiveness and any detri-
mental side effects of delineation treatments and, using
the techniquets) established, evaluate existing and pro-
posed delineation systems; (5) to test the more promising
delineation systems; (6) to develop practical criteria for
the selection o~f~elineation treatments, including factors
of cost effectiveness and maintenance problems; and (7)
to compare the physical characteristics and performance
of colored pavements with those of conventional asphalt
and Portland cement pavements.
OCR for page 109
109
The research has been completed, and the final report
has been published as: NCHRP Report 130, "Roadway
Delineation Systems."
Project 5 8 FY '70
Warrants for Highway Lighting
Research Agency:
Principal Invest.:
Effective Date:
Completion Date:
Funds:
Texas A & M University
Research Foundation
Neilon J. Rowan
Ned Walton
March 16, 1970
February 15, 1973
$198,875
The specific objectives of this project were to:
1. Review and analyze world-wide research and prac-
tice in roadway lighting. Prepare a state-of-the-art sum-
mary of the review.
2. Develop requirements for a suitable visual environ-
ment to be obtained by fixed roadway lighting for safe
and efficient traffic operations. Provide guidelines for the
design of fixed roadway lighting to obtain this environ-
ment.
3. Evaluate the possible benefits derived when a suit-
able visual environment is provided by fixed roadway
lighting.
4. Determine warrants (the minimum conditions) for
where fixed roadway lighting systems should be installed
for continuous lighting and at specific locations including,
but not limited to, interchanges and intersections.
5. Analyze the role of cost-effectiveness and other eval-
uation techniques in (a) establishing the need for fixed
roadway lighting, (b) setting priorities for fixed lighting
projects, and (c) evaluating alternative designs of lighting.
6. Recommend a method of setting priorities for the
installation of fixed lighting.
7. Provide typical examples of where lighting is war-
ranted and demonstrate the practical application of ob-
jectives 1 through 6.
The research has been completed, and the final report
has been published as: NCHRP Report 152, "Warrants
for Highway Lighting."
Project 5-9 FY '81
Partial Lighting of Interchanges
Research Agency: KETRON, Inc.
Principal Invest.: Michael S. Janoff
Effective Date: December 1, 1980
Completion Date: January 31, 1983
Funds: $199,999
The objective of this research was to determine the
effectiveness of partial lighting of interchanges and to
develop recommendations for its use. A methodology was
developed for evaluating the effectiveness of partial light
ing relative to no lighting and to complete lighting of
interchanges. The methodology is based on measures of
visibility (e.g., illumination, roadway luminance, and a
visibility index), and traffic characteristics (e.g., ramp
speed, acceleration, and erratic maneuvers). The dual
function that lighting serves in alerting drivers to an up-
coming situation and in providing adequate visibility to
execute the required driver maneuvers was investigated.
The boundary conditions for roadway and traffic char-
acteristics for which no lighting, partial lighting, or com-
plete lighting is appropriate were determined through field
studies at freeway interchanges. A small pilot study to
test the field data collection was completed followed by
the main field study at a site on the Baltimore Beltway.
The project report has been published as: NCHRP
Report 256, "Partial Lighting of Interchanges."
Project 5-10 FY '88
A Mobile System for Measuring RetrorefIec-
tance of Traffic Signs
Research Agency: EKTRON Applied Imaging
Principal Invest.: John Lumia
Effective Date: September 7, 1987
Completion Date: March 7, 1989
Funds: $199,094
Traffic signs are very important components of streets
and highways. Ideally, they help motorists find their way
in a safe manner by providing for the orderly and pre-
dictable movement of traffic. In order for signs to ac-
complish their intended purposes, they must be visible to
the motorists at all times. While sign visibility is generally
not a problem during daylight, at night signs with in-
adequate retroreflectance may not be sufficiently visible
and can contribute to accidents.
Most signs are made from retroreflective materials that
tend to deteriorate over time leading to ineffective per-
formance at night. Consequently, there is a serious need
to establish requirements for sign visibility and to devise
a practical system for evaluating the condition of existing
signs and providing data for decisions on sign replacement
or refurbishment. At the present time, there are laboratory
methods and portable instruments available for measuring
retroreflectance, but easy-to-use mobile systems are not
available. Practical, safe, and cost-effective methods to
measure the retroreflective characteristics of in-situ signs
from a mobile highway unit need to be investigated. The
research requested in this proposal will determine the
feasibility of developing such a system.
The objectives of this project are (1) to develop a system
concept for the rapid assessment of retroreflective effec-
tiveness of signs, and (2) to demonstrate the feasibility of
the system concept by devising and testing a proof-of-
concept model.
The system is to be useful in determining the need for
sign replacement or refurbishing. The system is to be
OCR for page 110
110
capable of measuring the retroreflectance of sign legends
and backgrounds irrespective of color, size, and place-
ment. For safety and economic reasons, it is preferable
that the system be operational during daylight from a
moving vehicle.
To accomplish the objectives, the following tasks will
be conducted:
Task 1 Review the literature dealing with retrore-
flective signs used on streets and highways. This review
shall investigate the various types of retroreflective ma-
terials used, the range of sizes of the various signs, as
well as their locations relative to the roadway. Also, past
and current research on the measurement of retroreflec-
tance and instrumentation used for such measurements
shall be included.
Task 2 Develop a concept for a system of equipment
and procedures for the rapid assessment of retroreflective
effectiveness of signs. The system concept should accom-
modate the impact of changes in daylight, speed, and
geometries during in-motion measurements.
The system shall be designed to:
Produce sign retroreflectance readings at a low unit
cost (capital and operating), per sign.
Evaluate signs of various sizes, colors, and position-
~ng.
Operate in a manner that does not pose a danger to
the operator or the passing motorist.
Be sufficiently reliable to allow highway agencies to
comply with existing and/or pending reflectance
regulation.
. Produce retroreflectance output in units of candelas
per foot-candle per square foot.
. Be capable of being operated by highway mainte-
nance technicians during daylight with a minimum
amount of calibration needed.
Prepare and submit for approval an interim report de-
scribing the conceptual system design and a plan for the
laboratory to be used in Task 3. The interim report shall
be submitted within 4 months after the research begins.
Task 3- Select a suitable system components and de-
sign a system, including required computer software for
data collection and reduction. Build a breadboard model
for proof-of-concept testing.
Task 4 Conduct laboratory tests to evaluate the sys-
tem's performance and capabilities, modifying the system
design and model as necessary. Perform measurements
on representative signs under day and night conditions
at varying distances and orientations. Compare these mea-
surements with those obtained using conventional meth-
ods (Federal Test Method Standard 370, ASTM E-810,
FP-85~.
Task 5 Develop an implementation plan for produc-
ing an operational prototype system capable of measuring
retroreflectance of in-situ signs from a moving vehicle
during daylight. This plan shall include:
. Statement of work including the tasks to be per-
formed.
. Proposed budget.
. A list of required system performance specifications.
Estimate of the final (production) system capital and
operating cost.
Task 6 Prepare a Final Report
Tasks 1 through 3 have been completed, and work is
underway on Task 4. The project panel met to review the
interim report and has approved additional funds to eval-
uate a laser range finder at the breadboard stage.
Project 5-11 FY '89
Implementation Strategies for Sign
Retroreftectivity Standards
Research Agency:
In developmental stage
Principal Invest.:
Effective Date: (27 months)
Completion Date:
Funds: $200,000
Traffic signs are very important components of streets
and highways. Ideally, they help motorists find their way
in a safe manner by providing for the orderly and pre-
dictable movement of traffic. For signs to accomplish their
intended purposes, they must be visible to the motorists.
Although sign visibility is generally not a problem during
daylight, signs with inadequate retroreflectivity may not
be sufficiently visible at night and can contribute to ac-
cidents. In the context of this research, retroreflectivity
is intended to encompass the characteristics of legibility,
visibility, and conspicuity.
On April 26, 1985, the Federal Highway Administra-
tion published an Advance Notice of Proposed Amend-
ment to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
as the initial step in developing performance standards
for in-service, retroreflective, traffic-control devices. Since
then, research has been initiated to determine minimum
visibility requirements for traffic signs that will satisfy
the needs of the nighttime driving population. In addition,
research is underway to develop field measurement tools
to determine whether a specific in-service traffic sign
meets given retroreflectivity levels.
However, before retroreflectivity standards can be im-
plemented, their potential economic impact must be as-
sessed. Further, any adverse effects of such standards
should be mitigated. The results of this project will pro-
vide alternative strategies for economical ways to improve
the effectiveness of signs within available resources.
The objective of this project is to determine the eco-
nomic consequences of alternative standards for retro-
reflective traffic signs. Accomplishment of the objective
will involve collection of retroreflectivity data on repre-
sentative traffic signs in diverse geographic regions. Study
areas will include both urban and rural roadways and
will be large enough to adequately represent a range of
Representative terms from entire chapter:
principal invest
