Yong Bai

A Closed-Course Feasibility Analysis of Temporary Rumble Strips for Use in Short-Term Work Zones

This research was conducted to determine how best to incorporate portable rumble strips into traffic control plans for short-term work zones. One objective of the research was to provide guidance on how existing traffic control plans could be amended to include provisions for the evaluated devices. This research focused on rumble strips that were considered beneficial for any type of work zone where the duration is one day or less. The tests on the portable rumble strips were conducted on a closed roadway surrounding the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas, and in a closed park-and-ride parking facility in Lawrence, Kansas. The rumble strips tested in this study were two different types of reusable temporary rumble strips made out of steel with a rubber bottom and four generations of plastic rumble strips. From this study the best solution for most short-term work zones would be the latest generation of plastic rumble strips tested. The earlier generations did not perform as well as the fourth generation especially at 60 mph (96.6 km/hr). The steel rumble strips also hold some promise; however, the structural integrity of the steel rumble strips is an issue that needs to be addressed.

Enhancing the capability of rapid bridge replacement after extreme events

Purpose – The potential threats of extreme events to highway bridges have received increased attention from government agencies, the engineering and construction communities, and the traveling public. These events include terrorist attacks as well as human‐induced and natural hazards such as earthquakes, explosions, fires, floods, and hurricanes. To respond to the potential threats on highway bridges, a research project was conducted to identify rapid bridge replacement processes, techniques, and needs for improvements.Design/methodology/approach – To achieve the research objectives, a detailed case study of previous bridge replacement following an extreme event was conducted. The case study was performed using a three‐step approach. First, the research team reviewed the literature related to the case. Second, the research team interviewed the people who were involved with the case via the telephone. Third, the research team conducted a written survey to gain knowledge about the previously unanswered ques...

Processes and Techniques for Rapid Bridge Replacement After Extreme Events

Highway bridges, as critical components of the nations transportation network, have received increased attention after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and subsequent potential threats to U.S. transportation systems. To respond to the potential threats on highway bridges, a pooled-fund research project was conducted to identify rapid bridge replacement processes and techniques after extreme events. These events include manufactured and natural disasters such as earthquakes, explosions, fires, floods, and hurricanes. To achieve the research objectives, the research team studied three cases of previous bridge replacements following extreme events. These cases are the I-40 Webbers Falls Bridge in Oklahoma, the I-95 Chester Creek Bridge in Pennsylvania, and the I-87 New York State Thruway Bridge in Yonkers, New York. By studying these cases, the research team first sought to identify and expand on lessons learned. Lessons learned from these cases benefit government agencies such as state departments of transportation, which are responsible for development of the enhanced emergency response plans for highway bridges, and the engineering and construction communities, which are responsible for design and reconstruction of the damaged bridges. Next, the research team determined the processes and techniques that were used in the rapid bridge replacements and outlined needed improvements so that the research community could investigate new technologies to advance current practices.

Monitoring the Efficiency of Bridge Construction Using LWSM Model

Bridge construction has been closely monitored by government agencies, engineering and construction communities, and the general public. Previous research results show that to enhance the bridge construction operations there is a need to develop innovative technologies to improve communication and coordination among the participants involved in the bridge construction and to provide the labor working status information for project managers and engineers to quickly identify labor efficiency problems at the project sites. To address this need, a research project was conducted with the main objective of developing the Labor Working Status Monitoring Model that utilizes the Wireless Real-time Video Monitoring System and the benchmark data.