Application of Visualization and Simulation Program to Improve Work Zone Safety and Mobility, January 2010

A previous study sponsored by the Smart Work Zone Deployment Initiative, “Feasibility of Visualization and Simulation Applications to Improve Work Zone Safety and Mobility,” demonstrated the feasibility of combining readily available, inexpensive software programs, such as SketchUp and Google Earth, with standard two-dimensional civil engineering design programs, such as MicroStation, to create animations of construction work zones. The animations reflect changes in work zone configurations as the project progresses, representing an opportunity to visually present complex information to drivers, construction workers, agency personnel, and the general public. The purpose of this study is to continue the work from the previous study to determine the added value and resource demands created by including more complex data, specifically traffic volume, movement, and vehicle type. This report describes the changes that were made to the simulation, including incorporating additional data and converting the simulation from a desktop application to a web application.

Iowa Earth Year 2000 : partner packet, 2000

This packet gives information on how to preserve, conserve, and protect Iowa's rich natural resources by working together in communities, staying committed to bettering Iowa's future, encouraging volunteerism, enlisting support from a variety of sources, setting environmental examples ourselves and developing positive awareness programs.

Retaining Wall - Modular Unit Reinforced Earth Tensar Geogrid Reinforcement, HR-549, 1998

This research, initiated in October 1992, was located at the intersection of Blairs Ferry Road and Lindale Drive in the City of Marion. The wall is located on the southeast corner of the intersection. Reinforced retaining wall construction started with a five inch base of roadstone with one inch of sand for leveling purposes. One and one-half to two feet of one inch clean stone was placed behind the blocks. A four inch perforated plastic pipe was placed approximately nine inches from the bottom of the one inch clean stone. The Tenswal, tensar geogrid was placed at every third layer. Openings in the Tenswal are hooked over plastic dowels in the blocks. The tenswal reaches from the face of the wall back 5' to 8'. The cost for constructing this wall was $124,400. The wall has performed well for the past five years. The wall improves the aesthetics of a high traffic volume intersection of an urban area. Many positive comments have been received by the city regarding its appearance. The City of Marion has been pleased with the wall and has used this type of wall on subsequent projects.

Reinforced Earth and Stone Columns for Weak Subsoil Conditions, HR-510, 1980

Reinforced Earth is a French development that has been used in the United States for approximately ten years. Virbro-Replacement, more commonly referred to as stone columns, is an outgrowth of deep densification of cohesionless soils originally developed in Germany. Reinforced Earth has applicability when wall height is greater than about twelve feet and deep seated foundation failure is not a concern. Stone columns are applicable when soft, cohesive subsoil conditions are encountered and bearing capacity and shearing resistance must be increased. The conditions in Sioux City on Wesley Way can be summarized as: (1) restricted right of way, (2) fill height in excess of 25 feet creating unstable conditions, (3) adjacent structures that could not be removed. After analyzing alternatives, it was decided that Reinforced Earth walls constructed on top of stone columns were the most practical approach.