摘要: |
This project involved the development, design, prototyping and testing of a Demand-Responsive Transverse Rumble Strip (DRTRS) mechanism, which becomes active (lowers an array of strips) only when necessary in order to alert drivers of downstream risks. Three alternative mechanisms for the deployment of DRTRS designed and evaluated. A first prototype using an electric actuator was tested. Results illustrate the vibration and noise generated by the prototype. Our evaluation concluded that an innovative hydraulically-activated design is the best approach to deploy the DRTRS. The proposed DRTRS apparatus is modular, and the mechanical components of the DRTRS units are reliable with few components. The hydraulic system will need regular maintenance. However, this system is placed in a cabinet outside of the travel lanes. The DRTRS deployment cost is comparable to existing solutions for intersections, school zones, toll lanes, and speed control zones. A second prototype based on the hydraulic system was built and it is about to be tested on a public facility at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Results from this testing will provide information about its effectiveness and potential insights to further improve our design to make it even more cost and safety effective. |