Date of Award:

5-2016

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department:

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Committee Chair(s)

Kevin Heaslip

Committee

Kevin Heaslip

Committee

Guifang Fu

Committee

Ziqi Song

Committee

John Rice

Committee

Laurie McNeill

Abstract

Traffic signs often convey critical information to drivers. However, traffic signs are only effective when clearly visible and legible. This study aims to determine the effects of various damage and deterioration forms on sign retroreflectivity, identify the most important factors affecting traffic sign visual condition, predict traffic sign vandalism that obstructs critical messages to drivers, and identify important environmental factors contributing to the temporary obstruction of the sign messages. To do so, two data sets are used. A sample data of over 1,700 signs was manually collected in the field, and the background retroreflectivity of each sign was measured using a handheld retroreflectometer. In addition, sign data of over 97,000 traffic signs was digitally collected by driving an equipped vehicle. Sign visual condition and damage/deterioration data were obtained from inspection of daytime digital images taken of each individual sign. A GIS-based strategy is proposed to extract location and climate data for every individual sign. Various statistical tests and models are also used to accomplish the goals of study.

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