Abstract

Historically the methodology used to support road asset management in Ireland was analysis of collision data to highlight candidate locations for network improvements. Internationally, researchers have more recently looked at a correlation between collision rate and road design inconsistencies, which can be locations where drivers could be momentarily confused by unexpected changes in the road characteristics. As a result, there may be inconsistencies between the key variables of vehicle speed and available friction for the actual vs. the intended manoeuvre. Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has initiated studies to develop a methodology for assessing these geometrically derived design inconsistencies on the road network. The major aim is to detect and evaluate locations on the network which exhibit such inconsistencies in a proactive method. The proposed technique relies on a risk-based approach, and is an evolution of research performed to date along with adoption of innovative technologies. The purpose is to generate a dimensionless multi-criteria model, which considers the main risk and geometric consistency criteria.