COURSE NO COURSE NAME

CE - 452 Transportation Engineering Lab -

2

Assignment no: - 01
Name of the Assignment: - Flexible & Rigid Pavement.

Date of 18-10-09
Md. Mohiduddin
Perform: - Roll no:- 06.01.03.019
Date of Section:
01-11-09 -A
Year: - 4th RAHAT KHAN
MD.
Submit:- Roll- no:-06.01.03.033
Semester: 2nd
Session: - 2009,-Fall
Section: A
Year: - 2nd
Semester: - 2nd
Session: - 2006, Spring
 Acknowledgments

First of all, I would like to thank Almighty Allah for creating me and let
me finish this report successfully. I am very much proud to be a student of
Civil Engineering Department of AUST.

I am deeply grateful to Ms. Ashfia Siddique, Lecturer of CE, AUST and for
permitting me to under take this report. I am thankful to her for this most
constructive suggestion through class lectures. I would also like to thank Mr.
Rezaul Karim, Vice President IEB, and my honorable Thesis supervisor for his
suggestions, directions and proper guide lines and also thanks to my friend
Md. Zia Uddin Mobarak Bablo for his earnest help.

I also express my gratefulness to my parents and my family members

who encouraged me all the times.

Finally I express thanks to my friends and well wishers.

Content Page no
1. Introduction 1
2. Literature Review 1
2.1 Definition 1
2.2 Counting Method 2
2.2.1 Manual Count Method 2
2.2.2 Automatic Count Method 3
3. Methodology 4
4. Data Collection & Analysis 5
5. Conclusion 8
6. Recommendation 8
7. References 8
Appendix 9

List of Figures
Figure – 1: Mechanical Counting Board
Figure – 2: Electronic Counting Board
Figure – 3: Automatic Road Tube and Recorder
Figure – 4 New Market to science Lab % traffic
Figure – 5 New Market to science Lab % traffic
Figure – 6 Flow Rate in PCU
Figure – 7 % ADT vs Time
1. Introduction:
Traffic volume studies are conducted to determine the number, movements,
and classifications of roadway vehicles at a given location. These data can
help identify critical flow time periods, determine the influence of large
vehicles or pedestrians on vehicular traffic flow, or document traffic volume
trends. The length of the sampling period depends on the type of count being
taken and the intended use of the data recorded. For example, an intersection
count may be conducted during the peak flow period. If so, manual count with
30-minute intervals could be used to obtain the traffic volume data.

2. Literature Review:
A traffic study is conducted to evaluate the transportation system
serving an area and to identify any improvements necessary to
accommodate existing or projected traffic volumes. The study consists
of data collection, including existing traffic volumes and turning
movement counts, projected traffic volumes, and the identification of
required improvements such as traffic calming devices. Any identified
improvements may include a feasibility analysis, including identification
of impacted properties, impacted structures, alternate alignments,
physical constraints and roadway design criteria to be used.

2.1 Definitions:

ADT: Average daily traffic or ADT, and sometimes also mean daily
traffic, is the average number of vehicles two-way passing a specific
point in a 24-hour period, normally measured throughout a year. ADT is
the standard measurement for vehicle traffic load on a section of road,
and the basis for most decisions regarding transport planning, or to the
environmental hazards of pollution related to road transport. Road
authorities have norms based on ADT, with decisions to expand road
capacity at given thresholds.

AADT: Annual average daily traffic, abbreviated AADT, is a measure

used primarily in transportation planning and transportation
engineering. It is the total volume of vehicle traffic of a highway or road
for a year divided by 365 days. AADT is a useful and simple
measurement of how busy the road is. It is also sometimes reported as
"average annual daily traffic".

Total 24 hours volume

Hourly Expansion Factor (HEF): Volume for particular hour
 Avg. total weekly vo lume
Daily Expansion Factor (DEF): Avg. volume for particular day

AADT
Monthly Expansion Factor (MEF) : ADT for particular month

2.2 Counting Method:

Two methods are available for conducting traffic volume counts:

(1) manual and (2) automatic. Manual counts are typically used to
gather data for determination of vehicle classification, turning
movements, direction of travel, pedestrian movements, or vehicle
occupancy. Automatic counts are typically used to gather data for
determination of vehicle hourly patterns, daily or seasonal variations
and growth trends, or annual traffic estimates.

The selection of study method should be determined using the count

period. The count period should be representative of the time of day,
day of month, and month of year for the study area.

2.2.1 Manual Count Method

Most applications of manual counts require small samples of data

at any given location. Manual counts are sometimes used when the
effort and expense of automated equipment are not justified. Manual
counts are necessary when automatic equipment is not available.
Manual counts are typically used for periods of less than a day. Normal
intervals for a manual count are 5, 10, or 30 minutes.

Manual Count Recording Methods: Manual counts are recorded

using one of three methods: tally sheets, mechanical counting boards,
or electronic counting boards.
Tally Sheets: Recording data onto tally sheets is the simplest means of
conducting manual counts. The data can be recorded with a tick mark
on a pre-prepared field form. A watch or stopwatch is necessary to
measure the desired count interval.

Mechanical Counting Boards: Mechanical count boards consist of

counters mounted on a board that record each direction of travel.
Common counts include pedestrian, bicycle, vehicle classification, and
traffic volume counts. Typical counters are push button devices with
three to five registers. Each button represents a different stratification of
type of vehicle or pedestrian being counted. The limited number of
buttons on the counter can restrict the number of classifications that
can be counted on a given board. A watch or a stopwatch is also
necessary with this method to measure the desired count interval. See
Figure - 1 for an example mechanical counting board.
Electronic Counting Boards: Electronic counting boards are battery-
operated, hand-held devices used in collecting traffic count data. They are
similar to mechanical counting boards, but with some important differences.
Electronic counting boards are lighter, more compact, and easier to handle.
They have an internal clock that automatically separates the data by time
interval. Special functions include automatic data reduction and summary. The
data can also be downloaded to a computer, which saves time. See Figure - 2
for an example electronic counting board.

There are three steps to a manual traffic volume count:

1. Prepare. Determine the type of equipment to use, the field procedures

to follow, and the number of observers required. Label and organize tally
sheets. Each sheet should include information about the location, time
and date of observation, and weather conditions.
2. Select observer location(s). Observers (data collectors) should be
positioned where they have a clear view of traffic and are safely away
from the edge of the roadway.
3. Record observations on site.

2.2.2 Automatic Count Method

The automatic count method provides a means for gathering large
amounts of traffic data. Automatic counts are usually taken in 1-hour intervals
for each 24-hour period. The counts may extend for a week, month, or year.
When the counts are recorded for each 24-hour time period, the peak flow
period can be identified.

Automatic Count Recording Methods : Automatic counts are recorded

using one of three methods: portable counters, permanent counters, and
videotape.

Portable Counters: Portable counting is a form of manual observation.

Portable counters serve the same purpose as manual counts but with
automatic counting equipment. The period of data collection using this
method is usually longer than when using manual counts. The portable
counter method is mainly used for 24-hour counts. Pneumatic road tubes are
used to conduct this method of automatic counts (see Figure 3).
Permanent Counters: Permanent counters are used when long-term counts
are to be conducted. The counts could be performed every day for a year or
more. The data collected may be used to monitor and evaluate traffic volumes
and trends over a long period of time. Permanent counters are not a cost-
effective option in most situations. Few jurisdictions have access to this
equipment.

Videotape: Observers can record count data by videotaping traffic. Traffic

volumes can be counted by viewing videotapes recorded with a camera at a
collection site. A digital clock in the video image can prove useful in noting
time intervals. Videotaping is not a cost-effective option in most situations.
Few small jurisdictions have access to this equipment.

There are three steps to a traffic volume study using automatic counting
equipment:

1. Prepare. Coordinate data activities with appropriate state and local

officials. For example, you may need to coordinate traffic control
activities. Assemble and inspect tools, supplies, and equipment. Test all
equipment.
2. Deploy and calibrate data collection equipment. Provide traffic control to
protect workers in lanes of traffic. After the equipment is placed, make
sure it is functioning properly. Secure it in place.
3. Check data and retrieve equipment.

3. Methodology:
There are two ways of counting system
• Long term count
• Short term count
We use the short term method in this traffic study. This method also divided
into two methods
• Direct Method.
• Indirect method.

We use the direct method dummy on the traffic volume study survey. We
were divided in two group. One were counting the vehicles which were passing
from New Market to Science Lab, and that is group no 1,2,3 from 9 am to
11:30 am and the other group numbered 4,5,6 counted the vehicles which
were passing from science lab to new market from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm.
4. Data Collection & Analysis:

• General Traffic Volume study

Table 1: New Market to science Lab

Time Bus Truck LV AR SPT MC Total %

9:00- 13 2 365 129 0 55 564 29.027
9:30 %
10:00- 17 0 479 181 3 54 734 37.777
10:30 %
11:00- 13 0 373 230 0 29 645 33.196
11:30 %
Total 43 2 1217 540 3 138 1943
% 2.213 0.103 62.635 27.792 0.154 7.102
% % % % % %

B us Bus
Truc k Truck
LV LV
AR AR
SPT SPT
MC MC

F ig : N e w M a rk et to S c ie n c e L a b Fig: Science Lab To New Market

Table 2: science Lab to new Market
Time Bus Truck LV AR SPT MC Tota %
l
12:00- 24 2 344 169 1 41 581 27.380
12:30 %
01:00- 17 0 379 180 0 45 621 29.265
01:30 %
02:00- 26 0 584 252 4 54 920 43.355
02:30 %
Total 67 2 1307 601 5 140 212
2
% 3.157 0.094 61.593 28.322 0.236 6.598
% % % % % %
 • Traffic Volume considering PCU unit

Bus = 1.99
Truck = 2.12
Light Vehicle = 1.53
Auto rickshaw = 0.41
Small public transport = 0.51
Motor cycle = 0.03

Table 3: New Market to Science Lab

Time Bus Truck LV AR SPT MC Total %
9:00- 51.7 8.48 1116.9 105.7 0 3.3 1286.2 29.515
10:00 4 8 %
10:00- 67.6 0 1465.7 148.4 3.06 3.24 1688.1 38.738
11:00 6 4 2 2 %
11:00- 51.7 0 1141.3 188.6 0 1.74 1383.4 31.747
12:00 4 8 6 %
4357.7
8

Table 4: Science Lab to New Market

Time Bus Truck LV AR SPT MC Total %
12:00- 95.52 8.48 1052. 138.5 1.02 2.46 1298. 27.164
1:00 64 8 7 %
1:00- 67.66 0 1159. 147.6 0 2.7 1377. 28.817
2:00 74 7 %
2:00- 103.4 0 1787. 206.6 4.08 3.24 2104. 44.019
3:00 8 04 4 48 %
4780.
88

Surface flow rate (New Market to Science Lab) = 1688.12 PCU

Surface flow rate (Science Lab to New Market) = 2104.48 PCU

% flow rate in PCU (New Market to Science Lab) =

1688 .12
×100 % = 44 .51 %
1688 .12 + 2104 .48

2104 .48
% flow rate in PCU (Science Lab to New Market) = ×100 % = 55.49 %
1688 .12 + 2104 .48
 New Market to Science
44.51
Lab
Science Lab to New
55.49
Market

Fig: Flow Rate in PCU

Figure - 6: Flow Rate in PCU

Calculation of AADT:
24 hrVolume (Monday) =
[PCU Grp 1 × HEF 9-10 am + PCU GRP 2 × HEF 10 -11 am + PCU GRP 3 × HEF 11-12 Pm ]
3
1286 .2 ×18 .8 +1688 .12 ×17 .11 +1383 .46 ×18 .52
=
3
= 26228.66

Total 7 day volume = 24 hr volume × DEF Monday

= 26228.66 × 7.012
= 183915.3
Total 7 day volume
Average 24 hour volume =
7
183915.3
=
7
= 26273.6
AADT = Avg. 24 hr volume × MEF April
= 26273.6 × 1.482
= 38937.5 PCU

Calculation of ADT:
Time % ADT
09:00-10:00 29.515%
10.00-11:00 38.738%
11:00-12:00 31.747%
% ADT
12:00-01:00 27.164%
50.00%
01:00-02:00 28.817%
02:00-03:00 44.019%
40.00%
% ADT

30.00%
20.00%
10.00%
0.00%
9.00 - 10.00 10.00 - 11.00 - 12.00 - 1.00 1.00 - 2.00 2.00 - 3.00
11.00 12.00
Time
Fig: %ADT vs Time
 Figure - 7: % ADT vs Time

5. Conclusion:
The results of the first post-study indicate that the traffic volume within
the neighborhood has generally improved. We determined the vehicle
proportion of these roads and also to understand what is the tidal flow occurs.
Though we have done the survey manually there is possibility of some
mistakes which were not done intentionally. It would be more accurate if video
camera is used. Basically the survey time recommended is 24 hours but it is
not possible. So we convert 30 minutes survey to 1 hour survey. Because it
provides effective and helpful information, so such information is needed for
traffic system improvement in our country.

6. Recommendation:
The traffic survey can be efficiently used for traffic monitoring, traffic
control & management, traffic enforcement, traffic forecasting, model
calibration and validation. The result of the study indicates that traffic control
system have to improve as well as using canalization, signal, sign etc. The
survey data & result may be used for further future survey.

7. References:
http://www.orangecountyfl.net/cms/DEPT/pw/traffic/default.htm
http://www.intrans.iastate.edu/LTAP/Tech_News/2004/nov-
dec/data_collection.htm
 Monthly Expansion
APPENDIX Factor
Month MEF
January 1.756
February 1.976
March 1.635
April 1.482
May 1.395
June 0.948
July 0.578
August 0.521
September 0.632
October 0.948
November 1.186
December 1.355