New ICT-IDOT reports and projects

Illinois Center for Transportation is pleased to announce the publication of reports for the following Illinois Department of Transportation-sponsored projects:

“R27-175: Development of Long-Term Aging Protocol for Implementation of the Illinois Flexibility Index Test (I-FIT)”
This project builds on the Illinois Flexibility Index Test, a procedure that identifies hot-mix asphalt tending to prematurely fail due to cracking. This study accelerates the aging of I-FIT asphalt specimens to determine their long-term aging effects.

“R27-179: Effectiveness of Exterior-Beam Rotation-Prevention Systems for Bridge Deck Construction — Phase II”
Here, researchers test a temporary rotation-prevention system to help reduce exterior-girder, or support-beam, rotation during bridge deck construction.

“R27-SP38: Durability Aspects of Stabilized Quarry By-product Pavement Applications”
This study conducts durability tests on collected field and lab samples, testing them under different temperatures (freeze-thaw) and moisture contents (wet-dry).

“R27-SP39: Current Policies throughout the Nation for Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) Installation”
This project investigates the U.S.’ use of Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons — a traffic control device that helps pedestrians cross at midblock crosswalks. Here researchers seek to inform policy on PHBs to address safety concerns and to use PHBs more effectively.

ICT is also excited to announce the start of the following new IDOT-sponsored projects:

“R27-193-6: Performance Evaluation of Stabilized Support Layers for Concrete Pavements”
In this project, researchers seek to develop a performance test to measure the potential for erosion in asphalt- or cement-stabilized layers that support concrete pavement.

“R27-204: Optimized Hot-mix Asphalt (HMA) Lift Configuration for Performance”
The objective of this research is to improve the performance of asphalt concrete mixes and lift configurations. Researchers will test various mix designs and lift thicknesses to develop specifications and update policies.

“R27-206: Evaluation of Roadway High Mast Tower Lighting”
High-mast roadway lighting is a system in which lights are typically mounted at a range of 100 feet. It is often used in parking lots, high-lane-count roadways and interchanges. This project investigates alternative designs for high-mast lighting and evaluates their performance after installation, especially concerning cost, required technology and maintenance.

“R27-207: Technical and Financial Feasibility Study for Installation of Solar Panels at IDOT-Owned Facilities”
Renewable energy is the way of the future — and solar energy is no exception. In this study, researchers work with IDOT to develop a strategy to move forward with solar projects.

“R27-208: Measuring Transport Properties of Portland Cement Concrete Using Electrical Resistivity”
In this study, researchers aim to find the best approach for implementing resistivity testing, which examines the permeability of concrete.

“R27-210: Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) for Illinois Subsurface Characterization and Geotechnical Design”
This project strives to develop guidelines for using the cone penetration test, which identifies soil properties in Illinois subsurface research. The findings of the project aim to improve IDOT’s “Geotechnical Manual.”

“R27-211: Policy and Design Guidelines to Plan for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs)”
Here researchers use scenario planning to prepare policy and design guidelines for connected and autonomous vehicles in order to help mid-sized metropolitan planning organizations.

“R27-212: Beneficial Use of Dredged Material from the Illinois Marine Transportation System”
In this study, researchers seek to increase the use of noncontaminated dredged materials, which are materials removed from bodies of water.

“R27-SP41: Small Cell Installation in Transportation Infrastructure — A Literature Review”
As the demand for cellular data increases, network providers continue to build more small cells, or low-powered antennas with shorter ranges. This project studies domestic and international use of small cells.