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McDaniel,C. C. WA-RD 639.1 Seismic Assessment and Retrofit of Existing Multi-Column Bent Bridges 2006 TRAC/WSU
Abstract:
The main objective of this research was to assess the seismic vulnerability of typical pre-1975 WSDOT prestressed concrete multi-column bent bridges. Additional objectives included determining the influence of soil-structure-interaction on the bridge assessment and evaluating the effects of non-traditional retrofit schemes on the global response of the bridges. Overall this research highlighted the vulnerability of non-monolithic bridge decks and shear-dominated bridge columns in pre-1975 WSDOT prestressed concrete multi-column bent bridges as well as the importance of including soil-structure-interaction, calibrating the force/displacement characterization of the columns to experimental test data and detailed modeling of the bridges such as expansion joint/girder interaction. In the end, the seismic assessment of bridges is a cost/efficiency issue. Each bridge is different, therefore, investing in improved analyses up front will enable an efficient use of the limited funds for bridge improvement, resulting in a significant savings overall.

Authors:
McDaniel,C. C.

Keywords:
WSDOT, prestressed concrete, multi-column bent, bridges, seismic assessment, retrofit


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Senn,L. WA-RD 624.1 Summary Report: Washington State Road Weather Information Systems 2005 TRAC/UW
Abstract:
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has deployed advanced weather systems and products to support maintenance operations and to provide public information. The expanded system has tremendously improved the availability and quality of weather information for WSDOT crews and the traveling public. Use of current and forecast weather information has increased from nearly non-existent to an actively used, Department-wide resource. This summary report overviews the various efforts, products, and reports generated since the beginning of the road weather project.

Authors:
Senn,L.

Keywords:
availability, information systems, maintenance, public, public information, quality, Road Weather Information System, System, systems, transportation, Washington, Washington state, weather prediction, winter road maintenance, WSDOT


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External Links:
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/624.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/600/624.1.htm
Pearson,W. H. WA-RD 614.1 Protocols for Evaluation of Upstream Passage of Juvenile Salmonids in an Experimental Culvert Test Bed 2005 WSDOT
Abstract:
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and its partner agencies developed a research program to design new and retrofit culverts. The goal of this program is to identify culvert bed configurations, designs, and associated hydraulic conditions that allow successful movement of juvenile salmonids upstream, while safely passing water, sediment, and debris downstream. WSDOT, in cooperation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), constructed a culvert test bed at the WDFS's Skookumchuck Hatchery in western Washington State. Battelle conducted experiments to establish protocols for future research on bed conditions, culvert shape, etc. This technical report describes various protocols, such as time of day, duration of test, and density of test fish, and provides hydraulic and biological characterizations of a baseline culvert.

Authors:
Pearson,W. H., Richmond,M., Johnson,G., Sargeant,S. L.

Keywords:
agencies, condition, culvert, culvert passage, culvert test bed, culverts, density, design, developed, evaluation, experimental, fish, ITS, juvenile salmonid, juvenile salmonid passage, program, research, retrofit, salmonids, transportation, Washington, Washington state, wildlife, WSDOT


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External Links:
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/614.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/600/614.1.htm
Malone,S. WA-RD 602.1 Information Tools to Improve Post-Earthquake Prioritization of WSDOT Bridge Inspections 2005 TRAC/UW
Abstract:
University of Washington researchers developed information tools to increase the speed and efficiency of Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) post-earthquake response and recovery efforts. The researchers upgraded the Pacific Northwest Seismograph Network (PNSN) ground-motion processing software to rapidly generate and disseminate "ShakeMaps," which are maps of earthquake intensity. The researchers also implemented two procedures to estimate the likelihood of slight (or greater) bridge damage; these procedures are based on the intensity of earthquake shaking (obtained from the ShakeMaps) and on each bridge's location, year of construction, and bridge type (obtained from the Washington State Bridge Inventory). The first procedure, developed at the University of Washington, is based on observations of bridge damage from the 2001 Nisqually earthquake. The second procedure is contained in the Federal Emergency Management Agency HAZUS software for predicting the lowest level of damage. Shortly following an earthquake, e-mail and pager alert messages will be sent to WSDOT personnel notifying them of the preliminary earthquake magnitude and epicenter. ShakeMaps and a prioritized list of bridges (ranked by likelihood of bridge damage) will be available on a Web server at the University of Washington and will be pushed to a WSDOT FTP server.

Authors:
Malone,S., Eberhard,M. O., LaBelle,J., Ranf,T.

Keywords:
bridges, damage, earthquakes, fragilities, inspection, ShakeMap, Washington, speed, Washington state, transportation, WSDOT, software, earthquake, bridge, construction, management


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External Links:
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/602.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/600/602.1.htm
Kopf,J. WA-RD 619.1 Measurement of Recurring and Non-Recurring Congestion: Phase 2 2005 TRAC/UW
Abstract:
In 2003, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) initiated a research effort to develop and test a methodology for estimating congestion delay on Seattle area freeways. The initial phase of the research developed a preliminary methodology for both measuring congestion and assigning that congestion to specific lane blocking incidents. In Phase 2 of this study, that methodology was automated and extended to include an examination of the effects of incidents occurring on the shoulders of the freeway, spillback from incident-caused congestion on one freeway that affects a second freeway that feeds traffic onto the initially congested facility, special events, and weather. Because funding for this effort was extremely limited, only three corridors (with both directions analyzed independently) and two months of data were analyzed. The project found that the Phase 1 methodology works well in assigning traffic congestion that occurs in the immediate time frame and geographic location of incidents to those incidents. It also showed that this process can be automated, making the data preparation effort now the primary determinant of the cost of additional work of this kind. Unfortunately, even with the addition of shoulder incidents, special events, and weather to lane blocking events, the automated process is unable to assign a significant proportion of the non-recurring delay occurring on Seattle freeways. The detailed analysis of freeway performance showed that much of the delay caused by specific incidents occurs in places or at times removed from the incident itself. The result is that much of the observed non-recurring delay can not be assigned to specific causes by the current analytical process. New analytical procedures will need to be developed in Phase 3 of this work. The Phase 2 analysis also confirmed that the congestion effects of specific incidents and other traffic disruptions are highly dependent on the background traffic conditions at the time of the disruption. While the Phase 2 analysis did not produce all of the results desired, the additional analyses showed that the summary statistics output from the Phase 2 software are useful as input to other analytical procedures.

Authors:
Kopf,J., Nee,J., Ishimaru,J. M., Hallenbeck,M. E.

Keywords:
congestion causes, freeway performance, traffic congestion, Washington, Washington state, transportation, WSDOT, research, methodology, congestion, seattle, freeway, developed, incident, Study, effects, traffic, facilities, corridors, data, project, cost, analysis, performance, in-place, condition, statistics, software


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External Links:
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/619.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/600/619.1.htm
Hill,K. WA-RD 621.1 Roadside Vegetation Management Study: Literature Review, Interview Summaries, and Decision Framework 2005 TRAC/UW
Abstract:
This study was conducted for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to explore both the need for and the variety of alternatives to the use of an annual application of herbicides for removing vegetation in the area immediately adjacent to the pavement edge. Our study approached these questions in two different ways, developing both a literature review and a set of interviews with people who have specific knowledge or views of these issues. We conducted interviews with three groups of people to identify issues, maintenance alternatives, and significant literature references: (1) staff at other federal, state, and county transportation agencies, (2) staff and volunteers who work with advocacy groups, and (3) researchers at academic institutions who specialize in related areas. Our literature review contains a set of citations that present related management issues and alternative practices. The abstracts for these references were included when available. To summarize what we learned from the interviews and literature sources, we developed a decision framework that could be used to guide WSDOT district maintenance staff in formulating management plans for vegetation. The decision framework differs from current practice primarily in that it begins with the assumption that maintenance of the area immediately adjacent to the pavement is not necessary unless some particular, observable condition triggers the need for such maintenance.

Authors:
Hill,K., Horner,R. R.

Keywords:
agencies, Alternative, Annual, best practices, condition, counties, developed, environmental management, framework, group, herbicides, integrated vegetation management (IVM), interviews, Issues, maintenance, management, pavement, pavement edge, research, review, road ecology, roadside, roadside maintenance, roadside vegetation, Study, transportation, vegetation management, Washington, Washington state, weeds, WSDOT, Zone 1


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External Links:
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/621.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/600/621.1.htm
Dailey,D. J. WA-RD 603.1 TrafficTV 2005 TRAC/UW
Abstract:
TrafficTV is a traffic and traveler information resource available on cable television (UWTV2 Channel 76). It began operation June 1, 1998, as part of the SmartTrek Operational Deployment under the name Traffic Channel. The SmartTrek evaluation of May 2001 identified several problems with Traffic Channel and recommended some improvements. This project made those changes and renamed the application TrafficTV. A series of meetings was held in June 2003. These meetings involved personnel from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Northwest Region, WSDOT Advanced Technology Branch, WSDOT Olympia office, the University of Washington's UWTV, and the UW Intelligent Transportation Systems Research Program. From these meetings came a set of recommended changes. These changes were made to TrafficTV and are documented in this report. Battelle Institute conducted a focus group in May 2004 to evaluate the resulting program. This focus group concluded that TrafficTV is a useful traveler information tool but has not had sufficient public exposure to make it widely known to the traveling public. A market penetration audit conducted by Media Audit in June and July 2004 indicated that when viewers were asked about TrafficTV, over 94,000 had seen the program within the last week. This was deemed surprisingly high, given the lack of external exposure and that viewers would have found TrafficTV only by word of mouth or by "channel surfing." Again, a conclusion of the audit was that additional exposure would make TrafficTV more valuable as a traveler information tool. As a result of the publicity recommendations, a banner has been added to the North West Region's traveler information page to alert users to the availability of TrafficTV.

Authors:
Dailey,D. J., Bradbury,J.

Keywords:
traveler information, cable TV, Intelligent transportation system, congestion information, traffic, evaluation, Washington, Washington state, transportation, WSDOT, intelligent transportation systems, systems, research, program, group, public


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External Links:
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/603.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/600/603.1.htm
Carlson,D. WA-RD 616.1 WSDOT's Role in TDM: Strategic Interest, Structure, and Responsibilities 2005 TRAC/UW
Abstract:
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has posed several questions about its role in transportation demand management (TDM), including how it defines TDM, what its strategic interest in TDM is, how TDM relates to its transportation goals, what responsibilities it should assume, and how it ought to structure itself to implement TDM. WSDOT hired a research team at the University of Washington Evans School of Public Affairs to answer these questions, describing the current TDM environment, interviewing key stakeholders, and recommending approaches in each area. The research team found that TDM measures can enable the movement of more people and goods over existing and future state roads at far less capital, political, and environmental cost than construction of new highways. Among its recommendations are that WSDOT should do the following: · Call out TDM as an explicit framework for managing and increasing the person throughput of the existing state transportation system. · Take the lead in developing a TDM "brand," which will serve as a universal identifier for TDM campaigns at the local, regional, and state levels. · Set targets for the number of people-not vehicles-moving through key corridors during peak periods and targets for the number of people choosing to not drive alone in key corridors during peak periods. · Develop TDM Priority Areas where state transportation investments are linked to local transit-efficient land uses.

Authors:
Carlson,D., Hill,Z., Simmons,J., Atchison,A.

Keywords:
TDM, transportation demand management, WSDOT


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External Links:
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/616.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/600/616.1.htm
Li,J. WA-RD 588.1 Application of HDM-4 in the WSDOT Highway System 2004 TRAC/UW
Abstract:
This project performed extensive study and systematic research on the application of the Highway Development and Management system (HDM-4) to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) highway system. Data processing, testing, calibration, and analysis were executed to provide the WSDOT with a new budget planning tool. HDM-4 flexible pavement deterioration models were calibrated with the assistance of the Washington State Pavement Management System. A method to calibrate concrete pavement distress models is proposed. This research also explored the application of HDM-4 analysis at the project, program, and strategic levels. The applications include prediction of pavement conditions during a defined analysis period, calculation of required budgets for optimal pavement conditions and maximum economic indicators, establishment of optimized work programs under varying levels of constrained budgets, and other applications for WSDOT.

Authors:
Li,J., Muench,S. T., Mahoney,J. P., Pierce,L., Sivaneswaran,N.

Keywords:
HDM-4, models, pavement maintenance, pavement management, pavement performance, Pavement preservation, vehicle operating costs, research, highway, development, management, management system, Washington, Washington state, transportation, WSDOT, data, calibration, analysis, planning, pavement, deterioration, concrete, program, applications, prediction, condition, indicators


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External Links:
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/588.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/500/588.1.htm
Kristof,T. WA-RD 597.1 Assessing the Benefits of Traveler and Transportation Information Systems 2004 TRAC/UW
Abstract:
The goal of advanced traveler information systems (ATIS) is to provide travelers with information that will facilitate their decisions concerning route choice, departure time, trip delay or elimination, and mode of transportation. The benefits of ATIS projects can be evaluated through field studies, simulation software, and surveys. An evaluation method called the ITS Deployment Analysis System (IDAS) is suggested for use by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). IDAS is a "sketch" planning tool intended for screening and prioritizing all intelligent transportation systems (ITS) projects (not just ATIS projects). The software evaluates a number of benefits. These are determined by changes attributable to the deployment of ITS in vehicle miles traveled (VMT), vehicle hours traveled (VHT), volume-capacity (v/c) ratios, and vehicle speeds throughout a given network. The IDAS evaluation depends on a number of assumptions that affect the calculations of costs and benefits. The IDAS developers recommend that these assumptions be inspected by local agencies and adjusted to better represent local conditions. The assumptions about the impacts on VMT, VHT, v/c ratios, and vehicle speed are particularly important. Consequently, suggestions are made within this report for adjustments that WSDOT should make to these default values. These values will allow the WSDOT to successfully employ IDAS for ATIS evaluation.

Authors:
Kristof,T., Lowry,M., Rutherford,G. S.

Keywords:
advanced traveler information systems, agencies, analysis, Assessing, ATIS, ATIS benefits, ATIS evaluation, benefit, benefits, condition, cost, costs, Deployment, evaluation, IDAS, impact, impacts, information systems, Intelligent transportation system, intelligent transportation systems, ITS, ITS Deployment Analysis System, planning, prioritizing, project, research, software, speed, Study, survey, Surveys, System, systems, transportation, traveler information, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT


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External Links:
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/597.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/500/597.1.htm
Igharo,P. O. WA-RD 580.1 In-Service Performance of Guardrail Terminals in Washington State 2004 St. Martin's College/WSDOT
Abstract:
This research study was conducted to evaluate the in-service performance of existing guardrail end treatments and unrestrained pre-cast concrete barrier in Washington State. For a selected area of the state highway system over a one-year period, local area maintenance personnel were tasked to document incidents, including extent of damage and repair costs, into a database using NCHRP Project 22-13 methodology. Additional information (accident severity, e.g.) from police reports was gathered from the incidents and added to the database. The installation characteristics measured for Breakaway Cable Terminals (BCT) and Slotted Rail Terminals (SRT), along with the related crash data for these devices, showed overall acceptable performance when struck. Review of the incident severities, together with the displacement and damage data on struck barriers in the study area, revealed no significant difference in BCT and SRT performance. The installation, damage, and displacement characteristics examined on struck concrete barrier showed that the pin and loop connections were holding well in incidents, and the barrier displacements during incidents were within the WSDOT design specification for such systems.

Authors:
Igharo,P. O., Murphy,J., Glad,R. W.

Keywords:
performance, guardrail, Washington, Washington state, guardrail end treaments, breakaway cable terminal (BCT), roadside safety, slotted rail terminal (SRT), research, end treatment, precast concrete, concrete, concrete barrier, highway, maintenance, incident, damage, repair, costs, cost, database, methodology, accident severity, data, barriers, WSDOT, design, specification, systems


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External Links:
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/580.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/500/580.1.htm
Hieber,D. G. WA-RD 594.1 State-of-the-Art Report on Precast Concrete Systems for Rapid Construction of Bridges 2004 TRAC/UW
Abstract:
More extensive use of precast concrete components, which are fabricated off-site and then connected on-site, could allow bridges to be constructed more rapidly. The increased use of precast components in bridges also promises to increase work-zone safety and reduce environmental impacts for bridges that span waterways. This report discusses precast concrete systems that have been used for rapid bridge construction outside of Washington State and evaluates whether they are suitable for use within Western Washington. The report also identifies key features that are important for successful precast concrete system applications. Information on previously used systems was gathered through an extensive review of published literature. Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) design and construction engineers, precast concrete producers, and bridge contractors were also consulted to obtain their input on the positive and negative aspects of applied systems. Most applications have been used in areas of low seismic potential. By contrast, Western Washington is subject to strong earthquakes. Because precast systems contain connections, and connections are typically vulnerable to seismic loading, a qualitative evaluation of the expected seismic performance of each system was deemed necessary. The researchers identified four types of precast concrete superstructure systems: full-depth precast concrete panels, partial-depth precast concrete panels, prestressed concrete multibeam superstructures, and preconstructed composite units. The four systems appear to have acceptable seismic behavior, but there are concerns associated with constructability and durability. Precast concrete substructure systems have received much less attention than have superstructure systems. The use of precast substructure components can provide significant time savings by eliminating the time needed to erect formwork, fix steel, and cure concrete in the substructure. The success of the system depends strongly on the connections, which must hae good seismic resistance, have tolerances that allow easy assembly, and be suitable for rapid construction.

Authors:
Hieber,D. G., Wacker,J. M., Eberhard,M. O., Stanton,J. F.

Keywords:
bridge, bridges, concrete, construction, multibeam superstructures, precast concrete, precast substructures, prestressed concrete, Rapid construction, state-of-the-art, systems, safety, environmental, environmental impact, impacts, span, Washington, Washington state, applications, transportation, WSDOT, design, seismic, earthquake, seismic loading, evaluation, performance, superstructure, prestressed, seismic behavior, constructability, durability, steel, resistance


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External Links:
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/594.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/500/594.1.htm
Carlson,T. J. WA-RD 590.1 Plan for Pile-driving Research 2004 Battelle Pacific Northwest Division of Battel
Abstract:
This document presents a plan pile driving research based on the issues and needs of the WSDOT and resource agencies and on discussions that took place during an April 2004 pile driving workshop that was sponsored by WSDOT and coordinated by Battelle. The work plan is designed to meet WSDOT/WSF needs for pile driving research and to further understanding of pile driving impacts to aquatic animals in the Puget Sound.

Authors:
Carlson,T. J., Sargeant,S. L., Johnson,G. E.

Keywords:
acoustics, barotrauma, behavior, fish, hearing, pile-driving, research, WSDOT, impacts


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External Links:
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/590.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/500/590.1.htm
Chayanan,S. WA-RD 562.1 Interaction Between the Roadway and Roadside--An Econometric Analysis of Design and Environmental Factors Affecting Segm... 2003 TRAC/UW
Abstract:
The purpose of this research was to explore the relationship between roadway and roadside accidentrates for Washington State highways to improve the Washington State Department of Transportation's(WSDOT) process of modeling roadway and roadside accident rates and to arrive at possible improvements in the efficiency of WSDOT's safety project programming process.The project tested the use of the seemingly unrelated regression estimation (SURE) model to modelthe roadway and roadside simultaneously. The theoretical advantage of the SURE approach is that it does not impose any a priori assumptions on the explicit linkage between roadway and roadside accident rates, and there is no theoretical support for explicit linkage, either. The data used to derive this model were from a random sample of 500 one-mile sections from the Washington State highway system. Traffic dataincluded traffic volumes, truck compositions, AADT, traffic speeds, and other relevant information.Geometric data included lane, shoulder, median, curve, and intersection information. Historical weather data such as monthly precipitation and temperature were collected from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration database.In comparing significant explanatory variables between the roadway accident rate and roadsideaccident rate models, very few variables were common. This confirms that it is preferable to specifyseparate functional forms for roadway and roadside accident rates. Empirical results indicated thatcorrelation between roadway and roadside accident rates was insignificant, indicating that efficiency gainsfrom the SURE model would be minimal. The important finding from a programming standpoint is thatjointly modeling the roadway and roadside simultaneously would not result in significant efficiencyimprovements in comparison to the current state-of-the-practice in Washington State.

Authors:
Chayanan,S., Nebergall,M., Shankar,V., Juvva,N., Ouyang,Y.

Keywords:
roadway, roadside, accident rates, safety programming, research, Washington, Washington state, highway, transportation, WSDOT, modeling, safety, regression, linkage, data, traffic, traffic data, volume, truck, speed, median, temperature, database, models


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External Links:
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/562.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/500/562.1.htm
Avery,R. P. WA-RD 563.1 Central Puget Sound Freeway Network Usage and Performance, 2001 Update 2003 TRAC/UW
Abstract:
This summary report presents an overview of the level of traveler usage (e.g., how many vehicles use the freeways) and travel performance (e.g., how fast they are traveling, where and how often congestion ocurs) on the principal urban freeways in the central Puget Sound area. The freeways studied in this project are managed by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) using its FLOW system, a coordinated network of traffic monitoring, measuring, information dissemination, and control devices that operates on urban state and Interstate highways in the central Puget Sound region. Data presented in this report were collected by the WSDOT's freeway surveillance system. The project that led to this report is intended to meet two separate purposes: 1) to enhance WSDOT's ability to monitor and improve its traffic management efforts on Seattle-area highways, and 2) to provide useful information to the public and decision makers about the status of the freeway system's operational performance. This report is primarily intended to meet the second of these objectives. However, the software developed to assist in freeway data analysis for this project and many of the graphics presented in this report are directly applicable to the first objective.

Authors:
Avery,R. P., Ishimaru,J. M., Nee,J., Hallenbeck,M. E.

Keywords:
analysis, Archived Data User Services (ADUS), congestion, congestion monitoring, control, data, flow, freeway, freeway performance, highway, information dissemination, ITS, management, monitoring, performance, public, research, surveillance, traffic, traffic management, traffic monitoring, transportation, urban, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT


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External Links:
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/563.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/500/563.1.htm
Nee,J. WA-RD 518.1 Evaluation of the Service Patrol Program in the Puget Sound Region 2001 TRAC/UW
Abstract:
The Service Patrol pilot demonstration in Seattle and Tacoma was managed by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and operated by Washington State Patrol (WSP) cadets and contracted registered tow truck operators (RTTOs). Two other roving services, not funded as part of this pilot effort but included to a limited extent in this evaluation, were the roving patrol service provided by WSDOT on the SR 520 and I-90 floating bridges and the privately sponsored motor assistance vehicle from AAA's RescueVan. The evaluation examines how the similarities and differences among the different service delivery modes (e.g., the intensity of deployment, equipment choices, service delivery, costs) affect the impact of the Service Patrol operation on traffic conditions (e.g., reductions in delay) and the level of motorist satisfaction. This report also discusses feedback by the agencies participating in the Service Patrol program on institutional and operational issues that contribute to or hinder the success of the program. Operational characteristics and operating statistics are reported to convey factors that describe program effectiveness. The results of the study indicate that the use of a combination of service providers has benefits that no single provider can duplicate, and the cost implications of changing the program are small enough that any potential savings would be fairly minor. The pilot project resulted in a variety of intangible benefits, such as improved interagency coordination and cooperation, more efficient utilization of personnel, and a better understanding of each partner's roles and contributions toward congestion relief. The positive viewpoint toward the Service Patrol was uniform, regardless the service mode. Therefore, no significant changes to the existing pilot program are recommended at this time.

Authors:
Nee,J., Hallenbeck,M. E.

Keywords:
service patrols, incident response time, traffic delay, traffic safety, research, seattle, Washington, Washington state, transportation, WSDOT, truck, evaluation, floating bridge, bridges, bridge, costs, cost, traffic, condition, program, statistics, benefits, benefit, congestion


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Bolton,S. M. WA-RD 524.1 Ecological Issues in Floodplains and Riparian Corridors 2001 Center for Streamside Studies, UW; TRAC/UW
Abstract:
This white paper examines and synthesizes the literature pertaining to the current state of knowledge on the physical and biological effects of alluvial river channelization, channel confinement, and various channel and floodplain modifications. It also examines and summarizes literature on the mitigation, rehabilitation and restoration of rivers affected by these human modifications. Data gaps in our current understanding of physical and biological process, the effects of human modifications, and appropriate rehabilitation or restoration techniques are also reviewed.The paper overviews ecological and habitat issues associated with streams and riparian zones in Washington State and the Pacific Northwest. The results of the literature review are documented in a synthesis of the ecological and habitat effects of channelization, channel confinement and construction. The physical and morphologic effects of channelization are first reviewed to highlight how habitat templates have been or potentially could be modified. Then, the responses of different groups of organisms (invertebrates, fish, plants, birds, mammals) that are dependent on functional riparian corridors are reviewed. Data gaps in our current knowledge in connecting cause and effects relationships in complex ecological systems are reviewed. The functional importance of hyporheic and perirheic zones in alluvial streams is also reviewed.The paper includes a section on habitat protection and mitigation techniques. Alternative management strategies such as passive (vs. active) restoration, streamside vegetation retention or promotion, and modified in-channel vegetation removal are reviewed. Recommendations by various authors on minimizing impacts during design and construction are also summarized. Preservation ofchannel morphology, incorporation of vegetation into embankments, and alternative bank protection techniques are also explored.In recent years there has been a societal push to rehabilitate and/or restore streams and rivers degraded by channel modifications. The paper ends with a review of large-scale rehabilitation and restoration projects and techniques in the literature.

Authors:
Bolton,S. M., Shellberg,J.

Keywords:
floodplain, riparian, alluvial river channelization, channel confinement, restoration, WSDOT, environmental


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Bash,J. WA-RD 526.1 Effects of Turbidity and Suspended Solids on Salmonids 2001 TRAC/UW and Center for Streamside Studies, UW
Abstract:
Protection of Washington State's salmonids requires that transportation officials consider the effect of suspended sediments released into streams during transportation projects. Many state and provincial criteria are based on a threshold of exceedance for background levels of turbidity. However, determining natural background levels of turbidity is a difficult endeavor. The inconsistent correlation between turbidity measurements and mass of suspended solids, as well as the difficulty in achieving repeatability using turbidimeters contributes to concerns that turbidity may not be a consistent and reliable tool determining the effects of suspended solids on salmonids. Other factors, such as life stage, time of year, size and angularity of sediment, availability of off-channel and tributary habitat, and composition of sediment may be more telling in determining the effect of sediment on salmonids in Northwestern rivers.For short-term construction projects, operators will need to measure background turbidities on a case-by-case basis to determine if they are exceeding regulations. However, transportation projects may also produce long-term, chronic effects.To adequately protect salmonids during their freshwater residence, TSS data on physiological, behavioral, and habitat effects should be viewed in a layer context, incorporating both the spatial geometry of suitable habitat and the temporal changes associated with life history, year class, and climate variability. Spatial and temporal considerations provide the foundation to decipher legacy effects as well as cumulative and synergistic effects on salmonid protection and recovery.

Authors:
Bash,J., Berman,C., Bolton,S. M.

Keywords:
turbidity, salmonids, suspended solids, research, WSDOT, environmental


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Baker,M. J. WA-RD 437.1 Identification And Assessment Of Superior And Inferior Performing WSDOT Pavements 2000
Abstract:
The Washington State Pavement Management System (WSPMS) offers an organized methodology that WSDOT decision makers use to determine optimum strategies for providing and maintaining pavements in a serviceable condition over a given period of time. It also helps improve decision-making efficiency, provide feedback on the consequences of decisions, and ensure the consistency of decisions made at different management levels within WSDOT. Unfortunately, it is not possible, by simply scanning the WSPMS, to pinpoint reasons why pavement sections made of the same general surface materials and subjected to similar traffic and climatic conditions differ in performance. What the WSPMS can do is assist engineers in developing a candidate list of pavement sections with superior and inferior performance. Common characteristics that linkmultiple pavement sections are of particular interest, in part because they may reflect a common practice(e-g., nighttime construction) that leads to superior or inferior performance.This study undertook various extensive analyses and comparisons to help illustrate common attributes of Washington state pavements with superior and inferior performance. The research also reviewed field performance data for Interstate 90 within the 1999 version of the WSPMS. The purpose was to examine all pavement segments on the 480 km of Interstate 90 within Washington state.Reducing variability will allow WSDOT to produce more consistent pavement performance and will allow increasingly effective planning and forecasting. An almost certain byproduct of this increased planning effectiveness will be a more efficient allocation of available funding.

Authors:
Baker,M. J., Mahoney,J. P.

Keywords:
Assessment, condition, construction, data, effectiveness, forecasting, management, management system, materials, methodology, pavement, pavement management, pavement performance, pavement section, pavements, performance, planning, research, superior inferior, System, traffic, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT


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Wetherby,B. WA-RD 462.6 SWIFT - Evaluation Summary 1999
Abstract:
The SWIFT (Seattle Wide-area for Travelers) project was a field operational test of a wide area ITS communications system using a flexible FM sub-carrier High Speed Data System (HSDS). The test was conducted in a partnership with WSDOT, King County Metro Transit, Delco Electronics, Inc., IBM, Seiko Communications Systems, Metro Traffic Control and the Federal Highway Administration. Three devices were used, by the public, to receive the traveler a Delco car radio (capable of providing vector navigation in addition to personal paging and the messages); a Seiko wrist watch pager; and a portable computer (capable of providing graphic displays of traffic advisories and bus positions). After the 15-month test, interviews with the 600 Seattle commuters/participants were conducted to assess user acceptance. A communications study evaluated the adequacy of the HSDS system to disseminate traveler information. Architecture study assessed the effectiveness of the various components to carry out SWIFT operations. institutional issues study documented the history of the project and assessed the institutional issues confronted. A deployment cost study investigated the cost of deployment of a SWIFT system and assessment of potential profitability. The first five reports in this series detail individual aspects of the project.

Authors:
Wetherby,B., Perez,W.

Keywords:
Acceptance, Assessment, bus, computer, control, cost, counties, data, Deployment, effectiveness, evaluation, highway, Institutional, interviews, Issues, ITS, Miscellaneous Library, paging, portable computer, project, public, seattle, speed, Study, SWIFT, System, systems, traffic, traffic advisories, traffic control, transit, traveler information, WSDOT


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Muench,S. T. WA-RD 476.2 Evaluation Of The Transtech Pavement Quality Indicator 1999
Abstract:
Recently, WSDOT acquired a non-nuclear, non-destructive, density measuring device manufactured by TransTech called a Pavement Quality Indicator (PQI). TransTech's PQI measures pavement density indirectly by measuring its dielectric constant. A non-nuclear gauge is advantageous because it contains no radioactive source and is therefore not subject to radiological controls, and it can obtain readings in about 5 seconds versus to 4 minutes with a nuclear gauge. Currently, TransTech is collecting data from different agencies to determine the suitability for measuring asphalt pavement density. This brief study presents density measurements from PQI and compares them with nuclear density gauge and core density measurements from three WSDOT 1998 paving projects. This evaluation was a secondary study to 1998 study Asphalt Concrete Temperature in Washington State; therefore this study's experimental design was based entirely on the Temperature study requirements, which resulted in non-random samples and multiple populations within the same sample groups. Despite these problems, results indicate that, when averaged, PQI readings compare favorably with both nuclear measurements and core measurements.

Authors:
Muench,S. T., Mahoney,J. P., Cawley,B.

Keywords:
agencies, asphalt, asphalt concrete, asphalt pavement, concrete, control, core densities, data, density, design, evaluation, experimental, group, indicator, ITS, nuclear gauge, pavement, pavement quality, pavement quality indicator, population, project, quality, Study, temperature, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT

Leahy,R. B. WA-RD 486.1 Superpave--Washington DOT's Assessment and Status 1999 Civil Construction and Environmental Engineer
Abstract:
Funded by the 1987 Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act, the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP), was a five year, $150 million research program to improve the performance of the nation's roads by addressing four key areas: concrete and structures; highway safety and maintenance; asphalt; and long-term pavement performance. Nearly one-third of the $150 million was allocated for the study of asphalt, specifically to develop performance based specifications that would relate material properties of the binder and the mix to field performance. Superpave (Superior PERforming asphalt PAVEments) encompasses the products of the SHRP asphalt research program and consists of three interrelated elements: an asphalt binder specification with supporting tests; a mix design and analysis system with supporting tests; and performance prediction models. This report is a compilation and synthesis of Washington DOT's (WSDOT) experience with selected components and concepts of the SHRP/Superpave technology to include the following: performance graded (PG) binder usage and specification validation; gyratory mix design; the Superpave Shear Test (SST); and field performance of the Superpave mixes.Binders typically specified by WSDOT (AR400OW and PBAs -2, -5, -6. -6GR) were classified in terms of five Superpave performance grades: PG 58-22; 64-22; 64-28; 64-34; and 70-28. Although data from 171 weather stations suggest that as many as 6 low- and 5 high-temperature grades could be specified, binder availability and regional pavement distress were used to develop guidelines for statewide PG usage. Three binders were recommended for use in the western, northeastern and southeastern regions of the state as follows: PG 58-22; PG 58-34; and PG 64-28, respectively. Validation of the binder specification with respect to low temperature cracking was accomplished using binder and field performance data from 28 projects. The results were very encouraging: the original SHRP algorithm for binder selection correctly "predicted" field performance in 22 of 28 cases, whereas the LTPP algorithm for binder selection correctly "predicted" field performance in 26 of 28 cases.Additionally, a laboratory experiment using the Superpave Shear Test (SST) apparatus was undertaken to test the effectiveness of binder "bumping," i.e., increasing the high temperature grade because of exceptionally high traffic volume and/or slow or standing traffic. The data clearly indicate that the SST is an effective tool for discriminating between binders and that 'bumping" may be effective in reducing pavement rutting. Permanent shear strain for specimens made with a PB 70-xx binder was only 25 to 33% of the shear strain for specimens made with a PG 58-xx binder.As originally configured, the Superpave mix design matrix included seven traffic levels and four temperature regimes for 28 possible compaction levels. Recognizing that the 28 compaction levels made for a somewhat unwieldy system, WSDOT attempted to reduce the number of compaction levels by conducting a series of mix designs at each compaction level. The results of the limited experiment suggest that it might be possible to limit the number of compaction levels required for mix design. Research by Brown et. al. (NCHRP 99) tends to confirm this as they have suggested reducing the number of compaction levels and provided more definitive guidance with respect to each level.Since 1993 WSDOT has place 44 projects which include some component of the Superp ave technology. For 17 of these projects parallel Hveem and Superpave mix designs were conducted. In 13 of the 17 cases, the Superpave design asphalt content was equal to or greater than the Hveem design asphalt content, though the difference was usually no more than 0.2%. A fundamental difference between Hveem and Superpave mix design methods is the compaction device. Data from these field projects indicate that the current kneading and gyratory compaction protocols (at least for 109 gyrations) yield similar air void contents.As noted previously, Washington DOT has placed 44 projects which involve some component of the Superpave technology. For 18 of the projects a conventional Hveem mix design was conducted using a PG binder (Hveem-PG). The remaining 26 projects were truly Superpave, i.e., the materials selection and mix design were established in accordance with the Asphalt Institute's SP2, Superpave Level 1 Mix Design. According to WSDOT practice the following numerical indices trigger maintenance: Pavement Structural Condition (PSC) 10 mm; or International Roughness Index (IRI) > 500 cnVkm. Although relatively "young", the 44 projects are performing quite well. The average values of rutting, PSC, and IRI (4, 91, and 121, respectively) are all well below the "trigger" values. With respect to rutting and PSC, the performance of Hveem-PG and Superpave projects is virtually identical. However, the ride quality of the Superpave projects is a bit rougher than the Hveem-PG binder projects: IRI of 134 for the former and 103 for the latter. The higher values of IRI measured on the Superpave projects may be the result of the typically coarser aggregate gradation or differences in construction techniques.WSDOT's Superpave experience has not been without challenges. Still, its overall experience has been very encouraging. Experimentation with the revised compaction matrix, continued use of the SST, field validation of the "bumping" experiment, and long-term monitoring of field performance will provide the necessary data to allow WSDOTs critical assessment of Superpave's technical merit and economic viability.

Authors:
Leahy,R. B., Briggs,R. N.

Keywords:
SHRP, Superpave, asphalt, intermodal, transportation, transportation efficiency, highway, research, program, performance, concrete, structures, highway safety, safety, maintenance, pavement, specifications, specification, asphalt pavement, pavements, tests, design, analysis, prediction, models, Washington, WSDOT, data, temperature, cracking, LTPP, traffic, volume, compaction, materials, condition, international roughness index, roughness, index, ride quality, quality, aggregate, construction, ITS, monitoring


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Wilson,D. L. WA-RD 374.1 Thin Polymer Bridge Deck Overlays - WSDOT's 10 Year Evaluation 280 1995
Abstract:
This report summarizes WSDOT's 10 year of experience with "epoxy" and "Methl Methacrylate" (MMA) thin polymer bridge deck overlays.

Authors:
Wilson,D. L., Henley,E. H. Jr

Keywords:
bridge, bridge deck, bridge deck overlay, bridge deck repairs, Deck, evaluation, overlay, overlays, polymer, polymer concrete, thin overlay, WSDOT


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Weston,R. F. WA-RD 364.2 Washington Integrated Networked Geo-Based System (Wings) Implementation Plan 1994
Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to provide the Washington State Department of Transportation, Aviation Division (WSDOT/AD) with the broad-based vision needed to apply new and emerging technology in geographic information systems (GIS) to aviation planning and reporting systems.The purpose of this study is to provide the Washington State Department of Transportation, Aviatior Division with the broad-based vision needed to apply new and emerging technology ir geographic information systems to aviation planning and systems. This is the second two reports. report documented the user needs, established data and application priorities, and presented a conceptual design for sharing geographic information pertaining to Washington\'s airports with airport sponsors, the Aviation Administration (FAA), and other WSDOT divisions. report provides an implementation plan. This report builds upon the conceptual design to provide a broad-based implementation plan. Three implementation activities are described in phases. Project organization and staffing requirements for policy, management, technical operations, and technical support are discussed in Section 3. Section 4 addresses the estimated resource requirements for WSDOT to make the implementation of WINGS a success. Included are requirements for personnel, data conversion from a manual to a computer-based system, and hardware. The of the report discusses issues and what next steps are required to begin the implementation of WINGS.

Authors:
Weston,R. F., Sandersen,J., Walker,L. A., Middleton,R.

Keywords:
airports, aviation, aviation planning, data, design, geographic information system, geographic information systems, GIS, implementation plan, information systems, management, manual, planning, policy, project, System, systems, technology, transportation, Washington, Washington state, WINGS, WSDOT


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Dames & Moore- Inca Engineering WA-RD 324.1 Foundation-Soil Interaction Analysis of Bridges - Volumes I and II 478 1993
Abstract:
Dames & Moore And their subcontractor, Inco Engineers, have prepared this Manual of Practice for conducting bridge foundation-soil interaction analyses. The manual is intended to assist engineers in the Bridge Design office at the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) who perform dynamic analysis of bridge-foundation systems. The primary purpose of the manual is to present practical and accurate methods of estimating the foundation stiffness matrices for abutment or pier foundations supported on footings or piles. These matrices are needed for soil-structure interaction analysis to more accurately determine the seismic loads acting on the bridge superstructure and on the abutment and pier foundations.This Manual of Practice consists of two volumes. Volume I presents five bridge example problems:1. Coldwater Creek2. Deadwater Slough3. Ebey Slough4. Northup Way5. FHWAThe first four examples are actual WSDOT bridges and the fifth example is a fictitious bridge that appeared in a 1991 FHWA course notebook on seismic design of highway bridges.Volume II presents the input and output files of the SEISAB computer program for the dynamic soil-structure interaction analysis of bridges. The SEISAB computer program is currently used by WSDOT in the seismic design of Washington state bridges.Dames & Moore recommends the FHWA and Novak methods to estimate bridge foundation stiffness matrices. These methodologies are presented in detail in the Coldwater Creek example problem in Volume I. In this example, the basic theory and relevant equations or inputs for implementing these methodologies are provided first and are immediately followed by their application to the Coldwater Creek bridge. The appropriate equations or inputs from the FHWA and Novak methodologies presented not the Coldwater Creek example problem are identified and applied in the other four bridge example problems. Volume I also contains three appendices. The basis for the recommendation of the FHWA and Novak methods is provided in Appendix A, which is a reproduction of the 1992 Dames & Moore report to WSDOT on the evaluation of methods to estimate foundation stiffnesses. Appendix B consists of selected pages from the BMCOL 76 computer program user guide; this computer program, which computes the load-deflection and moment-rotation curves for single piles, is part of the FHWA methodology. Appendix C presents the method for transforming the foundation stiffness matrices from one coordinate system to another. This transformation process is important because the coordinate systems assumed in the FHWA and Novak methods are generally different and therefore are not necessarily the same as the SEISAB coordinate system. Coordinate transformations are also discussed in the ColdWater Creek example problem.

Authors:
Dames & Moore- Inca Engineering

Keywords:
analysis, bridge, bridge design, bridge foundation, bridges, computer, computer program, design, equations, evaluation, Foudation-Soil, foundation, foundation stiffness, highway, interaction, loads, manual, methodology, methods, piles, program, seismic, seismic design, soil-structure interaction, superstructure, System, systems, transportation, volume, Volumes I & II, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT


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Kilian,A. P. WA-RD 239.1 Long-Term Performance Evaluation of Wood Fibre Fills 1992
Abstract:
This paper presents the results of a research project to determine the long-term performance of wood fibre embankments, that were constructed by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) beginning in 1972. At the time of their construction, concern existed that wood fibre fills would only provide a 15 to 20 year service life.Performance of existing wood fibre fills was evaluated based on thequality of the wood fibre material, quality of the effluent, and condition ofthe pavement. A visual classification system rating the wood fibre from freshto completely decomposed was developed and used in order to establish acriteria from which all wood fibre mater.ia1 could be -rated.. Visual examinationin conjunction with laboratory tests were used as determining aspects for theeffluent quality. The WSDOT Pavement Management System was used to evaluate relative pavement performance. Site descriptions are presented giving specificcharacteristics and properties of the fills inventoried, An analysis of t h i sinformation was done to determine the effectiveness of the fills.Over half the wood fibre samples were found to be nearly fresh or freshand none w e found to be completely decomposed. In all but one case, thepavement quality over the wood fibre fills surpassed the comparative highwaysegment rating indicating the wood fill\'s performance exceeded thatof the surrounding area. Generally, the surface water in the vicinity of thewood fibre was found to be clean and pure indicating no adverse impact ofeffluent. Given the above findings, embankments constructed of wood fibre werefound to perform well over ahnost a 20. year period. Service life in excess of50 years can be expected - of wood fibre fills.

Authors:
Kilian,A. P., Ferry,C. D.

Keywords:
analysis, condition, construction, developed, effectiveness, Embankments, evaluation, impact, Leachate, management, management system, pavement, pavement management, pavement performance, pavements, performance, performance evaluation, project, quality, research, tests, transportation, Washington, Washington state, Wood fibre, WSDOT


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Roper,T. H. WA-RD 243.1 Thin Overlay, South 154th Street Overcrossing 5/523E Experimental Feature 1991
Abstract:
The Washington State Department of Transportation is conducting experimental field evaluations of selected polymer concrete thin (1/4 inch) overlays. The polymer concrete material is manufactured by private industry firms and installed on selected bridge decks under standard WSDOT construction contracts. Approximately 24 bridges will be involved in the experiment; eight of these are included in federal participating construction projects as experimental features.A polymer concrete thin overlay, The Conkryl Broadcast System (methlmethacrylate), was applied to the deck of the South 154th Street Overcrossing, Bridge No. 5/523, under Contract No. 3354, SR 405 Tukwila to South Renton HOV Lanes. This bridge is a prestressed girder bridge located on the mainline I-5 at the intersection with I-405 in Seattle, Washington.

Authors:
Roper,T. H., Henley,E. H. Jr

Keywords:
bridge, bridge deck, bridge deck repairs, bridge decks, bridges, concrete, construction, contracts, Deck, evaluation, experimental, HOV, HOV lanes, lanes, overlay, overlays, polymer, polymer concrete, prestressed, project, seattle, thin overlay, transportation, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT


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Roper,T. H. WA-RD 149.1 Pacific Avenue O\'Xing Evazote 50 Expansion Joint Seal / Bridge #5/332 1990
Abstract:
Bridge expansion joints pose a special problem in the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) bridge deck management system. These devices are subject to repeated heavy dynamic loading, and premature failure has occurred in many cases. It is WSDOT policy, as part of the Bridge Deck Management System, to make expansion joints watertight in order to reduce the potential of substructure corrosion induced by roadway deicing salts and other contaminants.Expansion joint seals play an important role in keeping expansion joints watertight. A relatively new material, Evazote 50, looks promising in its performance characteristics as an expansion joint seal. It is able to accommodate considerable joint movement, its durability and corrosion resistant properties are excellent, and it is resistant to absorption of oils and greases. The purpose of this experimental project is to gain knowledge about the material\'s effectiveness over time and to gain knowledge about field installation techniques. It was very beneficial to have the manufacturer\'s representative on the job during installation. This was required by special provision and is a practice that should be continued on future projects.In-place performance will determine acceptance of Evazote 50 for general use.

Authors:
Roper,T. H., Henley,E. H. Jr

Keywords:
absorption, bridge, bridge deck, bridge deck rehabilitation, corrosion, Deck, durability, effectiveness, expansion joints, experimental, in-place, ITS, Joints, management, management system, performance, policy, roadway, salt, transportation, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT


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Roper,T. H. WA-RD 148.1 Thin Overlay- Yakima River Bridge - Experimental Feature 1989
Abstract:
The Washington State Department of Transportation will be conducting experimental field testing of several selected polymer concrete thin (1/4 inch) overlays over a ten-year period. The polymer concrete material is manufactured by private industry firms and installed on selected bridge decks under standard WSDOT construction contracts. Approximately 21 bridges will be involved in the experiment; eight of these are included in federal participating projects as experimental features.Washington State Department of Transportation will be conducting experimental field testing of several selected polymer concrete thin (1/4inch) overlays over a ten-year period. The polymer concrete material is manufactured by private industry and installed on selected bridge decks under standard WSDOT construction 21 bridges will be involved in the experiment; eight of these are included in federal participating projects as features. The polymer concrete thin overlays were applied to the decks of the River Bridge and the Yakima River Bridge under Contract No. 3 SR 90 and SR 82, Interchange to Terrace Heights. Both bridges are steel truss bridges located on SR 82 just outside Yakima, Washington. Both the epoxy overlay and the methacrylate overlays were versatile products apply under difficult traffic control conditions. Starting and stopping the various pours to accommodate opening and closing of lanes for traffic proved satisfactory. To the extent possible, work was performed at night when traffic was light. All three lanes were then opened to traffic in the early morning to accommodate peak traffic conditions.

Authors:
Roper,T. H., Henley,E. H. Jr

Keywords:
bridge, bridge deck, bridge deck repairs, bridge decks, bridges, concrete, condition, construction, contracts, control, Deck, Epoxy, experimental, lanes, light, overlay, overlays, polymer, polymer concrete, steel, steel truss bridge, thin overlay, traffic, traffic control, transportation, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT


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Schultz,R. L. WA-RD 165.1 Asphalt Extraction Study 1988
Abstract:
This study compares the results of four asphalt extraction methods; the Quick (WSDOT 711), the Vacuum (AASHTO T-164 Method E-11), the Centrifuge (AASHTO T-164 Method A), and the Reflux (AASHTO T-164 Method D).The methods are compared on the basis of the amounts of trichloroethane used, the exposure to trichloroethane while testing, the time needed to do the testing, and the accuracy of the asphalt content and aggregate gradation determinations (with the Reflux method serving as the standard of comparison). It was concluded that the Quick method was the best alternative to the method, based primarily on the speed of the test and its close agreement with the method on asphalt content and percent passing the sieve. All methods provided exposure to trichloroethane vapor below the recommended allowable levels.

Authors:
Schultz,R. L.

Keywords:
aggregate, Alternative, asphalt, Asphalt content, exposure, Extraction, gradation, ITS, speed, Trichoroethane, WSDOT


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Fiedler,F. E. WA-RD 139.1 Job Satisfaction Survey 1988
Abstract:
A job-satisfaction and morale survey was administered to all journey-level engineering technicians and transportation engineers of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). No fewer than 745 of the 837 employees (89%) who received the questionnaires, responded. This unusually high response rate testifies to the salience of the issues covered by this survey, and this conclusion is further supported by the care with which the overwhelming majority of the questionnaires were completed.Comments about various job-related concerns were obtained in interviews with 15 supervisors, engineers, and engineering technicians in four WSDOT districts and incorporated in a 21-item questionnaire. The questionnaire also asked employees why they might consider leaving WSDOT, and how much longer they planned to stay with WSDOT. Employees were classified on the basis of their tenure, age, district, job classification, ethic identification, work assignment, and college major.The questionnaire led to the identification of six areas of satisfaction factors. These are General Satisfaction, Satisfaction with Supervisor, Satisfaction with Personnel Practices, Satisfaction with Work Environment, Satisfaction with Equity of Work Conditions, and Involvement with the Department.

Authors:
Fiedler,F. E., Murphy,S. E.

Keywords:
condition, environment, equity, interviews, job satisfaction, policy, sex, survey, transportation, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT


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Roper,T. H. WA-RD 101.1 Snake River Bridge Thin Overlay: Experimental Feature 1987
Abstract:
The Washington State Department of Transportation will be conducting experimental field testing of several selected ploymer concrete thin overlays over a ten-year period. The ploymer concrete material is manufactured by private industry firms and installed on selected bridge decks under standard WSDOT construction contracts. Approximately 14 bridges will be involved in the experiment.The study was conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. The Washington State Department of Transportation will be conducting field testing of several selected concrete thin overlays over a ten-year period. The polymer concrete material is manufactured by private industry and installed on selected bridge decks under standard WSDOT construction contracts. 14 bridges will be involved in the experiment. The Snake River Bridge at Clarkston, Washington, Bridge No. 12/915, is the first bridge of the to receive a 1/4 thin overlay. The polymer concrete used is by Polycarb. The deck was repaired and overlaid in June of 1986. Work on the thin overlay began on June 8 and was completed on June 20. A total of 6,477 S.Y. of overlay was involved. Traffic was accommodated at all times on the portion of the bridge not being overlaid. Construction progressed relatively smoothly per the inspector\'s report. The material permitted the contractor flexibility in the rate of installation and in starting and stopping the work. Width of installation was varied to accommodate temporary traffic lanes. Pavement skid tests and bond tests all proved satisfactory. Ninety-one percent of the resistivity tests exceeded the minimum required by the specifications. The majority of the test points that did not meet the minimum specified occurred at the beginning of the work, where the contractor attempted to apply the material with spray that apparently did not provide accurate proportionate mix of the epoxy components. Subsequent tests and reports delamination, half-cell, chloride content, and rutting values to the original deck survey values.

Authors:
Roper,T. H., Henley,E. H. Jr

Keywords:
bridge, bridge deck, bridge deck repairs, bridge decks, bridges, chloride, concrete, construction, contracts, Epoxy, experimental, half-cell, highway, lanes, overlay, overlays, pavement, polymer, polymer concrete, specification, specifications, survey, tests, thin overlay, traffic, transportation, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT


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Roper,T. H. WA-RD 114.1 Grays River Bridge At Roseburg - Thin Overlay 1987
Abstract:
The Washington State Department of Transportation will be conducting experimental field testing of several selected polymer concrete thin (1 1/4 inch) overlays over a ten-year period. The ploymer concrete material is manufactured by private industry firms and installed on selected bridge decks under standard WSDOT construction contracts. Approximately 21 bridges will be involved in the experiment; eight of these are included in federal participating projects as experimental features.The Grays River Bridge at Roseburg, Washington, Bridge is the second bridge of the federal aid projects to receive a thin concrete overlay. The polymer concrete used was Degadur 330, made by Degussa Company and installed by Floor. The deck was overlaid in August of 1986. Work on the thin overlay began on August 4, 1986 and was completed on August 5, 1986. A total of 586 S.Y. of overlay was placed. There was no traffic on the bridge during the overlay placement. The overlay contractor had a well trained crew and the overlay placement went very smoothly. The experience showed when the different operations of primer, overlay, and sealer were sequenced so that when one layer cured out, the next operation was ready to go. Friction tests and electrical resistivity tests were all satisfactory.

Authors:
Roper,T. H., Henley,E. H. Jr

Keywords:
bridge, bridge deck, bridge deck repairs, bridge decks, bridges, concrete, construction, contracts, experimental, friction, overlay, overlays, polymer, polymer concrete, sealer, tests, thin overlay, traffic, transportation, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT


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Nihan,N. L. WA-RD 109.1 TeleCommunications Link Implementation 1987
Abstract:
The Telecom Link established between the University of Washington and the WSDOT Traffic Systems Management Center (TSMC) was updated during this project in order to handle the shift made by the TSMC from a 1700 loop surveillance system to a 2200 loop system. Special computer programs were also written to provide specialized summary statistics for key stations. The new software allowed statistics for key stations to be collected and summarized during data transfer. The entire transfer retrieval system was streamlined during the Telecom project to reduce costs. Finally, freeway incident analysis was performed with a data set to demonstrate the use of the new system for TSM research.

Authors:
Nihan,N. L.

Keywords:
analysis, computer, computer program, cost, costs, data, data management, data transfer, freeway, freeway surveillance and control, incident, management, program, ramp metering, research, software, statistics, surveillance, systems, telecommunications, telecommunications link, traffic, traffic systems management, transportation systems management, TSM, Washington, WSDOT


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Itani,R. WA-RD 155.1 Design of Continuous Bridges Using Precast, Prestressed Concrete Girders without Endblocks 1987
Abstract:
This study investigated the feasibility of eliminating endblocks from pretensioned continuos bridge girders. The removal of endblocks is estimated to reduce girder costs by 5 to 10 percent. The girders studied were the Washington State Department of Transportation\'s \"Series 14\". These girders are characterized by 5 inch thick webs and are prestressed with both harped and straight 1/2 inch diameter grade 270 stands. Previous research had recommended the elimination of endblocks for simple span bridges. This study dealt with continuous bridges.The research consisted test and a destructive laboratory test. The field test was used identify bases for the destructive testing. \"Series14 \" girder with endblocks and \"Series 60\" girders without endblocks were instrumented with strain gages and monitored from the time they manufactured to the time thel oads were tested on the bridge. The laboratory test was performed with a balanced cantilever arrangement using two \"14\" girders without without endblocks. The joint at the support was made continuous by providing deck reinforcement in a manner similar to reinforcing details used by WSDOT. Concentrated incrementally applied at a distance of 13 ft.10 inches from the continuous support. The modified girders performed effectively under applied loads. Therefore, endblocks may be removedfrom continuous Series \"14\" girders with normal diaphragms. The study recommends that one \"Series 14\" continuous girder without endblocks be designed and monitored through the various stages ofconstruction and service in another bridge.

Authors:
Itani,R., Hiremath,G. S., Vasisth,U.

Keywords:
base, bridge, bridges, concrete, construction, cost, costs, Deck, design, diaphragms, endblocks, field test, girders, loads, prestressed, prestressed concrete, Prestressing, pretensioned, reinforcement, research, span, transportation, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT


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Gripne,D. WA-RD 106.1 Traffic Barrier Systems Service Level I (SL-1) Bridge Rail 1987
Abstract:
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) designed and installed Service Level 1 (SL-1) bridge rails on three treated timber bridges in the state. To date there have been no accidents or maintenance problems reported at any of the modified bridges.

Authors:
Gripne,D.

Keywords:
accidents, bridge, Bridge rail modification, bridges, maintenance, Rail for Timber Bridge, systems, traffic, transportation, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT


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Fragaszy,R. J. WA-RD 138.1 Seismic Response of Tieback Retaining Walls, Phase I 1987
Abstract:
The current design practice used by WSDOT for the design of permanent tieback walls is to assume that the static design of a tieback wall retaining clayey soils provides an adequate reserve of strength to prevent failure during seismic loading. This design procedure is based largely on the assumption that the soil and the wall move together ground shaking and that significant loads are not produced. For tieback walls retaining sandy soils, it is assumed that dynamic loads are produced. Mononobe-Okabe dynamic soil pressures are added to the design pressure to account for the dynamic load. The validity of these assumptions and the resultant design practices is evaluated in this study. A pilot numerical study was conducted on a forty foot high wall with three levels of tiebacks using the program FLUSH. It was found that the wall and the soil tend to move in-phase and only negligible dynamic tie forces are generated. However, the soil above and below the excavation level tends to move out-of-phase, leading to significant dynamic pressures and bending moments in the wall and near the excavation level. It appears that in least some cases, tieback walls with an adequate static safety factor may suffer significant damage or fail during seismic loading and that the use of Mononobe-Okabe dynamic pressures may be conservative.

Authors:
Fragaszy,R. J., Denby,G., Higgins,J. D., Ali,Nmjad

Keywords:
account, bending, damage, design, earthquake, forces, loads, pressure, program, retaining wall, retaining walls, safety, Sandy soils, seismic, seismic loading, seismic response, soil, soil pressure, strength, Tieback Walls, tiebacks, walls, WSDOT


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Peters,A. J. WA-RD 098.1 Hot Mix Recycling Evaluation In Washington State 1986
Abstract:
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has completed construction of twenty-four hot-mix recycle projects as of January, 1985. At the begining of this study there were sixteen completed projects that were to be examined. Evaluation of the laboratory and pavement performance data shows that WSDOT\'s initial two projects, Renslow to Ryegrass (1977) and Yakima River to West Ellensburg Interchange (1978), are still performing very we1l. Although the other fourteed projects have been constructed only within the last two and a half years, the early data indicates equally promising results. Because of the impressive pavement performance exhibited by the recycled pavements, together with hot-mix recycle benefits such as conservation of natural resources, feasibility of construction, and its cost advantage over new ACP, hot-mix recycling has become an attractive addition to the WSDOT paving program.

Authors:
Peters,A. J., Gietz,R. H., Walter,J. P.

Keywords:
asphalt, asphalt concrete, benefit, benefits, construction, cost, data, evaluation, ITS, pavement, pavement performance, pavements, performance, program, project, recycling, rejuvenating agents, Study, transportation, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT


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Newcomb,D. E. WA-RD 065.1 State-Of-The-Art On Pavement Overlay Procedures: Volume I, Review Pavement Plan 1983
Abstract:
The study is reported in two volumes. The first volume summarizes the state-of-the-art on pavement overlay design and presents a research plan to develop an overlay design procedure for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) The second volume contains an annotated bibliographyof significant pavement overlay literature published since 1968.The state-of-the-art review presented in Volume I addresses pavement evaluation using nondestructive testing and subjective ratings. These are discussed along with the topics of traffic and seasonal variations. Pavement overlay design concepts are identified and discussed. A research plan is presented forthe development of a pavement overlay design system for WSDOT.

Authors:
Newcomb,D. E., Bubushait,A. A., Mahoney,J. P., Sharma,J.

Keywords:
design, development, evaluation, nondestructive testing, overlay, pavement, pavement evaluation, performance, research, review, seasonal, seasonal variation, seasonal variations, state-of-the-art, Study, System, traffic, transportation, volume, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT


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Newcomb,D. E. WA-RD 065.2 State-Of-The-Art On Pavement Overlay Procedures: Volume II Annotated Bibliography 1983
Abstract:
This report is presented in two volumes. The first volume summarizes the Final Report Sept. 15 - Dec. 15, 1983 14. Sponsoring Agency Code state-of-the-art on pavement overlay design and presents a research plan to develop an overlay design procedure for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) . The second volume contains an annotated bibliography of significant pavement overlay 1iterature pub1ished since 1968.The state-of-the-art review presented in Volume I addresses pavement evaluation using nondestructive testing and subjective ratings. These are discussed along with the topics of traffic and seasonal variations. Pavement overlay design concepts are identified and discussed. A research plan is presented for the development of a pavement overlay design system for WSDOT,

Authors:
Newcomb,D. E., Bubushait,A. A., Mahoney,J. P., Sharma,J.

Keywords:
agencies, design, development, evaluation, nondestructive testing, overlay, pavement, pavement evaluation, performance, research, review, seasonal, seasonal variation, seasonal variations, state-of-the-art, System, traffic, transportation, volume, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT


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Nelson,T. L. WA-RD 050.3 Development And Implementation Of Washington State's Pavement System - Executive Summary 1983
Abstract:
This report summarizes the pavement management system developed by WSDOT staff over a period of five years. Included is a description of what the system does in terms of the considerable amount of useful output data produced. A discussion is given on how the system was developed, what the pavement rating procedures involve and cost, what computer requirements are, and what typical data processing costs are. The report concludes with comments on how other agencies can use the Washington State Pavement Management System.

Authors:
Nelson,T. L., LeClerc,R. V.

Keywords:
agencies, computer, cost, costs, data, developed, development, Executive, Executive Summary, management, management system, pavement, pavement data file, pavement management, pavement performance, System, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT


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Gripne,D. WA-RD 106.2 Traffic Barrier Systems Service Level (SL-1) Bridge Rail 1983
Abstract:
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) designed and installed Service Level 1 (SL-1) bridge rails on three treated timber bridges in the state. To date there have been no accidents or maintenance problems reported at any of the modified bridges.

Authors:
Gripne,D.

Keywords:
accidents, bridge, Bridge rail modification, bridges, maintenance, Rail for Timber Bridge, systems, traffic, transportation, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT


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Babaei,K. WA-RD 061.1 Performance Evaluation of Waterproofing Membrane Protective System for Concrete Bridge Decks 1983
Abstract:


Authors:
Babaei,K., Terrel,R.

Keywords:
bridge and construction, bridge, water proofing, membrane, WSDOT


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Nelson,Thomas L. WA-RD 050.1 Development And Implementation Of Washington State's Pavement System 905 1982
Abstract:
This report describes the pavement management system developed by WSDOT staff over a period of five years. Both project-level and network-level pavement management are represented within the four broad areas of data processing which combine to constitute the foundation of the system.The design of a pavement data file is laid out together with the process of assembling it. Also shown are the methods used to analyze and convert the file data from pavement condition ratings to pavement performance curves for each project. The performance curves are then used, together with appropriate cost data, to determine the most cost-effective type and time to fix. The network-level program then summarized the need work for each year of a rehabilitation program. Mean are provided for adjusting the program to fit budget constraints or minimum acceptable levels of average pavement condition.It is concluded that the system, operating on biennial pavement condition ratings, provides a good solid framework for orderly analysis to estimate the economic benefits of the type, timing, and sequence of rehabilitation activities applied to a pavement.

Authors:
Nelson,Thomas L., LeClerc,R. V.

Keywords:
analysis, benefit, benefits, condition, cost, data, design, developed, development, foundation, framework, management, management system, methods, Operating, pavement, pavement condition, pavement data file, pavement management, pavement performance, performance, program, project, rehabilitation, System, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT


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Nelson,Thomas L. WA-RD 050.2 Development And Implementation Of Washington State's Pavement System - Summary 906 1982
Abstract:
This report describes the pavement system developed by staff over a period of five years. Both project-level and network-level pavement are represented within the four broad areas of data processing which combine to constitute the foundation of the system. The design of a pavement data file is laid out together with the process of assembling it. Also shown are the methods used to analyze and convert the file data pavement condition ratings to pavement performance curves for each project. The performance curves are then used, together with appropriate cost data, to determine the most cost-effective type and of fix. The network-level program then the needed work for each year of a rehabilitation program. Means are provided for adjusting the program to fit budget constraints or acceptable levels of average pavement condition It is concluded that the system, operating on biennial pavement condition ratings, provides a good solid framework for orderly analysis to estimate the economic benefits of the type, timing, and sequence of rehabilitation activities apply to a pavement.

Authors:
Nelson,Thomas L., LeClerc,R. V.

Keywords:
analysis, benefit, benefits, condition, cost, cost effective, data, design, developed, development, foundation, framework, management, management system, methods, Operating, pavement, pavement condition, pavement data file, pavement management, pavement performance, performance, program, project, rehabilitation, System, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT


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