| SPR Active Projects |
 |
|
|
 |
| SPR 645 |
|
Using Archived ITS Data to Measure the Operational Benefits of a System-wide Adaptive Ramp Metering
| Project Coordinator: |
June Ross |
| Research Agency: |
Portland State University |
| Principal Investigator: |
Robert Bertini |
| Start Date for ODOT: |
December 2005 |
| Completion Date for ODOT: |
March 31, 2008 |
BACKGROUND:
The ramp metering strategy in Portland has employed a pre-timed algorithm that determines the times that the meters are active as well as each ramp’s metering rate. As part of the original ramp metering deployment, a surveillance system, including inductive loop detectors and closed circuit television (CCTV) systems, is in place. Starting in May 2005 a system-wide adaptive ramp metering (SWARM) system is being implemented in the Portland metropolitan area and should be operational on all corridors by April 2006. Portland State University has implemented the Portland Oregon Transportation Archive Listing (PORTAL) which archives the freeway loop detector data at its most detailed level.
OBJECTIVE:
The objective of this project is to use the existing data, surveillance and communications infrastructure to evaluate the SWARM ramp metering system. The intent will be to measure savings in delay, emissions and fuel consumption and safety improvements on and off the freeway due to the implementation of the adaptive ramp metering system. Performance measures will be developed and tracked.
APPROACH:
The researchers will design a data collection plan to be implemented in a pilot study along a key corridor (including the collection of sufficient “before” and “after” data to ensure statistically significant results). Key parameters to be measured include: travel time, delay, speed, flow, queue length (ramps), vehicle miles traveled (VMT) vehicle hours traveled (VHT), safety, fuel consumption, and air quality.
Based on the pilot study the data collection plan will be fine-tuned. The research team will perform a comprehensive analysis of the system, using the revised experimental design developed subsequent to the pilot study. Key parameters will be measured and compared and can be utilized to optimize performance.
Quarterly Reports:
|
|
|
| SPR 646 |
|
ALTERNATIVES to Liquidated Damages for Ensuring Project Performance
| Project Coordinator: |
Mark Joerger |
| Research Agency: |
Oregon State University |
| Principal Investigator: |
David Sillars |
| Start Date for ODOT: |
May 2005 |
| Completion Date for ODOT: |
December 31, 2008 |
OBJECTIVES:
The practice of liquidated damages as a contracting tool has proven insufficient for ODOT managers to use in improving on-time performance. This project will update ODOT listings of time-based performance techniques. A model of a selection process will be developed that may be further developed by ODOT into a working methods selection tool. The model will establish an initial relationship between project characteristics and technique that will aid in technique selection.
OVERVIEW:
Less than 50% of ODOT construction projects complete within their originally contracted schedule. Much of this delay is due to negotiated project changes, while a much lesser amount is due to contractor inability to complete on time. The primary method used to ensure on-time performance in ODOT contracting is liquidated damages. If a project exceeds its completion time, a monetary penalty is assessed at an amount sufficient to compensate ODOT for the cost of the delay.
PROPOSED ACTIVITIES:
A literature search will precede a review and documentation of ODOT time-based contracting techniques. Appropriate procedures will be identified for further development. Other DOTs will be solicited for models used by them to select between time-based contracting techniques, and a model will be developed for ODOT.
Quarterly Reports:
|
|
|
| SPR 650 |
|
Statistical Analysis of QC / QA Data on Construction Projects
| Project Coordinator: |
Norris Shippen |
| Research Agency: |
Oregon State University |
| Principal Investigator: |
David N. Sillars |
| Start Date for ODOT: |
July 1, 2007 |
| Completion Date for ODOT: |
October 31, 2008
|
BACKGROUND:
In July 2005, FHWA conducted a stewardship review of ODOT’s Quality Assurance Program. The review found that ODOT’s process of validating the contractor’s QC data is not in compliance with the CFR’s. The issue noted in the report is that we need to incorporate a statistical based analysis method to analyze the contractor’s on-going QC results as well as for comparing Agency results to the contractor’s. They also suggest that electronic data collection methods would be beneficial to ODOT in incorporating the statistical analysis methods into the program.
OBJECTIVES:
procedures other states are using in analyzing QC /QA data, what options are availab
The objective of this research project is to investigate what statistical analysis le for electronic data collection, and develop statistical methods and processes to incorporate into ODOT’s QA program.
APPROACH:
Evaluation of ODOT’s current system and develop a statistically valid procedure to analyze the contractor’s on-going QC test results, test method verification and process verification. Evaluate which processes and test procedures to apply statistical analysis procedures. Develop an electronic process for conducting the statistical analysis as well as guidelines for conducting the analysis, interpreting and using the results.
|
|
|
| SPR 651 |
|
Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Safety Investment Program (SIP) Policies for Oregon
| Project Coordinator: |
June Ross |
| Research Agency: |
Portland State University
Oregon State University |
| Principal Investigator: |
Christopher Monsere
& Karen Dixon |
| Start Date for ODOT: |
September 2006 |
| Completion Date for ODOT: |
June 2008 |
BACKGROUND:
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) Safety Investment Program (SIP) seeks to allocate safety funds in a manner that maximizes safety benefits on preservation projects and at specific high-crash locations. It is not known if SIP policy encourages the most cost-effective use of limited resources and whether it effectively sorts road segments requiring safety improvements and those where standards can be reduced.
OBJECTIVE:
The objective of this research is study the effectiveness of SIP policies in meeting the goals and objectives of the ODOT. The research will seek to answer a number of funding, design, and construction decisions as they relate to the SIP policy.
APPROACH:
The research team will complete a literature review that will identify practices followed by other states to balance safety and pavement preservation.
SIP fund allocation procedures will be evaluated to determine programming of funds across regions, target safety-based candidate projects, and perceived outcomes. This will provide a baseline for selecting regional case studies for specific safety evaluations.
An evaluation methodology will be developed to objectively quantify the impact of SIP policies on the final constructed project.
The research will explore alternative network screening techniques and investigate appropriate performance measures for the SIP.
Quarterly Reports:
|
|
|
| SPR 653 |
|
Determining Localized Anode Condition for Effective Corrosion Protection
| Project Coordinator |
Steven Soltesz |
| Research Agency: |
Oregon State University |
| Principal Investigator: |
Milo Koretsky |
| Start Date for ODOT: |
September 1, 2006 |
| Completion Date for ODOT: |
August 31, 2008 |
BACKGROUND:
ODOT has installed cathodic protection (CP) systems on eight reinforced concrete bridges along the Oregon Coast. Most of the CP zones rely on a consumable zinc anode to provide protective current to the underlying steel reinforcement. As the anode ages, chemical reactions near the interface between the zinc and concrete consume the anode resulting in an accumulation of reaction products. Initially, the bond between the anode and the concrete strengthens, but after five years of service the bond between the anode and the concrete continuously weakens with age. Also, the circuit resistance increases with age reducing the efficiency of the CP system. Previous laboratory work suggests that zinc anodes in impressed current CP systems will have a life of approximately 25 years. Current research in progress is expected to develop a condition rating for zinc anodes based on a combination of electrochemical age, circuit resistance, and bond strength. However, a practical method of determining localized anode condition is needed in order to determine the extent of deterioration and to prepare repair and maintenance strategies. Ideally, a method for condition assessment would be non-destructive or minimally destructive and could be carried out quickly in the field with minimal skill required.
OBJECTIVES:
The objective of this project is to develop a practical, minimally destructive field procedure to determine the local anode condition of cathodic protection systems.
APPROACH:
A broad review of physical principles (and corresponding technologies) will be conducted that might be suitable as the basis for a device to assess the condition of zinc anodes in impressed current CP systems. Up to three technologies will be selected for further consideration based on applicability in the field, non-destructiveness or minimal destructiveness of the test, ease of use, cost, time required for development, and likelihood for success. Proof-of-concept testing will be conducted in a laboratory environment for the most promising technologies. Based on the laboratory results, a prototype device that meets the selection criteria will be developed and tested in the field.
Quarterly Reports:
|
|
|
| SPR 654 |
|
Waterway Enhancement Construction Methods.
| Project Coordinator |
Matthew Mabey |
| Research Agency: |
Oregon State University |
| Principal Investigator: |
David N. Sillars |
| Start Date for ODOT: |
July 1, 2007 |
| Completion Date for ODOT: |
April 10, 2009 |
BACKGROUND:
ODOT has installed cathodic protection (CP) systems on eight reinforced concrete bridges along the Oregon Coast. Most of the CP zones rely on a consumable zinc anode to provide protective current to the underlying steel reinforcement. As the anode ages, chemical reactions near the interface between the zinc and concrete consume the anode resulting in an accumulation of reaction products. Initially, the bond between the anode and the concrete strengthens, but after five years of service the bond between the anode and the concrete continuously weakens with age. Also, the circuit resistance increases with age reducing the efficiency of the CP system. Previous laboratory work suggests that zinc anodes in impressed current CP systems will have a life of approximately 25 years. Current research in progress is expected to develop a condition rating for zinc anodes based on a combination of electrochemical age, circuit resistance, and bond strength. However, a practical method of determining localized anode condition is needed in order to determine the extent of deterioration and to prepare repair and maintenance strategies. Ideally, a method for condition assessment would be non-destructive or minimally destructive and could be carried out quickly in the field with minimal skill required.
OBJECTIVES:
The objective of this project is to develop a practical, minimally destructive field procedure to determine the local anode condition of cathodic protection systems.
APPROACH:
A broad review of physical principles (and corresponding technologies) will be conducted that might be suitable as the basis for a device to assess the condition of zinc anodes in impressed current CP systems. Up to three technologies will be selected for further consideration based on applicability in the field, non-destructiveness or minimal destructiveness of the test, ease of use, cost, time required for development, and likelihood for success. Proof-of-concept testing will be conducted in a laboratory environment for the most promising technologies. Based on the laboratory results, a prototype device that meets the selection criteria will be developed and tested in the field.
Quarterly Reports:
|
|
|
| SPR 655 |
|
SOCIO-ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF VEHICLE MILEAGE FEES
Project Coordinator:
|
Alan Kirk
|
Research Agency:
|
Oregon State University
|
Principal Investigator:
|
Starr McMullen & Lei Zhang
|
Start Date for ODOT:
|
September 15, 2006
|
End Date for ODOT:
|
June 30, 2008
|
BACKGROUND:
The 2001 Oregon Legislature created the Road User Fee Task Force (RUFTF) to make recommendations regarding a potential replacement for the gasoline tax. The RUFTF commissioned several studies exploring technological, institutional, and practical issues involved in a vehicle miles traveled (VMT) - based revenue collection system. ODOT is now conducting a pilot study, testing the effectiveness of on-vehicle and fuel station reporting and collection technologies associated with implementing fees based on miles traveled. Technological obstacles to a vehicle mileage fee are being addressed and it is becoming a viable policy option. However, there still remains the issue of determining the appropriate rate structure to adopt. To date, there has been no examination of alternative fee structures on social, regional or income distribution impacts in a manner guiding policymakers to a fee structure that meets multiple objectives, with the associated trade-offs clearly identified. Little information (mostly anecdotal) is available on the quantitative distributional effects of alternative fee structures. Policymakers need to understand the tradeoffs associated with different fee structures in order to make informed choices.
OBJECTIVES:
The objective of this research is to determine the socio-economic impacts of a vehicle mileage fee on Oregon consumers. The study will provide an analysis of the trade-offs associated with different fee structure alternatives in the area of social, regional, and income distributional effects, as well as the effects on energy use. The results will provide policymakers with information needed to make informed decisions regarding alternative vehicle mileage fee structures.
APPROACH:
Review the existing literature on the socio-economic impacts of a vehicle mileage fee.
- Models identified in the literature review will be evaluated for use as analysis tools to assess the impact of a mileage fee in Oregon. Data requirements for the models will be identified.
- Data will be collected and the identified models will be used to evaluate vehicle mileage fee impacts.
- Produce an evaluation structure for policymakers to compare tax alternatives, and recommend a vehicle mileage tax structure to meet their goals and objectives.
Quarterly Reports
|
|
| |
|
|
