Current Research Projects

ACTIVE RESEARCH PROJECTS

TO BE COMPLETED IN 2022:

RS07220 - Field testing and Long term Monitoring of Selected High Mast Lighting Towers

Principle Investigator

Robert J. Connor, Purdue University S-BRITE Center

Project Champion

Paul Cortez, P.E., Asst State Bridge Engineer, Operations

Study Objective

This project is to continue to monitor four (4) high-mast light towers (HMLT) at locations already instrumented in order to determine the cause of severe fatigue damage in the pole-to-base plate weld observed in the three (3) HMLTs at the Wagonhound Rest Area.

Study Benefits

The outcome of this research is intended to determine what accelerated the fatigue failure of the HMLTs enabling WYDOT to take corrective action on existing and future HMLT installations in order to ensure the public safety. It is noted this extension will include a full maintenance trip since all of the systems have been in place for several years. Batteries, strain gages, and the overall data systems shall be maintained. Known issues include an inoperative cellular modem and selected strain gage failures. Funds have been included for a new modem, strain gages and miscellaneous repair items.

Completion Date: April 20, 2022

Cost Estimate:: $68,553

Data Management Plan

RS02220 - A Feasibility Study for Establishing A Regional Road Track Pavement Testing Facility in Wyoming

Principle Investigators

Marwan Hafez, PhD, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Wyoming Technology Transfer Center

Khaled Ksaibati, Ph.D., P.E. Director, Wyoming Technology Transfer Center

University of Wyoming

Laramie WY

Project Champions

Greg Milburn, P.E., State Materials Engineer

Keith Fulton. P.E., Assistant Chief Engineer

Study Objective: The main objective of this project is to set forth the terms and conditions by which the Principle Investigator shall evaluate the effectiveness of constructing a state of the art pavement testing facility in Wyoming to conduct research studies for the dry freeze region.

Study Benefit: The project will evaluate the effectiveness of constructing a state of the art pavement testing facility in Wyoming to conduct research studies for the dry freeze region.

Completion Date: May 31, 2022.

Cost Estimates: $102,002

Data Management Plan

RS05220 - Automated Real-Time Weather Detection System using Artificial Intelligence

Principle Investigator

Mohamed Ahmed, P.E. Associate Professor

University of Wyoming

Laramie WY

Project Champions

Vince Garcia, P.E., GIS/ITS Program Manager

Study Objective: The main objective of this project is to set forth the terms and conditions by which the Principle Investigator shall identify more snow weather events by detecting various weather conditions.

Study Benefit: The proposed study will help in facilitating and improving maintenance operations and enhance the safety and convenience of highway travel.

Completion Date: May 31, 2022.

Cost Estimates: $239,328

Data Management Plan

RS06220 - Enhancing Crash Data Reporting to Highway Safety Parners in Wyoming by Utilizing Big Data Analysis and Survey

Principal Investigators:

Anas Alrejjal, Graduate Assistant

Milhan Moomen, Postdoctoral Research Associate

Khaled Ksaibati, Director, Wyoming Technology Transfer Center

University of Wyoming

Laramie WY

Project Champion:

Matt Carlson, P.E. State Highway Safety Engineer

Study Objectives: The first objective of this study is to assess the data needs of WYDOT’s safety partners and agencies, identify gaps in crash reporting, and recommend appropriate guidelines to present traffic safety data. The second goal of the study is to identify human factors that impact crash severity and frequency in Wyoming using big data analysis, and determine reporting intervals for such factors.

Study Benefits: The study will present recommendations that ensures that safety agencies have access to high quality safety data that helps them to formulate programs, policies and interventions to counter crashes in Wyoming. Identification of significant human factors that cause crashes and the required frequency of reporting will help in the targeting of risky behaviors by enforcement and influence effective implementation of countermeasures.

Completion Date: May 31, 2022

Cost Estimate:: $117,879

Data Management Plan

RS03217 - Development of an Ultra-Accelerated Test to Evaluate ASR Potential in Concrete

Principal Investigator:

Jennifer Tanner, Ph.D., P.E., Associate Professor
University of Wyoming
Laramie WY

Project Champion:

Chris Romo, P.E., Principle Materials Engineer
Bob Rothwell, P.E., Assistant State Materials Engineer
Greg Milburn, P.E., State Materials Engineer

Study Objectives: Alkali silica reaction (ASR) is a significant problem in Cheyenne and other towns because of the presence of reactive aggregates. WYDOT's only means of evaluating fly ash as a mitigating agent is utilizing ASTM C1567 along with the history of the fly ash and the aggregates. The autoclave test would be extended to consider the results of fly ashes combined with local aggregates. The overall goal is to provide a single test that can combine aggregates, cement, and mitigating measure within a one-week time frame.

Study Benefits: The cost of mitigation of fly ash can be significant. The goal is a cost savings which will produce durable concrete with an extended service life.

Completion Date: Extended to August 10, 2022.

Cost Estimates: $213,389

RS08220 Automating the Implementation of the Updated Grade Severity Rating System (GSRS) for Wyoming Mountain Passes

Principle Investigators

Milhan Moormen, Postdocgtoral Research Associate

Khaled Ksaibati, Director, Wyoming Technology Transfer Center

University of Wyoming

Laramie WY

Project Champions

Michelle Edwards, P.E., District Traffic Engineer

Joel Meena, P.E., State Traffic Engineer

Study Objective:

This study is set out to validate the GSRS Model for trucks, update the GSRS, and to develop a program that simplifies the implementable.

Completion Date: August 11, 2022

Cost Estimate: $152,565 [MPC $73,000, WYDOT $79,565]

Data Management Plan

RS02218 Revegetation Success and weed Resilience of Wyoming Right of Way Reclamation

Principal Investigator:

Kristina Hufford, Associate Professor
University of Wyoming
Laramie WY

Project Champion:

R. Scott Gamo, Environmental Services Manager

Study Objectives: The objective of this study is to evaluate different reclamation seed mixes over the years to determine the rate of reseeding success and better define combinations of species and site variables that contribute to successful revegetation outcomes.

Study Benefits: Evaluation of both the rate of success, as well as the factors that contribute to the success of WYDOT revegetation actives, will allow identification of optimal seed mixes and site factors, and lead to practical recommendations for cost-effective plant materials for reseeding of road corridors.

Completion Date: Extended to November 13, 2022

Cost Estimates: $151,270

Data Management Plan

RS04219 (TPF-5(393)- Pooled Fund for the Design, Development, and Testing of a Box Beam Approach Guardrail Transition and an MGS Approach Guardrail Transition to a MASH TL-4 Three Steel Tube Bridge Rail.

Principle Investigator:
Roger Bligh Ph.D, P.E., Senior Research Engineer, and Program Manager

Project Champion:

Bill Wilson, P.E. Standards Engineer WYDOT

Study Objective: The Objective of this study is to develop two non-proprietary approach guardrail transition systems from box beam and MGS guardrail that are MASH Test Level 3 (TL-3) complaint.

Study Benefit: This research will develop safe connections from both guardrail systems smoothly transitioning the stiffness of the approach guardrails to the stiffness of the bridge rail and limits vehicle snagging when impacted.

Completion Date: Extended to November 14, 2022.
Cost Estimate: $695,576

TO BE COMPLETED IN 2023:

RS03220 - Characterization of Soil and Rock for Transportation Infrastructure Using Seismic Methods in Wyoming

Principle Investigator

Shawn Griffiths, PhD, Assistant Professor

University of Wyoming

Laramie WY

Project Champions

Kirk Hood, P.G., Project Geologist

Study Objective: The main objective of this project is to set forth the terms and conditions by which the Principle Investigator shall perform refraction and surface wave testing at nine (9) sites in Wyoming.

Study Benefit: By using new sub-surface investigation techniques WYDOT will be following guidance from FHWA. The seismic methods will also serve as a trial proof-of-concept for better evaluation of transition zone and competent rock properties. The results may include an improved prediction tool that will allow WYDOT to assess rock strength and help with pile and drilled shaft design and construction. The data may also help reduce risk and uncertainty in foundation design.

Completion Date: Extended to March 19, 2023.

Cost Estimates: $171,668

Data Management Plan

RS02219 - Developing a Prototype System for Establishing Passing and No-Passing Zones of Two-Lane Highways

Principle Investigators

Ahmed Farid, PhD, Postdoctoral Research Associate
Khaled Ksaibati, Ph.D., P.E., Director, Wyoming Technology Transfer Center
Suresh Muknahallipatna, Ph.D., Professor and Graduate Coordinator
Victor Bershinsky, P.E., Senior Engineer

University of Wyoming

Laramie WY

Project Champions

Jeffery Mellor, P.E. Assistant State Traffic Engineer
Ryan Shields, P.E. Principle Engineer, Geometrics and Studies

Study Objective: The main objective of this project is to develop a quick and functional prototype of the two-vehicle method for measuring the PSD on Wyoming’s two-lane highways.

Study Benefit: The project will allow WYDOT to accurately establish passing and no-passing zones of two-lane highways. The final product will be used in the day to day operation of the traffic program of WYDOT.
Completion Date: Extended to April 13, 2023.
Cost Estimates: $287,815 - $184,871 SP&R funding; $115,916 MPC funding

RS02221 - Reducting Shrinkage in Concrete Bridge Decks using Single and Doubl Ring Test Methods

Principle Investigator

Jennifer Tanner, Associate Professor

University of Wyoming

Laramie WY

Project Champions

Greg Milburn, State Materials Engineer

Sarah Rickgauer, Research Engineer

Whitney Wise, Materials Engineer

Study Objective: This proposal evaluates critical factors relating to early age shrinkage and proposes combining multiple methods to reduce this factor that contributes to early degradation. While cost effective solutions exist, they are evaluated under laboratory conditions and do not consider the effects of temperature or humidity on curing environments. This project combines testing under laboratory conditions as well as conditions similar to the extremes that exist during field curing.

Study Benefits: The benefits of this proposal are as follows:

a) Evaluate the effects of single methods to mitigate shrinkage;

b) Quantify the beneficial effects of multiple methods to mitigate shrinkage;

c) Propose solutions for WYDOT using standard mix designs for two types of aggregates; and

d) Provide guidance on the use of internal curing for concrete mix designs.

Completion Date: May 19, 2023

Cost Estimate: $121,300

RS04221 - Rapid Safety Assessment Tool for Non-Conventional Roadway Design and Emerging Technologies: Innovative Artificial Intelligence Application

Principle Investigator:

Mohamed Ahmed, Associatge Professor

Sherif Gaweesh, Postdoctoral Associate

University of Wyoming

Lsaramie WY

Project Champion

Matt Carlson, State Highway Safety Engineer

Study Objective: This research proposes a proactive road safety assessment for non-conventional designs and emerging technologies in Wyoming utilizing traffic conflict analysis. Furthermore, the innovative assessment methodologies will provide detailed observation and analysis of driving behavior, trajectory interpretation, and conflict measures.

Study Benefits: This study proposes developing a new tool to assess the safety performance of intersections in Wyoming and suggesting potential countermeasures to improve their safety and operations.

Completion Date: July 19, 2023

Cost Estimate: $175,115

RS07221 - Integrating Human Behavior Toward the Development of Safer Cooperative Automated Transportation: Implementation of SHRP2 Naturalistic Driving Study

Principle Investigators:

Mohamed Ahmed, Associate Professor

MD Nasim Khan, Ph.D. Candidate

Anik Das, Ph.D. Candidate

University of Wyoming

Laramie WY

Project Champion

Vince Garcia, WYDOT GIS/ITS Program Manager

Study Objective

Cooperative Automated Transportation (CAT) implementation on the roadways is generating new challenges for transportation practitioners and policymakers. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the impacts of CAT on highways is extremely essential to the DOTs, including WYDOT, especially at the early stage of CAT implementation where human-driven vehicles (HV) will interact with CAT. This interaction might increase crash risks and create unsafe scenarios, which may potentially surpass the safety benefits of CAT due to the fact that driving pattern and performance of CAT-equipped vehicles are not similar to HV.

Study Benefit

The proposed research will concentrate on utilizing the SHRP2 NDS data to understand the complex nature of human behavior, incorporate the behavior for the development of Cooperative Automated Transportation (CAT) and investigate the CAT capacity at different levels of Market Penetration Rates (MPR).

Completion Date August 2, 2023

Cost Estimate $177,917

RS04220 - Impacts of Cooperative Automated Transportation on Wyoming Highway Infrastructure

Principle Investigator

Mohamed Ahmed, P.E., Associate Professor

Guangchuan Yang, Postdoctoral Associate

University of Wyoming

Laramie WY

Project Champions

Vince Garcia, P.E., GIS/ITS Program Manager

Study Objective: The main objective of this project is to set forth the terms and conditions by which the Principle Investigator shall identify the challenges involved in the state-wide development of Cooperative Automated Transportation (CAT).

Study Benefit: This study will help in early addressing and mitigating the potential adverse effects of CAT on Wyoming’s surface transportation system.

Completion Date: Extended to August 23, 2023.

Cost Estimates: $149,809

Data Management Plan

RS05221 - Managing Pavement Friction of Wyoming's Roads Considering Safety

Principle Investigators

Marwan Hafez, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Research Associagte

Khaled Ksaibati, Ph.D., Director, Wyoming Technology Transfer Center

Ahmed Farid, Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Wyoming

Laramie WY

Project Champions

Sarah Rickgauer, Pavement Management Engineer

Matt Carlson, State Highway Safety Engineer

Project Objective: The main goal of this study is to enhance road safety in Wyoming by integrating a crash risk mitigation approach into the pavement friction management program.

Project Benefits: The findings of this study will aid WYDOT and other transportation agencies in the state to enhance their pavement maintenance programs. Those programs account for the risks of encountering friction-related crashes under various traffic, geometric and environmental conditions. The primary benefits include:

a) Restore safe levels of pavement friction on roads at locations requiring higher friction demands.

b) Enhance driving conditions of vehicles, especially heavy trucks, on Wyoming’s highways during high precipitation rates.

c) Reduce fatalities and injuries of skid-related roadway departure and rear-end crashes in Wyoming.

d) Support WYDOT and other agencies in the state with a skid resistance policy that maximizes the benefits of friction surface treatments within defined budgets and resources.

Completion Date: October 5, 2023

Cost Estimate: $154,025

RS09220. Improving Design and Construction of Transportation Infrastructure through Bedrock Characterization

Principle Investigator

Kam Ng, Ph.D., P.E., Associate Professor

Univerity of Wyoming

Laramie WY

Project Champion

David Vanderveen, P.G., Principal Geologist, Geology Program

Project Objectives

The overall goal of the proposed research project is to understand the strength and deformation behaviors of Wyoming bedrocks in order to improve the design and construction of transportation infrastructure. Recognizing the design and construction challenges due to the lack of measured engineering properties of bedrock representing the Wyoming formations, the research project is proposed to accomplish the following objectives:

To characterize the strength and deformation properties of bedrocks;
To develop locally calibrated relationships for bedrock properties in terms of index parameters, rock quality, and q_u;
To expand the WYDOT database of rock properties; and
To improve the understanding between Wyoming geology and bedrock behaviors.

Completion Date: Extended to December 20, 2023

Cost Estimate:: $125,000 [ MPC $50,000, WYDOT $75,000

Data Management Plan