abstract: The worldwide demand for electric energy is slated to increase by 80% between the years 1990 and 2040. In order to satisfy this increase in load, many new generators and transmission lines are planned. Implementations of various plans that can augment existing infrastructure have been hindered due to environmental constraints, public opposition and difficulties in obtaining right-of-way. As a result, stress on the present electrical infrastructure has increased, resulting in congestion within the system. The aim of this research is to analyze three techniques that could improve the power transfer capability of the present electric grid. These include line compaction, use of high temperature low sag conductors and high phase order systems. The above methods were selected as they could be readily employed without the need for additional right-of-way. Results from the line compaction tests indicate that line compaction up to 30% is possible and this increases the power transfer capability up to 53%. Additional advantages of employing line compaction are the reduction in electric and magnetic fields, increase in system stability and better voltage regulation. High temperature low sag conductors that were applied on thermally limited lines were seen to increase the power transfer capability. However, a disadvantage of this technique was that the second most congested line, limits the power transfer capability of the system. High phase (six phase) order system was noted to have several advantages over three phase system such as lower voltage requirement to transfer equal amount of power and lower electric and magnetic field across the right of way. An IEEE 9 and 118 bus test system were used to evaluate the above mentioned techniques. / Dissertation/Thesis / M.S. Electrical Engineering 2012

No description available.

Property Management, one functional area within Right-of-Way offices in state transportation agencies, is responsible for managing the property acquired for highway projects. These activities are data and document intensive and efficiency for performing them would be improved through the implementation of an information management system. Because of the geospatial nature of many of these activities, geographic information systems (GIS) would increase the effectiveness of this system. A literature review and survey were conducted to understand the current state of practice for the use of GIS and information management systems in Property Management. There is no identified comprehensive system that covers all Property Management activities. An initial step in developing a geospatially-enabled enterprise-level information management system, a logical model was developed. This included developing the business process diagram, business process models, and use case models based on the principles of systems engineering using the Computer Aided Software (CASE) Enterprise Architecture. Activities that would benefit from a geospatial component have been identified and included in the models. The developed models have been validated by working with PennDOT staff. The resulting model serves as a standard template for state transportation agencies and helps conceptualize the advantages of integration and interaction with other systems, and geospatial enablement prior to investment in an information management system. / Master of Science

Le choix d'un système de transport guidé de surface exploité en site propre (TCSP) est un travail complexe et difficile. Les différents systèmes peuvent sembler offrir des services équivalents pour les utilisateurs tandis que manquent souvent les informations nécessaires pour mieux distinguer les différences entre tel ou tel système. L'objectif de cette recherche vise, au-delà d'une présentation des différents systèmes guidés de surface qui structurent les réseaux de transport public en France, à procéder à une analyse comparative afin de mieux guider les choix des collectivités territoriales, dans le contexte des efforts qu'elles conduisent pour promouvoir des transports urbains répondant aux enjeux du développement durable. Les avantages et points faibles de chaque système est analysé et présenté de manière désagrégée. De manière complémentaire, est proposée et discutée une méthode multicritère ELECTRE III permettant d'agréger les résultats obtenus et de proposer le (ou les) système(s) le(s) mieux adapté(s) à différents contextes d'exploitation. Le résultat principal met en évidence le fait que le tramway moderne sur fer occupe une place privilégiée dans la majorité des scenarii. Cependant, le CIVIS, le Translohr, TVR et même le trolleybus ont leur place selon le contexte d'exploitation, dès lors en particulier que sont pris en compte les coûts d'infrastructure et d'exploitation associés. Les résultats de cette recherche nous encouragent en outre à recommander, chaque fois qu'il y a un projet de système de transport de surface, de passer en revue la gamme des systèmes et d'effectuer l'analyse comparative avec les différentes contraintes du lieu et du moment, en y intégrant une vision de moyen et long terme et les effets prévisibles sur l'aménagement urbain / The choice of a guided surface transit system operated on separated RoW is a complex and difficult task. Even if different transit systems could provide equivalent services to users, we often lack the necessary information to better distinguish among different systems. Beyond giving a presentation of different surface guided systems structuring the public transport networks in France, the aim of this research is to conduct a comparative analysis in order to better guide decisions of local authorities in their efforts to promote urban transport that meets the challenges of sustainable development. The advantages and the drawbacks of each system are analyzed and presented in a disaggregated way. In addition, a multicriteria method ELECTRE III is proposed and discussed for aggregating the results and proposing system(s) best suited for different operating conditions. The main result shows that the modern tramway on rail occupies a privileged place in most scenarios. However, the CIVIS, Translohr, TVR and even trolleybuses have their places with respect to operating conditions, given that the related infrastructure and operating costs are taken into account. The results of this research therefore encourage us to recommend, every time we propose a surface transit system, to review the whole range of systems and to do the comparative analysis with different context and time constraints integrating mid-term and long-term visions and predictable effects on the urban requalification

Because the operational characteristics of signalized intersections near highway-railroad grade crossings (IHRGCs) are different from those of signalized intersections located elsewhere in the traffic system, standard operational strategies do not apply. This is because safe operation at IHRGCs takes precedence over all other objectives. Because the prime objective of the current preemption methods is to clear the crossing, secondary objectives such as safe pedestrian crossing time and minimized delay are given less consideration or ignored completely. Consequently, state-of-the-practice strategies may cause serious pedestrian safety and efficiency problems at IHRGCs. Therefore, there is a definite need for research on how to improve traffic signal preemption strategies. An important element of preemption strategy is detection of trains and prediction of arrival times. However, because of the limitations of current detection technologies, estimation algorithms, etc., there is a wide range in these warning times. In this dissertation, a new train-arrival prediction algorithm was developed using detection equipment located farther upstream from the HRGC. The state-of-the-art transition preemption strategy (TPS) was developed to ensure that as preemption is initiated by approaching trains, the signal display does not change in a manner that endangers either pedestrians or drivers. However, because it does not account for the variability of predicted train arrival times, there is still a possibility of failure. Therefore, a new transition preemption algorithm that is specifically designed to improve intersection performance while maintaining or improving the current level of safety is developed. This dissertation developed a preemption strategy (TPS3) that uses better train arrival time estimates to improve the safety and efficiency of IHRGCs. The approach was simulated on a test bed in College Station, Texas, and it was concluded that the new TPS improves the safety and operation of intersections near highway-railroad grade crossings.

Submitted by Fabio Sobreira Campos da Costa (fabio.sobreira@ufpe.br) on 2016-04-19T12:54:17Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) DISSERTAÇÃO DE MESTRADO - SILAS VALENTE.pdf: 3356138 bytes, checksum: 5efc9b5c2ec967aba4a0eded24e8fd9a (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-19T12:54:17Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) DISSERTAÇÃO DE MESTRADO - SILAS VALENTE.pdf: 3356138 bytes, checksum: 5efc9b5c2ec967aba4a0eded24e8fd9a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-07-31 / As linhas de transmissão de energia elétrica (LT) são construções que se destinam ao transporte de energia elétrica das fontes geradoras aos centros de consumo. Uma LT possui como elementos básicos: cabos, isoladores e torres. O espaço no solo ocupado por esses elementos e entorno deve ser respeitado frente às diversas formas de ocupação. Esta área protegida é denominada Faixa de Servidão. A faixa de servidão, como território ocupado com potencial de geração de riscos à população, têm inúmeras restrições quanto à sua utilização, dada sua destinação: proteger o sistema elétrico e a sociedade. Sua largura varia em função da tensão dos cabos. Para tensões de 230 e 500 kV (kilovolts) a largura da faixa de servidão é respectivamente de 50 e 65 metros. A ocupação e conservação da faixa de servidão de forma adequada possibilitam maior segurança para as pessoas e bens localizados na vizinhança, bem como maior rapidez na localização de anomalias e na manutenção na LT. Ocupações das faixas de servidão, que não estejam contempladas no projeto de instalação da LT, são consideradas ocupação irregular ou invasão e devem ser identificadas e removidas. Atualmente existem dados de sensoriamento remoto de média e alta resolução espacial que podem auxiliar no estudo do uso e cobertura do solo. Neste contexto, esta pesquisa tem como objetivo desenvolver uma metodologia, a partir de dados de sensoriamento remoto (CBERS-2B/HRC e SRTM), para identificar áreas invadidas e suscetíveis à ocupação irregular em faixa de servidão de LT. Para isso foram aplicadas técnicas de segmentação, classificação de imagem e desenvolvido modelos matemáticos usando parâmetros definidos nesta pesquisa. A área de estudo é a faixa da LT 230 kV Ibicoara/Brumado, localizada no estado da Bahia. A pesquisa caracterizou de forma abrangente e eficaz, a temática de LT e faixa de servidão, envolvendo aspectos técnicos, ambientais e de segurança, e contextualizou o sensoriamento remoto relacionando-o com o tema, envolvendo sistemas sensores e aplicações. Os resultados do estudo mostraram-se eficientes na observação/fiscalização do quadro de ocupação da faixa de servidão em locais específicos, sendo possível antecipar ocorrência de invasões, auxiliando na gestão de rede transmissão de energia elétrica. / The transmission lines (TL) are constructions intended for the transport of electricity from the generating sources to consumption centers. A TL has as basic elements: cables, insulators and towers. The land space occupied by these elements and surroundings must be respected across the various forms of occupation. This protected area is called right of way. The right of way as a potential risk area for population has numerous restrictions for its use, given their destination: protect the electrical system. Its width varies depending on the tension of the cables. For voltages of 230 and 500 kV (kilovolts) the width of the right of way is respectively 50 and 65 meters. The occupation and conservation of the right of way enables greater security for people and property located in the surroundings, as well as greater speed in detecting anomalies and for the maintenance of the TL. Occupations in the right of way, which are not included in the TL installation project, are considered illegal occupation or invasion and must be identified and removed. Currently there are remote sensing data of medium and high spatial resolution that can support the study of land use and land cover. In this context, this research aims to develop a methodology, based on remote sensing data (CBERS-2B / HRC and SRTM) to identify areas invaded and susceptible to irregular occupation in the right of way. Therefore, segmentation techniques, image classification and developed mathematical models using parameters defined for this search were applied. The study area is the right of way of the TL 230 kV Ibicoara / Brumado, located in the state of Bahia. This study used a comprehensive and effective way to characterize the issues related to TL and its right of way, considering technical, environmental and safety aspects, and contextualized remote sensing relating it to the subject, considering sensor systems and applications. The results of the study showed to be efficient in the observation / surveillance for the status of occupation of the right of way, in specific locations, making possible the anticipation of occurrence of invasions, giving more support for the management of power grid.

Diploma thesis deals with oficial causes of road accidents and their consequences. In the first part are defined basic terms connected with traffic accidents, their classification and statistical records. The second part is focused on analysis of long – term statistics of traffic accidents in the the Czech Republic for the years 1996-2015, which aim has been assed the total number of accidents, their causes and consequences. The results of the analysis have been compared to other European countries or states associated in OECD. In the context of theoretical part have been characterized legal and also technical interpretation of selected terms of act no 361/200 coll. concerning road traffic. Conclusion of the thesis is based on application of legal and also technical interpretation in case studies with real road accident.

Right-of-way business processes have been identified as one of the areas where information bottlenecks occur in transportation agencies, not only because of the amount of information involved, but also because of the interdependent nature of these activities. Transportation projects are associated with parcels whose status change during and after the project based on information from right-of-way activities. Geospatially enabled decision making tools enhance data interpretation as well as data retrieval of this information. By using enterprise-level applications, information sharing between the transportation agency, other jurisdictions, and the public becomes more efficient. Being able to quickly visualize the status of parcels in a geospatial environment further enhances the management of resources which, in turn, improves timely project delivery. This thesis presents a conceptual framework for an information management system and its geospatial enablement through a logical model for Geospatial Decision Making Activities (GDMA) in transportation right-of-way offices. The logical model for GDMA, presented in Unified Modeling Language, includes state machine diagram and data flow diagram models for tracking the parcel and capturing the geospatial enablement of right-of-way activities. / Master of Science

Ce mémoire s’intéresse à la collaboration entre deux groupes d’acteurs grâce à qui des sentiers de marche en milieu naturel sont rendus accessibles au public sur les terres privées : les propriétaires fonciers et les gestionnaires de réseaux pédestres. Souvent fondé sur des ententes de droit de passage, leur partenariat répond à une demande sociale grandissante pour la pratique d’activités de sport et de loisir en plein air, plus forte encore à proximité des zones urbaines. Or, il repose sur des assises précaires. Compte tenu du peu de connaissances dont nous disposons sur ces enjeux au Québec, cette recherche exploratoire vise à comprendre dans quelle mesure l’accès du public aux sentiers de randonnée pédestre formels localisés sur des terrains privés peut être compatible avec l'exercice des droits de propriété privés. Nous cernons à la fois les facteurs influençant cette compatibilité ainsi que les stratégies mobilisées par les gestionnaires et les propriétaires pour utiliser ces facteurs comme leviers ou, au contraire, réduire leur portée. Une enquête de terrain qualitative a été menée en deux phases : d’abord auprès de gestionnaires de sentiers de plusieurs régions du Québec (première phase), puis auprès de gestionnaires et de propriétaires fonciers de Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval (cas ciblé pour la seconde phase). Les résultats de la recherche montrent que l’accès du public peut être compatible avec l’exercice des droits de propriété privés, mais que cela dépend de deux facteurs majeurs : la capacité des acteurs (1) d’actualiser leurs propres pratiques et représentations du terrain et (2) de se faire mutuellement confiance. Les manifestations de ces facteurs et les stratégies employées par les deux groupes d’acteurs sont exposées. Puis, nous identifions l’enjeu cardinal pour chacun d’eux. Les propriétaires souhaitent continuer de profiter de leur propriété en dépit et au-delà de la présence du sentier. Les gestionnaires, conscients du caractère asymétrique de la relation qui les lie aux propriétaires, tentent de construire le lien de confiance avec ces derniers, tout en composant avec des ressources limitées. Le mémoire propose finalement une réflexion sur de possibles pistes d’intervention à partir des solutions évoquées par les participants et d’un examen de différents outils d’urbanisme. La recherche expose sa contribution sur les plans théorique, méthodologique et pratique. Elle a été l’occasion de revisiter l’étendue et les limites de l’exercice des droits de propriété au Québec en plus de montrer la valeur heuristique de la théorie de l’accès. Sa démarche exploratoire, itérative et les méthodes utilisées ont permis de générer de nouvelles connaissances empirique pour le Québec. La réflexion sur de possibles pistes d’intervention pourra éclairer les professionnels de l’aménagement du territoire. / This paper focuses on the collaboration between two groups of actors who make nature trails accessible to the public on private land: landowners and hiking trails managers. Often based on right of way agreements, their partnership meets a growing social demand for outdoor recreation, which is even stronger near urban areas. However, it is based on a precarious foundation. Given the limited knowledge we have on these issues in Quebec, this exploratory research aims to understand the extent to which public access to formal hiking trails located on private land can be compatible with the exercise of private property rights. We identify both the factors influencing this compatibility and the strategies mobilized by managers and owners to use these factors as levers or, on the contrary, to reduce their scope. A qualitative field survey was conducted in two phases: first with hiking trail managers located in several regions of Quebec (first phase), and then with managers and private landowners in Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval (case selected for the second phase). The research results show that public access can be compatible with the exercise of private property rights when associated with two major factors: the actors’ ability (1) to accomplish their own uses and representations of the land and (2) to trust each other. The manifestations of these factors and the strategies employed by the two groups of actors are outlined. Then, we identify the main issue for each of them. The private landowners want to keep on benefitting from the property despite and beyond the presence of the trail. The managers – aware of the asymmetrical nature of the relationship between them and the owners – try to build trust with the latter while dealing with limited resources. Finally, a reflection on possible avenues of intervention is initiated based on the solutions mentioned by the participants and an examination of various urban planning tools. The research presents its contribution on the theoretical, methodological, and practical levels. It was an opportunity to revisit the scope and limits of the exercise of property rights in Quebec and to demonstrate the heuristic value of access theory. Its exploratory, iterative approach, and the methods used have generated new empirical knowledge for Quebec. The reflection on possible avenues of intervention could enlighten land use planning professionals.