Typescript. / Digitized by Kansas Correctional Industries

This paper summarises the results of using image processing technique to get information about the load of timber trucks before their arrival using digital images or geo tagged images. Once the images are captured and sent to sawmill by drivers from forest, we can predict their arrival time using geo tagged coordinates, count the number of (timber) logs piled up in a truck, identify their type and calculate their diameter. With this information we can schedule and prioritise the inflow and unloading of trucks in the light of production schedules and raw material stocks available at the sawmill yard. It is important to keep all the actors in a supply chain integrated coordinated, so that optimal working routines can be reached in the sawmill yard.

The growing number of trucks traveling on freeways has caused more traffic congestion and increased the likelihood of truck-related crashes. Many transportation agencies are considering a new concept of truck-only toll (TOT) lanes to provide a more efficient and safer freight transportation system. This research develops a methodology for identifying candidate TOT lanes in the freeway system. The modeling of TOT lanes in different geographic applications includes individual TOT corridors, a regional TOT network, and a statewide TOT network. The criteria employed in a geographic information system (GIS)-based screening process to determine feasible TOT corridors and their boundaries/extents include: freeway level of service, truck volumes, truck percentage of total freeway flow, truck-related crashes, and truckers willingness to pay. The research also presents the process for determining optimum toll rates for TOT lanes. Furthermore, this research addresses issues of assessing the engineering design of TOT lane placement and the performance measures of using either mandatory or voluntary TOT lanes. This research also examines freeway performance under two scenarios -- adding general purpose lanes or building TOT lanes with both mandatory and voluntary use. Finally, this research addresses the strategies for critical issues associated with the planning, design, and operation of TOT lanes and presents TOT planning guidance.

This thesis deals with the development of a mathematical model for an air brake system in the presence of leaks. Brake systems in trucks are crucial for ensuring the safety of vehicles and passengers on the roadways. Most trucks in the US are equipped with S-cam drum brake systems and they are sensitive to maintenance. Brake defects such as leaks are a major cause of accidents involving trucks. Leaks in the air brake systems affect braking performance drastically by decreasing the peak braking pressures attained and also increasing the time required to attain the same, thereby resulting in longer stopping distances. Hence there is a need for detecting leaks in an air brake system. In this thesis, a mathematical model for an air brake system in the presence of leaks is developed with a view towards developing an automatic leak detection system in the near future. The model developed here builds on an earlier research at Texas A&M University in which a "fault free" model of an air brake system is developed, i.e., a mathematical model of an air brake system that predicts how the pressure in the brake chamber evolves as a function of the brake pedal input when there are no leaks in the air brake system.In order to develop a model for an air brake system in the presence of leaks, one must characterize a "leak". A leak may be characterized by the location and its size. Since the pipes are short, the location of the leak does not significantly affect the evolution in the brake pressure as much as its size. For this reason, "effective area" of the leak was chosen as a characteristic of the leak. It was estimated by fitting an empirical relation for leak with leak flow measurement data. The supply pressure and effective area of leak comprised the inputs to the model along with the displacement of the foot pedal (treadle valve plunger). The model was corroborated with the experimental data collected using the setup at Texas A&M University.

Thesis (M.B.A.)--Naval Postgraduate School, December 2003. / "MBA professional report"--Cover. Thesis advisor(s):Donald R. Eaton, Michael W. Boudreau, Brad R. Naegle. Includes bibliographical references (p. 41-42). Also available online.

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This paper shows the economic efficiency of allowing longer combination vehicles in Texas. First, an overview of the truck size and weight policies is explained, with an emphasis on those that affect Texas. Next, LCV operations in other countries are described. Then, an LCV scenario for Texas is chosen, with specific routes and vehicle types. Operational costs for these vehicles are calculated on a cost per mile and cost per ton (or cubic yard) mile. The LCV scenario and the current truck base case are analyzed to estimate the number of truck trips, the number of mile, and the cost per mile for the chosen routes. These are then compared to estimate the change if LCVs were allowed in Texas. / text

Road transportation grew by 3.3 % per year over the past ten years which is faster than the economic growth of 2.3 % per year. European Commission plans for an increase of 55 % for road transportation between 2000 and 2020. This growth puts pressure on current trucking industry considering fuel consumption, emissions of green house gases, and traffic congestion.  High demand logistics industry and current pressure creates trends towards flexibility and longer vehicle combinations for efficiency and to reduce the number of engines on roads, challenging the current coupling methods of the trailers.  Primary method called 5th wheel coupling comes from a similar coupling used on 4 wheel horse-drawn carriages of the 19th century which is reliable in terms of attaching truck and trailer but has significant safety, efficiency and comfort issues for driver and the vehicles-people around.  So what if hauling setup could be safer and smarter?

70 % of the worlds most expensive wildfireshas occurred since year 2003. This is a clear example of that wildfires arean increasingly growing problem which demands new solutions. Some of the most prominent problems of fighting wildfires are the harsh terrainand limited accessibility, the lack of communication and difficulties in creating an overview off the scene and predict how the wildfire will develop. These problems are all factors which I have tried to focus on in my degree project, the Trition. By doing thoroughly research about wildfires and by gathering information and inspiration from other areas, such as the military, it was possible to see the problems of wildfires in a more problem solving perspective. Ideas and forms were generated through unrestrictive sketching and created sketch models.The Trition is a terrain fire truck that serves as a response vehicle, with exceptionally good off-road mobility and that always can be first at the scene. The Trition also serves as a command central which can organise the enormous operations that big fires demands. By having a mobile and multifunctional command central it is possible to always have the latest data about the scene and plan the wildfire fighting in the most efficient way.The Trition is equipped with a drone on its roof. The drone can take off and sweep the area, collecting data which gives the firefighters a good overview and that help to predict the wildfire, such as wind speed and the terrain incline. The drone also has an important preventing function. By regularly sweeping inhabitant areas, the drones infrared camera can detect wildfires earlyon and alert the Trition for an early intervention.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2007. / The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on April 4, 2008) Includes bibliographical references.