Design of an Alternative Work Zone Attenuator Device

ODOT currently uses dump-trucks as shadow vehicles to mount crash attenuators in a Work Zone. When used in work zones, these dump trucks may become damaged under a crash, which may render them unavailable to support other operations. Additionally, an assessment of other nuanced facets such as shadow vehicle operator safety, safety of work zone occupants, make the decision for use of dump trucks in work zone, non-trivial in nature. This research investigates whether an Alternative Device can be designed to replace the use of dump-trucks as shadow vehicles in a Work Zone. The research identifies ODOT’s needs in a Work Zone, performs Market Research, and develops specifications for such an Alternative Device. The specifications are refined using feedback received from the industry and vendors via a RFI mechanism. Finally, a Cost-Benefit Analysis is performed to evaluate the economic feasibility of using such an Alternative Device against the dump-truck. Findings suggest that use of an Alternative Device with advanced sensor stack that displays limited in Work Zone operational autonomy may provide safety and operational benefits. Final specifications for such an Alternative Device are developed and posted as a part of this research program.

• Record URL:
  • https://ohiomemory.org/digital/collection/p267401ccp2/id/22288/rec/1
• Record URL:
  • https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/73210
• Summary URL:
  • https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/73211
• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Center Incorporated

  10820 State Route 347
  East Liberty, OH  United States  43319

  Ohio Department of Transportation

  1980 W. Broad Street
  Columbus, OH  United States  43223

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Mandokhot, Mohit
  • 0000-0001-7749-9346
  • Karanjkar, Sayali
  • Marwadi, Shreekant
  • Zook, Darek
• Publication Date: 2022-2

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Maps; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 157p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Autonomous vehicles; Performance based specifications; Remote control; Truck mounted attenuators; Vehicle design; Work zone safety
• Identifier Terms: Ohio Department of Transportation
• Geographic Terms: Ohio
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Design; Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01906853
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA/OH-2022-08
• Contract Numbers: 34891
• Files: NTL, TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Feb 5 2024 9:35AM