Two new projects, endorsed by TAC's Chief Engineers' Council, are currently being developed. Organizations interested in making a financial contribution and participating on the oversight steering commmittee should contact Sarah Wells.
Speed Reader Board Devices: Application Guidelines
Dynamic speed display signs are being used in many jurisdictions across Canada. The devices display the speed of passing vehicles, typically along with a sign showing the posted speed limit.
Intended to increase driver awareness of speed limits and to provide instant feedback to motorists by displaying the actual speed being travelled, the devices have been found to be effective shortly following installation. However some devices used in the field present excessive distraction potential and may not achieve their intended goal. The design, application and use of speed reader boards are not covered by any current TAC guideline.
TAC’s Traffic Operations and Management Standing Committee proposed this project that will review devices currently available on the market and survey agencies regarding existing practices or related guidelines about speed reader devices. Building on this research, the ultimate objective will be to establish best practices and to develop guidelines for speed reader device design and application.
Design, Construction and Inspection Guidelines for Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls
Mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls have been installed in Canada over the past decades. There is growing concern among owners regarding ultimate responsibility for structural and geotechnical design, material considerations, inspection during construction, asset management and repairs.
There is currently no Code authority in Canada which addresses these concerns and owners rely heavily on international resources for guidance.
The objective of this project, jointly proposed by TAC’s Structures and Soils and Material Standing Committees, will be to collaborate with owners, designers and industry partners to develop a synthesis of guidelines in the selection of backfill materials, requirements for geotechnical investigation and design, structural design, construction inspection, overall asset management and in-service repair procedures.
Lines of responsibility for fabrication, installation, geotechnical and drainage considerations, long term performance targets and life cycle costs will also be identified.
A review of existing codes, MSE wall design manuals, guides, and best practices, as well as surveys will be conducted to determine pertinent issues and to develop a synthesis of best and worst practices with relevant illustrations.
The major deliverable for this project will be a synthesis of best practices along with some guidance from geotechnical and structural design experts and industry. Further development of a national MSE wall design and construction guide may follow.
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