SIGHT DISTANCE ANALYSIS OF HIGHWAYS USING GIS TOOLS

SIGHT DISTANCE ANALYSIS OF HIGHWAYS USING GIS TOOLS. Castro, M., Iglesias, L., Sánchez, J. A., Ambrosio, L. Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies, 19 (6), 997-1005. 2011.

Abstract

Analyzing the distance visible to a driver on the highway is important for traffic safety, especially in maneuvers such as emergency stops, when passing another vehicle or when vehicles cross at intersections. This analysis is necessary not only in the design phase of highways, but also when they are in service. For its use in this last phase, a procedure supported by a Geographic Information System (GIS) has been implemented that determines the highway distances visible to the driver. The use of a GIS allows the sight distance analysis to be integrated with other analyses related to traffic safety, such as crash and design consistency analyses. In this way, more complete analyses could be made and costs shared. Additionally, with the procedure proposed it is possible to use data regarding the trajectory of a vehicle obtained on a highway with a Global Positioning System (GPS) device. This application is very useful when highway design data are not available. The procedure developed and its application in a case study are presented in this article.

Highlights

► A procedure for sight distance calculation when highway design data are unavailable.
► Integration of sight distance calculation with other road safety analyses.
► Sight distance calculations could use the most recent and detailed data available.

Keywords: Highway design; Sight distances; Geographic Information Systems; Terrain models; Global Positioning System

http://vulcano.caminos.upm.es/

ANALYSIS OF THE TEMPERATURE INFLUENCE ON FLEXIBLE PAVEMENT DEFLECTION

ANALYSIS OF THE TEMPERATURE INFLUENCE ON FLEXIBLE PAVEMENT DEFLECTION. Ramos, J.A., Castro, M. Construction and Building Materials 25 (8), 3530-3539. 2011.

Abstract

In this research, the effect produced by a temperature change on a flexible pavement deflection is analysed. Deflection tests were carried out on a road at different temperatures. The equipment used to measure pavement deflections was a curviameter. Based on the results of this experimental study, a methodology was established to define the experimental pavement temperature adjustment factors for deflection. In addition, the pavement structure studied was modelled, by means of a multilayer system, to calculate the deflections that would be produced below the load application point and, next, calculating the corresponding theoretical pavement temperature adjustment factors for deflection. Finally, the results obtained from the experimental study, theoretical analysis and main existing models are compared. The statistical analysis performed shows a good agreement between the experimental and theoretical obtained factors.

Highlights

► We study the influence of the asphalt mix temperatures on a flexible pavement.
► We obtain experimental adjustment factors by pavement temperature for deflection.
► We establish a methodology to calculate experimental factors, using curviameter.
► We define a new methodology to obtain theoretical adjustment factors.
► We perform a statistical analysis among obtained factors and main existing models.

Keywords: Deflection; Pavement temperature; Young modulus; Flexible pavement; Curviameter; Multilayer study

http://vulcano.caminos.upm.es/

OPERATING SPEED AND SPEED DIFFERENTIAL FOR HIGHWAY DESIGN CONSISTENCY

OPERATING SPEED AND SPEED DIFFERENTIAL FOR HIGHWAY DESIGN CONSISTENCY. Castro, M., Sánchez, J. F., Sánchez, J. A., Iglesias, L. Journal of Transportation Engineering, 137 (11), 837-840. 2011.

Abstract
A critical factor in highway design is maintaining a good consistency with a road geometry that fits the drivers’ expectations. Presently, highway geometric design consistency is usually evaluated on the basis of operating-speed profile analysis, which requires the use of operating-speed models. This paper presents research carried out in Colombia consisting of a study of vehicle speeds on tangents and curves of two-lane rural highways. Car speeds were measured on the approach tangent and at the beginning, middle, and end points of curves by using two radar meters. The operating-speed prediction models that were developed are described. The speed change experienced by drivers from tangent to curve was also studied, and a model is presented that predicts this change. Finally, the model developed for operating-speed prediction at the midpoint of curves was compared with equivalent models calibrated in other countries and applied to a Colombian highway. This comparative study highlights the importance of using speed-prediction models calibrated according to local conditions.

Keywords: Traffic speed; Highway and road design; Traffic safety; Models

http://vulcano.caminos.upm.es/

ALIGNMENT INDICES AS A TOOL TO EVALUATE SAFETY AND DESIGN CONSISTENCY IN TWO LANE RURAL ROADS

ALIGNMENT INDICES AS A TOOL TO EVALUATE SAFETY AND DESIGN CONSISTENCY IN TWO LANE RURAL ROADS. Castro, M., Sánchez, J. F., Pardillo-Mayora J. M. 3rd International Symposium on Highway Geometric Design. Chicago (U.S.A.). 2005.

Abstract

With the objective of assessing the relationship between alignment indices and accident records, and the applicability of these indices to roadway design consistency evaluation for two-lane rural highways, a research project has been conducted at Madrid Polytechnic University. Data from eight Spanish highways with diverse terrain conditions divided into sections of homogeneous characteristics, excluding intersections, were analyzed. Ten alignment indices were considered, and their relation with crash rates over a 5 year period was analyzed. Based on the results of the analysis, the most suitable indices to evaluate roadway design consistency were identified. Additionally, threshold values of the selected indices for consistency rating of roadway segments were established. This consistency rating method was applied to a sample set of Spanish highway segments. The results show good agreement with those obtained with the Interactive Highway Safety Design Model (IHSDM) Design Consistency Module.

http://vulcano.caminos.upm.es/

REVISING A GEODESY AND CARTOGRAPHY ENGINEERING CURRICULUM

REVISING A GEODESY AND CARTOGRAPHY ENGINEERING CURRICULUM. Castro, M., Iglesias, L., Rodríguez-Solano,  R., Sánchez J. A. International Journal of Engineering Education, 24 (6), 1180-1190. 2008.

Abstract
In the 1990s, a new degree, Geodesic and Cartographic Engineering, was created in Spain. It is a post-graduate degree, lasting two years. At present, Spanish university degrees are being redefined for their adaptation to the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). Thus, after more than ten years of experience and in view of the implementation of the EHEA, it is essential to analyse how well the degree curriculum is adapted to the professional requirements of our graduates in their working lives. A survey of former
students was taken to gather a profile of graduates, job positions and their opinions about the courses they studied. The relationship between the curriculum and the Master's theses written by the students was also examined.

Keywords: Engineering surveying; geodesy; cartography; photogrammetry; mapping; remote sensing; cadastre; curriculum

http://vulcano.caminos.upm.es/

STRUCTURAL DESIGN OF ASPHALT PAVEMENTS ON CONCRETE BRIDGES

STRUCTURAL DESIGN OF ASPHALT PAVEMENTS  ON CONCRETE BRIDGES. Castro, M. Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering, 31 (4), 695-702. 2004.

Abstract
Traditional methods for the structural design of pavement cannot be applied to the design of pavement on bridge decks. In this paper, a new method for the structural design of asphalt pavement on concrete bridge decks is presented. The method can be applied to pavement on girder, slab, and box-girder bridges and can be used whatever the considered degree of bonding between pavement and deck. The method consists of modelling the deck as a two-layer system and then calculating stresses and strains in the pavement–deck system by means of a multilayer system. The proposed methodology has been applied to study the behaviour of asphalt concretes, porous asphalts, and stone matrix asphalts on girder, slab, and box-girder bridges. There is a conclusion of this application that stands out for its practical character. The stone matrix asphalts have the best performance if fatigue is the main concern.
Key words: bridge decks, asphalt pavement, design.


Les méthodes traditionnelles de dimensionnement de revêtements ne peuvent être appliquées à la conception des revêtements bitumineux des tabliers de pont. Cet article présente une nouvelle méthode de dimensionnement de revêtements bitumineux des tabliers de pont en béton. Cette méthode peut s'appliquer aux revêtements des ponts à poutres, des ponts-dalles et des ponts à poutres en caisson. De plus, elle peut être utilisée peu importe le niveau d'adhérence considéré entre le revêtement et le tablier. La méthode consiste en une modélisation du tablier en tant que système bicouche, puis au calcul des tensions et des contraintes sur le système tablier-revêtement en utilisant un système multicouche. La méthodologie proposée a été appliquée à l'étude du comportement des bétons bitumineux, des enrobés drainants et des microbétons bitumineux sur les ponts à poutres, les ponts-dalles et les ponts à poutres en caisson. Une conclusion de cette étude se distingue par sa nature pratique : les revêtements microbétons bitumineux offrent le meilleur rendement si la fatigue constitue la préoccupation principale.
Mots clés : tabliers de pont, revêtements bitumineux, dimensionnement.


http://vulcano.caminos.upm.es/

FATIGUE AND HEALING OF ASPHALT MIXTURES: DISCRIMINATE ANALYSIS OF FATIGUE CURVES

FATIGUE AND HEALING OF ASPHALT MIXTURES: DISCRIMINATE ANALYSIS OF FATIGUE CURVES. Castro, M., Sánchez, J. A. Journal of Transportation Engineering, 132 (2), 168-174. 2006.

Abstract
Fatigue laws obtained by means of laboratory tests do not usually take into account the fact that asphalt mixtures in highways have rest periods (without loads). These rest periods tend to increase the fatigue life of mixtures due to the phenomenon known as healing. A new fatigue test which includes rest periods has been developed. In order to study healing, tests with and without rest have been carried out on asphalt concrete, and the corresponding fatigue curves have been obtained. The test results show an increase of five to ten times fatigue strength. This paper summarizes the main experiences. The testing method used in the research is described. The results are analyzed by means of a statistical technique called discriminate analysis.

Keywords
Asphalt pavements, Mixtures, Fatigue, Laboratory tests

http://vulcano.caminos.upm.es/

DAMAGE BASED MODEL FOR PREDICTION OF ASPHALT CONCRETE FATIGUE CURVES

DAMAGE BASED MODEL FOR PREDICTION OF ASPHALT CONCRETE FATIGUE CURVES. Castro, M., Sánchez, J. A. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 19 (8), 700-702. 2007.

Abstract
In order to represent the behavior of asphalt concrete mixtures during fatigue tests, a phenomenological model based on the continuous damage theory has been developed. From this model, a method for estimation of fatigue curves was formulated. From a practical point of view, this method could allow us to estimate classic fatigue curves testing a smaller number of specimens. The formulated method was applied to three mixtures, and results were compared with ones from the standard procedure for determining fatigue curves.

Keywords

Fatigue, Damage, Asphalt concrete, Asphalt mixes, Predictions

http://vulcano.caminos.upm.es/

ESTIMATION OF ASPHALT CONCRETE FATIGUE CURVES – A DAMAGE THEORY APPROACH

ESTIMATION OF ASPHALT CONCRETE FATIGUE CURVES – A DAMAGE THEORY APPROACH. Castro, M., Sánchez, J. A. Construction and Building Materials, 22 (6), 1232-1238, 2008

Abstract

In order to represent the behaviour during fatigue tests of asphalt concrete mixtures, a phenomenological model, based on the continuous damage theory, has been developed. From this model, a method for estimation of fatigue curves was formulated. From a practical point of view, the use of this method enables classic fatigue curves to be estimated with a smaller number of specimens tested. This method of estimating fatigue curves was applied to three mixtures, and its results were compared with those of the standard procedure.

Keywords: Asphalt mixes; Fatigue; Damage


http://vulcano.caminos.upm.es/

HIGHWAY DESIGN SOFTWARE AS SUPPORT OF A PROJECT-BASED LEARNING COURSE

HIGHWAY DESIGN SOFTWARE AS SUPPORT OF A PROJECT-BASED LEARNING COURSE. Castro, M. Computer Applications in Engineering Education, 20 (3), 468-473, 2012.

Abstract

Traditionally, practical training of students in highway design has been based on solving geometric problems without using professional highway design software. In a degree of the Technical University of Madrid (UPM), teaching of this subject has been redesigned using a project-based learning approach. Along the course, the students make a complete project of a highway using professional software and procedures. The highway design software chosen includes a simulator that makes a virtual journey along the highway from the point of view of a driver traveling on it. A detailed description of the course program and the software used is provided.

Keywords: engineering education; project-based learning; highway design software; simulation; sight distances

http://vulcano.caminos.upm.es/

GEOMETRIC MODELLING OF HIGHWAYS USING GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) DATA AND SPLINE APPROXIMATION

GEOMETRIC MODELLING OF HIGHWAYS USING GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) DATA AND SPLINE APPROXIMATION
Castro, M., Iglesias, L., Rodríguez-Solano,  R., Sánchez J. A. Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies, 14 (4), 233-243. 2006.

Abstract
Detailed studies of traffic safety, as highway design consistency evaluation, require having the geometric definition of the alignment. An efficient and reliable procedure has been developed for obtaining this geometric definition for two-lane rural highways. The method is based on getting data of the highway by means of a GPS receiver mounted in a car and the subsequent processing of this information. The data taken in the highway are differentially corrected and points in the roadway centerline are estimated by means of a developed calculation algorithm. Finally, the highway alignment is defined by means of a parametric cubic smoothing spline. In this paper, the developed method and its application to the M-607 highway, located in Madrid (Spain), is exposed.

http://vulcano.caminos.upm.es/

HIGHWAY SAFETY ANALYSIS USING GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS

HIGHWAY SAFETY ANALYSIS USING GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS. Castro, M., Iglesias, L., Rodríguez-Solano,  R., Sánchez J. A. P. I. Civil Eng-Transport, 161 (2), 91-97. 2008.

Abstract
Given the high number of crashes occurring on highways, it is necessary to intensify the search for new tools that assist in understanding their causes. With this aim in mind, the authors have developed a computer system, named Highway Design Analysis (HDA), which analyses the relationship between the geometric characteristics of a highway and those characteristics that the driver expects to find. The system is based on the analysis of vehicles' operating speed and allows the selection of the operating speed prediction model to be used. Several speed prediction models, including the model developed in Spain in the current study, have been used in the case study. The information generated by the application developed has been integrated into a geographic information system (GIS) with the purpose of manipulating, analysing and showing the results in a more efficient way. The system developed is discussed along with its application to three highways.

Keywords:information technology; roads & highways; traffic engineering

http://vulcano.caminos.upm.es/

AUTOMATED GIS-BASED SYSTEM FOR SPEED ESTIMATION AND HIGHWAY SAFETY EVALUATION

AUTOMATED GIS-BASED SYSTEM FOR SPEED ESTIMATION AND HIGHWAY SAFETY EVALUATION. Castro, M., Sánchez, J. A., Vaquero, C. M., Iglesias, L., Rodríguez-Solano, R. Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 22 (5), 325-33. 2008.

Abstract
Although geographic information systems (GISs) have been applied in different areas of transportation, full use of their potential in speed profile analysis and highway design consistency studies has yet to be made. The possibilities that GISs offer for analysis and the increasing number of highway inventories supported by such systems, including traffic data and crash rates, suggest that the implementation of a highway design consistency analysis module within a GIS will facilitate and improve road safety studies. It is with this aim that a GIS-based computer system that builds vehicle speed profiles and analyzes highway design consistency has been developed, in which an operating speed prediction model, acceleration/deceleration rates, and other features can be configured by the engineering user in order to obtain an analysis that is more representative of drivers and local conditions. Application of this system to the study of the design consistency of highways is described, using three examples.

Keywords: Geographic information systems, Highway and road design, Safety, Traffic speed, Evaluation

http://vulcano.caminos.upm.es/