New ICT-IDOT reports, projects

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

“R27-183-HS: Summary of Illinois Regulations and Review of Treatment Alternatives for Contaminated Soils in Right-of-Ways”
Here researchers investigate current environmental laws, regulations and best practices to find cost-effective and time-saving treatment alternatives for contaminated soils in IDOT’s construction areas.

“R27-199: Development of IDOT’s Proposed Smoothness Specification Based on the International Roughness Index”
The goal of this project is to develop a smoothness specification for IDOT’s roads based on the international roughness index — a standard used to quantify road roughness.

“R27-201: Motor Vehicle Crashes among the Older Population”
Researchers investigate the causes of crashes in adults 65 or older as well as provide recommendations for improving their safety and mobility.

“R27-SP42: Destructive Testing of IDOT Bridge Structure Number 020-3087”
Here researchers test a bridge beam that has been in service more than 50 years to failure. They will use the findings to review and update IDOT’s current bridge policies.

 

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

“R27-213: Reducing Concrete Cure Times Based on a Quantitative Assessment of Resistivity and Porosity”
The goal of this project is to optimize and reduce concrete cure time — a process that helps maintain concrete’s desired moisture and temperature.

“R27-216: Optimizing the Use of Local Aggregates in Stone-matrix Asphalt”
Researchers investigate local aggregates for use in stone-matrix asphalt — hot-mix asphalt used with durable wearing courses — to reduce the cost and environmental impact of its production.

“R27-217: Taxation of Ridesharing”
Ridesharing is increasing in popularity. Here researchers seek to create a resource for Illinois policymakers on its taxation.

“R27-219: Influence of Field-curing Conditions on Strength of Concrete Test Specimens”
This project aims to create guidelines for field-curing test specimens that will help determine road-opening times under different environmental conditions.

“R27-220: Developing Scour-depth Estimation Using In Situ and Portable Scour-testing Devices for Illinois Cohesive Soils”
Most bridge failures in the U.S. are caused by scouring, a process in which water erodes the soil underneath a bridge. Here researchers will establish testing and hydraulic-analysis procedures to better estimate scour depths and design bridges more cost-effectively.

“R27-221: Chip-seal Quality Assurance Using Percent Embedment”
The goal of this project is to create an accurate and cost-effective method to measure the effectiveness of chip seals, which seal cracks on a pavement’s surface.

“R27-222: Evaluating IDOT’s Community Impact Assessment Manual to Determine Socioeconomic Impacts of Projects”
Here researchers provide recommendations on evaluating the economic benefits of transportation research to ensure all Illinoisans benefit equally.

“R27-223: Crash Modification Factors for Contrast Pavement Markings on Light-colored Pavement”
This project investigates crash data to determine the safety benefits of contrast pavement markings on light-colored pavement.

“R27-224: Developing an Effective Crack-sealing Procedure by Leveraging Chemistry and Computer Vision”
This effort develops a computer-vision method to evaluate the performance of crack sealants on bridge decks.

“R27-225: Strength and Serviceability of Damaged Steel Girders”
Researchers seek to better understand damage caused by vehicles on bridge beams. They will provide recommendations for beam inspection, assessment and decision-making, leading to more sustainable practices and reduced life-cycle costs.

“R27-226: Residual Capacity of Precast Prestressed Concrete Deck Beams with Transverse Cracks”
Researchers aim to examine transverse cracking on bridge beams and to develop guidelines for IDOT to predict the capacity of cracked beams.