NETC 05-1
Development of Supplemental Resistance Method for the Design of Drilled Shaft Rock Sockets

NETC 05-2 (Phase 1)
Enhancing the Reflectivity of Concrete Barriers - Phase 1

NETC 05-5
Measurement of Adhesion Properties Between Topcoat Paint and Metallized/Galvanized Steel with Surface Energy Measurement Equipment

NETC 05-6
Employing Graphic-Aided Dynamic Message Signs to Assist Elder Drivers' Message Comprehension

NETC 05-8
Evaluation and Implementation of Traffic Simulation Models for Work Zones

NETC 05-1

PROJECT TITLE: Development of Supplemental Resistance Method for the Design of Drilled Shaft Rock Sockets

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR(S): Thomas Sandford, University of Maine Orono

PI E-Mail: sandford@umit.maine.edu

STATUS: Agreement extension pending

ANTICIPATED COMPLETION: To be determined

PROJECT OBJECTIVES:The objective of this study is to produce a drilled shaft design method for evaluating the now unused side shear or end bearing to supplement the AASHTO allowable load. The magnitude of unused side shear or end bearing corresponding to the AASHTO allowable load will be the magnitude that occurs at the same shaft movement as the allowable load. This method should reflect different rock socket geometry and different rock properties typical of New England. The method should be based on past load tests and be robust and easy-to-use.

NETC 05-2

PROJECT TITLE: Enhancing the Reflectivity of Concrete Barriers

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR(S): Scott Civjan, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

PI E-Mail: civjan@ecs.umass.edu

STATUS: Agreement pending

ANTICIPATED COMPLETION: To be determined

PROJECT OBJECTIVES: The overall objective of this research is to identify multiple methods for increasing the long-term visibility of concrete barrier systems. These methods must be effective under poor weather and/or nighttime driving conditions. The resulting concrete barriers must be cost effective and their effectiveness must be long lasting with minimal deterioration in effectiveness (safety and visibility) through time and weathering.

NETC 05-5

PROJECT TITLE: Measurement of Adhesion Properties Between Topcoat Paint and Metallized/Galvanized Steel with Surface Energy Measurement Equipment

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR(S): Sze Yang, PI, and K. Wayne Lee, Co PI, University of Rhode Island

PI E-Mail: syang@chm.uri.edu

STATUS: Agreement extension pending

ANTICIPATED COMPLETION: 12/31/2010

PROJECT OBJECTIVES:

1. Compare the adhesion properties of NEPCOAT-approved topcoat paint over metallizing to topcoat paint over galvanizing using specialized “surface-energy” measuring lab methods. As a control the adhesion properties of topcoat paint over zinc primer painted steel substrates will also be measured.
2. Investigate various factors affecting the adhesion of topcoat paint over galvanizing.
3. Report and recommend practices which produce the best adhesion of NEPCOAT-approved topcoat paints over metallized and particularly galvanized steel surfaces. Examine surface cleaning, phosphating vs. wash primer.

NETC 05-6

PROJECT TITLE: Employing Graphic-Aided Dynamic Message Signs to Assist Elder Drivers' Message Comprehension

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR(S): J. H. Wang, University of Rhode Island

PI E-Mail: jhwang@egr.uri.edu

STATUS: Agreement extension pending

ANTICIPATED COMPLETION: To be determined

PROJECT OBJECTIVES:

• Review and evaluate existing research and literature related to the use of graphic-aided DMSs and the effects of such uses on elder drivers.
• Examine the feasibility of employing graphics in DMS messaging to assist drivers' comprehension of the message with a particular focus on elder drivers.
• Compile and or develop a library of graphic-aided text messages if such use were determined to be both feasible and beneficial.
• Make recommendations to identify, re-design, or create elderly friendly dynamic message signs that are effective for the driving population as a whole.

NETC 05-8

PROJECT TITLE: Evaluation and Implementation of Traffic Simulation Models for Work Zones

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR(S): John Collura, University of Massachusetts Amherst

PI E-Mail: collura@ecs.umass.edu

STATUS: Agreement extension pending

ANTICIPATED COMPLETION: To be determined

PROJECT OBJECTIVES: 1) assess the strengths and limitations of readily available computer based simulation models designed to evaluate the impacts of alternative work zone strategies; 2) make recommendations for the use of such simulation models on roadway reconstruction and rehabilitation projects in New England and New York State; and 3) conduct the necessary technology transfer activities in order to ensure that the results of this project are disseminated and provided directly to potential simulation model users, including transportation engineers and planners in New England and New York State.

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