Citation

Brewer KA, Ring SL. Transp. Res. Rec. 1976; 562: 49-58.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1976, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Establishing basic design, safety, and aesthetic standards and criteria for interchanges does not guarantee that there will be no problems. The designer still faces a high degree of uncertainty regarding the actual operating characteristics of each completed facility. Iterative design adds a degree of dynamism to a basically static process. An initial design is developed, evaluation criteria are applied, and through feedback, the design is modified. The design feedback loop may consist of profile models, 3-dimensional models, computer graphics, experiment building, and driver-behavior analysis. Driver behavior on an existing facility can be observed to see whether it conforms to the behavior that was presumed in establishing design criteria. Deviation from assumed behavior then is evaluated for severity, magnitude, frequency, and the expected trend over time. Furnished with a knowledge of the degree of erratic and hazardous driving, the engineer then is faced with translating these data into alternative solutions. The research discussed herein concerns the operating characteristics of a freeway-to-freeway interchange in Council Bluffs, Iowa. A driver-behavior analysis was conducted by using videotape records of operations, and alternative solutions were presented.