University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The Grainger College of Engineering
Illinois Center for Transportation

New ICT-IDOT reports

10/18/2022 McCall Macomber

Illinois Center for Transportation is pleased to announce the publication of reports from the following Illinois Department of Transportation-sponsored projects, in order of publication.

R27-188: Evaluating the Accuracy and Use of Drilled Shaft Integrity Testing Methods in Illinois
Timothy Stark, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Abdolreza Osouli, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Michael Short, Illinois Department of Transportation

A rebar cage with four crosshole sonic logging access tubes and four thermal integrity profiling wires installed before placement in a drilled shaft (left) and an installed rebar cage after concrete pouring (right).
A rebar cage with four crosshole sonic logging access tubes and four thermal integrity profiling wires installed before placement in a drilled shaft (left) and an installed rebar cage after concrete pouring (right).

The use of drilled shafts — which drill a circular hole into which concrete is placed — as foundations for bridges is increasing in Illinois. Integrity testing of drilled shafts determines whether those concrete foundations are constructed correctly.

This project evaluated two methods of drilled-shaft integrity testing — one that measures the speed and strength at which an ultrasonic pulse travels through concrete (crosshole sonic logging) and one that measures temperatures in the foundation during concrete curing (thermal integrity profiling). Researchers determined the pros and cons of each type of integrity testing as well as provided guidance on when to use each type.

Effective use of integrity-testing methods will lead to better-performing and longer-lasting bridges by allowing IDOT engineers to determine the best testing method for a project.

R27-214: 3D Image Analysis Using Deep Learning for Size and Shape Characterization of Stockpile Riprap Aggregates — Phase 2
Erol Tutumluer and John Hart, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Andrew Stolba, Illinois Department of Transportation

Riprap — used to protect shorelines against erosion — is commonly made from granite or limestone and is sometimes made from rubble from building and paving demolition. Placing improperly sized riprap by shorelines may lead to increased erosion.
Riprap — used to protect shorelines against erosion — is commonly made from granite or limestone and is sometimes made from rubble from building and paving demolition. Placing improperly sized riprap by shorelines may lead to increased erosion.

Riprap — rock or other material used to protect shorelines against erosion — is often inspected visually or manually weighed. The aim of this project was to develop a machine-vision method to determine the size and shape of riprap within stockpiles.

The researchers developed a software application and used image analysis to calculate the volume of riprap stockpiles automatically and replace the current manual method. Implementation of this technology will allow IDOT to improve safety in the industry as well as save time when evaluating riprap properties, reducing project costs.

R27-211: Policy and Design Guidelines to Plan for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles
Arnab Chakraborty and Lindsay Braun, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Shawn Wilcockson, Illinois Department of Transportation

Connected and autonomous vehicle technology is rapidly evolving, making proactive planning more important than ever. Key to this planning is determining how the evolving technology not only impacts large cities, but also mid-sized regions.
Connected and autonomous vehicle technology is rapidly evolving, making proactive planning more important than ever. Key to this planning is determining how the evolving technology not only impacts large cities, but also mid-sized regions.

This project explored the future of connected and autonomous vehicles and how the technology will transform our communities. The researchers used scenario analysis to develop policies and design guidelines for mid-sized regions that will help practitioners respond to challenges posed by this emerging technology.

They developed recommendations and a scenario framework that will cover street design, mobility, surrounding land use and infrastructure, broader planning and policy questions, as well as some data and liability issues. The developed scenario framework will allow the public to participate in shaping their community’s future as well as benefit from proactive planning.

R27-222: The State of Practice in Community Impact Assessment
Lindsay Braun, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Jesus Barajas, University of California, Davis
Heidy Persaud, Center for Neighborhood Technology
John Sherrill and Michael Vanderhoof, Illinois Department of Transportation

[cr][lf]<p>Community impact assessment is a process that evaluate the effects of a transportation action on a community and its quality of life. The assessment may include elements of health, safety, air quality, connectivity and access, and equity.</p>[cr][lf]
Community impact assessment is a process that evaluates the effects of a transportation action on a community and its quality of life. The assessment may include elements of health, safety, air quality, connectivity and access, and equity.

This project captured current best practices that incorporate quality-of-life considerations, equity and community resources and integrated them into IDOT’s Community Impact Assessment Manual. The updated manual will provide accurate, clear and consistent information to assist IDOT personnel and consultants in completing community and socioeconomic impact documentation of its transportation projects.

Modern approaches were included in the manual so that IDOT can effectively deploy decision-making strategies that reflect sociocultural, economic, health, safety, access and mobility concerns of Illinoisians. The updated manual will help IDOT develop their staff’s capacity in placing community resources and impacts at the core of addressing present and future transportation solutions.

R27-223: Crash Modification Factors for Contrast Pavement Markings on Light-Colored Pavement
Michael Williamson, Indiana State University
Marshall Metcalf, Illinois Department of Transportation

Contrast pavement markings have two main designs, from left: bordered and lead/lag. Contrast pavement markings are intended to make the marking more visible to motorists, particularly in instances where there is glare from sunlight or adverse weather conditions.
Contrast pavement markings have two main designs, from left: bordered and lead/lag. Contrast pavement markings are intended to make the marking more visible to motorists, particularly in instances where there is glare from sunlight or adverse weather conditions.

Pavement markings provide positive guidance to drivers. Contrasting material can be added to the sides or ends of pavement markings, making it easier for drivers to see the markings but increasing their cost. The goal of the project was to study the crash reduction benefit of adding contrast material to pavement markings.

The researchers produced a cost-benefit ratio to evaluate the expense of installing contrast pavement markings compared to observed crash reduction data. The research will ensure that taxpayers’ money is being spent effectively while maintaining safe roadways.