Highway Infrastructure Innovations Project Awards 2006

Carleton University:

1. Traffic Management and Safety in Highway Work Zones: Role of ITS

This research will investigate the role of intelligent transportation system (ITS) technology in improving safety, mobility, traveller satisfaction and incidence response in highway work zones.

MTO Contact: Steve Erwin

Lakehead University:

1. Evaluation of Advance Warning Systems at Rural High Speed Signalized Intersections

The main objective of the proposed research project is to evaluate the safety and operational performance of new and traditional detection systems at rural high-speed intersections. This objective would be achieved through the following goals:

• The evaluation of the Texas Detection Control System at one intersection on the Thunder Bay Expressway
• The evaluation of the True Active Warning System at one intersection in the Thunder Bay Expressway and one in the Harbour Expressway
• Comparison of the safety and operational performance of both systems.

MTO Contact: Roger DeGannes

Niagara College:

1. 3D Visualization Tool to Evaluate Bridge Aesthetics

Create a 3D scene assembly tool to enable model creation and visualization to evaluate alternative bridge designs. The software tool will enable the creation of 3D models of proposed bridges by using an intuitive user interface (UI) to select highly accurate 3D model objects out of a database. The 3D models that will be created will meet MTO bridge aesthetic guidelines.

MTO Contact: Tony Merlo / Iqbal Husain

Queens University:

1. Performance Testing of Acid and Base Modified Asphalt Binders and Hot Mix Asphalt

Determine the effect acid and base modification of asphalt cement has on the performance of hot mix pavements in Ontario.

MTO Contact: Pamela Marks

Ryerson University:

1. Development of Precast Barrier Wall Systems for Bridge Decks

The purpose of this research is to develop a crashworthy and durable precast concrete barrier system.

MTO Contact: Clifford Lam

2. Effect of Fly Ash and Other SCMs on Alkai-Carbonate Reaction in Hydraulic Cement Concrete

This research project focuses on investigating the effects of different supplementary cementing materials on alkali-carbonate reaction (ACR) in concrete. The mechanism of ACR will also be studied in an attempt to reach an understanding of the factors that affects this deterioration mode.

MTO Contact: Chris Rogers

University of Guelph:

1. Algorithms for Optimizing the Use of Cell Phones as Probes

The purpose of this research is to develop algorithms to deal with uncertainties in the conversion of cell phone probe data into usable information and to investigate the effectiveness of various candidate approaches.

MTO Contact: Steve Erwin

University of Toronto:

1. Interpolating Vehicle Detection System for ATMS

Traffic volume and flow data is critical to MTO's role in managing congestion and detecting suspected incidents. This data is acquired through detectors loops installed within the road surface. During the construction season when re-paving is being done, many loops are rendered inoperable for many months. This project will develop a software algorithm to estimate traffic flow conditions in areas where the in-ground detector loops have been rendered inoperable. This will make use of historical traffic data to establish baseline flow conditions according to time/day.

MTO Contact: Phil Masters

University of Waterloo:

1. Alternative pre-treatment methods for stainless steel reinforcing bars

Work is underway to investigate optimized surface preparation methods for stainless steel reinforcement for concrete. Preliminary research at Waterloo indicated that use of less rigorous surface preparation methods than used currently, may be equally effective; there is also potential for reduction of the cost of stainless steel reinforcement for MTO work, while also having positive environmental impacts. The intent of the project is to maximize cost-effectiveness of MTO requirements for surface preparation and cleanliness of stainless steel reinforcement, while preserving proven characteristics of corrosion resistance and long-term durability.

MTO Contact: Frank Pianca

2. Assessment of Impact on Pavements when Dual Tires are replaced with Second Generation Wide-base Tires

This study involves field testing of vehicles equipped with single and dual tires at the CPATT test track at the U of Waterloo. The track is equipped with embedded sensors that can measure static and dynamic load impacts including tensile strains under the asphalt pavement and the vertical compressive strain on the subgrade. Testing would measure strain for axles equipped with dual tires loaded to the current allowable limit of 10,000 kg. Weight would then be gradually added to axles equipped with wide-based single tires until an equivalent amount of strain was detected. A second case would measure the strain of the single tires at 9,000 kg and then determine the equivalent weight on axles equipped with dual tires. The study will also explore the impact of uneven tire pressures between dual tire sets, the impact of 'lateral wander' of the tire paths, and the impact of dynamic loadings caused by rough surfaces.

MTO Contact: Susanne Chan / Ron Madill

3. Alternative Methods for Monitoring Winter Road Surface Conditions

Evaluate the reliability of snow cover measurements from remote sensing and continuous friction technologies for monitoring pavement conditions during winter storms.

MTO Contact: Max Perchanok