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

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

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 30, 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

RS04222. Assessment of Motorcycle Safety in WSyoming: Fatal and Sever Crashes, Contributing Factors and Potential Countermeasures

Principle Investigator

Milan Zlatkovic

Project Champion

Jennifer Goodrich

Subject Objectives: The goal of this study is to assess the characteristics of motorcycle safety in Wyoming with the focus on fatal and severe injury crashes, and provide a set of recommendations with a potential to reduce the frequency and severity of motorcycle-related crashes. The main research objectives of this study are as follows:

Summarize motorcycle crash characteristics for Wyoming.
Develop statistical models for motorcycle safety assessment, using at least 10 years of crash data. The measure of success will be the calibration of the models.
Determine the major contributing factors for severe and fatal motorcycle crashes.
Develop recommendations for countermeasures. The success of these recommendations will be assessed using data from other states with implemented measures.

This research will provide more insight into the characteristics of fatal and severe motorcycle crashes, and recommend potential location-specific countermeasures to reduce their frequency and severity.

Completion Date: December 21, 2022

Cost Estimate: $50,510

Date Management

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

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: March 19, 2023

Cost Estimates: $102,002

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

RS09221. Evaluation of the WYDOT Research Center

Principle Investigators:

Omar Albatayneh, University of Wyoming

Khaled Ksavati, University of Wyoming

Project Champion

Wes Bybee

The main objectives of this study are to:

Evaluate the performance of the WYDOT Research Center based on the research studies that were conducted since 2017.
Investigate the development of new metrics (performance measures) that can be used to assess and communicate the research value at the WYDOT Research Center along with the performance measures currently used by the WYDOT Research Center.
Identify the current strength and potential opportunities to further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the WYDOT Research Center.
Make recommendations about the effectiveness of the WYDOT Research Program.

Comploetion Datte: July 15, 2023

Cost Estimate: $68,228

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

RS06221 - Developing Pavement Marking Management Plans for Accomodating Advanced Vehicle Technologies in Wyoming

Principle Investigator

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

Ahmed Farid, University of Wyoming

Jeffrey Mellor, Assistant State Traffic Engineer

Study Objective: The objectives of this study are to develop strategic long-term pavement marking management plans for Wyoming. Specifically, five-and ten-year plans will be developed considering multiple scenarios having various budget levels. The plans will be developed considering road functional classifications, land uses and traffic volumes, which are all factors that influence the frequency of pavement marking maintenance activities.

Study Benefits: This study’s tasks involve developing viable pavement marking management plans, taking into consideration NCUTCD’s recommended pavement marking specifications that accommodate machine vision systems, for WYDOT. Essential preliminary steps will be carried out as well.

Completion Date August 5, 2023

Cost Estimate $115,582

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

TO BE COMPLETED IN 2025

RS08221. Develolping a Collision Warning and Collision Avoidance System for WYDOT Snowplows

Principle Investigators

Muhammad Tahmidul Hag

Suresh Mukhahallipatna

Khaled Ksabati

University of Wyoming

Project Champion

Clifford Spoonemore, WYDOT Winter Research Services

Project Objectives

The main goal of this study is to develop a collision warning and collision avoidance system for WYDOT snowplow trucks and other maintenance vehicles, to maximize the capability of preventing crashes, and to minimize the severity of crashes. In support of this broader goals, the study is aimed to fulfill the following objectives:

Develop a rear-end collision warning and collision avoidance system using multiple sensors based on the outcomes from an extensive safety analysis, simulation models, and the responses from surveys.
Evaluate the performance of color and type of warning lights in reducing crashes involving snowplows and other maintenance vehicles.
Test the performance and effectiveness of a prototype using WYDOT’s winter maintenance truck equipped with the technology and proposed warning lights.
Perform a benefit-cost analysis of the proposed collision warning and collision avoidance system before the full-blown implementation of the final products.
Develop a guideline on how the subset of multiple sensors with warning lights from the proposed warning system can be transferred and employed in other slow-moving WYDOT maintenance vehicles to reduce the potential risk of rear-end collisions.

Completion Date: June 15, 2021

Cost Estimate: $170,046

Data Management Plan

TO BE COMPLETED IN 2025:

RS03222. Wyoming Transportation Asset Management Plan (TAMP)

Principle Investigators

Muhammad Tahmidul Haq

Marwan Hafez

Omar Albatayneh

University of Wyoming

Laramie WY

Project Champions

Greg Milburn, State Materials Engineer

Michael Menghini, State Bridge Engineer

Project Objectives

The project will only consider pavement and bridge assets to investigate the supportive techniques of central funding allocation and district practices at the network level. To achieve this, the study is aimed to fulfill the following objectives:

Investigate the current experiences of TAMP among state DOTs in terms of best practices, strategies, goals, and decision making.
Propose supportive techniques to WYDOT’s asset management programs to identify the best project portfolios of pavement and bridge assets considering the overall economic and social impacts in addition to the federal requirements.
Define the utility of investing in both pavement and bridge assets to optimize the funding plans.
Evaluate the historical funding distributions among pavement and bridge assets.
Establish the tradeoff methodologies of funding allocation and funding transfer among the pavement and bridge assets when additional funding is available to invest.
Investigate the trade-off practices of pavement funding scenarios among the different roadway categories, including interstates, NHS, and non-NHS, to benefit both resident and out-of-state vehicular traffic.
Provide beneficial guidelines to Wyoming asset management systems considering best practices of district decision making.
Study how current practices can be enhanced to increase the value of spending decisions on the transportation assets.

Completion Date: March 14, 2025

Cost Estimate: $179,877

Data Management Plan

RS02222. Utilization of Transportation Structures by Bats in Wyoming

Principle Investigators

Dr. Riley Fehr Bernard, University of Wyoming

Heather O'Brien, Wyoming Game and Fish Department

Lrura Beard, Wyoming Game and Fish Department

Project Champions

R. Scott Gamo, Environmenal Serfices Manager

Jeff Booher, Assistant State Bridge Engineer Design

Project Objectives

The purpose of this study is to collect bat use data on bridges to aid WYDOT and agency partners in determining what bridge types are attractive to bats and to develop means of mitigation to minimize impacts to bridge maintenance and reconstruction timelines. Data collected during this study will be used to identify bridges and bridge types utilized by bats across Wyoming. This will provide highway engineers and wildlife managers with the information necessary to conduct bridge maintenance and reconstruction activities that minimize disturbance to bats as well as minimize the need to alter construction schedules. The study will also provide valuable information on the contribution bridge structure, provide to maternity roosts for bats and general use by bats of bridges. Finally, this study will enable researchers to work closely with WYDOT engineers to identify and test mitigation measures that can be used to minimize take (i.e., acoustic deterrents, netting, eviction devices).

Completion Date: March 14, 2025

Cost Estimate: $34,539

Data Management Plan