PURPOSES : Concrete, which is a construction material, is the most widely used compression material; however, unlike steel, it exhibits nonlinear material characteristics. Therefore, to examine the behavior of structures under the nonlinear conditions of concrete materials, one must select an appropriate numerical-analysis technique and a reasonable material model. When performing the nonlinear numerical analysis of a structure using general-purpose structural analysis software, the stress–strain curve or the Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion is typically employed to consider the nonlinear material characteristics. In this study, an efficient nonlinear numerical analysis is conducted by defining the stress–strain curves and Mohr–Coulomb parameters applicable to Strand7 to examine and design the stability of reinforced concrete structures. METHODS : This study was conducted by improving existing data. Based on the tensile region of the concrete stress–strain curve presented in a simple shape and the results of the splitting test, the proposed Mohr–Coulomb parameter was improved based on regulations stipulated in the design standards of concrete structures. The characteristics and usability of the improved material models were examined using concrete splitting tensile and bending models. RESULTS : A yield area distribution similar to that of the reference data is obtained when the Mohr–Coulomb material model is used in the numerical analysis of the concrete splitting tension, thus confirming the validity of the model. In the Mohr–Coulomb material model, nonlinear resistance continues even after the maximum reaction force occurs. However, when the stress–strain curve material model is applied, at the moment the maximum reaction force occurs, the material yields and begins to be damaged. In addition, by applying the Mohr–Coulomb material model to the bending numerical-analysis model, the magnitude of stress in the tensile region from the initial stage exceeds the yield stress defined in the stress–strain curve. CONCLUSIONS : Based on a series of examples, the usability of the proposed concrete stress–strain curve and Mohr–Coulomb parameters is confirmed. However, to obtain numerical-analysis results that are consistent with the nonlinear behavior of actual structures, nonlinear testing of reinforced concrete structures shall be conducted and material models shall be improved.

PURPOSES : This study is conducted to evaluate the development of materials for extinguishing ESS(Energy Storage System) fires in electric vehicles using industrial byproducts. METHODS : Grout containing an appropriate amount of fly ash, silica fume, blast furnace slag powder, and ferronikel slag, which are industrial byproducts, was prepared. The fluidity, stress, and mechanical properties were evaluated in accordance with standard test methods. RESULTS : The fluidity of the materials used for the evolution of ESS fires differed depending on the material of the industrial byproducts. In the case of blast furnace slag, its fluidity is low owing to viscosity even when it content is high, and the use of ferronikelsrag is shown to be suitable for the evolution of ESS fires in fluidity and curing tests. CONCLUSIONS : Fire-extinguishing materials using industrial byproducts require a long curing time but exhibit the fluidity required for ESS fire extinguishment. In particular, the curing and fluidity of Peronikel slag and fly ash are suitable for ESS fire extinguishing.

PURPOSES : Pavement surface friction depends significantly on pavement surface texture characteristics. The mean texture depth (MTD), which is an index representing pavement surface texture characteristics, is typically used to predict pavement surface friction. However, the MTD may not be sufficient to represent the texture characteristics to predict friction. To enhance the prediction of pavement surface friction, one must select additional variables that can explain complex pavement surface textures. METHODS : In this study, pavement surface texture characteristics that affect pavement surface friction were analyzed based on the friction mechanism. The wavelength, pavement surface texture shape, and pavement texture depth were hypothesized to significantly affect the surface friction of pavement. To verify this, the effects of the three abovementioned pavement surface texture characteristics on pavement surface friction must be investigated. However, because the surface texture of actual pavements is irregular, examining the individual effects of these characteristics is difficult. To achieve this goal, the selected pavement surface texture characteristics were formed quantitatively, and the irregularities of the actual pavement surface texture were improved by artificially forming the pavement surface texture using threedimensionally printed specimens. To reflect the pavement surface texture characteristics in the specimen, the MTD was set as the pavement surface texture depth, and the exposed aggregate number (EAN) was set as a variable. Additionally, the aggregate shape was controlled to reflect the characteristics of the pavement surface texture of the specimen. Subsequently, a shape index was proposed and implemented in a statistical analysis to investigate its effect on pavement friction. The pavement surface friction was measured via the British pendulum test, which enables measurement to be performed in narrow areas, considering the limited size of the three-dimensionally printed specimens. On wet pavement surfaces, the pavement surface friction reduced significantly because of the water film, which intensified the effect of the pavement surface texture. Therefore, the pavement surface friction was measured under wet conditions. Accordingly, a BPN (wet) prediction model was proposed by statistically analyzing the relationship among the MTD, EAN, aggregate shape, and BPN (wet). RESULTS : Pavement surface friction is affected by adhesion and hysteresis, with hysteresis being the predominant factor under wet conditions. Because hysteresis is caused by the deformation of rubber, pavement surface friction can be secured through the formation of a pavement surface texture that causes rubber deformation. Hysteresis occurs through the function of macro-textures among pavement surface textures, and the effects of macro-texture factors such as the EAN, MTD, and aggregate shape on the BPN (wet) are as follows: 1) The MTD ranges set in this study are 0.8, 1.0, and 1.2, and under the experimental conditions, the BPN (wet) increases linearly with the MTD. 2) An optimum EAN is indicated when the BPN (wet) is the maximum, and the BPN decreases after its maximum value is attained. This may be because when the EAN increases excessively, the space for the rubber to penetrate decreases, thereby reducing the hysteresis. 3) The shape of the aggregate is closely related to the EAN; meanwhile, the maximum value of the pavement surface friction and the optimum EAN change depending on the aggregate shape. This is believed to be due to changes in the rubber penetration volume based on the aggregate shape. Based on the results above, a statistical prediction model for the BPN (wet) is proposed using the MTD, EAN, and shape index as variables. CONCLUSIONS : The EAN, MTD, and aggregate shape are crucial factors in predicting skid resistance. Notably, the EAN and aggregate shape, which are not incorporated into existing pavement surface friction prediction models, affect the pavement surface friction. However, the texture of the specimen created via three-dimensional printing differs significantly from the actual pavement surface texture. Therefore, the pavement surface friction prediction model proposed in this study should be supplemented with comparisons with actual pavement surface data in the future.

PURPOSES : High temperatures induce excessive expansion in pavements, thus causing the closure of contraction joints between expansion joints. This results in the integration of slabs within the expansion joints into a unified slab. Compressive forces are generated owing to the friction that ensues between the unified slab and lower base layer. As the integrated slab expands and exceeds the allowable width of the expansion joint, the end restraint generates an additional compressive force. The escalating force, which reaches a critical threshold, induces buckling, thus compromising stability and causing blow-up incidents, which poses a significant hazard to road users. The unpredictable nature of blow-up incidents render their accurate prediction challenging because the compressive force within the slab must be predicted and the threshold for blow-up occurrence must be determined. METHODS : In this study, a GWNU blow-up model was developed to predict both the compressive force and period of blow-up incidents in jointed concrete pavements. The climate conditions, pavement structure, materials, and expansion joints were considered in this model. In the first stage of the model, the time at which the integrated slab expanded and surpassed the allowable width of the expansion joint was determined, and the compressive force was calculated. Subsequently, the compressive force within the integrated slab, considering both the end restraints and friction, was predicted. A large-scale blow-up test was performed to measure the blow-up force based on changes in the geometric imperfections. The measured blow-up force was adopted as the blow-up occurrence threshold, and the point at which the predicted compressive force within the slab exceeded the blow-up force was identified as the blow-up occurrence time. RESULTS : Using the GWNU blow-up model, the blow-up occurrence on the Seohean Expressway in Korea is predicted in the presence or absence of the alkali-silica reaction (ASR). Analysis is conducted using the expansion joint spacing and width as variables. As the expansion joint spacing increases, blow-up occurs sooner, and as the width increases, only the expansion joint life decreases. When applying an expansion joint spacing of 300 m and a width of 100 mm under an ASR with 99.9% TTPG reliability, the sum of the expansion joint life and blow-up occurrence time is 16 years. CONCLUSIONS : In the case of jointed concrete pavements where ASR occurred, installing an expansion joint spacing of 300 m and a width of 100 mm does not satisfy the design life of 20 years, and the expansion joint width minimally affect the blow-up occurrence time. To prevent blow-up incidents, a spacing of less than 300 m for the expansion joint is recommended. Based on the analysis results, the blow-up occurrence time and location can be predicted from the characteristics of the installed expansion joint, through which blow-up incidents can be prevented via preliminary maintenance.

PURPOSES : Snow-removal performance is performed in this study to assess the feasibility of replacing calcium-chloride solution with sodium chloride solution at the minimum temperature of -5 ℃ during snowfall. METHODS : The atmospheric temperature distribution in Seoul was analyzed. The manufacturing, storage, and indoor melting performance of calcium-chloride and sodium-chloride solutions were evaluated, and on-site snow-removal performance was evaluated based on the solution type. RESULTS : According to the results of the melting performance test at -5°C, the melting capacity of the sodium chloride solution was expressed at a level exceeding 90% of that of the calcium chloride solution, indicating a similar melting performance between the two solutions. Additionally, based on the snow removal performance test using aqueous solutions, the snow removal performance of the sodium chloride solution was found to be approximately 96% compared to that of the calcium chloride solution, indicating minimal differences in snow removal performance due to changes in the type of solution. CONCLUSIONS : Similar snow-removal performance was achieved when the sodium chloride solution was used instead of calciumchloride aqueous solution at temperatures exceeding -5 ℃.

PURPOSES : This study focuses on how quickly emergency alarm facilities recognize a fire, respond to evacuation behavior, and induce appropriate behavior in response to the fire alarm sound by listening to the fire alarm sound from a sound device. METHODS : Prior research on alarm sounds affecting evacuation behavior was identified, and a subjective evaluation of alarm sounds was conducted to study the most appropriate evacuation-inducing behavior for alarm sounds. In the event of a fire, a subjective evaluation of the sound pressure level and frequency analysis of the sound system, which affects the occupants in the building, were conducted to analyze the type of alarm sound and evacuation behavior. RESULTS : As a result of the subjective evaluation of the occupants’ listening risk, there was little cognitive response to the change in sound pressure level according to frequency. It was found that the alarm sound could give a sense of crisis or tension owing to the difference in sound pressure level change according to the change in time difference. CONCLUSIONS : In conclusion, with high sound pressure and large decibel deviation, the evacuation behavior of respondents after education was more active in the wake-up call that made a sound that seemed to be torn.

PURPOSES : We propose a framework to evaluate the reliability of integrating homogeneous or heterogeneous mobility data to produce the various data required for greenhouse gas emission estimation. METHODS : The mobility data used in the framework were collected at a fixed time from a specific point and were based on raster data. In general, the traffic volume for all traffic measurement points over 24 h can be considered raster data. In the future, the proposed framework can be applied to specific road points or road sections, depending on the presence or absence of raster data. RESULTS : The activity data required to calculate greenhouse gas emissions were derived from the mobility data analysis. With recent developments in information, communication, and artificial intelligence technologies, mobility data collected from different sources with the same collection purpose can be integrated to increase the reliability and accuracy of previously unknown or inaccurate information. CONCLUSIONS : This study will help assess the reliability of mobility data fusion as it is collected on the road, and will ultimately lead to more accurate estimates of greenhouse gas emissions.

PURPOSES : The effect of yellow carpet visibility enhancement was verified and its impact on traffic safety for effective introduction of traffic safety facilities was studied. METHODS : There is currently no scientific evidence demonstrating that yellow carpets improve pedestrian awareness. In this study, the effect of increasing visibility caused by the installation of yellow carpet was verified, and the effect of improving the level of traffic safety was examined through an objective analysis. A drone was used to collect and analyze video data to compare the driving speeds of vehicles passing near yellow carpets at six different sites and diagnose the effects of speed reduction. RESULTS : The results showed that the visibility improvement values before and after the installation of the yellow carpet differed from place to place, but a visibility improvement effect existed in certain cases. In terms of the adequacy of the installation site, the yellow carpet had no deceleration effect on vehicles driving on signalized local streets and collector highways. It was found that there was a speed reduction effect on unsignalized local streets. CONCLUSIONS : To enhance traffic safety promotion, yellow carpets should be placed on unsignalized local streets. It is important to place the yellow carpet in the right place in a proper manner.

PURPOSES : This study investigates the effects of three different three-color arrow traffic light operations on right-turn vehicles at intersections in Busan Metropolitan City. METHODS : Intersections in this study were categorized as general intersections (Type 1), intersections with right-turn pockets (Type 2), and intersections with scramble crosswalks (Type 3), and were investigated in terms of the efficiency (i.e., control delay) and safety (i.e., number of conflicts) of right-turn vehicles by employing VISSIM 2023 and SSAM3. RESULTS : From a mobility perspective (i.e., control delay), the protected/permitted operation outperformed the other two methods at the three types of intersections. The protected operation, similar to the results of the protected/permitted operation, was also superior to the permitted operation in terms of safety (i.e., number of conflicts). CONCLUSIONS : Protected/permitted operation has been proven to be a more efficient and safer measure than other operation methods for alleviating the problems of protected right-turn operation, which is currently implemented without three-color arrow traffic lights.

PURPOSES : Under the Traffic Safety Act, the installation and management of transportation facilities (facilities and attachments necessary for the operation of transportation, such as roads, railways, and terminals) must take necessary measures to ensure traffic safety, such as enhancing safety facilities. Recently, railway operators have graded the congestion level inside railway stations and vehicles, addressing safety and convenience issues arising from congestion and providing this information to users. However, for bus-related transportation facilities (such as bus stops, terminals, and transfer facilities), criteria and related research for assessing traffic congestion are lacking. Therefore, this study developed a model for the congestion risk factors of four bus-related transportation facilities and proposed criteria for classifying congestion risk levels. METHODS : This study involved selecting congestion risk influence variables for each traffic facility through field surveys, calculating congestion risk index values through evacuation and pedestrian simulations, and constructing a congestion risk influence model based on the ridge model. RESULTS : The factors influencing congestion were selected to include the number of people waiting, effective sidewalk width, and number of bus stops. As a result of developing congestion risk grades, the central bus stops were determined to be in a severe stage if the Average Waiting Time (AWT) was 2.7 or above. Roadside bus stops were considered severe at 4.2, underground metropolitan transit centers at 3.7, and bus terminals at 5.9 or above. CONCLUSIONS : This study can help establish a foundation for a safety management system for congested areas in transportation facilities. When the congestion risk prediction results correspond to cautionary or severe levels, measures that can reduce congestion risk must be applied to ensure the safety of road users.

PURPOSES : This study sought ways to connect urban above ground roads and underground roads to utilize urban space more efficiently in the development of underground roads, which are currently under development in order to alleviate problems caused by oversaturated above-ground roads. A simulation analysis was performed to develop an operation strategy that connects above-ground and underground roads to prevent congestion in above-ground areas such as entrances and exits from transferring to underground roads as well as to present its effectiveness. METHODS : Traffic efficiency analysis according to the operation strategy of above ground and underground roads was conducted using VISSIM, a microscopic traffic simulation software. The functions implemented in VISSIM were collected to set effectiveness analysis indicators for each underground road operation strategy. The Shinwol-Yeoui Underground Road was selected as the spatial scope of this study, and a surrounding road network was constructed. In addition, full-scale simulation analysis preparations were completed by performing network calibration based on the actual traffic attribute data of underground and surrounding surface roads within the construction scope. Accordingly, a traffic efficiency evaluation analysis was conducted based on the underground road operation strategy. CONCLUSIONS : Information on the increase in traffic volume within the Shinwol-Yeoui underpass was collected every 15 min. The analysis was divided into an analysis of the traffic situation within the underpass through demand control when the service level reached level D and an analysis of when demand control was not performed. It was found that demand control was necessary for the Shinwol-Yeoui Underpass when the internal traffic volume reached 2,500 vehicles/h. In addition, to analyze the spread of traffic and congestion owing to the weaving phenomenon caused by lane changes in the underpass, an analysis was conducted to observe the traffic improvement effect when full lane changes are possible for the Shinwol-Yeoui Underground Road, which currently has some lane-change-permitted sections. The analysis showed that both the maximum traffic volume and average travel speed showed better results when lane changes were allowed, and the communication situation at Yeoui JCT was found optimal.

PURPOSES : This study defines private and public service providers connected to a public data hub in a smart city and examines the information that should be exchanged between them. The information exchange scheme covers data exchange at a minimum level. METHODS : First, we reviewed the entities participating in the emergency charging service and designed the scope of information linkages between the entities. Second, we diagnosed the main information linkages according to a service flowchart. Third, we reviewed the basic information requirements linked to actors participating in the service. Finally, we derived and presented information linked to the subjects. RESULTS : In addition to the basic requirements, the number of data-exchange information sets specified was four, which was the scope of the aforementioned study. We defined and analyzed an efficient information exchange system between various actors involved in emergency charging services. Data were defined based on interactions between service users, operators, providers, and data hubs. Each set had a different scope and purpose. CONCLUSIONS : Information collected and provided by emergency charging service providers in connection with a data hub that manages urban energy was proposed.

PURPOSES : This study aimed to predict the number of future COVID-19 confirmed cases more accurately using public and transportation big data and suggested priorities for introducing major policies by region. METHODS : Prediction analysis was performed using a long short-term memory (LSTM) model with excellent prediction accuracy for time-series data. Random forest (RF) classification analysis was used to derive regional priorities and major influencing factors. RESULTS : Based on the daily number of COVID-19 confirmed cases from January 26 to December 12, 2020, as well as the daily number of confirmed cases in Gyeonggi Province, which was expected to occur on December 24 and 25, depending on social distancing, the accuracy of the LSTM artificial neural network was approximately 95.8%. In addition, as a result of deriving the major influencing factors of COVID-19 through random forest classification analysis, according to the number of people, social distancing stages, and masks worn, Bucheon, Yongin, and Pyeongtaek were identified as regions expected to be at high risk in the future. CONCLUSIONS : The results of this study can help predict pandemics such as COVID-19.

PURPOSES : This study aims to provide societal benefits that demonstrate the effectiveness of remodeling projects, thereby providing a basis for activating and systematically and continuously promoting remodeling projects METHODS : Using the International Roughness Index (IRI) and World Bank's HDM-4, a model for vehicle operating costs was estimated. The change in vehicle operating costs was calculated by inputting the pre- and post-remodeling IRI values into the estimated model. Additionally, the future IRI over the life cycle was derived using the results of a study on the changes in pavement conditions between conventional and remodeling methods. The vehicle operating costs for different maintenance alternatives were compared by inputting them into the estimated model. RESULTS : The improvement in road smoothness after the project resulted in an annual vehicle operating cost benefit of approximately 1.6 billion won, with an estimated benefit per kilometer of approximately 64 million won. Furthermore, a comparison of vehicle operating costs for maintenance alternatives over the life cycle revealed that the remodeling method led to savings of 2.1 billion won compared with conventional methods. CONCLUSIONS : The findings of this study will serve as fundamental data supporting the necessity and justification for remodeling projects, particularly in the current scenario, where the need for maintenance of existing roads exhibits a faster growth trend than the extension of new roads. Additionally, this study could be supplemented by further research focusing on the consideration of pavement conditions in unit cost estimation and additional benefit estimation studies tailored to remodeling projects.

PURPOSES : This study estimates the effects of traffic safety policies (e.g., the Minsik Act) on the seriousness of traffic accidents in children protection zones. METHODS : A difference-in-differences framework in which the change in the gap of seriousness of traffic accidents occurring in children protection zones and those occurring outside the zone before and after the implementation of the Minsik Act was applied. Furthermore, a placebo test, in which the samples are restricted to a specific period, is irrelevant to the time of students going to school. RESULTS : On average, when the factors causing traffic accidents are not controlled, the degree of damage in traffic accidents in children protection zones appears to be more serious The introduction of the Minsik Act has been shown to reduce the damage from traffic accidents in children protection zones. In particular, illegal U-turns and signal violations increased the severity of traffic accidents in children protection zones, and trucks caused the greatest damage. CONCLUSIONS : The traffic safety policy for children protection zones (Minsik Act) is effective in improving traffic safety by simply “strengthening legal regulations.” This strengthens the importance of traffic safety education to prevent drivers from engaging in driving behaviors such as illegal U-turns and traffic signal violations. It is necessary to ensure the traffic safety of children by establishing a truck operation policy that bypasses children protection zones.