Ghulam H Bham - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Ghulam H Bham
3rd International Conference on Road Safety and SimulationPurdue UniversityTransportation Research Board, 2011
This paper utilizes data for a county to identify the main crash contributing factors for several... more This paper utilizes data for a county to identify the main crash contributing factors for several counties. For this analysis, the counties of Arkansas are categorized based on crash frequency and crash severity index into five categories. For each category, sample crash data for a county or a group of counties and the remaining data (for several counties) are analyzed and based on the results crash contributing factors are identified. The selection of sample data for each category is based in the order of highest crash severity index (CSI) or highest crash frequency. The crash contributing factors are identified using multinomial logistic regression (MLR). The results indicate that most of the factors identified within each category were also identified for the sample data. Sample size, however, changed for each category. This paper presents the effects of this difference in sample size and the effect of categorization of counties based on crash severity index and crash frequency in identification of crash contributing factors. This study will help better allocate funds by the departments of transportation to identify factors that are positively associated with crash severity. Three years of rural two-lane highway crash data from Arkansas is used in this analysis. Results indicate that division of counties based on crash frequency and identification of crash contributing factors using MLR would ensure better allocation of funds. Rural two-lane undivided highways were selected for analysis as severe crashes are common on these highways.
This paper proposes use of median travel time compared to mean travel time as the measure of cent... more This paper proposes use of median travel time compared to mean travel time as the measure of central tendency to calculate Buffer Time Index (BTI), one of the most important measures of travel time reliability. This study examined gamma, exponential, largest extreme value, smallest extreme value, logistic, Weibull, lognormal and log-logistic distributions to determine the best fit to travel time data for two cases: 24 hours and peak hours for a highway with Variable Speed Limit (VSL) conditions. The goodness-of-fit tests indicated that the log-normal distribution best represented the travel time data for peak periods and log-logistic distribution better fitted the travel time data for 24 hours. The log-logistic distribution and log-normal distributions were positively skewed and for skewed distributions, median is the best estimate of central tendency. Hence, median travel time is proposed for calculating BTI. The difference in values of BTIs were evaluated when mean and median travel time were used. Travelers must add extra time to their average travel time to ensure on-time arrival. It was found that this extra time increases from 11% to 30% when median travel time is used as the average travel time compared to mean travel time for calculation of BTI.
The contents of this report reflect the views of the author(s), who are responsible for the facts... more The contents of this report reflect the views of the author(s), who are responsible for the facts and the accuracy of information presented herein. This document is disseminated under the sponsorship of the
An exploratory study was conducted to evaluate a web-based learning module for teaching Geographi... more An exploratory study was conducted to evaluate a web-based learning module for teaching Geographic Information Systems to civil engineering students within the context of a problem related to crash data analysis. This module is one part of a National Science Foundation Course, Curricula, and Laboratory Improvement Project in which GIS modules are being developed for several areas of civil engineering. The module was used as a laboratory assignment in a transportation engineering course. Two days later students completed both an objective multiple choice quiz over the material covered in the lab and a subjective questionnaire. Quantitative analysis was carried out on the quiz answers and the Likert scale portion of the questionnaire. A qualitative grounded-theory open-coding analysis was applied to the open-ended questionnaire items. This analysis provided more detail regarding the perceived usefulness of the module. Combined analysis revealed a link between students' perceived usefulness of the material and their motivation to learn. Analysis also supported the learning tool's effectiveness and justified its further implementation and investigation.
On January 2, 2008, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) closed significant portions... more On January 2, 2008, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) closed significant portions of Missouri Interstate 64 (I-64) in St. Louis County for reconstruction. During the planning stages of this project, the proposal to close all lanes of I-64 was met with public concern regarding the possible safety risks associated with diverting I-64 traffic to adjacent roadways. A specific concern was the possibility of increased crash rates on roads designated to receive I-64 traffic flow. The following research was conducted to assess the actual outcomes related to these concerns. Crash analyses and crash rate analysis of 2008 and 2009 crash data were performed. The data were compared to four years of pre-closure crash data. Overall results suggest no evidence of increased crash rates on roadways adjacent to I-64 resulting from the two-year closure period. The study indicated that crash rates on 17 roadways were 8.9% below average in 2008 and 14.7% below average in 2009. Crash rates declined for most freeways, expressways, and major arterials in the surrounding region. Rear-end crashes declined noticeably from 7,757 in 2007 to 6,728 in 2009. 17. Key Words 18. Distribution Statement work zone, speed limit, driver behavior, crash rates, crash severity, crash types 19. Security Classif. (of this report) 20. Security Classif.
He received his M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research ... more He received his M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research interests include modeling and simulation of driver behavior in transportation systems, traffic operations and control, traffic safety, and engineering education.
Transportation Research Board 87th Annual MeetingTransportation Research Board, 2008
This paper proposes two time-series based validation methods, spectral analysis for evaluating un... more This paper proposes two time-series based validation methods, spectral analysis for evaluating univariate measure of effectiveness (MOE) and cross-correlation analysis for multivariate MOE. The spectral analysis quantifies and evaluates the autocorrelation after the data have been transformed into the frequency domain. The cross-correlation analysis can evaluate the stochastic relationship between two MOEs. Validation using the spectral and cross-correlation analysis is performed by constructing simultaneous confidence intervals over spectrums and cross-correlations from the field data and comparing that with the simulated spectrums and cross-correlations. The time-series based validation methods do not require the independent and identical distribution assumption, the common basis for classical statistical methods, and are more suitable for field data and simulation results as they are highly autocorrelated. The validation methods are demonstrated using two sets of field data, NGSIM data for I-80 in Emeryville, CA, and FHWA data for I-95 on Baltimore-Washington Parkway using two popular microscopic simulation models, VISSIM and AIMSUN.
This paper utilizes data for a county to identify the main crash contributing factors for several... more This paper utilizes data for a county to identify the main crash contributing factors for several counties. For this analysis, the counties of Arkansas are categorized based on crash frequency and crash severity index into five categories. For each category, sample crash data for a county or a group of counties and the remaining data (for several counties) are analyzed and based on the results crash contributing factors are identified. The selection of sample data for each category is based in the order of highest crash severity index (CSI) or highest crash frequency. The crash contributing factors are identified using multinomial logistic regression (MLR). The results indicate that most of the factors identified within each category were also identified for the sample data. Sample size, however, changed for each category. This paper presents the effects of this difference in sample size and the effect of categorization of counties based on crash severity index and crash frequency i...
Transportation Research Record, 2013
Transportation Research Board 92nd Annual MeetingTransportation Research Board, 2012
This study analyzed the driver gap acceptance and rejection behavior during mandatory lane change... more This study analyzed the driver gap acceptance and rejection behavior during mandatory lane changes on a multilane freeway in congested and uncongested traffic conditions. During a lane change, drivers were more receptive to either the leading or the trailing gaps with vehicles in the target lane which governed the drivers' lane change and is termed as the governing gap. Drivers maneuvered till the governing gap was greater than the critical gap, accepted the gap and made a lane change. In this process, drivers reduced the non-governing gap to increase the length of the governing gap. The drivers as a result were found to be consistent with respect to the governing gap and inconsistent with respect to the non-governing gap. The governing gap, therefore, addresses the consistent driver behavior and avoids categorization of drivers as inconsistent. Critical gaps were estimated based on the consistent driver behavior using accepted and LRLA gaps, firstly, by categorizing the drivers based on the governing gap and the type of maneuver, and secondly, by categorizing the drivers based on the relative speeds. For a simple lane change model, categorization by governing gap and type of maneuver will be sufficient with a critical gap value distribution defined by empirical data for congested and uncongested traffic conditions. For a sophisticated lane change model, in addition to maneuver types, critical gaps estimated based on difference in relative speeds will help better replicate the realistic lane change behavior of drivers in case of congested traffic conditions. vi
The focus of this article is the reduction of traffic crashes in work construction zone through i... more The focus of this article is the reduction of traffic crashes in work construction zone through increased driver anticipation and reaction. Using a driving simulator, the authors evaluate the effectiveness of various striping patterns and color combinations for vehicle mounted attenuators (VMAs) used in work zones during daytime, dusk and nighttime. LCD is used as the criterion, with the variables gender, age group, time of day and pattern. From the four markings assessed, a red and white checkerboard pattern with the highest mean LCD is found to be the most effective pattern for use on VMAs in work zones.
Design is an integral part of engineering courses. Addressing design problems is a challenging ta... more Design is an integral part of engineering courses. Addressing design problems is a challenging task in instruction because of the openness and complexity of these problems. This paper presents an approach in addressing these challenges for an introductory transportationengineering course, an important part of which is highway design. To address the challenges associated with highway design, a framework proposed by the threshold concepts model was used to identify a candidate-concept for the instructional redesign process. Two major characteristics of threshold concepts, integrativity and transformativity were used to identify horizontal alignment candidate-concept for the highway design process. Using concept maps generated as guides through the integrativity of learning associated with the horizontal alignment, several adjustments to the structure of lecture materials and project tasks were made. In addition, reflective assessment items were administered after each redesigned instr...
Crash frequency prediction plays an important role in traffic safety for providing precautionary ... more Crash frequency prediction plays an important role in traffic safety for providing precautionary measures to reduce severity of the crashes and investment decisions. The Highway Safety Manual negative binomial regression to estimate safety performance functions and when crash history is available uses the Empirical Bayes (EB) method to predict crash frequency. Recent studies have used Kriging methods to predict annual average daily traffic (AADT). This paper explores the use of Kriging method to predict crash frequency. Crash severity is derived from crash frequency and literature review indicated use of different weights for calculation of crash severity index. The Kriging and EB methods are compared in predicting crash frequency and crash severity index subject to sensitivity of weights over time and space. Crash data for I-630 in Arkansas were chosen for the same. The best method for prediction of crash frequency and crash severity index is recommended for use based on crash hist...
This study examined quantitatively and qualitatively the speed characteristics and drivers’ compl... more This study examined quantitatively and qualitatively the speed characteristics and drivers’ compliance with the posted speed limit using objective and subjective data analysis, respectively. Nine data sets from different configurations of four work zones on I-44 in Missouri were used for the objective evaluation. Parametric statistical tests were performed for the evaluation of the speeds of cars and trucks. The effects of lane closure, lane width reduction, and construction activity on speeds of vehicles were studied. Construction activity had a significant effect in reducing the speeds of vehicles. Results indicated that the speeds of vehicles were statistically higher than the posted speed limit for most cases except when lane width was reduced using tubular markers inside the open lane. The subjective evaluation investigated the drivers' perception of driving through the work zones by using a survey questionnaire. Specific questions were related to safety, drivers’ preferenc...
2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition Proceedings
and Technology. He received his Ph.D. degree in information science and learning technologies in ... more and Technology. He received his Ph.D. degree in information science and learning technologies in 2007 from University of Missouri, Columbia. He also holds a B.S. and a Ph.D. from the University of Sibiu, Romania, with a specialization in manufacturing technologies and respectively cutting-tools design. His research interests include design-based research in technology-enabled learning contexts, technology-mediated problem solving, applications of dynamic modeling for learning of complex topics, and the impact of epistemic beliefs on learning with technology.
In May of 2008, the Missouri Department of Transportation installed a “Variable Speed Limit” (VSL... more In May of 2008, the Missouri Department of Transportation installed a “Variable Speed Limit” (VSL) system along the I-270/I-255 corridor in St. Louis. This project evaluated the VSL system and its potential impacts and benefits to the transportation users. The technical system evaluation focused on three areas - mobility, safety, and public and police perceptions. The VSL is not performing as desired in terms of improvements to overall mobility along the corridor, but is providing limited benefits to some segments. Noticeable benefits have been seen with respect to reduction in the number of crashes during the evaluation period. The driving public and law enforcement are widely dissatisfied with the VSL system based on their perceptions of benefits to congestion relief, compliance with posted speed limits, and overall visibility of the current sign configuration. This document contains the following appendices to the final report: (A) Methodology; (B) Process Data and Assessment; (C) Literature Review; (D) References; and (E) Data Collected.
As the American highway network ages, federal and state government agencies are allocating a grea... more As the American highway network ages, federal and state government agencies are allocating a greater portion of funds to reconstruction, maintenance, and rehabilitation of existing highways. As a result, the traveling public encounters a higher number of work ...
This paper explores technical innovation and the impact of change resistance in the implementatio... more This paper explores technical innovation and the impact of change resistance in the implementation of traffic management systems. Technology-driven change initiatives are often difficult to implement and failure rates are high. Lack of success is often linked to failures in understanding the change environment or failure to account for human factors in the implementation of the new technology. This study explores stakeholder perceptions in the implementation of a variable speed limit system (VSL) in the St. Louis, Missouri metropolitan area. Survey data from the driving public and law enforcement officials were collected and analyzed during the first year that the VSL was operational. High levels of dissatisfaction were present in survey results and indicated significant levels of change resistance. Change management theory was used to link sources of dissatisfaction to common resistance factors. This is the starting point for developing strategies for the successful launch of innovative traffic management systems. Engineering managers involved with traffic engineering and traffic management will benefit from an understanding of the pervasive nature of change resistance and an awareness of strategies for designing change management processes into innovative traffic systems
Using a driving simulator (DS), this paper analyzes the speeding behavior of drivers impacted by ... more Using a driving simulator (DS), this paper analyzes the speeding behavior of drivers impacted by four different messages displayed on portable changeable message signs (PCMS) placed upstream from a construction zone on an interstate highway in Missouri. The four PCMS placed sequentially replicated the Missouri work zone and participants evaluated the messages displayed in a DS. The effects on drivers’ speed as a result of these messages were analyzed at eight locations, 1000 ft. before and after each PCMS. Five different scenarios (0-4) were simulated; control scenario set up with static signs. In Scenario 1, “Caution Work Zone Ahead: Reduce Speed Ahead” was displayed on the PCMS. Scenario 2 utilized (MS-2), “Speed Ahead 30 mph/2 mins to end of Work Zone.” Scenario 3 tested “Prepare to stop/2 mins to end of Work Zone”, and Scenario 4 deployed “Prepare to stop/Stopped Traffic Ahead.” Scenarios 1-4 were compared to the control scenario; Scenario 4 had the highest speed reduction, foll...
This report presents a study of driver perceptions using a driving simulator carried out on the e... more This report presents a study of driver perceptions using a driving simulator carried out on the effectiveness of four markings which vary in striping patterns and color combinations used at the rear of vehicle mounted attenuators (VMAs) in work zones during daytime, dusk and nighttime. One hundred and twenty participants from different age groups took part in the evaluation of VMA markings by driving through virtual highway work zones. During this experiment, driver reaction to VMA markings was determined based on their lane change distance (LCD). Additionally, the drivers were surveyed using a detailed subjective survey. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to determine the significant variables affecting the LCD. For each time of day, a pair wise least-square means test was conducted to calculate the difference in LCD between the markings. A Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was carried out to evaluate the significance of differences between the LCD frequency distributions of the mark...
3rd International Conference on Road Safety and SimulationPurdue UniversityTransportation Research Board, 2011
This paper utilizes data for a county to identify the main crash contributing factors for several... more This paper utilizes data for a county to identify the main crash contributing factors for several counties. For this analysis, the counties of Arkansas are categorized based on crash frequency and crash severity index into five categories. For each category, sample crash data for a county or a group of counties and the remaining data (for several counties) are analyzed and based on the results crash contributing factors are identified. The selection of sample data for each category is based in the order of highest crash severity index (CSI) or highest crash frequency. The crash contributing factors are identified using multinomial logistic regression (MLR). The results indicate that most of the factors identified within each category were also identified for the sample data. Sample size, however, changed for each category. This paper presents the effects of this difference in sample size and the effect of categorization of counties based on crash severity index and crash frequency in identification of crash contributing factors. This study will help better allocate funds by the departments of transportation to identify factors that are positively associated with crash severity. Three years of rural two-lane highway crash data from Arkansas is used in this analysis. Results indicate that division of counties based on crash frequency and identification of crash contributing factors using MLR would ensure better allocation of funds. Rural two-lane undivided highways were selected for analysis as severe crashes are common on these highways.
This paper proposes use of median travel time compared to mean travel time as the measure of cent... more This paper proposes use of median travel time compared to mean travel time as the measure of central tendency to calculate Buffer Time Index (BTI), one of the most important measures of travel time reliability. This study examined gamma, exponential, largest extreme value, smallest extreme value, logistic, Weibull, lognormal and log-logistic distributions to determine the best fit to travel time data for two cases: 24 hours and peak hours for a highway with Variable Speed Limit (VSL) conditions. The goodness-of-fit tests indicated that the log-normal distribution best represented the travel time data for peak periods and log-logistic distribution better fitted the travel time data for 24 hours. The log-logistic distribution and log-normal distributions were positively skewed and for skewed distributions, median is the best estimate of central tendency. Hence, median travel time is proposed for calculating BTI. The difference in values of BTIs were evaluated when mean and median travel time were used. Travelers must add extra time to their average travel time to ensure on-time arrival. It was found that this extra time increases from 11% to 30% when median travel time is used as the average travel time compared to mean travel time for calculation of BTI.
The contents of this report reflect the views of the author(s), who are responsible for the facts... more The contents of this report reflect the views of the author(s), who are responsible for the facts and the accuracy of information presented herein. This document is disseminated under the sponsorship of the
An exploratory study was conducted to evaluate a web-based learning module for teaching Geographi... more An exploratory study was conducted to evaluate a web-based learning module for teaching Geographic Information Systems to civil engineering students within the context of a problem related to crash data analysis. This module is one part of a National Science Foundation Course, Curricula, and Laboratory Improvement Project in which GIS modules are being developed for several areas of civil engineering. The module was used as a laboratory assignment in a transportation engineering course. Two days later students completed both an objective multiple choice quiz over the material covered in the lab and a subjective questionnaire. Quantitative analysis was carried out on the quiz answers and the Likert scale portion of the questionnaire. A qualitative grounded-theory open-coding analysis was applied to the open-ended questionnaire items. This analysis provided more detail regarding the perceived usefulness of the module. Combined analysis revealed a link between students' perceived usefulness of the material and their motivation to learn. Analysis also supported the learning tool's effectiveness and justified its further implementation and investigation.
On January 2, 2008, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) closed significant portions... more On January 2, 2008, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) closed significant portions of Missouri Interstate 64 (I-64) in St. Louis County for reconstruction. During the planning stages of this project, the proposal to close all lanes of I-64 was met with public concern regarding the possible safety risks associated with diverting I-64 traffic to adjacent roadways. A specific concern was the possibility of increased crash rates on roads designated to receive I-64 traffic flow. The following research was conducted to assess the actual outcomes related to these concerns. Crash analyses and crash rate analysis of 2008 and 2009 crash data were performed. The data were compared to four years of pre-closure crash data. Overall results suggest no evidence of increased crash rates on roadways adjacent to I-64 resulting from the two-year closure period. The study indicated that crash rates on 17 roadways were 8.9% below average in 2008 and 14.7% below average in 2009. Crash rates declined for most freeways, expressways, and major arterials in the surrounding region. Rear-end crashes declined noticeably from 7,757 in 2007 to 6,728 in 2009. 17. Key Words 18. Distribution Statement work zone, speed limit, driver behavior, crash rates, crash severity, crash types 19. Security Classif. (of this report) 20. Security Classif.
He received his M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research ... more He received his M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research interests include modeling and simulation of driver behavior in transportation systems, traffic operations and control, traffic safety, and engineering education.
Transportation Research Board 87th Annual MeetingTransportation Research Board, 2008
This paper proposes two time-series based validation methods, spectral analysis for evaluating un... more This paper proposes two time-series based validation methods, spectral analysis for evaluating univariate measure of effectiveness (MOE) and cross-correlation analysis for multivariate MOE. The spectral analysis quantifies and evaluates the autocorrelation after the data have been transformed into the frequency domain. The cross-correlation analysis can evaluate the stochastic relationship between two MOEs. Validation using the spectral and cross-correlation analysis is performed by constructing simultaneous confidence intervals over spectrums and cross-correlations from the field data and comparing that with the simulated spectrums and cross-correlations. The time-series based validation methods do not require the independent and identical distribution assumption, the common basis for classical statistical methods, and are more suitable for field data and simulation results as they are highly autocorrelated. The validation methods are demonstrated using two sets of field data, NGSIM data for I-80 in Emeryville, CA, and FHWA data for I-95 on Baltimore-Washington Parkway using two popular microscopic simulation models, VISSIM and AIMSUN.
This paper utilizes data for a county to identify the main crash contributing factors for several... more This paper utilizes data for a county to identify the main crash contributing factors for several counties. For this analysis, the counties of Arkansas are categorized based on crash frequency and crash severity index into five categories. For each category, sample crash data for a county or a group of counties and the remaining data (for several counties) are analyzed and based on the results crash contributing factors are identified. The selection of sample data for each category is based in the order of highest crash severity index (CSI) or highest crash frequency. The crash contributing factors are identified using multinomial logistic regression (MLR). The results indicate that most of the factors identified within each category were also identified for the sample data. Sample size, however, changed for each category. This paper presents the effects of this difference in sample size and the effect of categorization of counties based on crash severity index and crash frequency i...
Transportation Research Record, 2013
Transportation Research Board 92nd Annual MeetingTransportation Research Board, 2012
This study analyzed the driver gap acceptance and rejection behavior during mandatory lane change... more This study analyzed the driver gap acceptance and rejection behavior during mandatory lane changes on a multilane freeway in congested and uncongested traffic conditions. During a lane change, drivers were more receptive to either the leading or the trailing gaps with vehicles in the target lane which governed the drivers' lane change and is termed as the governing gap. Drivers maneuvered till the governing gap was greater than the critical gap, accepted the gap and made a lane change. In this process, drivers reduced the non-governing gap to increase the length of the governing gap. The drivers as a result were found to be consistent with respect to the governing gap and inconsistent with respect to the non-governing gap. The governing gap, therefore, addresses the consistent driver behavior and avoids categorization of drivers as inconsistent. Critical gaps were estimated based on the consistent driver behavior using accepted and LRLA gaps, firstly, by categorizing the drivers based on the governing gap and the type of maneuver, and secondly, by categorizing the drivers based on the relative speeds. For a simple lane change model, categorization by governing gap and type of maneuver will be sufficient with a critical gap value distribution defined by empirical data for congested and uncongested traffic conditions. For a sophisticated lane change model, in addition to maneuver types, critical gaps estimated based on difference in relative speeds will help better replicate the realistic lane change behavior of drivers in case of congested traffic conditions. vi
The focus of this article is the reduction of traffic crashes in work construction zone through i... more The focus of this article is the reduction of traffic crashes in work construction zone through increased driver anticipation and reaction. Using a driving simulator, the authors evaluate the effectiveness of various striping patterns and color combinations for vehicle mounted attenuators (VMAs) used in work zones during daytime, dusk and nighttime. LCD is used as the criterion, with the variables gender, age group, time of day and pattern. From the four markings assessed, a red and white checkerboard pattern with the highest mean LCD is found to be the most effective pattern for use on VMAs in work zones.
Design is an integral part of engineering courses. Addressing design problems is a challenging ta... more Design is an integral part of engineering courses. Addressing design problems is a challenging task in instruction because of the openness and complexity of these problems. This paper presents an approach in addressing these challenges for an introductory transportationengineering course, an important part of which is highway design. To address the challenges associated with highway design, a framework proposed by the threshold concepts model was used to identify a candidate-concept for the instructional redesign process. Two major characteristics of threshold concepts, integrativity and transformativity were used to identify horizontal alignment candidate-concept for the highway design process. Using concept maps generated as guides through the integrativity of learning associated with the horizontal alignment, several adjustments to the structure of lecture materials and project tasks were made. In addition, reflective assessment items were administered after each redesigned instr...
Crash frequency prediction plays an important role in traffic safety for providing precautionary ... more Crash frequency prediction plays an important role in traffic safety for providing precautionary measures to reduce severity of the crashes and investment decisions. The Highway Safety Manual negative binomial regression to estimate safety performance functions and when crash history is available uses the Empirical Bayes (EB) method to predict crash frequency. Recent studies have used Kriging methods to predict annual average daily traffic (AADT). This paper explores the use of Kriging method to predict crash frequency. Crash severity is derived from crash frequency and literature review indicated use of different weights for calculation of crash severity index. The Kriging and EB methods are compared in predicting crash frequency and crash severity index subject to sensitivity of weights over time and space. Crash data for I-630 in Arkansas were chosen for the same. The best method for prediction of crash frequency and crash severity index is recommended for use based on crash hist...
This study examined quantitatively and qualitatively the speed characteristics and drivers’ compl... more This study examined quantitatively and qualitatively the speed characteristics and drivers’ compliance with the posted speed limit using objective and subjective data analysis, respectively. Nine data sets from different configurations of four work zones on I-44 in Missouri were used for the objective evaluation. Parametric statistical tests were performed for the evaluation of the speeds of cars and trucks. The effects of lane closure, lane width reduction, and construction activity on speeds of vehicles were studied. Construction activity had a significant effect in reducing the speeds of vehicles. Results indicated that the speeds of vehicles were statistically higher than the posted speed limit for most cases except when lane width was reduced using tubular markers inside the open lane. The subjective evaluation investigated the drivers' perception of driving through the work zones by using a survey questionnaire. Specific questions were related to safety, drivers’ preferenc...
2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition Proceedings
and Technology. He received his Ph.D. degree in information science and learning technologies in ... more and Technology. He received his Ph.D. degree in information science and learning technologies in 2007 from University of Missouri, Columbia. He also holds a B.S. and a Ph.D. from the University of Sibiu, Romania, with a specialization in manufacturing technologies and respectively cutting-tools design. His research interests include design-based research in technology-enabled learning contexts, technology-mediated problem solving, applications of dynamic modeling for learning of complex topics, and the impact of epistemic beliefs on learning with technology.
In May of 2008, the Missouri Department of Transportation installed a “Variable Speed Limit” (VSL... more In May of 2008, the Missouri Department of Transportation installed a “Variable Speed Limit” (VSL) system along the I-270/I-255 corridor in St. Louis. This project evaluated the VSL system and its potential impacts and benefits to the transportation users. The technical system evaluation focused on three areas - mobility, safety, and public and police perceptions. The VSL is not performing as desired in terms of improvements to overall mobility along the corridor, but is providing limited benefits to some segments. Noticeable benefits have been seen with respect to reduction in the number of crashes during the evaluation period. The driving public and law enforcement are widely dissatisfied with the VSL system based on their perceptions of benefits to congestion relief, compliance with posted speed limits, and overall visibility of the current sign configuration. This document contains the following appendices to the final report: (A) Methodology; (B) Process Data and Assessment; (C) Literature Review; (D) References; and (E) Data Collected.
As the American highway network ages, federal and state government agencies are allocating a grea... more As the American highway network ages, federal and state government agencies are allocating a greater portion of funds to reconstruction, maintenance, and rehabilitation of existing highways. As a result, the traveling public encounters a higher number of work ...
This paper explores technical innovation and the impact of change resistance in the implementatio... more This paper explores technical innovation and the impact of change resistance in the implementation of traffic management systems. Technology-driven change initiatives are often difficult to implement and failure rates are high. Lack of success is often linked to failures in understanding the change environment or failure to account for human factors in the implementation of the new technology. This study explores stakeholder perceptions in the implementation of a variable speed limit system (VSL) in the St. Louis, Missouri metropolitan area. Survey data from the driving public and law enforcement officials were collected and analyzed during the first year that the VSL was operational. High levels of dissatisfaction were present in survey results and indicated significant levels of change resistance. Change management theory was used to link sources of dissatisfaction to common resistance factors. This is the starting point for developing strategies for the successful launch of innovative traffic management systems. Engineering managers involved with traffic engineering and traffic management will benefit from an understanding of the pervasive nature of change resistance and an awareness of strategies for designing change management processes into innovative traffic systems
Using a driving simulator (DS), this paper analyzes the speeding behavior of drivers impacted by ... more Using a driving simulator (DS), this paper analyzes the speeding behavior of drivers impacted by four different messages displayed on portable changeable message signs (PCMS) placed upstream from a construction zone on an interstate highway in Missouri. The four PCMS placed sequentially replicated the Missouri work zone and participants evaluated the messages displayed in a DS. The effects on drivers’ speed as a result of these messages were analyzed at eight locations, 1000 ft. before and after each PCMS. Five different scenarios (0-4) were simulated; control scenario set up with static signs. In Scenario 1, “Caution Work Zone Ahead: Reduce Speed Ahead” was displayed on the PCMS. Scenario 2 utilized (MS-2), “Speed Ahead 30 mph/2 mins to end of Work Zone.” Scenario 3 tested “Prepare to stop/2 mins to end of Work Zone”, and Scenario 4 deployed “Prepare to stop/Stopped Traffic Ahead.” Scenarios 1-4 were compared to the control scenario; Scenario 4 had the highest speed reduction, foll...
This report presents a study of driver perceptions using a driving simulator carried out on the e... more This report presents a study of driver perceptions using a driving simulator carried out on the effectiveness of four markings which vary in striping patterns and color combinations used at the rear of vehicle mounted attenuators (VMAs) in work zones during daytime, dusk and nighttime. One hundred and twenty participants from different age groups took part in the evaluation of VMA markings by driving through virtual highway work zones. During this experiment, driver reaction to VMA markings was determined based on their lane change distance (LCD). Additionally, the drivers were surveyed using a detailed subjective survey. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to determine the significant variables affecting the LCD. For each time of day, a pair wise least-square means test was conducted to calculate the difference in LCD between the markings. A Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was carried out to evaluate the significance of differences between the LCD frequency distributions of the mark...