Projects

Current Projects

Project 0-6582 - Synthesis of Successful Bicycle Planning in Mid-Size Cities

TxDOT  FY 2010-2011

Research Supervisor: Hongchao Liu

Bicycling is an effective transportation alternative to motor vehicles and its use can benefit individuals, local communities and the environment. Although the federal and state transportation agencies stipulate the provision and maintenance of pedestrian and bicycle facilities, developing and implementing bicycle plans with clear vision and realistic goals remains a challenge for American cities. The TxDOT Research Problem Statement 0-6582 was developed to address this issue with focus on planning, design, and operation of bicycle facilities in mid-size cities. The primary objective of this project is to synthesize successful bicycle planning practices in mid-size cities with populations of 100,000 to 300,000.

Project 5-4893 - Continuously Reinforced Bonded Concrete Overlay of Distressed Jointed Concrete Pavements

TxDOT FY 2009 - 2010

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has many miles of jointed concrete pavement (JCP) or concrete pavement contraction design (CPCD) that have exceeded or are approaching the end of their design lives. The existing JCP represents a substantial asset to TxDOT, and providing timely treatment in terms of routine maintenance and rehabilitation will extend the lives of JCP and could result in substantial savings in TxDOT's operational budget. Building on findings from TxDOT research project 0-4893, this implementation project aims to place CRCP bonded overlay over JCP on a section of highway that has experienced repeated distresses despite diligent efforts to repair and maintain it. The CRCP bonded overlay will be monitored and early age behavior and long-term performance will be documented.

Project 0-6274 - Project Level Performance Database for Rigid Pavements in Texas,

Phase II

TxDOT FY 2009 - 2013

Research Supervisor: Moon Won

The main aim of this project is to update the existing database to provide the required information to develop and calibrate TxDOT M-E Design for continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP). This study will develop an advanced and user-friendly database to track the performance of typical and special concrete pavements in Texas.

Project 0-6190 - Use of Dowel Bars at Longitudinal Construction Joints

TxDOT FY 2009 - 2010

Research Supervisor: Moon Won

Tie bars in longitudinal construction joints (LCJs) in portland cement concrete (PCC) pavement are primarily placed to keep lanes together and secondarily to provide load transfer between lanes or between lanes and tied shoulders. As traffic volumes increase, the number of lanes tied together has also increased, raising concerns that tying too many lanes might increase the potential for longitudinal cracking. This concern led to the use of dowel bars in LCJs. Currently there are no clear guidelines on where and when to place dowels. This study aims to arrive at guidelines on the  use of dowels in LCJ based on technically sound engineering principles, which will improve the efficiency of TxDOT's operation in this area.

Operation and Management of the Traffic Management Center

City of Lubbock, FY 2007-2010

Research Supervisor: Hongchao Liu

A Traffic Management Center (TMC) is the nerve center of most freeway management systems. It collects and processes highway system data and provides useful information to the traveling public as well as other agencies. TMC systems play a significant role in managing daily traffic in metropolitan areas. In partnership with TechMRT's TransTech program, the City of Lubbock has installed its first TMC. This project helps the City Traffic Operation's office monitor the operation of the highway systems and coordinate their responses to traffic situations and incidents.

Project 0-6495 -  TxDOT and Electric Power Transmission Lines

Research Supervisor: Phillip Nash

Texas has tremendous untapped energy resources in the area of clean renewable sources such as solar and wind power.  The renewable power-generating ability of rural and offshore areas of Texas has the potential to figure prominently in the energy future of the United States and help meet the goal of the Obama Administration to generate 25% of energy from renewable sources by 2025.  While most of the national focus has been on how and where to generate renewable power, without transmission capacity new generation cannot be a reliable replacement or supplement for existing power resources. Efficient transmission enhances the role of renewable energy and the state's ability to install diversified wind and solar capacity in different regions and connect these to a transmission network serving the broadest possible range of customers will be central to the acceptance of renewable sources. The purpose of this study is to provide baseline information and case studies necessary to better define TxDOT's role in electric power transmission lines and partnerships with public utilities.

Development of Field Performance Evaluation Tools and Program for Pavement Marking Materials

TxDOT FY 2007-2010

Research Supervisor: Texas Transportation Institute

Hongchao Liu is collaborating with the Texas Transportation Institute and Texas A&M at College Station for this project that will develop field performance-based evaluation procedures for pavement marking materials (PMMs). Field decks are expected to be designed incorporating regular long lines together with transverse stripes for accelerated testing. Field decks will be installed at selected locations in the state considering area climate, roadway surface type, and traffic condition.Carefully selected PMM products will be installed and monitored for their field performance over time. Field test results will be used to correlate with initial specifications to develop new performance-based specifications. At the end of the project, a field performance database that can record and query all relevant data, track individual jobs and products, graphically display performance changes over time, and predict future performance of PMMs will be developed for TxDOT use.