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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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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Abstract:
The Seattle Wide-area Information for Travelers (SWIFT) project was a highly successful Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Field Operational Test (FOT) that was conducted over a four-year period from 1993 to 1997. The purpose of the project was to test the efficacy of a High Speed Data System (HSDS), or FM Sub-carrier, to disseminate incident, bus and speed congestion information via three different end-user devices: pager watch, portable computer and in-vehicle navigation device. Six hundred ninety (690) commuters, many with route- or mode-choice options, participated in the FOT and provided user-acceptance evaluations. Other evaluation components examined the system architecture, communications coverage, deployment cost and institutional issues that affected the project.The primary purpose of the SWIFT Institutional Issues Study evaluation was to collect information regarding the institutional issues (e.g., policies, jurisdictional issues, internal and external factors) that affected design, development, testing, deployment and conduct of the SWIFT Field Operational Test (FOT); determine how these issues were overcome and what lessons could be learned. A secondary purpose of the evaluation was to document the history of the SWIFT project.The methodology for the SWIFT Institutional Issues Study consisted of two sets of questionnairesand two sets of semi-structured interviews that were conducted with fourteen (14) SWIFT team memberrepresentatives at two different points during the conduct of the SWIFT FOT: about midway through the conduct of the test and after the test was completed. All SWIFT team member responses were independently collected and SWIFT institutional issues were primarily identified by determining which topics were addressed by two or more individuals. Historical information was collected from various sources throughout the project.SWIFT represents one of the first ATIS FOTs conducted in this country. Earlier tests were conducted in Orlando, FL (TravTek) and Minneapolis St. Paul (Genesis) among others, yet the SWIFT FOT appears to have extended considerably the available database of information regarding ATIS effectiveness and acceptance. The addition of real-time bus information, in particular, has set the SWIFT FOT apart from others already conducted.One of the significant aspects of the SWIFT teaming agreement was the long-term interest in ITS and commitment of the organizations involved. For instance, the majority of the SWIFT team members articulated a long-term interest in ITS deployments. In addition, three organizations-Seiko, Etak and Metro Traffic Control-+ommitted themselves to fielding a \"SWIFT-like\" system after the project was completed. This degree of interest and commitment resulted in all of the SWIFT team members working together in a very effective, cooperative fashion throughout the FOT.A critical organizational structure that was instituted to implement SWIFT was the weeklyteleconference. This simple, yet cost-effective method of managing and discussing the technicalissues involved with the project was attributed by many of the SWIFT team members to aprimary instrument of the project\'s success. In particular, the SWIFT teleconferences enabledthe representatives of each organization to keep abreast of the developmental status of theproject, to brainstorm solutions to encountered problems and to develop scheduling sense.

Authors:
Wetherby,B.

Keywords:
ATIS, bus, computer, congestion, congestion information, cost, data, database, design, development, effectiveness, evaluation, incident, Institutional, Intelligent transportation system, interviews, Issues, ITS, methodology, mode choice, policy, portable computer, project, scheduling, seattle, speed, SWIFT, System, tests, traffic, transportation

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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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Abstract:
A short, one year performance evaluation was made of four crack sealing products. The products: (1) CRF manufactured by the Golden Bear Division of Witco Chemical Corporation; (2) Flex-a-Fill manufactured by Deery Oil; (3) RoadSaver 221 manufactured by Crafco Incorporated; and (4) a sand slurry mixture designed by the Washington State Department of Transportation.The two rubber-asphalt products, Flex-a-Fill and RoadSaver 221, performed better that the other two products, which used an emulsified cement as a base.

Authors:
Erickson,D. E.

Keywords:
base, crack sealing, effectiveness, emulsified asphalt, evaluation, mixture, performance, performance evaluation, Rubber-asphalt, transportation, Washington, Washington state

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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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Abstract:
Darex Corrosion Inhibitor (DCI) was specified for use in the Dogfish Bay Bridge on SR 308 in Kitsap County. The bridge is a 90-foot long structure located within a tidal zone. The superstructure is an 18-inch deep prestressed concrete slab. Darex Corrosion Inhibitor (DCI) was specified for use in the Dogfish Bay Bridge on SR 308 in County. The bridge is a 90-foot long structure located within a tidal zone. The superstructure is an 18-inch deep prestressed concrete slab. The end piers and two intermediate piers each consist of six 16%-inch prestressed concrete piles. DCI was added to all concrete used in the slab and piles except for four control piles (one in each pier). The supplier, Grace Construction Products, claims that the Calcium Nitrite contained in DCI will, when used as an additive in the recommended dosage, strengthen the passivating film around the reinforcing steel \"making it more resistant to chloride penetration,\" thereby protecting the steel against corrosion. (The process is explained in detail in Appendix A. ) However, only half of the recommended amount of DCI was added to the test sections. At this dosage, DCI appears to be no more effective than standard Portland Cement Concrete in preventing corrosion of the reinforcing steel.

Authors:
Henley,E. H. Jr

Keywords:
additive, bridge, bridges substructure, calcium nitrite, chloride, claims, concrete, construction, control, corrosion, counties, Darex Corrosion Inhibitor, DCI: calcium nitrite, deterioration, effectiveness, piers, piles, portland cement concrete, prestressed, prestressed concrete, reinforcing steel, steel, superstructure

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Abstract:
Asphalt mixes modified with the addition of reclaimed rubber granules (PlusRide) and polyester fibers (BoniFibers) were used in a 0.12-ft overlay of a badly distressed section of AC pavement. The distress consisted of transverse and longitudinal cracking which was reflecting through from the underlying old PCC pavement and severe alligator cracking which was an age related fatigue problem. A section of standard Class B dense graded ACP was also put down to serve as a control section for judging performance.The three sections are to be monitored over a period of three years to determine the effectiveness of the asphalt additive products in preventing the reflection of the distresses noted in the underlying pavementfrom showing through in the overlay. The first year inspection revealed that the PlusRide section was showing some longitudinal cracking over the old PCC lane edge. The BoniFibers section was also showing the same longitudinal distress over the lane edge of the underlying PCC plus a small amount of transverse cracking.

Authors:
Anderson,J. L.

Keywords:
additive, Alligator Cracking, asphalt, asphalt pavement mixtures, Bonifibers, control, cracking, Distress, effectiveness, evaluation, fatigue, inspection, overlay, pavement, PCC, performance, PlusRide, polyester, Polyester Fibers, reflective crack prevention, rubber

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Abstract:
The use of liquid anti-stripping additives (LAA) for reducing moisture damage in asphalt concrete pavements was evaluated using pavement cores from pairs of projects with-and-without LAA. Results were analyzed using the tensile strength ratio (TSR). In addition, a diazo-dye for determining the presence and concentration of LAA was attempted to access the value or the test as a field procedure. The chemical additive detection tests proved inclusive, but the TSR analysis gave a positive indication of the need for the use of LAA in the wetter environments of the state, For drier environments and for low traffic volumes, use of LAA may not be cost effective. The indirect tensile test was judged to be a potentially valuable tool for statewide use in the evaluation of stripping additive needs.

Authors:
Malsch,D. A.

Keywords:
additive, analysis, anti-stripping agents, asphalt, asphalt concrete, Asphalt Concrete pavement, bituminous concrete, Chemical, concrete, cost, cost effective, damage, detection, diazo-dye test, effectiveness, environment, evaluation, indirect tension test, moisture damage, pavement, pavement life, pavements, project, strength, stripping, tests, traffic, traffic volumes, volume

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Abstract:
TThe effectiveness of Swareflex Wildlife Reflectors in reducing deer-vehicle collision rates was tested on 395 in eastern Washington State where high mortality rates of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) had previously been recorded. Reflectors were placed in four test sections and alternately covered and uncovered at regular intervals during the late fall to early spring period from 1981 to 1984. During this period, 52 deer were killed at night in test sections when the reflectors were covered and six deer were killed at night when the reflectors were uncovered. This difference in deer-vehicle collision rates between the covered and uncovered periods is significant indicating that the reflectors were effective on this highway

Authors:
Schafer,James, Carr,William P., Penland,Stephen

Keywords:
collision, effectiveness, highway, mortality, Odocoileus virginanus, reflector, road-kill, Swareflex, Washington, Washington state, White-tailed deer, wildlife

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Abstract:
This report examines major issues, concepts and methods of bus transit performance evaluation and suggests procedures and guidelines for internal and external monitoring in Washington State. In support of suggested procedures, data analysis on six years of operational and financial characteristics of Washington State systems, 1979-80 Section 15 data, and collected samples of small community/rural systems from other states was conducted. The major objective of the analysis was to test methodologies for developing and assessing transit peer groups\" relative to size and scale of operations, and prior to comparative within-group evaluation. The methodology entailed employing cluster analysis using up to 10 variables depicting service design and distribution. Two key variables were population and line miles. Problems were encountered in using Section 15 data. Due to its use of urban area, as opposed to service area population, clear distinctions of operating environments could not be determined. Thus, cluster groupings using Section 15 data were inconclusive. Cluster State systems (1980) were satisfactory and following additional verification, a suggested \"peer group\" classification for Washington State was recommended. The seven group types ranged in size from a rural regional (<40,000 population) to metropolitan (<1,000,00 population). Values for 8 efficiency and effectiveness indicators were used to assess \"peer group\" trends in performance in Washington over a five-year period (1976-80). Comparative evaluations of individual systems were not made. Despite only partial success in determining \"peer groups\", the study does identify methods and procedures for assisting in external and internal performance evaluation.

Authors:
Kelly,W. J., Rutherford,G. S.

Keywords:
peer group evaluation, analysis, bus, bus transit, cluster analysis, data, data collection, design, effectiveness, efficiency, environment, evaluation, group, indicator, indicators, Issues, ITS, line, methodology, methods, monitoring, Operating, performance, performance evaluation, performance measures, performance standards, population, rural, section 15 data, Study, System, systems, transit, urban, Washington, Washington state

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Abstract:
The objective of this report is to develop an effective transportation resource allocation technique that is flexible and can be applied to various areas. Allocation procedures were developed and tested for apportioning resources to transportation services in relation to community transportation objectives. Procedures were developed and applied that measured the effectiveness of candidate transportation service proposals in terms of a transportation resource allocation index (TRAI). The extent to which a transportation proposal achieves the community objectives is defined as its effectiveness. The transportation index was computed on the basis of the projects scorings for eight selected determinants, multiplied by the weighing assigned to each determinant in accordance with their relative effectiveness.The TRAI for eight transportation service proposals including transit, were computed as a pilot study and as a working test of the techniques in the Tri-Cities area of Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco, WA. There appears to be no complication in implementing this technique for allocations in any local urban area providing the concepts are correctly evaluated and applied.

Authors:
Nielsen,Robert S., Shea,Daniel J., Yandon,Keith E.

Keywords:
Allocation of resources, developed, development, effectiveness, evaluation, index, ITS, Objective and goals, objectives, project, transit, transportation, transportation resource/allocation, transportation service, urban

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Abstract:
In high growth areas, highways frequently become congested as the result of land use changes. Local use controls have not prevented the adverse impacts. Further, state funds are inadequate to address the critical problems in growth areas. This study investigates six study areas in Washington compare land use change impacts and the effectiveness of the various procedures applied to prevent or correct such problems and to fund highway improvements in growth areas. A survey of practice in other states provides information concerning their approaches to the problem. The study concludes that comprehensive land use planning supported by inter-agency cooperation has been ted. Local governments have applied a number of innovative techniques for financing local roads and streets. Cooperative interagency planning before growth is out of control has benefited both the local jurisdiction and the state. However, state and local jurisdictions lack the authority to apply these techniques to state highways in Washington State. The study makes recommendations for increasing interagency cooperation and for legislative remedies.

Authors:
Jacobson,Robert

Keywords:
control, effectiveness, facilities, highway, highway financing, Highways, impact, impacts, improvement, Interagency planning, land use, land use controls, land use planning, land-use, land-use/transportation planning, local government, mitigation, planning, planning coordination, Study, survey, Washington, Washington state

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Abstract:
The Central Avalanche Hazard Forecasting project has been funded by the Washington State Highway Commission since July 1975 in order to test the feasibility and effectiveness of central avalanche forecasting for the Cascade Mountain Passes and adjacent territory . Historically, avalanche forecasting in the Cascade Mountains has been done locally on an area-by-area basis by Highway Department personnel and by Forest Rangers and professional ski patrolmen at individual ski areas. This project explored the possibilities of improving both mountain weather and related avalanche forecasts for use by WSDOT during winter operations in the mountain passes and, secondarily, explored the usefulness of anarea-wide forecasting service to other, cooperating agencies. The aim of this work has been to establish the technical and administrative framework for an operational, on-going mountain weather and avalanche forecasting service for Western Washington under the joint support of interested public agencies. This aim has been achieved in autumn 1978 by the operation of an avalanche forecasting office administered by the US Forest Service, housed by the National Weather Service, and supported by WSDT, with additional peripheral support from both the public and private sectors. Previous reports published by the project include: Interim Report, June 1976 (Report No. 23.2); Final Report, June 1977 (Report No. 23.3)Implementation Report, December 1978, which will be published in Spring 1979If you would like to obtain copies of any of these reports, contact WSDOT Public Transportation and Planning Division in Olympia (SCAN 234-61 49) or the Avalanche Research Office on SCAN 323-7180 or Write Avalanche Research,Department of Atmospheric Sciences AK-40, University of Washington, Seattle,Phil Taylor, Research Engineer, has done an outstanding job of developing much of this equipment and devising methods of operation. He is, unfortunately, no longer with the University. He will be working in Autumn 1978 with the US Forest Service as a consultant in addition to his continuing work with the US Geological Survey. This Operating Manual is intended to be an informational document with limited distribution and its format reflects that informality.

Authors:
University of Washington

Keywords:
agencies, avalanche, avalanche forecasting, developed, effectiveness, equipment, forecasting, framework, hazard, highway, Interim, ITS, manual, methods, Operating, planning, project, public, research, survey, transportation, Washington, Washington state, winter

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Abstract:
A series of measurements was undertaken in the summer and fall of 1977 to determine the noise radiated by a wide variety of cars and trucks, and the effect of an acoustic wall, or barrier, on suppressing the transmission of that noise. The assumption of the \"correct\" effective radiating height was found to be the most critical parameter in making the calculations agree with the measured results. The \"best height\" value varied greatly from vehicle to vehicle, and with speed, load, and throttle setting for a given vehicle. The variability of this parameter made it impossible (solely from these tests) to assess such considerations as whether Fresnel\'s or Maekawa\'s curves should be used to calculate the attenuation produced by the wall.The most noteworthy observation from this study is that newer trucks not only are quieter (to meet noise radiation standards) but have an effective radiating height as low as 2 ft compared to as much as 11 ft for older trucks. \'Thus, as the newer types of trucks become predominant in the highway traffic mix, the effectiveness of walls and barriers in shielding the community from noise will increase considerably.This is good news, because wall effectiveness has been marginal at best for pre-1970 trucks because of their radiation heights.

Authors:
Foss,R. N.

Keywords:
attenuation, barrier, barriers, effectiveness, Fresenel diffraction, highway, Highway acoustics, noise, noise screens, Noise supression, speed, tests, traffic, truck, trucks, vehicle noise, walls

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Abstract:
This report reviews the second year of work on the Washington State Highway Commission Department of Highways project Central Avalanche Hazard Forecasting (WSDH Agreement Y-1700) to test the feasibility and effectiveness of central avalanche forecasting for the Cascade Mountain passes and adjacent area. The possibilities and techniques for improving both mountain weather and related avalanche forecasts for use by WSDH during winter operation in the mountain passes were further explored, and, secondarily, the usefulness of an area wide forecasting service to other cooperating agencies. This report defines and significant changes from the first year of operation in collection, assimilation or transmission of snow, weather and avalanche data by the Forecasting Office, and details modifications of the data network itself, especially new instrumentation and telemetry equipment . Weather and avalanche forecasting accuracy and reliability are assessed by comparing daily weather and avalanche forecasts with file d data. The conceptual framework and analytical methods used by forecasters to deduce current and probable future avalanche activity from the available data network input and current and extrapolated meteorological data are presented. A general preliminary guide to forecasting methodology for the Washington Cascades is defined and discussed.

Authors:
LaChapplle,E. R., Moore,M. B., Reanier,F. W., Sackett,E. M.

Keywords:
agencies, avalanche, avalanche forecasting, snow, weather, data, effectiveness, equipment, forecasting, framework, hazard, highway, Highways, methodology, methods, project, reliability, review, Washington, Washington state, winter

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Abstract:
This report summarizes the first year of activity under Washington State Department of Highways project Central Avalanche Hazard Forecasting (Agreement Y-1700) to test the feasibility and effectiveness of central avalanche forecasting for the Cascade Mountain Passes and adjacent territory . This project explores thepossibilities of improving both mountain weather and related avalanche forecasts for use by the WSDH during winter operations in the mountain passes, and, secondarily, explores the usefulness of an area-wide forecasting service to other, cooperating agencies. The eventual aim of this work is to establish thetechnical and administrative framework for an operational, on-going mountain weather and avalanche forecasting service for Western Washington under the joint support of interested public agencies.

Authors:
LaChapplle,E. R., Moore,M. B., Reanier,F. W.

Keywords:
agencies, avalanche, avalanche forecasting, snow, weather, effectiveness, forecasting, framework, hazard, highway, highways, Interim, project, public, Washington, Washington state, winter

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Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to produce guidelines that will provide assistance to those responsible for the planning and implementation of community involvement plans. These guidelines cover the many elements of a multi-faced community involvement approach and give direction for planning and implementation of these guidelines.A considerable amount of recent experience and information on community involvement was compiled and analyzed to afford the capability of tailoring a community involvement plan for an individual plan for an individual and unique community as defined by its characteristics. Among the major elements discussed are the general principals which must be followed to achieve successful community involvement; the criteria to determine how extensive an involvement plan should be for a particular community as defined by the characteristics of the community and type of proposed action; the establishment of an implementation schedule; detailed discussion of the methods used to disseminate information and obtain citizen input; a description of the various types of community groups which can be used for cooperative planning; recommendations to improve the effectiveness of public meetings; and the basic strategy used in evaluating the success of a community involvement plan.

Authors:
Social and Econonomic Planning Section of the WA State Department of Highways

Keywords:
Community Involvement, Citizen Participation, Citizen Input, Dissemination of Information, Cooperative Planning, Multi-faceted, Scheduling and Implementation, criteria, development, effectiveness, group, ITS, Meeting, methods, planning, program, public

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