Detector Accuracy and Reliability Testing for Wrong-Way Movements on Elevated Roadways

Details

• Creators:
  Woods, Donald L. ; Hamm, Robert A.
• Corporate Creators:
  Texas Transportation Institute. Texas A&M University
• Corporate Contributors:
  Texas. Dept. of Transportation. Research and Technology Transfer Office ; United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway Administration
• Subject/TRT Terms:
  • Detectors
  • Ultrasonics
  • Loop detectors
  • Microwave devices
  • Infrared detectors
  • Piezoelectric transducers
  • High occupancy vehicle lanes
  • Freeways
• Publication/ Report Number:
  FHW A/TX-94/1232-22
• Resource Type:
  Tech Report
• Geographical Coverage:
  Texas ; United States
• Edition:
  Interim: September 1991 - August 1993
• Corporate Publisher:
  Texas Transportation Institute. Texas A&M University
• Abstract:
  The study evaluated six detection technologies (surface-mounted inductive loop, piezoelectric, infrared, microloop, microwave and ultrasonic) for counting accuracy and directional movement accuracy on a one-lane elevated roadway. A video tape system recorded actual traffic volumes. These counts were compared to detector data recorded in a computer file. The results cast doubt on the accuracy of any single detection technology for meeting the needs of real-time freeway management. The counting accuracy of the ultrasonic, surface-mounted inductive loop and infrared detectors was just over 80 percent. Directional movement accuracy was 86% for the ultrasonic system, 61 % for surface-mounted inductive loop system, and 47% for the uncorrected infrared detection system. The microwave and Micro loop systems failed completely, and a piezoelectric system manufacturing error resulted in it being nonfunctional. The detectors were also tested after a period of six months. Thus, the researchers concluded that the level of accuracy needed for wrong-way movement detection will require two or more independent systems.
• Format:
  PDF
• Funding:
  0-1232
• Download URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/82420/dot_82420_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 2.03 MB]
• Collection(s):
  US Transportation Collection
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:fa85b16c6829b220e7a1eb99982d721914376f8e94101b60f52c82756234151168e4d05a0340b8f38d70ede9b1b8990ace0400c80c3adb3dc9acf545b2b9e3dc