Showing papers in "Australian road research in 1963"

Traffic flow and bunching

Abstract: In this paper various traffic flow models are discussed. It is suggested that, if the three flow zones concept is accepted, there is a possibility of ultimately arriving at satisfactory theoretical solutions based on an extension of queueing theory in the zone of normal flow, and based on car following theory in the zone of forced flow, the zone of unstable flow being incapable of theoretical analysis. Some results of limited traffic bunching studies are also discussed (a).

Driver eye height

Abstract: Vertical curve design' in Australia is based on a driver eye height of 4 ft above the road surface. It is doubtful if any comprehensive measurements of driver eye height have been made in this country and there have certainly been none undertaken in recent years. To the casual observer it is obvious that the larger types of cars have become lower and that a greater proportion of small sedans and open sport cars are appearing on the road. In December 1962, a series of studies were carried out on both rural and urban roads in Victoria, to determine whether the value of 4 ft is still a realistic one (a).

The stabilisation Sydney basin Wianamatta derived residual clay with fly ash and chemical control of environment

Abstract: Compaction and strength characteristics are determined for a range of fly ash additives from 0 per cent to 20 per cent. The effect of ionic concentration in the pore water and low ph, for the range of ash additives, is further investigated by the use of sea water and acid water respectively. The effect induced by these treatments is then compared with that wrought by the usually adopted lime and/or cement stabilisation procedures (a).

Recognition of road traffic signals by persons with normal and defective vision

Abstract: Normal and colour defective observers identified 13 colours as either red, green or amber. Each colour was presented 16 times under 2 levels of surround luminance. The colours were representative of the chromaticity boundaries established by the Commission International de l'Eclairage (CIE) and by the national standards asa d 10- 1: 1958, and bs 1376- 1953. Errors and choice reaction times were measured. Analysis of reaction times is presented. Analysis of error scores is not yet complete. The surround luminances used did not affect reaction times. Choice reaction time findings are found to be consistent with theoretical prediction from known facts concerning defective colour vision (a).

The parking bay module in garage design

Abstract: The object of this study is to determine suitable modules for parking bay layouts in off street car parks for Australian conditions. If design criteria from United States sources are adopted for the layout of stalls, it will be found that too much space will be allotted per car, having a serious effect on the building cost per car, and in turn, on the parking fee necessary to defray this cost. Because multi storied garages are most needed in the densest business areas of a city, it follows that land in close proximity will be expensive. The profits from parking must be similar to those from other businesses, if car parking as a business is to thrive. This can be achieved when the land or site is developed in the most economical manner. The parking bay module chosen is therefore a most important factor in the design of the car park (a).

The effect of banning kerbside parking during peak hours on the Anzac Highway

Abstract: This article is a modification of the internal report (August 1961) prepared by the author relating to the parking ban, on the anzac highway, South Australia. Its purpose is not to describe the various 'before and after' (in this case 'before and during') studies, that were carried out, but rather simply to give an outline of the results of the studies, as it is considered that such results, although logical, may be of general interest and provide useful data for the practising engineer (a).

Graphs for publication

Abstract: The Australian Road Research Board will reproduce many graphs in its publications. It is important to fix standards which authors may safely follow. There is an old controversy between engineers and statisticians about the basic requirements of good graphs. The author, who is both an engineer and a statistician, follows the controversy down to its roots. By the application of up to date human engineering principles, he throws new light on the problem. His suggestion is to make two sets of standards: one for the so called 'technical graphs' and one for the 'illustrative graphs'. A public discussion is invited which may clear contestable problems and ultimately contribute to the major goal, the redesigning of the Australian graph drawing standards. (A)