The OTC promotes transportation research that attempts to solve local as well as regional transportation problems. Currently, the OTC is sponsoring the following research initiatives:
"Kent State University"s Sustainable Transportation Initiative" Dr. David Kaplan, Kent State University
Kent State University (KSU) is the third largest in the state of Ohio with a population that equals that of the city of Kent in which it resides and as a result is the major traffic generator in Kent.In an effort to improve transportation mobility, KSU will launch a sustainable transportation initiative. This project will examine methods of reducing traffic congestion in and around campus, enhancing transportation connections between the campus and the broader community, and increasing the proportion of non-vehicular movement across campus. Traffic count data around KSU, parking lot data, records of public transportation system usage, non-vehicular data, and safety data will be gathered and analyzed to determine the areas of heavy automotive and non-automotive traffic. Surveys and focus groups will be employed in order to gain information to better understand why people use non-automotive transportation and to identify some of the barriers to using that transportation. An interactive map of the campus and surrounding areas as well as a website that will highlight the potential for engaging in non-automotive transportation across campus will be created. This research will result in a better understanding of some of the barriers to non-automotive transportation, a sense of how to achieve a better modal mix across campus, and tools to establish a master transportation plan for KSU, in collaboration with the City of Kent.
"Planning for Multi-University Educational Activities Based on OSU Campus Smart Transit System and Administrative Activities in Support of OTC" Dr. Mark McCord, The Ohio State University
The Ohio State University (OSU) has recently equipped their campus buses with a commercial-grade ˇ°smartˇ±system that will provide GPS-based automatic vehicle location (AVL) data.This project will analyze the AVL data for research purposes, assess passenger satisfaction with the transit information system, and incorporate data from the system into existing OSU courses, specifically Civil Engineering, to be used for educational projects.Educational activities will be planned among the OTC partner universities based on the OSU smart transit system.This project offers the potential for experimentation and student activities while fostering collaboration among the OTC partners.
"Feasibility of Using Cone Penetrometer Truck (CPT) to Install Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) and Fiber Optic Slope Failure Detectors in Pavement Structures" Dr. Shad Sargand, Ohio University
Slope stability is a major issue affecting the performance of pavement structures, particularly in hilly areas.TDR cables can be used to determine slope movement but the time and cost involved with drilling the hole to install the cable, as well as the vulnerability of that cable to damage by moisture, are significant concerns.The purpose of this investigation is to determine the feasibility of using a cone penetrometer as an alternative means for creating holes for TDR probes.Also, this study will compare the performance of fiber optic to traditional TDR cable systems to see which is more durable and resistant to damage, particularly from moisture. The use of a CPT to create holes and the use of fiber optic cables for TDRs will significantly reduce the cost of TDR installations and improve reliability of the systems which will lead to increased monitoring of sensitive spots at a reduced cost by state DOTs.
"Characterize Dynamic Dilemma Zone and Minimize its Effect at Signalized Intersections" Dr. Heng Wei, University of Cincinnati
Intersection dilemma zones are one of the major factors contributing to traffic-signal-related crashes.The primary objective of this project is to develop quantitative models measuring dynamic dilemma zone (DDZ) dimension, traffic features over DDZs and their relationships with potential for signal-related-crashes at high-speed signalized intersections. Potential countermeasures to minimize/eliminate DDZ's affect on safety and mobility will be investigated.The result will provide a basis and support for traffic engineers in the development of effective strategies and tools to reduce dilemma zone in the design and implementation of signalized intersections.The result will also provide a basis to develop a framework for studying DDZ issues related to layout of detection systems when applying adaptive signal control systems and/or Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) measures.
