Abstract

This study's focus is on modeling vehicle acceleration-deceleration behavior during freeway and ramp maneuvers in congested traffic. Presented are methodologies for collecting field data, analyzing freeway merging behavior data and developing and calibrating ramp vehicle accelerating models. Substantial data were collected using videotape and image processing techniques. The entrance ramps in the Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway were used for comprehensive traffic surveys. The paper presents a theoretical framework for modeling the ramp driver acceleration-deceleration behavior. The methodology uses the stimuli-response psychophysical concept as a fundamental rule and is formulated as a modified form of the car-following models. The findings could serve future highway geometric design criteria revision, and the mathematical framework of the developed model may be appropriate to study more driver behavioral aspects of congested freeways. Document type: Part of book or chapter of book

Abstract

This report details the testing equipment, procedures and results performed under Task 7.2 Sealing Simulated Leaks. In terms of our ability to seal leaks identified in the technical topical report, Analysis of Current Field Data, we were 100% successful. In regards to maintaining seal integrity after pigging operations we achieved varying degrees of success. Internal Corrosion defects proved to be the most resistant to the effects of pigging while External Corrosion proved to be the least resistant. Overall, with limitations, pressure activated sealant technology would be a viable option under the right circumstances. Document type: Report

Abstract

In early October of 1993, an oil shipment of about 1 million barrels was made from the Bayou Choctaw Strategic Petroleum Reserve storage facility to St. James Terminal. During the shipment, oil temperatures and soil temperatures along the pipeline were recorded. The field data were used to make estimations of soil thermal properties, thermal conductivity and specific heat. These data were also used to validate and calibrate a heat transfer code, OILPIP, which has been used to calculate pipeline cooling of oil during a drawdown. Document type: Report