Use of Digital Multispectral Videography to Capture Environmental Data Sets for Virginia Department of Transportation

Author(s):  
G. Michael Fitch ◽  
John E. Anderson
Author(s):  
Ryan Howell ◽  
Stephen Muench ◽  
Milad Zokaei Ashtiani ◽  
James Feracor ◽  
Mark Russell ◽  
...  

Large data sets of Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) pavement construction and condition data are linked together and used to investigate an implemented change in in-place density to lower specification limit (LSL) from 91% to 92%. This serves as a test case for using such large in-service data sets to create analysis value for a state DOT. Findings include: (1) WSDOT field density has remained relatively steady at 93% for over 20 years; (2) raising the density LSL to 92% will likely result in more contractor effort to achieve higher densities; (3) no clear trend links density with better pavement condition; (4) raising the density LSL will likely result in fewer problematically low densities; and (5) there is no evidence of differing pavement performance based on asphalt content, gradation, or nominal maximum aggregate size.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arthur Souza ◽  
Caroline Mota ◽  
Amanda Rosa ◽  
Ciro Figueiredo ◽  
Ana Lucia Candeias

Abstract Background: Given the increasing rates at which cases of people infected by Covid-19 have been evolving to case-fatality rates on a global scale and the context of there being a world-wide socio-economic crisis, decision-making must be undertaken based on prioritizing effective measures to control and combat the disease since there is a lack of effective drugs and as yet no vaccine. Method: This paper explores the determinant factors of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts on Recife, Pernambuco-Brazil by performing both local and global spatial regression analysis on two types of environmental data-sets. Data were obtained from ten specific days between late April and early July 2020, comprehending the ascending, peak and descending behaviours of the curve of infections.Results: This study highlights the importance of identifying and mapping clusters of the most affected neighbourhoods and their determinant effects. We have identified that it is increasingly common for there to be a phase in which hotspots of confirmed cases appear in a well-developed and heavily densely-populated neighbourhood of the city of Recife. From there, the disease is carried to areas characterised by having a precarious provision of public services and a low-income population and this quickly creates hotspots of case-fatality rates. The results also help to understand the influence of the age, income, level of education of the population and, additionally, of the extent to which they can access public services, on the behaviour of the virus across neighbourhoods.Conclusion: This study supports government measures against the spread of Covid-19 in heterogeneous cities, evidencing social inequality as a driver for a high incidence of fatal cases of the disease. Understanding the variables which influence the local dynamics of the virus spread becomes vital for identifying the most vulnerable regions for which prevention actions need to be developed.


Author(s):  
H. Celik Ozyildirim ◽  
Stephen R. Sharp

Historically, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has repaired chloride-contaminated reinforced concrete bridge substructure elements that contain vertical and overhead sections with either shotcrete or a conventional A3 (3,000 psi) or A4 (4,000 psi) concrete. This study investigated using self-consolidating concrete (SCC), which has a high flow rate, bonds well, has low permeability, and provides smooth surfaces, as another option. The study also explored the use of galvanic anodes to control corrosion activity in SCC repairs. In VDOT’s Lynchburg and Staunton Districts, SCC repairs were made with and without the use of galvanic anodes. This provided a means for determining the benefit of using the anodes. The needed repair areas were determined by visual observation and sounding. After 7 years of service, SCC repair areas with and without anodes did not exhibit corrosion activity; small vertical cracks were evident in the SCC but did not affect performance. The anodes can provide protection to the steel immediately adjacent to the repair areas. However, unrepaired concrete areas away from the patched area with anodes now require additional repairs. SCC can be successfully placed; however, attention should be paid to form pressure and slump loss. Selection of repair areas should be based on corrosion-related measurements such as half-cell or chloride content, rather than sounding. Progression of corrosion demonstrates the necessity of removing all chloride-contaminated concrete not just adjacent to, but also away from the reinforcement, as anodes in the repair area will provide protection only in a narrow area around the patch.


Author(s):  
Stacey D. Diefenderfer

The Virginia Department of Transportation began allowing the use of warm mix asphalt (WMA) in 2008. Although several WMA technologies were investigated prior to implementation, foamed WMA was not. This study evaluated the properties and performance of foamed WMA placed during the initial implementation of the technology to determine whether the technology had performed as expected. Six mixtures produced using plant foaming technologies and placed between 2008 and 2010 were identified and subjected to field coring and laboratory testing. Coring was performed in 2014, resulting in pavement ages from 4 to 6 years. Three comparable hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures were cored at 5 years for comparison. Cores were evaluated for air-void contents and permeability and were subjected to dynamic modulus, repeated load permanent deformation, and overlay testing. In addition, binder was extracted and recovered for performance grading. Similar properties were found for the WMA and HMA mixtures. One WMA mixture had high dynamic modulus and binder stiffness, but overlay testing did not indicate any tendency for premature cracking. All binders had aged between two and three performance grades above that specified at construction. WMA binders and one HMA binder aged two grades higher, and the remaining two HMA binders aged three grades higher, indicating a likely influence on aging of the reduced temperatures at which the early foamed mixtures were typically produced. Overall results indicated that foamed WMA and HMA mixtures should be expected to perform similarly.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morten Loell Vinther ◽  
Torbjørn Eide ◽  
Aurelia Paraschiv ◽  
Dickon Bonvik-Stone

Abstract High quality environmental data are critical for any offshore activity relying on data insights to form appropriate planning and risk mitigation routines under challenging weather conditions. Such data are the most significant driver of future footprint reduction in offshore industries, in terms of costs savings, as well as operational safety and efficiency, enabled through ease of data access for all relevant stakeholders. This paper describes recent advancements in methods used by a dual-footprint Pulse-Doppler radar to provide accurate and reliable ocean wave height measurements. Achieved improvements during low wind weather conditions are presented and compared to data collected from other sources such as buoys and acoustic doppler wave and current profiler (ADCP) or legacy. The study is based on comparisons of recently developed algorithms applied to different data sets recorded at various sites, mostly covering calm weather conditions.


Author(s):  
Ondrej Habala ◽  
Martin Šeleng ◽  
Viet Tran ◽  
Branislav Šimo ◽  
Ladislav Hluchý

The project Advanced Data Mining and Integration Research for Europe (ADMIRE) is designing new methods and tools for comfortable mining and integration of large, distributed data sets. One of the prospective application domains for such methods and tools is the environmental applications domain, which often uses various data sets from different vendors where data mining is becoming increasingly popular and more computer power becomes available. The authors present a set of experimental environmental scenarios, and the application of ADMIRE technology in these scenarios. The scenarios try to predict meteorological and hydrological phenomena which currently cannot or are not predicted by using data mining of distributed data sets from several providers in Slovakia. The scenarios have been designed by environmental experts and apart from being used as the testing grounds for the ADMIRE technology; results are of particular interest to experts who have designed them.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-148
Author(s):  
Brian S. Bruckno ◽  
Chester F. Watts ◽  
George Stephenson ◽  
Christopher Mau

ABSTRACT Natural Bridge, in Rockbridge County, Virginia, is a geological arch carrying U.S. Route 11 over Cedar Creek. The area has significant historical and cultural importance; it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Virginia Historic Landmark. Until 2015, the arch and area below were privately owned and operated, with only the pavement structure of U.S. Route 11 held by the Virginia Department of Transportation. Since then, the arch and area below have been leased to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, potentially transferring liability to the Commonwealth. As part of the Commonwealth's due diligence and to help ensure that the arch is preserved for future generations, the Department of Transportation, in partnership with Radford University, completed a comprehensive, non-invasive geological and geotechnical investigation in 2017 and 2018. A complementary variety of geophysical, laser, optical, seismic, and traditional geological methods of study were used to allow for integrated data analysis. The investigation revealed potential risks to the integrity of the arch, which may eventually reduce its suitability for use as a transportation corridor. The investigation methodology allowed planning for protection of the environment, cultural resources, and local economies while avoiding any potential damage to the arch. As of the date of this article, plans are under way to relocate U.S. Route 11 onto an alternate alignment entirely, thereby helping to preserve this valuable cultural, historical, and geological asset.


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