Date of Award

12-2016

Degree Name

Master of Science in Engineering

Department

Civil and Construction Engineering

First Advisor

Dr. Valerian Kwigizile

Second Advisor

Dr. Jun-Seok Oh

Third Advisor

Dr. Osama Abudayyeh

Keywords

Delineation, traffic safety, crash data, pavement markings, delineators

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

Among the many aspects of roadway design, one important system is roadway delineation. The main purposes of roadway delineation include regulating, warning, and guiding drivers in a safe manner. Delineation systems have the potential to reduce crashes. This research sought to perform safety benefit analysis of roadway delineation practices in Michigan. Through literature review, several delineation practices, selection criteria, and previously developed crash modification factors were researched. Even though several pavement marking materials have been implemented in Michigan, a safety benefit analysis of various materials had not been performed. Sites were selected, and pavement marking material inventory data were combined with crash data. Statistical modeling was completed in order to determine if one material had any safety benefit over the others. It was determined that polyurea had the potential to reduce crashes on segments that currently have waterborne paint implemented. Additionally, it was determined that it would be beneficial to identify other states’ delineation practices and the criteria used to determine when implementation was appropriate. A survey was completed and resulted in the participation of 20 states in the U.S. and two provinces in Canada. Cost-benefit analysis was also performed to identify the cost savings if polyurea were to be implemented wherever there was waterborne paint. Additionally, snowplowable raised pavement markers, which are not currently implemented in Michigan, were analyzed through cost-benefit analysis to identify the impact they would have if they were implemented in Michigan based on previous research and developed crash modification factors.

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