The Grainger College of Engineering
Illinois Center for Transportation

New ICT-IDOT projects

7/25/2022 McCall Macomber

Illinois Center for Transportation is pleased to announce the start of new Illinois Department of Transportation-sponsored projects, from most recent start date.

R27-247: Automated and Contactless Identification of Asphalt Pavement Surface Friction Based on Stereo Vision and Deep Learning
Imad Al-Qadi and Mani Golparvar Fard, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
John Senger, Illinois Department of Transportation

Skid testing is used to measure the frictional resistance of pavement surfaces. The current method for skid testing relies on sample methods and is labor-intensive. A new technique based on stereo vision and deep learning will allow agencies to continuously measure the geometry and dimensions of a pavement surface so they can simulate this test over an entire highway network.
Skid testing is used to measure the frictional resistance of pavement surfaces. The current method for skid testing relies on sample methods and is labor-intensive. A new technique based on stereo vision and deep learning will allow agencies to continuously measure the geometry and dimensions of a pavement surface so they can simulate this test over an entire highway network.

Illinois Department of Transportation, like many agencies, conducts skid testing on its highway network. The current test method, however, is very labor-intensive and relies heavily on sample methods. Researchers will utilize the latest technology to develop a new standardized test that will allow IDOT to continually measure and calculate the skid resistance available on its roadways.

Developing a quicker test will help IDOT detect roads that need attention before problems occur, which will make roads safer by providing adequate friction for the given speed and geometry of the roadway.

The project will conclude June 2026.

R27-248: Investigation of Dolomite Aggregate Long-Term Cementation and Its Potential Advantage for Building Roads
Erol Tutumluer and Nishant Garg, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Andrew Stolba and Tim Peters, Illinois Department of Transportation

Dolomite and limestone are two of the most commonly available quarried materials in the state of Illinois. Dolomite, which was recently named Illinois’ state rock in June 2022, is composed of calcium magnesium carbonate and is known for its durability.
Dolomite and limestone are two of the most commonly available quarried materials in the state of Illinois. Dolomite, which was recently named Illinois’ state rock in June 2022, is composed of calcium magnesium carbonate and is known for its durability.

The aim of this project is to improve the durability and stability of roads in Illinois by using waste materials from quarries. The researchers will investigate dolomite, a mineral commonly found in Illinois, to determine its effectiveness in improving the quality of gravel roads and road construction.

Finding effective uses for by-products that will increase road durability will not only help reduce waste, but only reduce the cost of building and maintaining roadways.

The project will conclude December 2024.

R27-249: Evaluating the Benefits of Implementing Mobile Road Weather Information Sensors (Phase II)
Khaled El-Rayes and Ernest-John Ignacio, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Laura Shanley, Illinois Department of Transportation

Illinois Department of Transportation uses approximately 60 road weather information systems throughout the state. Mobile systems are expected to better measure real-time roadway conditions in the winter.
Illinois Department of Transportation uses approximately 60 road weather information systems throughout the state. Mobile systems are expected to better measure real-time roadway conditions in the winter.

Road weather information systems measure and communicate weather and pavement data to help provide detailed information about roadway conditions. Mobile systems — which can be fixed to vehicles such as snowplows or trucks — are expected to further improve data collection and decision making during the winter.

Here researchers will conduct a pilot study of mobile road weather information systems and the maintenance decision support system to determine their benefits, costs and implementation challenges.

Effective implementation of these systems is expected to improve the efficiency of winter maintenance techniques and equipment, provide safer roads and benefit the environment by reducing the use of deicing chemicals.

The project will conclude June 2025.

R27-SP52: Optimal Approach for Addressing Reinforcement Corrosion for Concrete Bridge Decks in Illinois — Phase II
Matthew Gombeda, Illinois Institute of Technology
Curt Evoy and Del Reeves, Illinois Department of Transportation

Placing epoxy-coated steel reinforcing bars in concrete bridge decks, shown above, is a popular method to help mitigate corrosion. Alternative options to prevent corrosion include the use of galvanized, stainless-steel or A1035 bars.
Placing epoxy-coated steel reinforcing bars in concrete bridge decks, shown above, is a popular method to help mitigate corrosion. Alternative options to prevent corrosion include the use of galvanized, stainless-steel or A1035 bars.

Previous research demonstrated that, depending upon the specific properties and design objectives for a given bridge deck, potential cost savings and performance enhancements are achievable when selecting bars with enhanced corrosion-resistant properties despite slightly higher initial costs in some cases.

The main objectives of the project will be to expand on previous research to also include both textured epoxy-coated and stainless-steel clad carbon core bars as corrosion-resistant alternatives and to further assess the potential structural performance benefits when utilizing the increased yield strength of ASTM A1035 bars.

The objectives of the proposed research are to be used by IDOT officials when deciding whether to invest in higher performing corrosion-protection systems for a given application or for updating current bridge design policies to reflect the latest developments in alternative corrosion-resistant reinforcement options.

The project will conclude February 2023.

R27-SP53: Statistical Analysis of COVID-19’s Impact on Transit Ridership for CTA Rail, CTA Bus, Pace and Metra (Pilot Study)
Yanfeng Ouyang, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Charles Abraham, Illinois Department of Transportation
Cemal Ayvalik, Regional Transportation Authority

A train in Chicago operated by the Chicago Transit Authority. CTA is one of Regional Transportation Authority’s three transit service operators — including Metra commuter rail and Pace Suburban Bus — in northeastern Illinois.
A train in Chicago operated by the Chicago Transit Authority. CTA is one of Regional Transportation Authority’s three transit service operators — including Metra commuter rail and Pace Suburban Bus — in northeastern Illinois.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many areas of our lives — including how we use transit systems. The aim of this project is to help transit agencies better understand the factors that may have contributed to transit ridership loss and the extent of its impacts.

Building off ICT-IDOT project R27-SP45, researchers will develop a statistical model for Chicago Transit Authority rail and bus systems as well as collect and prepare data for more comprehensive studies on all Regional Transportation Authority transit modes. Data-driven analysis of the pandemic’s impacts on CTA bus and rail ridership will assist Illinois Department of Transportation and Regional Transportation Authority with making policy decisions and planning resources during and after the pandemic.

The project will end February 2023.