Feasibility of Visualization and Simulation Applications to Improve Work Zone Safety and Mobility Final Report June 2008 Sponsored by the Smart Work Zone Deployment Initiative a Federal Highway Administration pooled fund study and the Iowa Department of Transportation (CTRE Project 07-300) Iowa State University’s Center for Transportation Research and Education is the umbrella organization for the following centers and programs: Bridge Engineering Center • Center for Weather Impacts on Mobility and Safety • Construction Management & Technology • Iowa Local Technical Assistance Program • Iowa Traffic Safety Data Service • Midwest Transportation Consortium • National Concrete Pavement Technology Center • Partnership for Geotechnical Advancement • Roadway Infrastructure Management and Operations Systems • Statewide Urban Design and Specifications • Traffic Safety and Operations About CTRE The mission of the Center for Transportation Research and Education (CTRE) at Iowa State University is to develop and implement innovative methods, materials, and technologies for improving transportation efficiency, safety, and reliability while improving the learning environment of students, faculty, and staff in transportation-related fields. 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Technical Report Documentation Page 1. Report No. 2. Government Accession No. 3. Recipient’s Catalog No. CTRE Project 07-300 4. Title and Subtitle 5. Report Date Feasibility of Visualization and Simulation Applications to Improve Work Zone June 2008 Safety and Mobility 6. Performing Organization Code 7. Author(s) 8. Performing Organization Report No. Manop Kaewmoracharoen and Kelly Strong 9. Performing Organization Name and Address 10. Work Unit No. (TRAIS) Center for Transportation Research and Education Iowa State University 11. Contract or Grant No. 2711 South Loop Drive, Suite 4700 Ames, IA 50010-8664 12. Sponsoring Organization Name and Address 13. Type of Report and Period Covered Iowa Department of Transportation Final Report 800 Lincoln Way 14. Sponsoring Agency Code Ames, IA 50010 15. Supplementary Notes Visit www.ctre.iastate.edu for color PDF files of this and other research reports. 16. Abstract Visualization is a relatively recent tool available to engineers for enhancing transportation project design through improved communication, decision making, and stakeholder feedback. Current visualization techniques include image composites, video composites, 2D drawings, drive-through or fly-through animations, 3D rendering models, virtual reality, and 4D CAD. These methods are used mainly to communicate within the design and construction team and between the team and external stakeholders. Use of visualization improves understanding of design intent and project concepts and facilitates effective decision making. However, visualization tools are typically used for presentation only in large-scale urban projects. Visualization is not widely accepted due to a lack of demonstrated engineering benefits for typical agency projects, such as small- and medium-sized projects, rural projects, and projects where external stakeholder communication is not a major issue. Furthermore, there is a perceived high cost of investment of both financial and human capital in adopting visualization tools. The most advanced visualization technique of virtual reality has only been used in academic research settings, and 4D CAD has been used on a very limited basis for highly complicated specialty projects. However, there are a number of less intensive visualization methods available which may provide some benefit to many agency projects. In this paper, we present the results of a feasibility study examining the use of visualization and simulation applications for improving highway planning, design, construction, and safety and mobility. 17. Key Words 18. Distribution Statement 4D CAD—scheduling—traffic work zone—visualization No restrictions. 19. Security Classification (of this 20. Security Classification (of this 21. No. of Pages 22. Price report) page) Unclassified. Unclassified. 72 NA FEASIBILITY OF VISUALIZATION AND SIMULATION APPLICATIONS TO IMPROVE WORK ZONE SAFETY AND MOBILITY Final Report May 2008 Principal Investigator Kelly Strong Associate Professor Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering Iowa State University Co-Principal Investigators Charles Jahren Associate Professor Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering Iowa State University Ed Jaselskis Professor Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering Iowa State University Amr Kandil Associate Professor Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering Iowa State University Research Assistant Manop Kaewmoracharoen Authors Manop Kaewmoracharoen and Kelly Strong Sponsored by The Smart Work Zone Deployment Initiative and the Iowa Department of Transportation Preparation of this report was financed in part through funds provided by the Iowa Department of Transportation through its research management agreement with the Center for Transportation Research and Education. CTRE Project 07-300. Center for Transportation Research and Education Iowa State University 2711 South Loop Drive, Suite 4700 Ames, IA 50010-8664 Phone: 515-294-8103 Fax: 515-294-0467 www.ctre.iastate.edu ii TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgments.......................................................................................................................... ix 1. Introduction................................................................................................................................. 1 2. Literature Review and Existing Research Studies...................................................................... 2 3. Methodology............................................................................................................................... 3 3.1 Project Study......................................................................................................................... 3 3.1.1 Project Site Analysis...................................................................................................... 4 3.2 Technology and Software Study........................................................................................... 4 3.3 Commercial 4D Packages..................................................................................................... 4 3.3.1 JetStream........................................................................................................................ 4 3.3.2 ProjectWise .................................................................................................................... 5 3.3.3 Project 4D ...................................................................................................................... 5 3.3.4 FourDscape .................................................................................................................... 5 3.4 Adaptation of Software with 3D Environment..................................................................... 6 3.4.1 Adobe Acrobat 3D ......................................................................................................... 6 3.4.2 Second Life .................................................................................................................... 6 3.4.3 Google SketchUp and Google Earth.............................................................................. 6 3.4.4 Walkinside ..................................................................................................................... 7 3.5 Other Approaches ................................................................................................................. 7 3.5.1 Handheld Device Animations ........................................................................................ 7 3.5.2 2D Overlay Images ........................................................................................................ 7 3.6 Software Comparison ........................................................................................................... 8 3.6.1 Data Requirements......................................................................................................... 9 3.7 Focus Group.......................................................................................................................... 9 3.8 Survey ................................................................................................................................. 10 3.8.1 Government and Non-government Agency (Contractors/Consultants)....................... 12 3.8.2 Individuals