http://purl.umn.edu/241 Search the Channel search http://conservancy.umn.edu/simple-search http://purl.umn.edu/5933 Title: Advanced BRT Volume I: Innovative Technologies for Dedicated Roadways <br/> <br/>Authors: Alexander, Lee; Cheng, Pi-Ming; Gorjestani, Alec; Menon, Arvind; Newstrom, Bryan; Shankwitz, Craig <br/> <br/>Abstract: Presented herein is a novel approach to vehicle positioning using RFID technology (Vehicle Positioning System, or VPS). By installing in the road RFID tags encoded with road name or other designation, the specific lane, the direction of travel, and the longitudinal distance from a known reference, a vehicle outfitted with an RFID tag reader can determine its position each time it passes over and reads a tag, thus, providing precisely the information needed for many ITS applications - the longitudinal position of a vehicle in a particular lane on a particular road of the transportation network. Knowledge of lane of travel and distance from a known reference provided by VPS enables many transit applications, including headway control of bus platoons, merge/lane change assistance, rear-end collision avoidance, and bay mark-up applications. For lane assist systems, VPS and a lateral positioning system can augment DGSP in urban areas, providing seamless operation where DGPS accuracy is insufficient for lane keeping. This research focused on designing and building a prototype VPS using existing third party RFID hardware. The hardware was evaluated and characterized to determine if it could be used to create a viable, robust VPS. After the development and characterization of the positioning system, an implementation of a rear-end collision avoidance system was built to demonstrate the use of VPS. Finally, a more sophisticated rear-end collision avoidance system was designed and simulated, after which its implications to the accuracy specifications for VPS were analyzed. Wed, 27 Feb 2008 22:58:59 GMT http://purl.umn.edu/5925 Title: FY06 NATSRL-Integration of Automated Vehicle System Data Acquisition into Fleet Management <br/> <br/>Authors: Wyrick, David; Eseonu, Chinweike <br/> <br/>Abstract: Previous work at the University of Minnesota Duluth on fleet asset management determined a key shortcoming in life cycle costing analysis was the poor quality of available data. Automation of data acquisition was recommended to minimize errors inherent in manual data collection and data entry. This project investigates the feasibility of collecting data from engine computers on board Class 330 and 350 snowplows and wirelessly transmitting these data directly into the Maximus M5 maintenance information system. Wireless modems were evaluated to select models that could function in the physical setting and temperature conditions of northern Minnesota. One modem met all the criteria and was field-tested in several different snowplow units. The modem functioned, but the interface with the on-board computer prevented data transfer due to embedded proprietary software by the engine manufacturers. Third party providers do offer real-time remote data collection from engine computers. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) expressed concern over data protection and cost with this approach, so alternative management strategies were developed. Under these conditions, the recommendation is to increase the frequency of cable-acquired data from the engines and implement best practices for data acquisition. Wed, 27 Feb 2008 22:58:59 GMT http://purl.umn.edu/5923 Title: Rural Transportation Safety and the Strategic Highway Safety Plan: An Examination of Select State Programs and Practices <br/> <br/>Authors: Munnich, Lee Jr; More, Alec <br/> <br/>Abstract: This first in a series of Center for Excellence in Rural Safety (CERS) research summaries examines the current state of safety planning through interviews and a comprehensive review of the newly mandated strategic highway safety plans (SHSPs) and supporting documents from six states representing different U.S. regions: Alabama, Idaho, Maryland, Minnesota, Vermont, and Washington. The researchers took several steps to develop a knowledge base of existing conditions pertaining to safety planning in the six states. During the analysis, five key themes emerged: 1. A focus on changing driver behavior; 2. The importance of state-level public policy and political leadership; 3. The use of emerging technologies; 4. The importance of sustained, collaborative approaches; and 5. The use of measurement-driven approaches, which rely on enhanced data collection and new interpretive methodologies. In addition to these findings, case studies of each state provide a synopsis of certain aspects of their SHSPs. Recommendations concerning the SHSP development process and emphasis areas include: strengthening public engagement activities and initiatives to communicate the importance of roadway safety, reviewing the development structure and safety stakeholders involved, and continuing integration across agencies contributing to safety. Tue, 29 Jan 2008 22:58:59 GMT http://purl.umn.edu/5767 Title: Freight Performance Measure Systems (FPMS) System Evaluation and Data Analysis <br/> <br/>Authors: Liao, Chen-fu <br/> <br/>Abstract: One of the key measures of freight performance along interstate corridors in the United States is the average speed of travel. This report documents the findings and analysis of the ATRI Freight Performance Measure (FPM) database systems and investigates a potential FPM system design that can efficiently and effectively processes more and larger Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) datasets collected from various trucking companies. The current FPM system at ATRI was evolved from its previous system based on GIS software. The averaged speed calculations resulting from the data process of each FPM system are somewhat different. Analysis of the average speed calculation and investigation of speed differences are discussed in chapter one. FPM database system analysis and comparison are included in chapter two. The final chapter presents an ideal FPM system and requirements needed for migration. Sat, 29 Dec 2007 22:58:59 GMT http://purl.umn.edu/5766 Title: Development of Improved Test Rolling Methods for Roadway <br/> <br/>Authors: Hambleton, J.; Drescher, Andrew <br/> <br/>Abstract: Test rolling is a quality assurance test in which penetration of the wheels of a heavy vehicle into subgrade soils is used as a measure of the adequacy of compaction. Current criteria for acceptable test roller penetration are empirical. Two theoretical approaches for modeling test rolling are developed. One is analytic and the other is numerical, based on the finite element code ABAQUS. Both approaches relate wheel penetration to wheel geometry, wheel load, and soil strength parameters (friction angle and cohesion). Elastic soil properties are included in the numerical simulations but play a secondary role. The models accommodate both rigid and flexible wheels. Homogeneous and layered soil structures are considered. Scaled laboratory tests support the theoretical predictions, although full validation requires execution of extensive full scale field testing. The models developed can be used to enhance interpretation of test rolling data and assess the effects of test roller modifications. Tue, 29 Jan 2008 22:58:59 GMT