Tag Archives: Research Showcase

NJDOT Tech Talk! Webinar – Research Showcase: Lunchtime Edition 2025

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Video Recording: 2025 Research Showcase Lunchtime Edition

On May 14, 2025, the NJDOT Bureau of Research, Innovation, and Information Transfer hosted a Lunchtime Tech Talk! webinar, “Research Showcase: Lunchtime Edition 2025”, featuring four presentations on salient research studies. As these studies were not shared at the 26th Annual Research Showcase held in October 2024, the webinar provided an additional opportunity for the over 80 attendees from the New Jersey transportation community to explore the wide range of academic research initiatives underway across the state.

The four research studies covered innovative transportations solutions in topics ranging from LiDAR detection to artificial intelligence. The presenters, in turn, shared their research on assessing the accuracy of LiDAR for traffic data collection in various weather conditions; traffic crash severity prediction using synthesized crash description narratives and large language models (LLMs); non-destructive testing (NDT) methods for bridge deck forensic assessment; and traffic signal detection and recognition using computer vision and roadside cameras. After each presentation, webinar participants had an opportunity to ask questions to the presenters.

Presentation #1 – Assessing the Accuracy of LiDAR for Traffic Data Collection in Various Weather Conditions by Abolfazl Afshari, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)

Mr. Afshari shared insights from a joint research project between NJIT, NJDOT, and the Intelligent Transportation Systems Resource Center (ITSRC), which evaluated the accuracy of LiDAR in adverse weather conditions.

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a sensing technology that uses laser pulses to generate detailed 3D maps of the surrounding area by measuring how long it takes for laser pulses to return after hitting an object. It offers high resolution and accurate detection, regardless of lighting, making it ideal for traffic monitoring in real-time.

The research study began in response to growing concerns about LiDAR’s effectiveness in varied weather conditions, such as rain, amid its increasing use in intelligent transportation systems. Mr. Afshari stated that the objective of the research was to evaluate and quantify LiDAR performance across multiple weather scenarios and for different object types—including cars, trucks, pedestrians, and bicycles—in order to identify areas for improvement.

To conduct the research, the team installed a Velodyne Ultra Puck VLP-32C LiDAR sensor with a 360° view on the Warren St intersection near the NJIT campus in Newark. Mr. Afshari noted that newer types of LiDAR sensors with enhanced capabilities may be able to outperform the Velodyne Ultra Puck during adverse weather. They also installed a camera at the intersection to verify the LiDAR results with visual evidence. The research team used data collected from May 12 to May 27, 2024.

The researchers obtained the weather data from Newark Liberty Airport station and utilized the Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) method to identify statistically diverse weather periods for evaluation and maintain a balance between clear and rainy days. They selected over 300 minutes of detection for the study.

The study area for the LiDAR detection evaluation

To evaluate how well the detection system performed under different traffic patterns, they divided the study area into two sections. The researchers used an algorithm for the LiDAR to automatically count the vehicles and pedestrians entering these two areas, then validated the LiDAR results by conducting a manual review of the video captured from the camera.

The research team found that, overall, the LiDAR performed well, though there were some deviations during rainy conditions. During rainy days, the LiDAR’s detection rate decreased for both cars and pedestrians, with the greatest challenges occurring in accurately detecting pedestrians. On average, the LiDAR would miss nearly .8 pedestrians and .7 cars per hour during rainy days, around 30 percent higher than on clear days.

Key limitations of the LiDAR detection identified by the researchers include: maintaining consistent detection of pedestrians carrying umbrellas or other large concealing objects, identifying individuals walking in large groups, and missing high-speed vehicles.

Mr. Afshari concluded that LiDAR performs reliably for vehicle detection but pedestrian detection needs enhancement in poor weather conditions, which would require updated calibration or enhancements to the detection algorithm. He also stated the need for future testing of LiDAR on other weather conditions such as fog or snow to further validate the findings.

Q. Do you think the improvements for LiDAR detection will need to be technological enhancements or just algorithmic recalibration?

A. There are newer LiDAR sensors available, which perform better in most situations, but the main component to LiDAR detection is the algorithm used to automatically detect objects. So, the algorithmic calibration is the most important aspect for our purposes.

Q. What are the costs of using the LiDAR detector?

A. I am not fully sure as I was not responsible for purchasing the unit.

Presentation #2 – Traffic Crash Severity Prediction Using Synthesized Crash Description Narratives and Large Language Models (LLM) by Mohammadjavad Bazdar, New Jersey Institute of Technology

Mr. Bazdar presented research from an NJIT and ITSCRC team effort focused on predicting traffic crash severity using crash description narratives synthesized by a Large Language Model (LLM). Predicting crash severity provides opportunities to identify factors that contribute to severe crashes—insights that can support better infrastructure planning, quicker emergency response, and more effective autonomous vehicle (AV) behavior modeling.

Previous studies have relied on traditional methods such as logit models, classification techniques, and machine learning algorithms like Decision Tree and Random Forests. However, Mr. Bazdar notes that these approaches struggle due to limitations in the data. Crash report data often contains numerous inconsistencies and missing values for varying attributes, making it unsuitable for traditional classification models. Even if you get a good result from the model, it cannot be used to reliably identify contributing factors because of all the data that is excluded.

To address this challenge, the research team explored the effectiveness of generating consistent and informative crash descriptions by converting structured parameters into synthetic narratives, then leveraging large language models (LLMs) to analyze and predict crash severity based on these narratives. Since LLMs can parse through different terminologies and missing attributes, it allows researchers to analyze all available data, and not the minority of crash data that has no inconsistencies or missing variables.

The research team used BERT, an Encoder Model LLM, to analyze over 3 million crash records from January 2010 to November 2022 for this study. Although crash reports often contain additional details, the team exclusively utilized information regarding crash time, date, geographic location, and environmental conditions. Additionally, they divided crash severity into three categories: “No Injury,” “Injury,” and “Fatal.”

The narratives synthesized by BERT include six sentences, with each sentence describing different features of the crash, such as time and date, speed and annual average daily traffic (AADT), and weather conditions and infrastructure. BERT then tokenizes and encodes the narrative to generate contextualized representations for crash severity prediction.

They also found that a hybrid approach—using BERT to tokenize crash narratives and generate crash probability scores, followed by a classification model like Random Forest to predict crash severity based on those scores—performed best. An added benefit of the hybrid model is that it produces comparable, if not better, results than the BERT model, in hours rather than days.

In the future, Mr. Bazdar and the research team plan to enhance their model by integrating spatial imagery, incorporating land use and environmental data, and utilizing decoder-based language models, hoping to achieve more effective results.

Q. How does your language model handle missing data fields?

A. The model skips missing information completely. For example, if there is a missing value for the light condition, the narrative will not mention anything about it. In traditional models, a report missing even one variable would have to be discarded. However, with the LLM approach, the report can still be used, as it may contain valuable information despite the missing data.

Q. What percentage of the traffic reports were missing data?

A. The problem is that while a single value like light condition, may be missing in only a small percentage of crash reports, a large portion—nearly half—of crash reports have some missing data or inconsistency.

Presentation #3 – Forensic Investigation of Bridge Backwall Structure Using Ultrasonic and GPR Techniques by Manuel Celaya, PhD, PE, Advance Infrastructure Design, Inc.

Dr. Celaya described his work performing non-destructive testing (NDT) on the backwall structure of a New Jersey bridge, utilizing Ultrasonic Testing (UT) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR).

The bridge in the study, located near Exit 21A on I-287, was scheduled for construction; however, NJDOT had limited information about its retaining walls. To address this, NJDOT enlisted Dr. Celaya and his firm, Advanced Infrastructure Design, Inc. (AID), to assess the wall reinforcements—mapping the rebar layout, measuring concrete cover, and detecting potential cracks and voids in the backwalls.

The team used a hand-held GPR system to identify the presence, location, and distribution of reinforcement within the abutment wall. The GPR device collects the data in a vertical and horizontal direction, indicating the distance of reinforcement like rebar and its depth of penetration. This information was needed to ensure that construction on the bridge above would not impact the abutment walls.

SAFT images of the bridge abutment produce by the Ultrasonic Testing

They also employed Ultrasonic Testing (UT), a method that uses multiple sensors to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves, allowing the team to map and reconstruct subsurface elements of the bridge wall. The system captures a detailed cross-sectional view of acoustic interfaces within the concrete using a grid-based measurement pattern, ensuring precise and reliable data collection. Additionally, they used IntroView to evaluate the UT data and produce Synthetic Aperture Focusing Technique (SAFT) images to illustrate and identify anomalies within the concrete.

AID also conducted NDT to assess the depth of embedded bolts in the I-287 bridge abutments using GPR scans, but aside from detecting steel rebar reinforcements, no clear signs of the bolts were found. However, the UT results offered valuable insights, revealing that the embedded bolts in the west abutment wall were deeper than those in the east abutment.

Q. What was the process workflow like for the Ultrasonic Testing?

A. It is not that intuitive compared to Ground Penetrating Radar. With GPR, you can clearly identify structures on the site. However, with UT, there has to be post-processing analysis in the office, it cannot be attained in the field. This analysis takes time and requires a certain level of expertise.

Presentation #4 – Traffic Signal Phase and Timing Detection from Roadside CCTV Traffic Videos Based on Deep Learning Computer Vision Methods by Bowen Geng, Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation

Mr. Geng shared insights from an ongoing Rutgers research project that evaluates traffic signal phase and timing detection using roadside CCTV traffic video footage, applying deep learning and computer vision techniques. Traffic signal information is essential for both road users and traffic management centers. Vehicle-based signal data supports autonomous vehicles and advanced Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) systems, while roadside-based data aids Automated Traffic Signal Performance Measures (ATSPM) systems, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), and connected vehicle messaging systems.

While autonomous vehicles can perceive traffic signals using on-board camera sensors, roadside detection relies entirely on existing infrastructure such as CCTV traffic footage. Mr. Geng noted that advancements in computer vision modeling provides a resource-efficient tool for improving roadside traffic signal data collection, compared to other potential solutions like infrastructure upgrades, which would be costly. For the study, the researchers decided to develop and implement methodologies for traffic signal recognition using CCTV cameras, and evaluate the effectiveness of different computer vision models.

Most previous studies have concentrated heavily on vehicle-based traffic signal recognition, while roadside-based TSR has received relatively limited attention, with some previous studies using vehicle trajectory to determine traffic signal status. Furthermore, early research relied on traditional image processing techniques such as color segmentation, but more recent studies have shifted toward a two-step pipeline using machine learning tools like You Only Look Once (YOLO) or deep learning-based end-to-end detection methods. Both the two-step pipeline and end-to-end detection approaches have their advantages and drawbacks. The two-step pipeline uses separate models for detection and classification, requiring coordination between stages and creating slower process speeds, but making it easy to debug. In contrast, end-to-end detection is faster and more streamlined but more difficult to debug.

Real-time traffic signal detection using the research model

In this study, the researchers adopted three different methodologies; two using the two-step pipeline, and one using an end-to-end detection model. All three models employed YOLOv8 for object detection; however, they differed in color classification methods. The researchers used video data from the DataCity Smart Mobility Testing Ground in downtown New Brunswick, across five signalized intersections.

The model achieved an overall accuracy of 84.7 percent, with certain signal colors detected more accurately than others. Mr. Geng shared that the research team was satisfied with these results. They see potential for the model to be used to support real-time traffic signal data logging and transmission for ATSPM and connected vehicle messaging system applications. 

Q. How many cameras did you have at each intersection?

A. For each intersection we had two cameras facing two different directions. For some intersections, we had one camera facing north and another facing south, or one facing east and the other facing west.

Q. What did you attribute to the differences in color recognition?

A. There was some computing resource issue. Since we are trying to implement this in real-time, there are difficulties balancing accuracy with possible latency issues and processing time.

A recording of the webinar is available here.

Interview with 2024 Research Showcase “Best Poster Award” Winner

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We had the opportunity to speak with Swathi Malluru, a PhD candidate at Rowan University and recipient of the 2024 NJDOT Research Showcase Best Poster Award. Her research focuses on sustainable pavement rehabilitation, including the Full-Depth Reclamation (FDR) and Cold In-Place Recycling (CIR) processes that were the subject of the performance evaluation recognized with the Best Poster Award. In this interview, Ms. Malluru discusses her journey in transportation engineering, from her background in sustainable materials to her work optimizing stabilizers for FDR and CIR. She hopes that her research can provide economic and environmental benefits and shares how it could shape future NJDOT policies.

Q. Congratulations on receiving the Best Poster Award at the 2024 NJDOT Research Showcase. Could you tell us about your prior educational and research experience, and how you came to be a PhD student at Rowan University?

A. First of all, I would like to thank you for your time. I pursued my master’s in Transportation Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology. At the university, I learned about pavement materials, specifically pavement rehabilitation techniques and pavement design analysis. Then, I worked on a steel slag aggregates project. In this project, I completely replaced the conventional natural aggregates with steel slag aggregates in hot mix asphalt mixture and evaluated the performance to understand if slag could function as an alternative to the conventional natural aggregates. This motivated me to do further work in sustainability and that’s how my research journey started.

What drew me to Rowan University was the Center for Research and Education in Advanced Transportation Engineering Systems (CREATES), which deals with diverse research projects, and has a lot of facilities for conducting research on pavement materials. CREATES provides facilities where we can conduct our laboratory tests and evaluate the performance of various mixes. In the laboratory, we do everything in controlled conditions that may not exactly simulate field conditions but provide a good opportunity for a researcher to understand the behavior of a particular material and mix under different circumstances. CREATES also facilitates test sections and conducts Accelerated Pavement Testing (APT) using the Heavy Vehicle Simulator (HVS) to evaluate the field performance of the asphalt mixtures.

Q. What sparked your interest in sustainability related to pavement materials and rehabilitation?

A. I come from an industry background. After my master’s, I worked in construction for Larsen & Toubro and later as a highway designer for Jacobs. I worked on the geometric design of Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) projects. Based on my experience, I found that, especially in developed countries, roads have mostly been constructed. The future is in widening, rehabilitation, and maintenance of the existing roads. Additionally, we see that transportation is the largest global contributor to carbon emissions. These factors convinced me to focus on researching environmentally friendly and cost-effective pavement materials for sustainable development.

Q. The research in your poster focused on Full Depth Reclamation (FDR) and Cold In-Place Recycling (CIR). Can you describe some of the environmental or economic benefits that these processes provide?

Asphalt Milling Machine.

A. This project was funded by NJDOT Pavement Support Program (PSP) and led by Dr. Ahmed Saidi from CREATES, Rowan University. Cold In Place Recycling and Full Depth Reclamation are two rehabilitation techniques of deteriorated asphalt pavements. In the conventional process, whenever the pavement is highly distressed, we completely remove the materials and lay a new pavement stretch in that particular location. This process utilizes a Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) mixture that requires asphalt, high mixing temperatures and large amounts of energy consumption, producing emissions. Production of HMA also involves a lot of volatile organic compounds, which can significantly impact the environment.

By replacing the process with a FDR or CIR, we can conserve the materials and reduce emissions. In FDR, the existing pavement is milled up to the unbound soil layers (at a depth up to 14 inches) and then laid into a single layer through pulverization and stabilization with additives. CIR involves reclamation of asphalt layer (at a depth up to 4 inches) and stabilization with additives. In this scenario, we see very little emissions, and it is also very quick. In our few trial stretches, which included some NJDOT projects, we observed that we could save $10,000 to $50,000 per mile. This is a huge achievement in cost savings and time savings, and is environmentally friendly. These are the benefits we get from implementing FDR and CIR.

Q. For the first two tasks in the research project, you conducted a literature review and a survey of different state DOTs. What did you find through these two tasks, and how did it prepare you for the lab tests?

A. We went through the various guidelines of different state DOTs and other state agencies. From this literature review, we observed that early on, state guidelines mentioned only the usage of cement for the FDR. But some states like Pennsylvania and Illinois started implementing the use of bituminous stabilizers to improve the performance of FDR. Through the state DOT literature review and the survey questionnaire, we learned more about the properties of emulsions and cement, the properties of RAP gradation, the types of cement that we have to select, and also how to cure and compact samples. We learned all these aspects of FDR and CIR from the literature review and the survey questionnaires, and then we tried to incorporate all these elements.

Q. You concluded with the research that 5 percent cement, or 3 percent emulsion, 1 percent cement and 3 percent water worked best for FDR, and 2 percent emulsion, or 1.5 percent foamed bitumen for CIR. How many different combinations did you try and how significantly did these combinations outperform the alternatives?

A. Based on the performance criteria from the literature review, we tried to understand what the optimum dosage should be. We considered three different stabilizer material types for FDR: a section with only cement varying from 4 to 5 percent with a 0.5 increment; a mix consisting of emulsion varying from 3 to 5 percent; and foamed bitumen varying from 3 to 5 percent. We decided to utilize these dosages based on the literature review. From the laboratory test, we observed that the 3 percent emulsion gave less rut depth and better fatigue performance compared to alternatives. Similarly, when we added 5 percent cement or 3 percent emulsion, we found it gave an equal performance.

Q. Did you experience any challenges during the lab tests?

A. Based on what we learned in the literature review, we were able to match the results and confirm it. Emulsions, and the inclusion of bituminous additives, can improve the performance of these mixtures. The challenges were during the mixing and compaction, but we managed to rectify those challenges over time.

Q. What additional research do you think should be conducted based on your findings from this project?

A. We have to conduct further work on the impact and performance of FDR and CIR and also evaluate any other alternatives that can be used as stabilizers. Currently, we are proposing FDR and CIR guidelines for minor roads, but maybe, if we try to improve and enhance its performance, we can extend it to the interstate highways and roads of higher priority. That is a major area for future research.

Q. What kind of impact do you hope this research will have on NJDOT construction and design policy moving forward?

A. I hope it helps NJDOT optimize cost savings, reduce labor, and construction time and, especially, aid in NJDOT becoming more environmentally friendly. This will help reduce emissions compared to using the conventional overlay method and help NJDOT achieve its sustainability goals.

Q. Moving toward your personal research, is there any kind of research that you specifically want to focus on going forward, or would it be something similar to this as you progress through your doctoral path?

A. After this, I want to try to conduct a test trial to evaluate the performance of FDR and conduct a life cycle assessment. And try to test the impact of low temperatures on the performance of FDR. Will there be a low temperature cracking effect from freezing? I would also like to work on developing design guidelines for the implementation of FDR and CIR throughout NJDOT.

Q. What are your career goals and aspirations for after you complete your PhD?

A. After my PhD, I would like to work in the industry, so I can implement my research and work to find solutions for major problems.

Interview with 2024 Research Showcase “Outstanding University Student in Transportation Research Award” Winner

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Traffic safety and mobility, two critical areas in transportation engineering, both require the collection and analysis of large data sets to produce proactive and comprehensive solutions. Transportation engineers have started to increasingly focus on using innovative technologies to efficiently and effectively process this data.

We had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Deep Patel, a former Ph.D. candidate and research fellow at Rowan University, whose work is at the forefront of this mission. Recently, Patel received the NJDOT Outstanding University Student Research Award for his contributions to transportation research. In this interview, Patel shares insights from his research journey, including his work on the Real-Time Traffic Signal Performance Measurement Study and the development and implementation of machine learning tools to predict high-risk intersections. His dedication to improving traffic operations and safety, along with his new industry role as a Traffic Safety and Mobility Specialist, highlights the significant impact of combining academic research with practical industry applications.

Q. Could you tell us about your educational and research experience and how you became a PhD candidate and research fellow at Rowan University?

A. First of all, thank you for your time and for considering me for the opportunity to be interviewed about my recent NJDOT award. I would also like to thank the NJDOT review committee members and my Ph.D. advisor Dr. Mohammad Jalayer, who supported me in receiving this award.

I started my master’s study in 2018 as a civil engineering student without a research focus. Then, during my first semester, I took a course called Transportation Engineering with Dr. Mohammad Jalayer. When he sought traffic counting assistance for a traffic analysis project, I eagerly joined him, becoming his first research student.

Deep Patel conducting roadside research. Courtesy of Deep Patel.

Through that experience, I started thinking about what could streamline the traffic counting process and the various uses for the data we collected. I went on to work on several research projects with Dr. Jalayer, both funded and non-funded, where we had frequent discussions, and I would present my ideas to him. Eventually, he asked me to join him as a researcher and to continue my master’s work with a research focus, which I did for two years. When he suggested I continue my studies to earn a Ph.D., I was initially surprised, but I decided to go for it since I had a lot of ideas for future research projects.

At the end of my master’s study, I began Phase One work for a Real-Time Traffic System Performance Measure Study led by Dr. Peter Jin, Dr. Thomas Brennan, and Dr. Jalayer. This project connected me with a team from Rutgers, TCNJ, and a few professionals from NJDOT and other industry folks. I represented Rowan’s end for this project, where our focus was on understanding the safety aspects including safety parameters and performance and how we could assist NJDOT transform this new technology to help save lives. For the first phase of the project, we worked on understanding the traffic signal system performance measures, and what had been adopted by other DOTs. My experience on this project drove me to pursue more research and to expand my knowledge in traffic safety.

Q. You worked on Phase One through Three of this Real-Time Traffic Signal Performance Measurement Study. What part of this project interested you the most?

A. My main takeaway from this project focused on learning more about how the transportation industry looks towards the research outputs and outcomes from the university teams. It is very interesting to understand how university-based research is being adapted for industry acceptance. Additionally, I learned what problem-solving features the industry looks for from the research component.

From a technical aspect, I learned how New Jersey signals can be enhanced and how we can optimize the performance of these signals and achieve cost savings. Let’s say you have a scenario where there is no vehicle at an intersection; how can we provide recommendations to change the signal to a red light and give the other side of the intersection a green light? So, we gathered several components in terms of mobility, safety, and economic parameters from the study that can help enhance our traffic signals in New Jersey, sharing this information with the NJDOT team.

Figure 1: An Example real-time performance monitoring on County Road 541 and Irwick Road, Burlington County, NJ
Example of real-time performance monitoring on County Road 541 and Irwick Road, Burlington County, NJ

Q. How did you see your role on the research project develop as you moved from the earlier phases to the latest phase?

A. In the first phase, we completed a comprehensive literature review to understand what is happening across the nation, which systems are being adapted, what are the best systems for providing traffic signal safety performance measures, and what are the kind of performance measures that can be adapted in an industry setting. In Phase Two, the team focused on developing mechanisms and performance measures aligned with NJDOT’s existing data, including deploying the Automated Traffic Signal Performance Measures (ATSPM) system to enhance traffic signal monitoring and optimization. To guide these efforts, an adaptability checklist was created to benchmark practices from other states and identify strategies that could be adapted to benefit NJDOT’s operations. Building on this foundation, Phase Three advanced to the demonstration and application of dashboards and performance measures, providing actionable recommendations to NJDOT on enhancing mobility and safety across various regions and corridors. These efforts aimed to save time and lives, while the integration of connected vehicle (CV) technologies remains a key focus for future work, ensuring NJDOT’s leadership in traffic management innovation.

Q. What were the specific corridors that you worked on?

A. We started with seven/eight intersections on U.S. 1. Then, we explored the whole corridor of U.S. 1 as part of Phase Three, and we also brought in Route 18, Route 130, and other intersections during this phase.

Q. Did you discover any particular surprising or noteworthy findings from this research?

A. This was a long project, extending from 2019-2024. As a result, each year we discovered new findings, and new components were often added to the project. For example, we added a CV systems component as part of the Phase Two and Phase Three projects to start planning for the future and understand what kind of data could be received and sent from CV technologies. The main benefit from this project is that it not only established current problem-solving measures but also looked into the future, helping to better understand what’s coming and how we can best face anticipated challenges that we need to start integrating at this moment. I find the combination of the present and future integration of systems and technologies interesting and important from the findings.

Q. What kind of impact do you think you and your research will have on NJDOT traffic operations and traffic safety, especially with your role now working in the industry?

A. With my previous experience as part of a university-led research team and now as a Traffic Safety and Specialist in the private sector, I am better positioned to facilitate the efficient and effective implementation of research findings.  A key factor enabling this transition is that Kelly McVeigh, who supervised the original research project, also oversees the current work that our firm is doing for NJDOT. Being on the industry side allows me to introduce and operationalize new ideas more rapidly, compared to the academic research side. This streamlined approach ensures that innovative performance measures can be deployed more quickly, and even a small modification has the potential to save lives, underscoring the value of this work.

Q. Moving to a different topic, your research frequently incorporates Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) aspects. In your experience, what benefits does AI contribute to transportation research?

A. Over the past few years, AI and ML have undergone drastic modifications and growing levels of industry acceptance. Additionally, in research outcomes, AI and ML have played a key role in enhancing and providing new methodologies and new ways of problem-solving. As an engineer, the first thing we have to do is understand how we can solve an existing problem, and how fast, effectively, and efficiently we can do it.

Transportation is now highly reliant on big data and intensive analysis, so AI and ML back up the processing of this data, coming up with meaningful outcomes and enhancing solution measures much quickly than previous methods. In 2012 or 2013, a standard engineer would need to sit down to do a traffic study and go through manual counting, then process the data, then come up with solutions, which takes much longer to solve a problem. The problem may even change during the months-long process of developing a solution.

In traffic safety, we cannot wait for the four to five months it could take to solve a problem due to the pressing safety implications of doing so. Thus, we must start implementing countermeasures swiftly, and AI and ML components help us to quickly process data with more effective and efficient results.

During my early days as a student researcher, I would stand on the roadside, manually counting the vehicles and pedestrians to collect data for traffic studies. However. during my doctoral research, I developed my AI-driven tools that utilize advanced video systems for detection and analysis. This proactive approach enables the identification of intersections prone to high-crash scenarios well before crashes occur, allowing for timely interventions. By integrating AI and ML, my research introduced innovative methodologies for crash prediction and prevention, showcasing the feasibility of data-driven solutions to enhance roadway safety.

There is a certain chaos in human beings’ lives and surroundings that requires transportation to be a multidisciplinary field, which includes human-focused aspects. For some parts, AI is definitely required, but with other parts, we need to go through different approaches.

Q. Do you think that because of AI’s data collection and analysis possibilities, almost all engineers in the near future will need to start incorporating AI into their research?

A. It really depends. For our part of traffic engineering, very specifically, I would say yes, it would be one of the major requirements that an engineer would need to adopt. But if I was a traffic engineer working on policy or equity measures there might be some concerns related to data sharing or data privacy issues that might restrict them.

It depends on what side you are focusing on. When it comes to data collection, I would say AI incorporation is a must to collect and process data faster and more efficiently. But in terms of developing policies, rules, or statutes, there are certain psychological aspects that need to be in the thought process. Knowing human concerns and people’s approaches requires an emotional touch, which AI still lacks.

Transportation is a field connected with multiple disciplines; it touches on people’s emotions. For example, on a day when traffic does not work well when you’re returning home, you can get frustrated, and that frustration can end up in a fatal crash. There is a certain chaos in human beings’ lives and surroundings that requires transportation to be a multidisciplinary field, which includes human-focused aspects. For some parts, AI is definitely required, but with other parts, we need to go through different approaches.

Q. Congratulations on your recently approved dissertation. Could you give us some quick highlights of the research methods that went into producing your dissertation, “A Comprehensive ML and AI Framework for Intersection Safety”? What are the most important takeaways from your dissertation?

Deep Patel presenting his poster at the 2022 NJDOT Research Showcase Poster Session. Click image for PDF of the poster.

A. New Jersey is home to some of the most dangerous intersections in the United States, with four intersections ranked among the top 15 most dangerous, including the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions. Since 2019, there has been a trend of steadily increasing intersection-related crashes and correlated crashes within intersection boundaries. This prompted me to ask, “Why do we need to wait for crashes to happen to address the problem?”

To tackle this issue, I developed a proactive approach inspired by my work on the NJDOT research project. The approach focuses on analyzing near-miss incidents and traffic violations, using the concept of surrogate safety measures to identify potential risks before crashes occur. Surrogate safety measures help us detect near-miss events and violations, offering a predictive understanding of high-risk scenarios at intersections.

Using AI and ML, we developed tools that analyze vehicle and pedestrian trajectories in detail. These tools detect and classify conflicts, such as left-turn conflicts or yielding conflicts, enabling us to predict potential crash scenarios based on behavioral patterns at intersections. This proactive analysis allows us to recommend design changes and interventions before crashes occur.

Then, we explored the noncompliance component in a certain area, like red light violations or jaywalking. For instance, our analysis revealed that one in every four pedestrians does not use crosswalks. By integrating historical crash data, proactive trajectory analysis, and noncompliance trends, we developed a tool that ranks intersections based on multiple criteria. These include potential high-crash scenarios, contributing factors, and the economic impact of injury severity at specific locations.

Determining Key Factors Linked to Injury Severity in Intersection-Related Crashes in NJ. Deep Patel, Rowan University (2023 Research Showcase). Click image for slides.

Additionally, the research explored how emerging technologies, such as connected and autonomous vehicles, could be adapted to enhance intersection safety. By conducting trajectory analyses, we assessed how data from these technologies could inform future safety measures and interventions.

Overall, my research focused on identifying key factors within intersection boundaries to reduce crashes, improve mobility, and do so in a cost-effective manner. This comprehensive approach combines proactive analysis, advanced technologies, and human behavior insights to deliver practical and impactful solutions for roadway safety.

Q. So this tool seems to be one of the most important takeaways. Is the tool ready for NJDOT use to identify potential high crash risk intersections? Is that the main intent of the tool?

A. Yes, exactly. The tool is ready but not yet publicly available. We tested it on several intersections. It is currently a proprietary tool of my professor and myself at Rowan University. Anyone interested in using the tool can connect with us, but it is not yet publicly available and certain permissions are required.

Q. Is NJDOT using it or can they use it?

A. No, the department is not using it because this was part of my recent defense. They are aware of the tool’s capabilities because it was part of an innovative showcase. The tool’s documentation has been published through the University Transportation Center (UTC). Hopefully, in the near future, it could be applied by NJDOT.

Q. Looking ahead, you have your new position in an industry role. Would you like to continue with this sort of focus on transportation research, or are you anticipating a different career direction?

A. With my new position as a Traffic Safety and Mobility Specialist, I will be focused on transportation research, conducting high-quality industry research where I would help develop safety and mobility performance measures on certain corridors designed to move traffic more effectively and enhance safety on the roadways. My work will also include industry deployment and understanding the agencies’ concerns regarding the challenges they face.

Looking ahead, I see my career direction as a blend of research and practical implementation, ensuring that innovative solutions are not just developed but also applied to make a real-world impact. Ultimately, if my work can contribute to saving even a single life, I will consider it a meaningful and worthwhile achievement.

Resources

Jin, P. J., Zhang, T., Brennan Jr, T. M., & Jalayer, M. (2019). Real-Time Signal Performance Measurement (RT-SPM) (No. FHWA NJ-2019-002).  Retrieved at: https://www.njdottechtransfer.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/FHWA-NJ-2019-002.pdf

Jin, P. J., Zhang, T., Brennan Jr, T. M., & Jalayer, M. (2019). Real-Time Signal Performance Measurement Phase II. Retrieved at:  https://www.njdottechtransfer.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/FHWA-NJ-2022-002-Volume-I-.pdf

Patel, D., P. Hosseini, and M. Jalayer. (2024). A framework for proactive safety evaluation of intersection using surrogate safety measures and non-compliance behavior. Accident Analysis & Prevention, Vol. 192. https://trid.trb.org/View/2242428

Patel, D. (2024). “A Comprehensive ML and AI Framework for Intersection Safety: Assessing Contributing Factors, Surrogate Safety Measures, Non-Compliance Behaviors, and Cost-Inclusive Methodology.” Theses and Dissertations. 3305. https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/3305

For more information about the 26th annual NJDOT Research Showcase, visit: Recap: 26th Annual NJDOT Research Showcase

Recap: 26th Annual NJDOT Research Showcase

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The 26th Annual NJDOT Research Showcase provided an opportunity for the New Jersey transportation community to learn more about the broad scope of research projects and technology transfer activities being conducted by institutions of higher education partners and their associates. The annual event serves as a showcase to highlight the benefits of transportation research, including NJDOT’s own program. This event was an in-person event with a livestreaming option with sessions held from 9:00am-2:45pm on October 23, 2024.

This year’s Showcase theme, “Pathways to Sustainability,” served as the organizing framework for the speakers and panelists during the morning plenary session. Throughout the day the Research Showcase featured presentations on infrastructure, safety, and sustainability topics being performed by research faculty, staff, students, and NJ agencies. Several awards were presented in recognition of research and implemented innovations.

The Research Showcase Program Agenda provides more information on the day’s proceedings, including presented topics and invited speakers. Recordings of the plenary and breakout sessions, and the presentations and posters shared during the event can be found below.

MORNING

WELCOMING AND INTRODUCTORY REMARKS

David Maruca, Program Development Administrator, Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT), served as the moderator for the morning session, offering some housekeeping remarks and walked through the morning’s agenda.

Morning Plenary and Keynote

Eric Powers, Assistant Commissioner Statewide Planning, Safety and Capital Investment at NJDOT, welcomed attendees to the 26th Annual NJDOT Research Showcase, explaining the purpose and theme of the event, “Pathways to Sustainability,” and acknowledging several parties, including NJDOT Bureau of Research, Innovation and Information Transfer (BRIIT) staff, Rutgers-CAIT, and the leadership of NJDOT and FHWA for their planning and participation in the day’s event along with the research partners whose work was being showcased.

Francis O’Connor, Commissioner, NJDOT, thanked several partners for their involvement in organizing the Research Showcase event. He expressed his enthusiasm for the research mission, noting that research is at the heart of progress for innovation in transportation. He framed the event as an opportunity to convene and collaborate with talented researchers and staff in tackling challenges that still confront us in transportation. Mr. O’Connor spoke about the day’s sustainability theme and emphasized the integral importance of safety in all that the agency does. The recent actions by NJDOT to improve safety for all road users, and the NJDOT highway workforce were highlighted by the Commissioner, among other topics.

Francis O’Connor, Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Transportation

Sutapa Bandyopadhyay, Planning and Program Development Manager, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) New Jersey Division, praised the NJDOT Research Showcase’s “Pathways to Sustainability” theme and noted its close alignment with FHWA’s newest strategic plan which contains climate and sustainability as a core goal. She spoke of the strategic plan’s focus on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction and resilient infrastructure. She highlighted select formula and discretionary programs supported through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), including the Carbon Reduction Program, the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) deployment, and discretionary programs to reduce truck emissions in port facilities. In her remarks, she also emphasized the importance of research to assist in supporting the current administration’s major planning goals and targets (e.g, net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, adoption of resiliency plans by 50% of the states and MPOs by 2026, and 40 percent of the transportation clean energy benefits delivered to disadvantaged communities in alignment with the Justice40 initiative).

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Jim Tymon, Executive Director at American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) provided the keynote address, “Navigating the Storm: Resilience, Sustainability and Surface Transportation”. His address reminded those in attendance of the importance of collaboration in continuing to build a resilient and sustainable transportation network. 

Mr. Tymon began his talk by introducing AASHTO, a multi-modal focused trade association that works with 52 state DOTs (including D.C. and Puerto Rico) to provide codified guidance and a platform for sharing knowledge. AASHTO is governed by a strategic plan, created in 2020, that expands their focus beyond the technical goals of transportation to developing “quality of life through strategic leadership”.

AASHTO hosts over thirty different committees and councils in which state DOTs can learn from each other’s experiences. Tymon’s remarked that AASHTO’s President has coined this process as “R&D” — or rip-off and duplicate. This form of “R&D” keeps departments from having to re-invent the wheel themselves and often leads to more successful outcomes.

This collaboration, he pointed out, is necessary for navigating the storm of increased climate disasters and unpredictable weather conditions. In the transportation field, the effects of climate change are both economically devastating and logistically challenging to address. In 2023 alone, climate related disasters cost the U.S. at least $92.9 billion in damages and in the past forty-three years, there have been 376 disasters, each costing over $1 billion. He stated, “Whether or not you are a climate change denier, or somebody that believes in the fact that our climate is changing, we have events that we are dealing with on a regular basis that we need to adapt to and that we need to take into account as we are dealing with our transportation network”.

Mr. Tymon proceeded with additional data and statistics to illustrate how State DOTs were fiscally impacted by the storms. Mr. Tymon laid out two avenues of solutions for addressing this growing issue: 1) building a more resilient transportation system; and 2) building a more sustainable transportation system.

Jim Tymon, Executive Director at American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
Navigating the Storm: Resilience, Sustainability and Surface Transportation. Mr. Jim Tymon, Executive Director, American Associations of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).

To build a resilient transportation system and network, Mr. Tymon recommended deeply considering how we are designing and building transportation systems and taking into consideration a variety of changing climate factors. Mr. Tymon presented the Resilience Planning Cycle from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey as a model for this type of planning. Fortunately, there is a variety of federal assistance programming available through the Infrastructure Investment and Job Act, including the PROTECT program. PROTECT (Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-saving Transportation) is a formula program that is given annually to each state to use for state resilience projects. This funding can also assist States with the development of a state Resilience Improvement Plan, which is not a requirement, but does ensure a higher federal match.

Mr. Tymon’s second recommendation, to build a more sustainable transportation system, can be made possible through intentional efforts such as encouraging a modal shift by transportation users. He noted that encouraging a shift of transportation usage from single use cars to buses, trains, walking, cycling, or using more fuel-efficient cars, can help to reduce carbon emissions that may slow the effects of climate change.

AASHTO recently assisted with the administration’s U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, which laid out guidance for decarbonizing the transportation network. He highlighted several methods in the Blueprint from planning and leveraging telework, to e-commerce and travel demand management. State agencies receive financial support for developing carbon reduction strategies through programs like the Carbon Reduction Program as well as the National EV Infrastructure Program (NEVI).

Mr. Tymon closed his talk by sharing a recent commercial created by the Tennessee Department of Transportation which aired during a recent football game between Florida and Tennessee. The video highlighted the collective rebuilding and road improvement efforts of Tennessee DOT and Florida DOT volunteers in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Mr. Tymon explained that prior to landfall, Hurricane Helene was expected to impact Florida greatly. To help, Tennessee DOT members were preparing to travel down to Florida in its wake. Instead, when Tennessee became more impacted because of the Hurricane, Florida DOT employees traveled up to Tennessee to help. The video and situation, Mr. Tymon noted, represents how state DOTs “can work together to help mitigate some of those impacts (climate change) and recover.”

Mr. Tymon responded to questions in the Q&A session that followed his keynote remarks.

MORNING SESSION PANEL DISCUSSION

An interactive panel discussion, “How is New Jersey Department of Transportation Creating Pathways to Sustainability?” followed the keynote session. NJDOT staff representatives presented several examples of sustainability initiatives underway at NJDOT in various areas including construction and materials selection, pavement preservation, transportation planning, project management and research. The presenters reflected on the opportunities and persistent challenges as well as the benefits of addressing sustainability in New Jersey.

The panelists included:

  • Alex Borovskis, Director, New Jersey Department of Transportation Division of Construction and Materials
  • Robert Blight, Executive Manager, New Jersey Department of Transportation Division of Pavement & Drainage Management and Technology Bureau
  • Krishna Tripathi, Project Management Specialist, New Jersey Department of Transportation Division of Project Management
  • Mohab Hussein, Supervising Engineer, New Jersey Department of Transportation Bureau of Structural Design & Geotechnical Engineering
  • Sushant Dargi, Principal Engineer, Planning, New Jersey Department of Transportation Bureau of Statewide Strategies
  • Giri Ventikeela, Innovation Officer, Bureau of Research, Innovation & Information Transfer
Pathways to Sustainability Panel
How is New Jersey Department of Transportation Creating Pathways to Sustainability?

Participants responded to a series of questions posed by the moderator and by the audience members.

Panelists shared their views on how the New Jersey Department of Transportation is creating pathways to sustainability.

AWARDS

The program continued as Pragna Shah, New Jersey Department of Transportation, announced several awards given in recognition of research, innovation and implementation efforts. Below is a listing of the award winners presented at this year’s showcase:

2024 Outstanding University Student in Transportation Research Award – Deep Patel, Rowan University. Mr. Patel received the award for his valued contributions to research on “Real-Time Traffic Signal System Performance Measurement” through successive phases and several other recent and ongoing NJDOT projects.

2024 NJDOT Research Implementation Award – Dr. Peter Jin, Rutgers University, New Brunswick Innovation Hub Smart Mobility Testing Ground (Data City SMTG). This project, partially funded by NJDOT, generated a living laboratory for transportation data collection and smart technology innovation across a 2.4-mile multi-modal corridor in New Brunswick.

2024 Best Poster Award – Swathi Malluru, Rowan University, Performance Evaluation of Full-Depth Reclamation and Cold In-Place Recycling Asphalt Mixtures at Varying Amounts of Bituminous and Cementitious Additives. This poster described research activities conducted towards evaluating best practices in Full-Depth Reclamation (FDR) and Cold In Place Recycling (CIR) asphalt rehabilitation. The researchers distributed surveys to state agencies, conducted a literature review and performed laboratory tests, finding that 3 percent emulsion, with 1 percent cement worked best for FDR mixes, and 2 percent emulsion or 1.5 percent foamed bitumen for CIR mixes.

2024 Research Champion Excellence Award – Yong Zeng and Emmanuel Bassey, Technical Advisory Panel at the New Jersey Department of Transportation. This award recognized Yong Zeng’s and Emmanuel Bassey’s dedication serving as Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) members for the research project, Advanced Reinforced Concrete Materials for Transportation Infrastructure. Their work greatly contributed to the success and implementation of the project, which received an AASHTO National High Value Research Award in 2024.

2024 NJDOT Build a Better Mousetrap (BABM) Award – Bishoy Abdallah, Senior Engineer in Transportation Roadway Design at NJDOT. The BABM award was given to Bishoy Abdallah for his creative response to current NJDOT roadway standards that require all resurfacing and preservation projects to upgrade existing inlet curb pieces to have a smaller opening. To make more efficient the process of upgrading existing inlet curbs, Abdallah created two details; one specifically for barrier curbs that do not need to be replaced, and the second for damaged or cracked barrier curbs.

Awards Ceremony
Presentation of 2024 Awards

PRESENTATION OF AWARDS

2024 Outstanding University Student in Transportation Research Award, Deep Patel, Rowan University, Real-Time Traffic Signal System Performance Measurements
2024 NJDOT Research Implementation Award, Dr. Peter Jin, Rutgers University New Brunswick Innovation Hub Smart Mobility Testing Ground (Data City SMTG).
2024 Best Poster Award, Swathi Malluru, Rowan University, Performance Evaluation of Full-Depth Reclamation and Cold In-place Recycling Asphalt Mixtures.
2024 Research Champion Excellence Award, Yong Zeng and Emmanuel Bassey, New Jersey Department of Transportation. Advanced Reinforced Concrete Materials for Transportation Infrastructure.
2024 NJDOT Build a Better Mousetrap Award, Bishoy Y. Abdallah. New Jersey Department of Transportation, Division of Highway and Traffic Design. Replacing Inlet Curb Pieces in Existing Concrete Barrier Curb

HIGH VALUE RESEARCH

In addition to the awards announced and distributed by NJDOT for the 26th Annual NJDOT Research Showcase, the event highlighted two NJDOT research projects that were recognized with 2024 AASHTO National High Value Research Awards at the Research Advisory Committee (RAC) national meeting in Columbus, Ohio in late July 2024.

Advanced Reinforced Concrete Materials for Transportation Infrastructure. One of only 16 research projects nationwide to receive the 2024 AASHTO National High Value Research Award, this project evaluated the performance of three highly ductile concrete materials in comparison to two standard NJDOT mixtures. The results of the research can be used to guide best practices around deploying novel concrete materials to improve the service life of reinforced concrete infrastructure. Principal Investigators: Dr. Matthew Bandelt and Dr. Matthew Adams of New Jersey Institute of Technology; Technical Advisory Panel: Yong Zeng, Nehemie Jasmin, Emmanuel Bassey; Research Project Manager: Dr. Giri Venkiteela of NJDOT BRIIT.

Innovative Pothole Repair Materials and Techniques. This research project tested several new pothole repair materials and techniques including the use of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) and PVA fibers. The research findings can be used to produce longer lasting and more sustainable roadways. The research project received a Supplementary National High Value Research Award from the AASHTO RAC. Principal Investigators: Dr. Hao Wang and Dr. Husam Najm at Rutgers-CAIT; Technical Advisory Panel: Sadime Absolam, Jeff Evanylo, Emmanuel Bassey, Kenrick Layne, Nicholas Colangelo, Anupkumar Patel, Roger Estivalletti, Yong Zeng; Research Project Manager: Dr. Giri Venkiteela of NJDOT BRIIT.

2024 National High Value Research Award, Yong Zeng, Nehemie Jasmin, Emmanuel Bassey, Giri Venkiteela, and Matthew Bandelt. NJDOT. Advanced Reinforced Concrete Materials for Transportation Infrastructure.
2024 AASHTO Supplementary National High Value Research Award, Sadime Absolam, Yong Zeng, Emmanuel Bassey, Giri Venkiteela, Husam Najm, Hao Wang and Anupkumar Patel. NJDOT. Innovative Pothole Repair Materials and Techniques.

AFTERNOON 

In the afternoon, concurrent break-out sessions were held and research presentations were given on the topics of Infrastructure, Sustainability and Safety. Students and researchers at New Jersey’s colleges and universities also presented their research objectives, methods and findings in a concurrent poster session offering those in attendance an opportunity to learn more about ongoing and recently completed research and interact with the researchers.

INFRASTRUCTURE BREAKOUT

Infrastructure Sessions
Evaluation of Performance of Bridge Deck with UHPC and LMC Overlays through Accelerated Structural Testing. Nenad Gucunski, Rutgers University
Complex Simulation of Large Ship Impacts on Bridges. Anil K. Agrawal, The City College of New York
Navigating the Future: Sustainable & Resilient Infrastructure. Indira Prasad, Stevens Institute of Technology
Cost-Effective Pavement Management System for Municipalities in New Jersey. Yusuf A. Mehta and Surya Teja Swarna, Rowan University

SUSTAINABILITY BREAKOUT

Sustainability Sessions
How Concrete is Becoming a Carbon Sponge. Mohamed Mahgoub, New Jersey Institute of Technology
Development of Pavement Design Procedures and Construction Specifications for Cold Central Plant Recycling (CCPR) Asphalt Mixtures. Abhary Eleyedath, Rowan University
Towards Use of Stabilized Sediments as a Sustainable Alternative to Traditional Infrastructure Materials: A Laboratory and Numerical Study. Tyler J. Oathes, Rutgers University
Life-cycle assessment of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) beams using advanced monitoring technologies. Fatemeh Mohammadi Ghahsareh, Stevens Institute of Technology

SAFETY BREAKOUT

Safety Sessions
Towards UAS-based Real-time Video Streaming and Data Analytics for Estimating Highway Traffic Flow Characteristics. Meiyin Liu, Rutgers University
Enhancing VRU Safety in Urban Streets Using LiDAR and Crossing Warning System. Joyoung Lee, New Jersey Institute of Technology
Examining the Applicability of Waze Crash Alert as a Real-Time Crash Detection Tool. Dejan Besenski, New Jersey Institute of Technology
Developing a Pedestrian-Scale Lighting Resource to Improve Safety for Vulnerable Road Users. Ruqaya Alfaris and Greg Woltman, Rowan University and Rutgers University

2024 POSTER PRESENTATIONS

Development of a model to predict the Micro-Deval Abrasion (MDA) Resistance Based on Mechanical and Minerals Oxides Properties of Aggregates
Investigating Mechanical Responses of Cold In-Place Recycled Asphalt Pavement Sections Under Accelerated Truck Loading by Finite Element Modeling
Integrating AI to Mitigate Climate Change in Transportation Infrastructure
Performance Evaluation of Full-Depth Reclamation and Cold In-Place Recycling Asphalt Mixtures at Varying Amounts of Bituminous and Cementitious Additives
Assessment of Box Culvert Reinforcement Using Ground Penetrating Radar: A Case Study of NJDOT Structures
“Equity & Safety” Hand in Hand on the Road to Success
Artificial Intelligence Aided Railroad Grade-Crossing Vehicular Stop on Track Detection and Case Studies
Review of Concrete Structure Demolition Technologies
Determining the Effectiveness of Commercial Vehicle Safety Alerts

The 26th Annual Research Showcase was organized and sponsored by the NJDOT Bureau of Research in partnership with the New Jersey Local Technical Assistance Program (NJ LTAP) at the Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT) and co-sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration.

Interview with “Best Poster Award” Winner at 2023 Research Showcase: “Properties of Cementitious Materials with Reclaimed Cement”

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Concrete production is energy intensive, and requires materials that are both challenging, and expensive to acquire. Material engineers are seeking alternative materials that are more cost-effective and carbon-friendly, but also operate successfully as road and building material.  

We spoke with Alyssa Yvette Sunga, a graduate researcher at Rowan University who won the Best Student Poster Award at NJDOT’s 2023 Research Showcase. Her research, “Properties of Cementitious Materials with Reclaimed Cement,” evaluated the characteristics of cementitious materials mixed with varying percentages of reclaimed cement. Sunga and her fellow researchers examined each mixture’s initial setting time, heat of hydration and compressive strength and compared it against ordinary Portland cement. The purpose: to determine if adding reclaimed cement has any effect on the durability and use of cementitious materials. If there is little to no adverse effect, reclaimed cement may help reduce the need for new materials and can reduce the carbon bi-product of concrete. Dr. Shahriar Abubakri (Shah), Ms. Sunga’s supervisor at Rowan University, also joined us for the interview. 

Q. Could you tell us a little bit about your educational and research experience and how you got where you are now as a graduate research fellow at Rowan? 

A. I’m an international student from the Philippines. I graduated from the University of the Philippines – Los Banos in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. After that, I worked in industry from 2018 to 2022. My former undergraduate professors, who were graduate students here [at Rowan], reached out to me asking if I was interested in pursuing graduate studies. I applied and began my Master’s in Civil Engineering in January 2023. 

Q. What interested you about researching the properties of reclaimed cement? Do you hope to continue research in pavement materiality? 

A. The environmental impact of reclaimed materials like cement is interesting to me. Cement production is a significant contributor to carbon emissions, so finding ways to reuse it is essential. Additionally, reclaimed cement presents unique challenges and opportunities in terms of material properties, durability, and performance. 

So, in a way, we’re helping produce less carbon emissions; that’s what interested me about this study. 

I’m currently working on a lot of different concrete projects. We’re hoping to develop more efficient construction approaches, but I also aim to contribute to the development of innovative techniques and solutions that will optimize reclaimed materials in construction projects. We also aspire to collaborate with industry partners and government organizations, so that we can implement these sustainable practices on a full-scale project in the future. 

Alyssa Sunga received the Best Poster Award for Student Research At the 25th Annual NJDOT Research Showcase in October 2023.

Q. Was there anything particularly noteworthy or surprising to you discovered from this research? 

A. Yes, there’s potential for reclaimed cement and enhancing the performance of unsustainable construction materials. We did not expect that we could use it as a replacement cement or as a supplementary cementitious material. Through various experiments, we found that using this reclaimed cement or incorporating it in cementitious mixtures resulted in comparable properties such as durability, strength, and workability. 

Q. Your research looked at cement paste and mortar specimens incorporated with up to 20% Reclaimed Cement and found no significant difference for the flow measurement and setting time. Should further research be done with higher percentages of reclaimed cement? Why did your research cap it at 20%? 

A. We’re planning to do further research on larger amounts of reclaimed cement. We just used 20% as a cap to get a general idea of the effect of partially replacing ordinary Portland cement with reclaimed cement. Now that our research with 20% is showing good results, we plan on doing tests with higher percentages in the future. 

Q. Your research found that cement paste specimens with up to 20% Reclaimed Cement (RC) saw a 4% reduction in compressive strength after 90 days. What does this mean for applicability (i.e. is 4% a significant reduction? does this make cement paste with 20% RC not suitable for pavement?) 

A. A 4% reduction may seem small, but it must still be taken into consideration. However, as long as the strength is within a recommended range, then it is suitable for pavement applications. 

Q. Is there a percentage of reclaimed cement that is most likely not suitable for pavement? 

A. Alyssa: My advisor would like to jump in to answer that. 

Shah: The acceptable percentage of reduction in concrete strength depends on the specific application and the assumptions made by the designer. For instance, practical standards like the American Concrete Institute (ACI 301.1.6.6) typically require that the average strength of three samples meets or exceeds the specified compressive strength. Additionally, each individual sample within this set should not fall below 500 psi of the designed strength. It’s important to note that concrete’s compressive strength can vary widely, ranging from 2500 psi to 5000 psi, and even higher in residential and commercial structures. Some applications may require strengths exceeding 10,000 psi. So, in cases where the required strength aligns with the design strength, even higher reductions may be acceptable. 

Q. Mortar specimens with 20% RC had a different result and surpassed the strength after 28 days. Why do you think this was a different result from cement paste specimens? What does this mean for applicability? 

A. This difference in result may be due to different factors, but mortar differs from cement paste due to the additional materials like sand. So, this can influence the hydration and the strength development, but we still need to do further research to understand the long-term performance and durability or the effect of adding different materials to the cementitious materials.  

We still must do further research to see the effects of adding different materials like sand and gravel to cement paste. If we’re going to use it in concrete, that’s another additional material like an aggregate. It’s just a matter of the specific materials. There are a lot of factors — like the temperature where you make your specimens. So, it’s always just trial and error. There’s no trend to it really. 

Q. Your poster suggests that incorporating up to 20% RC has some promising benefits including reducing carbon emissions. What are some of the other benefits?  

A. Incorporating the 20% RC will help mitigate supply shortages because we’re able to provide an alternative source of material instead of just using cement. It also promotes eco-friendly construction practices, contributing to sustainable transportation infrastructure, and research on reclaimed cement enables ongoing enhancements in material performance and construction methods. 

Q. You have mentioned throughout this interview where there’s a need for more research. Can you describe some specific things that you would really like to research about incorporating reclaimed cement into cementitious materials? 

A. The most important part of this research is determining what is the optimal mix proportions to use and then studying the effects on fresh properties and assessing the long-term durability like compressive strength, the tensile strength. These investigations are crucial for understanding the full potential of reclaimed cement in construction. Personally, I’m deeply interested in exploring these research areas further. 

Q. What kind of impact do you hope this research will have on material selection by transportation agencies? 

A. I hope this research convinces transportation agencies to use reclaimed cement in pavements. It’s sustainable, cost effective and performs well — aligning with transportation agencies’ goals and standards. This could lead to a greener and more resilient transportation infrastructure. 

Resources

Sunga, A., Abubakri, S., Lomboy, G., Mantawy, I. (2023). “Properties of Cementitious Materials with Reclaimed Cement”. Rowan University Center for Research & Education in Advanced Transportation Engineering Systems. Poster.

Yvette Sunga, A., Abubakri, S., Lomboy, G., & Mantawy, I.M. (2024). Properties of Cementitious Materials with Reclaimed Cement. Presented at IABSE Symposium: Construction’s Role for a World in Emergency, Manchester, United Kingdom, 10-14 April 2024, published in IABSE Symposium Manchester 2024, pp. 428-434. Retrieved at: https://structurae.net/en/literature/conference-paper/properties-of-cementitious-materials-with-reclaimed-cement

For more information about the 25th Annual NJDOT Research Showcase, and to see other award-winning posters, visit: Recap: 25th Annual NJDOT Research Showcase – NJDOT Technology Transfer (njdottechtransfer.net)

NJDOT’s Research Showcase Recognized as Best Virtual Event by AASHTO Communications Committee

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The AASHTO 2023 Best Virtual Event Award recognizes a special event that is held virtually or that includes a virtual component.

AASHTO’s Committee on Transportation Communications – known as TransComm – sponsors an annual skills awards competition to promote the sharing of best practices and to recognize outstanding communications efforts. In October 2023, NJDOT Bureau of Research representatives Amanda Gendek and Pragna Shah accepted the 2023 AASHTO TransComm Skills Award in the Virtual Events Category for NJDOT’s 24th Annual Research Showcase. 

The NJDOT’s Bureau of Research Annual Research Showcase has been held since 1999 and provides an opportunity for the state’s transportation community to experience the broad scope of research initiatives and technology transfer activities conducted by their university and consultant partners. In addition to convening transportation professionals and researchers, the Showcase helps to emphasize NJDOT goals and objectives, share knowledge, and recognize the outstanding and inspiring research being done in the state.

The threat of COVID-19 transmission during the pandemic led to the Research Showcase being held fully online in 2020 and 2021. These fully virtual events resulted in a much larger audience, and even attracted attendees from other state Departments of Transportation. In 2022, as in-person events returned, the NJDOT Bureau of Research sought to find an approach that would maintain that larger audience base.

Amanda Gendek (left) and Pragna Shah (right) of the Bureau of Research with the award.

The 24th Annual Research Showcase, held October 26, 2022, was the first “hybrid” Research Showcase held by NJDOT and allowed individuals to attend the event online, while also allowing those able to gather, network and celebrate in person. Convening in a hybrid format required some additional coordination with the event planning team from Rutgers and Civic Eye Collaborative, a media consultant firm to live-stream the day’s proceedings. In total, 117 virtual participants and 190 in-person participants attended the day-long event.

Whether attending “in-person” or “virtually,” the audience heard from the keynote speaker and panelists on the major theme of the event “Advancing Equity in Transportation.” 

The Showcase theme, “Advancing Equity in Transportation” served as the organizing framework for the keynote speaker and panelists during the morning plenary session. The keynote speaker, Keith Benjamin, Associate Administrator for Highway Policy and External Affairs at the FHWA, spoke about the USDOT’s efforts to advance equity, highlighting the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act and various funding and program initiatives to address equity in transportation planning, project development, and other activities, among other topics. A panel session then explored the perspectives of representatives from NJDOT, county government, and transportation management associations (TMAs) who shared examples of the equity initiatives underway in their organizations. Questions and discussion invited panels to further reflect on the challenges and opportunities for advancing equity in transportation in New Jersey.  

The Showcase included afternoon breakout sessions featuring research presentations that continued to address the equity theme as well as other mobility, infrastructure, safety topics in transportation being performed by research faculty, staff, and students and NJ agencies. Several awards were also presented in recognition of research accomplishments and implemented innovations. For a full description of the 24th Annual Research Showcase event, see this recap here.

The 24th Annual Research showcase was recognized with the AASHTO Award for its efforts to enhance accessibility through the virtual platform. In addition to live-streaming the plenary and breakout sessions, the video recordings of the event were posted on NJDOT’s Tech Transfer Video Library and all those who registered were notified of its availability — whether attending in-person or online. Subsequent direct email communications and social media posts have further broadened the audience of potential viewers. To watch recordings from this, and other Research Showcase events, visit the NJDOT Tech Transfer Video Library.

The theme of the 24th Annual Research Showcase was selected in recognition of the significant Federal and state efforts underway to advance equity; Executive Order 13985 established a “whole government approach” to advancing equity and opportunity at the Federal level (left). Dr. Shawn Wilson, then-Secretary of Transportation in Louisiana, headlined a roundtable discussion, “State DOTs: Creating Pathways to Equity” at the Transportation Research Board’s 2022 Annual Meeting (right).

Recap: 25th Annual NJDOT Research Showcase

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The 25th Annual NJDOT Research Showcase provided an opportunity for the New Jersey transportation community to learn about the broad scope of academic research initiatives underway and share technology transfer activities being conducted by institutions of higher education partners and their associates. The annual event serves as a showcase to highlight the benefits of transportation research, including NJDOT’s own program. This event was an in-person event with a livestreaming option with sessions held from 9:00am-2:45pm on October 25, 2023.

This year’s Showcase theme, “Commitment to Safety,” served as the organizing framework for the speakers and panelists during the morning plenary session. Throughout the day the Research Showcase featured presentations on infrastructure, safety, mobility, and equity topics being performed by research faculty, staff, students, and NJ agencies. Several awards were presented in recognition of research and implemented innovations.

The Research Showcase Program Agenda provides more information on the day’s proceedings, including presented topics and invited speakers. Recordings of the plenary and breakout sessions, and the presentations and posters shared during the event can be found below.

MORNING

WELCOMING AND INTRODUCTORY REMARKS

David Maruca, Program Development Administrator, Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation, served as the moderator for the morning session, offering some housekeeping remarks and walked through the morning’s agenda.

Morning Plenary and Keynote

Andrew Swords, Director, New Jersey Department of Transportation Division of Statewide Planning, welcomed attendees to the 25th Annual NJDOT Research Showcase, explaining the purpose and theme of the event, “Commitment to Safety,” and acknowledging several parties, including NJDOT Bureau of Research staff, Rutgers-CAIT, and the leadership of NJDOT and FHWA for their planning and participation in the day’s event along with the research partners whose work was being showcased.

Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Transportation, thanked several partners for their involvement in the event and reflected on the history of the Research Showcase Event on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary. In framing the day’s activities, Commissioner Gutierrez-Scaccetti recognized the event’s “Commitment to Safety” theme and the foundational importance of transportation for affecting positive change, improving the quality of life, and the shape of New Jersey’s transportation system. In her remarks, she appealed to attendees to advance community-centered transportation and to commit to considering the needs of ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) persons when devising research questions and in carrying out their day-to-day activities with the goal of planning, building and maintaining a more safe, equitable and sustainable transportation system.

Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Transportation. Photo by Steve Goodman.

Robert Clark, Division Administrator, Federal Highway Administration New Jersey Division acknowledged the importance of the NJDOT Research Showcase’s “Commitment to Safety” theme. He described several policy and research commitments at U.S. DOT, FHWA Turner-Fairbanks Research Center and the Volpe Center that are intended to “double-down” on improving safety, reducing fatalities and strengthening the culture of safety in transportation. In closing out, Mr. Clark shared the USDOT Commissioner’s message that roadway deaths is a crisis that is urgent, unacceptable and preventable; those in attendance should see that their work and research into safety can prove that roadway fatalities need not be inevitable.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Dr. Allison E. Curry, PhD, MPH, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia delivered the keynote address on the New Jersey Safety and Health Outcomes (NJ-SHO) Data Warehouse. In organizing her talk, she explained the vision behind the development of the data warehouse over the last 15 years, the data sources that have been employed, its innovative features that can support meaningful research, and her vision for future research and collaborations drawing upon the data warehouse platform.

Dr. Curry described how crash data can be linked to other data sets to extend the period of study about crashes. She explained the data warehouse has been built through an array of administrative data partnerships with NJ agencies (e.g, public health, hospital, motor vehicle, police, medicare and medicaid, etc.) that have been linked alongside rich community-level indicators available at the census tract level to create a robust data tool for traffic safety research.

Dr. Allison E. Curry, PhD, MPH, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Photo by Steve Goodman.
New Jersey Safety and Health Outcomes (NJ-SHO) Data Warehouse. Dr. Allison E. Curry, PhD, MPH, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Her talk highlighted some of the limitations of crash reports that explain the need for data integration with other administrative record sources. She emphasized the longitudinal features of the data warehouse and explained how its linkages to health and motor vehicle records makes it possible to study specific populations segments — for example, teens on the autism spectrum. In her example, she described her research demonstrating how the data sets could be used to investigate the percentage of teens with autism who acquired driver licenses to increase their travel independence. She also could compare whether crash rates were comparable between this group and other teens in their age cohort at 12 months and 48 months from receipt of a license.

Dr. Curry also highlighted data limitations on reporting of race and ethnicity on NJ crash and licensing data and how other data sources (e.g., hospital discharge, electronic health records, birth and death data, etc. ) can be used to look at race and ethnic differences in non-fatal crash outcomes.  In doing so, she highlighted how a probability-based algorithm, Bayesian Surname Geocoding (Sartin 2021), developed by the RAND Corporation, has been applied to estimate the race and ethnicity of driver licenses and address a source of race and ethnic bias in hospital record reporting due to varying levels of hospital usage.

Dr. Curry touched upon several of NJ SHO’s innovative features that can enable research.  Among other points, she contrasted the “urban planning lens” which considers the place in which an accident occurred with the “public health lens” which seeks information about persons who are crash victims and where they live.

She also offered illustrative examples of how the NJ-SHO can be linked to vehicles to examine types of crashes, vehicle types and the injuries incurred which can reveal differences among more vulnerable populations (e.g, youth, elderly, poor) from other populations.

Dr. Curry closed her talk with a sneak preview of a new interactive data dashboard, NJ-SHO Center for Integrated Data, currently in development in association with the NJ Division of Traffic and Highway Safety. She noted how the dashboard tool will help practitioners efficiently use available data sets in ways that will mirror the metrics of the NJ Strategic Highway Safety Plan with a focus on persons as well as community resilience and social vulnerability equity-oriented measures.

Dr. Curry responded to questions in a Q&A session that followed her keynote remarks.

MORNING SESSION PANEL DISCUSSION

An interactive panel discussion, “How is New Jersey Department of Transportation Addressing Safety?” followed the keynote session with state NJDOT staff representatives who presented examples of the safety initiatives underway at NJDOT and reflected on persistent challenges and opportunities for addressing transportation safety in New Jersey.

The panelists included:

  • Andrew Swords, Director, New Jersey Department of Transportation Division of Statewide Planning.
  • Syed Kazmi, Section Chief, New Jersey Department of Transportation Division of Traffic Engineering
  • Kurt McCoy, Supervising Engineer, New Jersey Department of Transportation Division of Operations Support
  • Sangaran Vijayakumar, Project Management Specialist 3, New Jersey Department of Transportation Division of Project Management
  • Hirenkumar Patel, Principal Engineer, New Jersey Department of Transportation Division of Transportation Mobility
Safety Panel
How is New Jersey Department of Transportation Addressing Safety?

Participants responded to a series of questions posed by the moderator and by the audience members.

Panelists shared their views on how the New Jersey Department of Transportation addresses safety. Photo by Steve Goodman.

AWARDS

The program continued as Dr. Giri Venkiteela Research Scientist, Bureau of Research, New Jersey Department of Transportation announced several awards given in recognition of research, innovation and implementation efforts. Below is a listing of the award winners presented at this year’s showcase:

  • 2023 Outstanding University Student in Transportation Research Award – Alissa Persad, Rutgers University, Ms. Persad was being recognized in part for her valued contributions to the Innovative Materials for Quick Patching and Repair of Concrete project.
  • 2023 NJDOT Research Implementation Award – Dr. Hao Wang, Rutgers University Energy Harvesting on New Jersey Roadways. This project identified potential energy harvesting technology for applications on roadways and bridges and conducted feasibility analysis and performance evaluation of the selected technologies for large-scale and micro-scale energy generation.
  • 2023 Best Poster Award – Alyssa Yvette Sunga, Rowan University, Properties of Cementitious Materials with Reclaimed Cement. This poster described research activities that obtained recycled concrete; determined the chemical composition of reclaimed cement; partially replaced ordinary Portland cement with reclaimed cement in cement paste and mortar; and determined the fresh and hardened properties of cement paste and mortar through tests measuring flowability, initial setting time, heat of hydration, and compressive strength.
  • 2023 Research Champion Excellence Award – Thomas Bushar, New Jersey Department of Transportation, Materials. This award recognizes Mr. Busher’s dedication while serving as a Technical Advisory Panel member for The Evaluation of Different Paint Systems for Over-Coating Existing Structural Steel project. The award notes that his commitment greatly contributed to the success and implementation of this research project.
  • 2023 NJDOT Build a Better Mousetrap Award – Gerald Oliveto, P.E. New Jersey Department of Transportation, Moveable Bridge Unit. The “Route 71 Over Shark River Road Diet” is a road diet project that preserves an old historic drawbridge while improving safety and saving money.  When the Route 71 Drawbridge over Shark River between Belmar and Avon-by-the-Sea in Monmouth County suffered a mechanical failure in September 2021, engineers worked quickly to design and implement a solution that would both preserve the drawbridge and keep it in safe operation. The traffic load needed to be redistributed and balanced properly across the span to keep the bridge opened. NJDOT implemented a road diet across the bridge, which allowed the Department to address several safety issues. Traffic over the bridge was reduced from one northbound lane and two southbound lanes to one lane in each direction. Signal timings were adjusted, safety improvements at surrounding intersections were installed, and highway signage was enhanced. In addition, bike lanes that had previously ended abruptly were carried across the drawbridge utilizing an innovative bicycle-safe grid, a first-of-its-kind achievement in New Jersey. Through this $150,000 project completed in May 2022, the Route 71 over Shark River Road Diet project improved traffic flow, increased safety, and reduced congestion in a busy tourist area.
Awards Ceremony

Presentation of 2023 Awards

PRESENTATION OF AWARDS

2023 Outstanding University Student in Transportation Research Award, Alissa Persad, Rutgers University, Innovative Materials for Quick Patching and Repair of Concrete. Photo by Steve Goodman.
2023 NJDOT Research Implementation Award, Dr. Hao Wang, Rutgers University Energy Harvesting on New Jersey Roadways. Photo by Steve Goodman.
2023 Best Poster Award, Alyssa Yvette Sunga, Rowan University, Properties of Cementitious Materials with Reclaimed Cement. Photo by
Steve Goodman.
2023 Research Champion Excellence Award, Thomas Bushar, New Jersey Department of Transportation, Materials. Rajesh Kabaria accepted award on his behalf. Photo by Steve Goodman.
2023 NJDOT Build a Better Mousetrap Award, Gerald Oliveto, P.E. New Jersey Department of Transportation, Moveable Bridge Unit. The “Route 71 Over Shark River Road Diet.” Photo by Steve Goodman.

AFTERNOON 

In the afternoon, concurrent break-out sessions were held and research presentations were given on the topics of Equity & Mobility, Infrastructure, and Safety in transportation. Students and researchers at New Jersey’s colleges and universities also presented their research objectives, methods and findings in a concurrent poster session offering those in attendance an opportunity to learn more about ongoing and recently completed research and interact with the researchers.

INFRASTRUCTURE BREAKOUT

Infrastructure Sessions
Development and Analysis of Low Embodied Carbon Concrete Mixtures for Use in Transportation Applications. Matthew P. Adams, New Jersey Institute of Technology
Asphalt Pavement Pothole Repair with Recycled Material and Preheating. Xiao Chen and Hao Wang, Rutgers University
Rapid Assessment of Infrastructure Using NDT Methods. Manuel Celaya, Advanced Infrastructure Design, Inc.

EQUITY & MOBILITY BREAKOUT

Equity & Mobility Sessions
Comparative Analysis of Arterial Characteristics to Evaluate Road Diet Lane Reduction Potential. Thomas Brennan, The College of New Jersey
A Vehicle Trajectory Stitching and Reconstruction Method for Digital Twin Applications with High-Resolution Roadside LiDAR Data. Anjiang Chen, Rutgers University
Developing Indicators for Comprehensive Evaluation of Equity in Transportation System. Catherine Abacan and Ruqaya Alfaris, Rowan University

SAFETY IN TRANSPORTATION BREAKOUT

Safety in Transportation Sessions
Unveiling Perceived Travel Safety for Micromobility Users: A Rider-Centered Exploration. Wenwen Zhang, Rutgers University
Determining Key Factors Linked to Injury Severity in Intersection-Related Crashes in NJ. Deep Patel, Rowan University
Understanding Crash Factors in Disadvantaged Communities: An Examination of Socioeconomic Disparities and Road Safety. Ruqaya Alfaris, Rowan University

2023 POSTER PRESENTATIONS

Optimizing Road Infrastructure: A Conceptual Simulation-Based Study of Dynamic Transit Lanes for Connected Private Vehicles
 Connected Vehicles Data: A New Horizon for Estimating Traffic Counts
Properties of Cementitious Materials with Reclaimed Cement
Investigating Performance of Cold In-Place Recycled Asphalt Sections in Accelerated Pavement Testing Using Finite Element Modeling
Investigating the Severity of Curve-Related Roadway Departure Crashes: The Role of Driver Distraction, Automation Levels, and Environmental Conditions
Development of High-Frequency Electromagnetic Induction Technology for Nonintrusive Geophysical Ground Investigation in Cold Regions
Study of the Failure Mechanisms for Inducing Rockfall Hazard in New Jersey Area
Machine Learning Based Structural Health Monitoring of Rocking Bridge System under Seismic Excitation
Truck Parking Availability Prediction Model for Harding Truck Rest Area
Prediction of Critical Strains of Flexible Pavement from Traffic Speed Deflectometer Measurements
Design Study and Potential Implementation of Photovoltaic Noise Barrier for Sustainable Highway
Computer Vision Based Near Miss Detection Among Mixed Traffic Flows Within Intersections
Segment Anything Model for Pedestrian Infrastructure Inventory: Assess Zero-Shot Segmentation on Multi-Mode Geospatial Data
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The 25th Annual Research Showcase was organized and sponsored by the NJDOT Bureau of Research in partnership with the New Jersey Local Technical Assistance Program (NJ LTAP) at the Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT) and co-sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration.

24th Annual NJDOT Research Showcase

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The 24th Annual NJDOT Research Showcase provided an opportunity for the New Jersey transportation community to learn about the broad scope of academic research initiatives underway and share technology transfer activities being conducted by institutions of higher education partners and their associates. The annual event serves as a showcase to present the ongoing initiatives and benefits of the NJDOT Research program. This event was an in-person event with a livestreaming option with sessions held from 9:00am-2:45pm on October 26, 2022.

This year's Showcase theme, "Advancing Equity in Transportation" served as the organizing framework for the keynote speaker and panelists during the morning plenary session. Throughout the day the Research Showcase featured presentations on infrastructure, safety, mobility and equity topics being performed by research faculty, staff, and students and NJ agencies. Several awards were presented in recognition of research and implemented innovations.

The Research Showcase Program Agenda provides more information on the day's proceedings, including presented topics and speakers.  Recordings of the plenary and breakout sessions, and the presentations and posters shared during the event can be found below.

MORNING

Mike Russo, NJDOT Assistant Commissioner, Planning, Multimodal, and Grants Administration, welcomed attendees to the Research Showcase event.

Parth Oza, Assistant Commissioner, Capital Program Management, provided opening remarks focusing on ways that NJDOT has embedded equity in the project delivery process. Mr. Oza emphasized the importance of gathering input from communities affected by transportation projects throughout all project phases, using grant applications to address the impact of flooding on disadvantaged communities, and planning for the safety of all road users through the agency’s Complete Streets policy.

Valeriya Remezova, Deputy Division Administrator, Federal Highway Administration's New Jersey Division congratulated NJDOT for receiving the FHWA and AASHTO Innovative Initiative 2022 STIC Innovation Excellence Award. She recognized NJDOT research initiatives with an equity focus and noted New Jersey’s Metropolitan Planning Organization initiatives that advance equity.

Keith Benjamin, Associate Administrator for Highway Policy and External Affairs, Federal Highway Administration provided the keynote address. Mr. Benjamin discussed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the opportunities to use this funding to address equity in transportation planning, project development, and other activities. He noted that the funding allows for new ideas of transportation to become a reality, and looks forward to subsequent policy embedding these changes in people’s everyday transportation experience. He noted the program’s success will be measured by improvements such as people being able to cross the street safely, mitigation of unsafe corridors, availability of bus shelters, and repaving of dangerous streets. He offered several examples of local initiatives where collaboration among partner agencies and organizations and involvement of local residents in the process resulted in more equitable projects.

Mr. Benjamin responded to several questions in a Q&A session that followed his keynote remarks.

Plenary Session Recording

Morning Session Presentation

Keith Benjamin, FHWA Associate Administrator for Highway Policy and External Affairs with Assistant Commissioner Michael Russo. Photo by Steve Goodman.
Keith Benjamin, FHWA Associate Administrator for Highway Policy and External Affairs with Assistant Commissioner Michael Russo. Photo by Steve Goodman.
Keith Benjamin and the host moderator, David Maruca, discussed the Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Bill, the USDOT Equity Action Plan, and the safety benefits of Complete Streets, among other topics in a lively Q&A session that followed Mr. Benjamin’s Keynote remarks. Photo by Steve Goodman.
Keith Benjamin and the host moderator, David Maruca, discussed the Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Bill, the USDOT Equity Action Plan, and the safety benefits of Complete Streets, among other topics in a lively Q&A session that followed Mr. Benjamin’s Keynote remarks. Photo by Steve Goodman.

An interactive panel discussion, "Perspectives on Advancing Equity in Transportation," followed the keynote session with state, local and transportation management association (TMA) representatives who presented examples of the equity initiatives underway in their organization and reflected on some of the continuing challenges and opportunities for advancing equity in transportation in New Jersey. The panelists included:

  • Elkins Green, Director, Environmental Resources, New Jersey Department of Transportation. Green served as the Moderator for the session.
  • Veronica Murphy, Director’s Office, Division of Local Aid & Economic Development, New Jersey Department of Transportation. Ms. Murphy shared a short video of the organization of Local Aid & Economic Development and provided an overview of the role that her office plays in providing grant funding for transportation projects. Ms. Murphy noted that equity considerations are embedded in the distribution of funding and in the process of providing technical assistance to communities through the Local Aid Resource Center.
  • Krishna Murthy, President, EZ Ride described the mission and various activities of his TMA and focused on the organization’s EZ Ryde4Life program that assists older adults by coordinating with Lyft and Uber to provide rides. EZ Ride is trying to make the program more accessible to individuals who are paying directly for the program and have no sponsoring organization and described the affordability challenges for the users and operator.
  • Andrew Tunnard, Assistant Commissioner, Transportation Operations Systems & Support, New Jersey Department of Transportation. Mr. Tunnard spoke about the Trenton MOVES project, an autonomous vehicle system that is being planned to offer transit shuttle services for an urban core population in the City of Trenton that tends to have one or no cars and spends a high proportion of their income on transportation to reach regional employment and other opportunities.
  • Byron Nicholas, Supervising Transportation Planner, Hudson County Engineering described the County’s efforts to advance equity through project prioritization, public involvement, multimodal safety.

Participants responded to a series of questions posed by the moderator and by the audience members.

Panelists discussed equity initiatives underway in their organization and shared their views on the challenges and opportunities for advancing equity in transportation. Photo by Steve Goodman.
Panelists discussed equity initiatives underway in their organization and shared their views on the challenges and opportunities for advancing equity in transportation. Photo by Steve Goodman.

Perspectives on Advancing Equity in Transportation Panel Discussion Recording

The program continued as Amanda Gendek, Manager, NJDOT Bureau of Research, announced several awards given in recognition of research, innovation and implementation efforts.  Below is a listing of the award winners presented at this year's showcase:

  • 2022 Outstanding University Student in Transportation Research Award – Xiao Chen, Rutgers University (Innovative Pothole Repair Materials and Techniques)
  • 2022 Research Implementation Award – Anil Agrawal, City College of CUNY (NJDOT UAS/Drone Procedures Manual and Best Practices for Use in New Jersey)
  • 2022 Best Poster Award – Ahmed Edrees, New Jersey Institute of Technology (Minimizing Total Cost of Work Zones on Two-Lane Roads with Managed Lanes)
  • 2022 NJDOT Build a Better Mousetrap Award (State Agency) – Gary Liedtka-Bizuga and Henry Jablonski, NJDOT, Sawcut Vertical Curb

The Sawcut Vertical Curb was recognized as an innovative response to a change in standards requiring existing curbing at guide rails to be reduced in height. The Sawcut Vertical Curb innovation saves time and money and increases safety and efficiency by obviating the need to pour new concrete curbing and allowing guide rail to remain in place during the process.  A short video about the Sawcut Vertical Curb innovation was presented when the BABM award was announced during the event.

Presentation of Awards

Accepting the Better Mousetrap Award, Gary Liedtka-Bizuga, Roadway Design Group 1, with Acting Assistant Commissioner Parth Oza, Bureau of Research Manager, Amanda Gendek, and Assistant Commissioner Michael Russo. Not shown here: Henry Jablonski, Region Central Construction. Photo by Steve Goodman.
Best Poster Award Recipient, Ahmed Edrees, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Minimizing Total Cost of Work Zones on Two-Lane Roads with Managed Lanes. Photo by Steve Goodman.
2022 Outstanding University Student in Transportation Research Award, Xiao Chen, Rutgers University, Innovative Pothole Repair Materials and Techniques. Photo by Steve Goodman.
2022 Outstanding University Student in Transportation Research Award, Xiao Chen, Rutgers University, Innovative Pothole Repair Materials and Techniques. Photo by Steve Goodman.
2022 NJDOT Research Implementation Award, Anil Agrawal, City College of CUNY, NJDOT UAS/Drone Procedures Manual and Best Practices for Use in New Jersey. Photo by Steve Goodman.
2022 NJDOT Research Implementation Award, Anil Agrawal, City College of CUNY, NJDOT UAS/Drone Procedures Manual and Best Practices for Use in New Jersey. Photo by Steve Goodman.

AFTERNOON 

In the afternoon, concurrent break-out sessions for research presentations focused on the topics of Equity & Mobility, Infrastructure, and Safety in Transportation, and for the presentation of posters from students and researchers at New Jersey’s colleges and universities describing their methods and findings on ongoing and recently completed research and responding to questions by attendees.

Equity & Mobility Session Recording

Infrastructure Session Recording

Safety in Transportation Session Recording

 

Equity and Mobility Presentations

Peter J. Jin, Rutgers University-CAIT, Real-Time Traffic Signal System Performance Measure Phase II  LINK

Zijia Zhong, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Assessing High-Resolution Connected Vehicle Data for TSM&O Applications  LINK

Hannah Younes, Rutgers University-VTC, Factors Influencing the Fatality of Pedestrian and Bicyclist Involved Crashes in New Jersey  LINK

 

Infrastructure Presentations

Seyed Masoud Shirkhorshidi, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Corrosion Performance of Ultra-High Performance Concrete in Uncracked and Cracked Beams  LINK

Rojyar Barhemat, Soroush Mahjoub, Victor C. Li and Yi Bao, Stevens Institute of Technology  LINK

Ashith Padinhar and Marath Purakkal, Rowan CREATES, Developing Electrically-Heated Flexible Pavement for Self-Deicing Application LINK

 

Safety Presentations

Branislav Dimitrijevic, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Development and Evaluation of a Pedestrian Crossing Alert System Using 2-Channel LiDAR Sensor LINK

Anahita Kakhani, Rowan University, Emerging Countermeasures for Pedestrian Safety: A Review of State of Art and Recent Advances  LINK

Sam Rosenthal, Rutgers University, Complete and Green Streets: Effective Public Engagement Practics and Resouces to Promote Safety and Advance Equity  LINK

 

2022 Poster Presentations

Decision Aided Cost and Construction Time Estimates for the Gateway Tunnel Project - Ehsan Mehryaar, New Jersey Institute of Technology

Recommendations for Improving NJDOT Specifications for Cold In-Place Recycling - Ahmed Saidi, Rowan University

Minimizing Total Cost of Work Zones on Two-Lane Roads with Managed Lanes - Ahmed Edrees, New Jersey Institute of Technology

Simulating Corrosion Induced Damage in Recycled Aggregate Concrete Systems - Jin Fan, New Jersey Institute of Technology

A Review on Seat Belt Compliance of Drivers and Front Passengers: Data Collection, Analysis, and Countermeasures - Omar Al-Sheikh, Rowan University

Feasiblity Study of Shared Mobility Programs as a First/Last-Mile Solution in Underserved Communities: A Case Study in Camden City, NJ - Ruqaya Alfaris, Rowan University

Zero-Emission Bus Fleet: A Review of State Practices, Recent Developments, and Future Directions - Zahra Vafakhah, Rowan University

How Distraction Triggers Speeding: An Observational Case Study in New Jersey - Ahmed Sajid Hasan, Rowan University

Use of 100% RAP for Repair Purposes - Dr. Faisal Kabir, Rowan University

Three-Dimensional Finite Element Modeling of Cold In-Place Recycled Asphalt Sections in Accelerated Pavement Testing - Chenchen Huang, Cheng Zhu, Yusuf Mehta & Daniel Offenbacker, Rowan University

Assessment of the Impact of Binder Grade on the Laboratory Performance of Fiber-Reinforced Asphalt Mixtures - Ali Reza Khan, Ayman Ali, Yusuf Mehta, Rowan University

A Framework for Proactive Safety Evaluation of Intersection Using Surrogate Safety Measures and Non-Compliance Behavior - Deep Patel, Rowan University

 

Michael Russo
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The Research Showcase was organized by the NJDOT Bureau of Research in partnership with the Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT) and the Rutgers Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center. The 24th Annual NJDOT Research Showcase was co-sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration.

23rd Annual NJDOT Research Showcase

Posted on

The 23rd Annual NJDOT Research Showcase was an opportunity for the New Jersey transportation community to learn about the broad scope of academic research initiatives underway and share technology transfer activities being conducted by institutions of higher education partners and their associates.  The annual event serves as a showcase to present the ongoing initiatives and benefits of the NJDOT Research program. This event was the second Research Showcase conducted by webinar with sessions held from 9:00am-2:45pm on October 27, 2021.

The Research Showcase Program included presentations by university researchers, NJ agency representatives, and engineers offering their perspectives and fielding questions on topics including electrification of vehicles, smart transportation and energy use. These presentations were followed by poster sessions presenting research of students attending New Jersey’s universities and colleges.

 

MORNING

Andrew Swords, Director, Division of Statewide Planning, New Jersey Department of Transportation welcomed attendees to the event.

The NJDOT Commissioner of Transportation, Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, provided opening remarks focusing on the need to work collectively to address climate change. Ms. Gutierrez-Scaccetti noted that partnerships among public, private, and academic organizations are essential to reach the state goal of an 80 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. She touched on several recent NJDOT initiatives and adoption of technological innovations that support this goal and the agency’s mission to provide a safe, cost-effective transportation network for the traveling public.  In his opening remarks, Robert Clark, Federal Highway Administration's New Jersey Division Administrator, emphasized the need for research and innovation and noted federal funding awarded to, and agency support for, recent NJDOT initiatives.

Jane Cohen, Executive Director, New Jersey Governor’s Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy gave the keynote address on "Confronting Climate Change through Transportation Initiatives." Ms. Cohen discussed the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and explained how temperature increases from climate change can intensify air pollution as well as respiratory and cardiovascular health concerns that are disproportionately borne by overburdened communities. Ms. Cohen emphasized that environmental justice and equity are at the center of the work being done to chart a path forward to a clean energy future.  She highlighted recent landmark NJ state legislation (S-232 - Cumulative Impacts Law) and NJDEP's enforcement responsibilities to protect overburdened communities in permit review processes.

Noting that transportation makes up a larger percentage of greenhouse gas emissions, she stressed the need for coordination among state agencies to shift light duty, medium and heavy duty trucks, transit vehicles, and the state fleet to electric vehicles. NJ’s Partnership to Plug-In is a statewide initiative involving state agencies and private sector partners to build out the infrastructure needed to support electric vehicle ownership.  Ms. Cohen mentioned various funding sources for projects, including the regional cap and trade system as part of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, from the Volkswagen Mitigation Trust Fund, the NJ Zero Emission Incentive Program for the purchase of EVs, and an e-mobility program in Trenton through ISLES.  She highlighted several other essential transportation initiatives that are aligned with climate planning. including the adoption of Complete Streets policies, Transit Villages, and efforts to reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT). She promoted the value of integrating green infrastructure such as wetlands and rain gardens in transportation for greater resilience to stormwater and flooding.

In her closing remarks, she made an appeal to those in attendance to recognize the urgency of the moment and reflect on how they might contribute innovative solutions and how they might partner to work collectively toward addressing the challenges of climate change.  She recognized the Build the Better Mousetrap Competition as an example of adopting an orientation favorable to innovation. She stressed that her office welcomes new ideas such as pilot projects and programs and partnerships.

A panel of presenters from representing state agencies, academia, and industry followed:

  • Peg Hanna, Assistant Director, Air Monitoring and Mobile Sources, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, spoke about the need to use various approaches to reach goals, such as the Electric Shared Mobility Program grants and the DEP-funded ISLES program in Trenton, and the value of working with local residents to understand transportation needs and gaps, working with the private sector, and considering the sustainability of any program.
  • Andrew Tunnard, Assistant Commissioner, Transportation Operations Systems and Support, New Jersey Department of Transportation, introduced a study, New Jersey Fleet Electrification: Statewide Charging Facilities Design Recommendations, undertaken to determine locations for the state build-out of EV infrastructure and to create a framework for state agencies to move toward their goals of fleet transition.
  • Alain Kornhauser, PhD, Professor of Operations Research & Financial Engineering, Princeton University, discussed details of the study, including the cost/benefit analysis comparing EV charging infrastructure favorably to internal combustion fueling locations, and the equitable distribution of the burden for creating EV infrastructure among state agencies.
  • Spencer Reeder, Director of Government Affairs and Sustainability, Audi of America, spoke about the emerging market for electric vehicles and the expansion of options for buyers.
  • Julia Rege, Vice President for Energy and Environment, Alliance for Automotive Innovation, spoke about the need for purchase incentives for electric vehicles, for more infrastructure including more charging capacity, and to switch manufacturing and supply that is still geared to the internal combustion fleet.

Presenters responded to attendee questions. The audience was informed that research ideas can be submitted to the Transportation Research Ideas Portal through the NJDOT Technology Transfer website.

Plenary Session Recording

Keynote Address: Confronting Climate Change Through Transportation Initiative

Panel Presentation: Innovation in Transportation Electrification: Getting to 2050

Panel Presentation: New Jersey Fleet Electrification

The program continued as Amanda Gendek, Manager, NJDOT Bureau of Research, announced several awards given in recognition of research, innovation and implementation efforts.  Below is a listing of the award winners presented at this year's showcase:

  • 2021 Outstanding University Student in Transportation Research Award – Wei Huang, Rutgers University (Implementation of Porous Concrete for Sidewalks in New Jersey)
  • 2021 Best Poster Award – Xiao Chen, Rutgers University (Hot in-Place Recycling of Asphalt Pavement: Current Practice and New Technology)
  • 2021 NJDOT Research Implementation Award – Husam Najm, Hao Wang, Rutgers University (Implementation of Pervious (Porous) Concrete for Sidewalks)
  • 2021 NJDOT Build a Better Mousetrap Award (State Agency) – Marc Franco, NJ TRANSIT, Tire Centerline Bracket
  • 2021 NJDOT Build a Better Mousetrap Award (Local Agency) – Art Villano, Montgomery Township, Inlet Repair Trailer

The Build a Better a Mousetrap Award for an entry from a state agency was given to Marc Franco from NJ TRANSIT. His Tire Centerline bracket provides a simple means for finding the centerline of the tire when installing the air-operated snow chain systems on the fleet of buses. The process, critical to the proper operation of these systems, increases safety and efficiency, and reduces costs.

The Build a Better a Mousetrap Award for an entry from a local agency was given to Art Villano from Montgomery Township who found a more efficient means to transport all needed equipment and materials to work sites to conduct inlet repairs. The use of a low deck trailer and the availability of an electric crane increased safety for workers.  

AFTERNOON

In the afternoon, concurrent break-out sessions for research presentations focused on the topics of Energy/Electrification, Infrastructure, and Smart Transportation, and for the presentation of posters from students and researchers at New Jersey’s colleges and universities describing their methods and findings on ongoing and recently completed research and responding to questions by attendees.

Energy/Electrification Session Recording

Smart Transportation Session Recording

Infrastructure Session Recording

Poster Session Recording

 

Energy/Electrification Presentations

Laura Soares, Rutgers University, Energy Harvesting Evaluation of Photovoltaic Noise Barriers on Highways  LINK

Chris Lamm, Cambridge Systematics, Al Beatty, CALSTART, and Leslie Fordjour, New York Multi-State Regional Clean Freight Corridors Study  LINK

 

Infrastructure Presentations

Xiao Tan, Stevens Institute of Technology, Achieving Resilient and Smart Concrete Bridges by Mapping Strains and Cracks Using Distributed Fiber Optic Sensors LINK

Sougata Roy, Rutgers University, Innovative Metal Deck for Efficient Infrastructure  LINK

Kaan Ozbay and Jingqin Gao, New York University, Bridge Management System with Life Cycle Cost Optimization as a Decision Support Tool: A Case Study in New Jersey  LINK

 

Smart Transportation Presentations

Mohammad Jalayer, Rowan University, A Novel Approach to Identify Distracted Drivers in New Jersey LINK

Anjiang Chen, Rutgers University, Integrated Pandemic Travel Demand and Epidemiology Modeling for COVID-19 Case Prediction and Impact on Regional Travel Behavior in 2020  LINK

Abdullah Shabarek, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Predicting Traffic Speed for New Jersey Freeway Work Zones - A Deep Learning Approach  LINK

 

Poster Presentations

Hot In-Place Recycling of Asphalt Pavement: Current Practice and New Technology - Xiao Chen, Rutgers University

An Innovative Green Pervious Concrete Made with Modified Geopolymer Materials - Wei Huang, Rutgers University

Modelling and Mitigating of Thermal-Induced Reflective Cracking in Asphalt Concrete Overlay - Pengyu Xie, Rutgers University

Understanding the Interconnectivity between Intersection Traffic Congestion, and Outdoor Air Quality for Smart Cities - Kourtney Arena, Rowan University

Estimating Roadway Horizontal Alignment Information Using Machine Learning - Bekir Bartin, New York University

Influence of Cracking and Brine Concentration on Corrosion and Chloride Content - Aaron Strand, New Jersey Institute of Technology

Supporting Bridge Deck Condition Assessment Through the Use of TLS - Issa Al-Shaini, Rowan University

New Brunswick Innovation Hub Smart Mobility Testing Ground, Data City: A Smart and Autonomous Initiative - Peter J. Jin, Rutgers University

The 23rd Annual NJDOT Research Showcase was organized and sponsored by the NJDOT Bureau of Research in partnership with the New Jersey Local Technical Assistance Program (NJLTAP) at Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT) and co-sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration.

 

22nd Annual NJDOT Research Showcase

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The 22nd Annual NJDOT Research Showcase was an opportunity for the New Jersey transportation community to learn about the broad scope of academic research initiatives underway and share technology transfer activities being conducted by institutions of higher education partners and their associates.  The annual event serves as a showcase to present the ongoing initiatives and benefits of the NJDOT Research program. This event was also the first Research Showcase conducted by webinar with sessions held from 9am-12pm on October 27, 28, and 29, 2020.

Each day's Research Showcase Program included presentations by university researchers, NJ agency representatives, and engineers offering their perspectives and fielding questions on topics including responses to the challenge of weather and climate change, emerging technologies such as smart mobility, and the effects of Covid-19 on transportation networks. These presentations were followed by poster sessions presenting research of students attending New Jersey’s universities and colleges.

DAY 1

On Day 1, the NJDOT Commissioner of Transportation, Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, provided opening remarks along with the Federal Highway Administration's Assistant Division Administrator in New Jersey, Valeriya Remezova. Both speakers noted NJDOT’s steps taken and plans for the future to promote resiliency.

A recording of the Day 1 presentations can be found here and to the right.

The keynote speaker was Gerald E. “Jerry” Buckwalter, Chief Operating and Strategy Officer of the American Society of Civil Engineers who presented the “ASCE Future World Vision.” Mr. Buckwalter described the ASCE role in imagining the future of cities, incorporating rapid developments in technology, alternative energy, climate change, materials, policy and funding, and demographics and urbanism. The project created five interactive scenarios of multi-dimensional city and neighborhood systems to adapt to changes over the next fifty years. These visions are intended to engage youth in thinking about engineering, spark public interest, provide a visual starting point for discussion, encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration and create a common language, and to foster innovation among university students.

Keynote presentation by Gerald E. Buckwalter, Chief Operating and Strategy Officer, American Society of Civil Engineers. Click for pdf

Amanda Gendek, Manager, NJDOT Bureau of Research announced several awards given in recognition of research, innovation and implementation efforts.  Below is a listing of the award winners presented at this year's showcase:

  • 2020 Outstanding University Student in Transportation Research Award – Laura Marques Soarces, Rutgers University (Energy Harvesting on New Jersey Highways)
  • 2020 NJDOT Research Implementation Award – Yusuf Mehta, Rowan University (Environmental Impacts of Recycled Asphalt Pavement)
  • 2020 Best Poster Award – Thales Couto Braguim, Rutgers University (Load Rating, Analysis, and Monitoring of the Sagging Fascias Girder of I-287 Bridge over US202/206) LINK
  • 2020 NJDOT Build a Better Mousetrap Award – Scott Ainsley and Mark Crago (Anti-Jacknife Device)

The Build a Better a Mousetrap Award was given to Scott Ainsley and Mark Crago in NJDOT’s Operations Training Unit for their Anti-Jacknife Device. They developed this early warning device to prevent jackknifing and damage to trucks and trailers during new employee CDL training. The device increases cost savings by eliminating the need for repairs, and improves efficiency during new employee training (see videos below).

DAY 2 PRESENTATIONS

On Day 2, research presentations focused on resiliency themes, the economic impacts of Covid-19 on maritime trade and port commerce, and emerging smart mobility technologies.

A recording of the Day 2 presentations can be found here and to the right.

 

 

 

The Effect of Covid-19 on the Port Industry – Global Trends & Regional Effects, Sotiris Theofanis, PhD and Maria Boile, PhD (Rutgers University) LINK

Enhancing Resilience of Bridges through Real-time Deformation Monitoring using UWB Technology Enhanced by Machine Learning, Yiming Liu (Stevens Institute of Technology) LINK

Coming Soon: NJDOT Flood Risk Visualization Tool, Jon Carnegie, AICP, PP (Rutgers University) LINK

New Jersey’s Climate Change Resilience Strategy, Dave Rosenblatt, Assistant Commissioner (New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection) LINK

New Brunswick Innovation Hub Smart Mobility Testing Ground Phase 1 Planning, Peter J. Jin, PhD and Ali Maher, PhD (Rutgers University) LINK

Improving Resilience, Safety, and Service Life of the Pulaski Skyway, Ruben Gajer, PE (Arora and Associates, PC) LINK

DAY 3 PRESENTATIONS

On Day 3, research presentations covered several topics, including transportation-related health stressors relationship on Covid-19 and energy, durability, mobility and safety topics in transportation.

A recording of the Day 3 presentations can be found here and to the right.

 

 

 

 

Exploring the Impacts of VMT induced PM2.5 on the Rate of COVID-19 Infection, Yeganeh Hayeri, PhD and Hojat Behrooz (Stevens Institute of Technology) LINK

PLACEHOLDER

Energy Harvesting from Roadways and Bridges: Opportunities and Challenges, Hao Wang, PhD (Rutgers University)

Behavior of Concrete Barriers for Bridges in New Jersey, Anil Agrawal, PhD (The City College of New York) LINK

Accelerating Mobility for All: Analysis of Focus Group Feedback from Persons with Disabilities Following Autonomous Vehicle Rides, Cecilia Feeley, PhD and Andrea Lubin (Rutgers University) LINK

PLACEHOLDER

Development and Evaluation of a Realtime Truck Detection Method Using Deep Learning Based Object Recognition Techniques for Truck Parking Information System, Joyoung Lee, PhD (New Jersey Institute of Technology)

Automated Analysis of Surrogate Safety Measures and Non-compliance Behavior of all Road Users at an Intersection, Deep Patel and Mohammad Jalayer, Ph.D (Rowan University) LINK

POSTER SESSIONS

Each day students and researchers at New Jersey’s colleges and universities presented posters describing their methods and findings on ongoing and recently completed research and responded to questions by attendees. (Click on images for links to posters.)

Optimized Speed Profiles for Sustainable Train Operation with Regenerative Braking – Leon Allen and Steven Chien, NJIT

Load Rating, Analysis, and Monitoring of the Sagging Fascia Girder of I-287 Bridge over US202/206 – Thales Couto Braguim, Rutgers University

Process-Based Modeling for Inlet Management – Jon K. Miller, Laura Lemke, Matthew S. Jannsen, Stevens Institute of Technology

Control of Shrinkage Cracks in Bridge Decks by Using Hybrid Fiber Reinforced High Performance Concrete – Mina Habib

Load Rating/Posting Policy for SHVs and EVs and Reliability Assessment of SHV Load Models – Chan Yang, Peng Lou, Chaekuk Na, Dongjian Gao, Rutgers University

Effects of Thixotropic UHPC on Interfacial Properties as an Overlay – Jiang Du, Weina Meng, Adi Abu-obeidah, Hani Nassef, Stevens Institute of Technology

Implementation of Porous Concrete in Sidewalks in New Jersey – Kathleen Stavole, Jack Cannon, Luke Dragon, Hardik Yagnik, Husam Najm, Rutgers University

Climate Change Impact on Pavement Overlay Performance with Adaptation Strategies – Xiaodan Chen, Rutgers University

Thermally and Mechanically Balanced Structural Design of Insulated Pavements for Cold Region Applications – Zhuang Zhuo, Ayman Ali, Cheng Zhu, Yusuf Mehta, Wade Lein, Christopher DeCarlo, Zhaoxing Xie, Rowan University & the US Army Corps of Engineers

The 22th Annual NJDOT Research Showcase was organized and sponsored by the NJDOT Bureau of Research in partnership with the New Jersey Local Technical Assistance Program (NJLTAP) at Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT) and co-sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration.