A STUDY OF DETECTOR RELIABILITY FOR A SAFETY WARNING SYSTEM ON THE GULF FREEWAY

An experimental warning system has been installed on the Gulf Freeway in Houston as a means of alerting drivers approaching crest type vertical curves of stoppages downstream of the crest. Successful automatic operation of the warning system is dependent upon the reliability of the system components. Earlier studies showed that the developed control logic is responsive to stoppage waves providing the hardware functions properly. The studies also indicated a relatively high frequency of detector failures. The frequency of detector failures prompted a study to evaluate the reliability of the warning system based on the detector failure and repair rates experienced on the Gulf Freeway surveillance and control system to ascertain whether detector redundancy or improved maintenance would be necessary. Classical models relating to reliability of maintained systems were employed. Reliability functions for warning signs installed at isolated locations are also presented.

• Record URL:
  • https://library.ctr.utexas.edu/hostedpdfs/tti/165-7.pdf
• Record URL:
  • https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/85272
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Prepared in cooperation with FHWA.
• Corporate Authors:

  Texas Transportation Institute

  Texas A&M University System, 1600 E Lamar Boulevard
  Arlington, TX  United States  76011

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590

  Texas State Department of Highways & Public Transportation

  P.O. Box 5051
  Austin, TX  United States  78763
• Authors:
  • Dudek, C L
  • Dutt, A
  • Messer, C J
  • Ritch, G P
• Publication Date: 1974-11

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 46 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Detectors; Freeway operations; Geometric curves; Motorist aid systems; Reliability; Traffic surveillance; Warning systems
• Uncontrolled Terms: Vertical curvature
• Old TRIS Terms: Chilling
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00098541
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: Research Rpt 165-7 Intrm Rpt
• Files: NTIS, NTL, TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Aug 13 1975 12:00AM