Development of a Salt Spreader Controller Program Using Machine-Sensed Roadway Weather Parameters

Massachusetts treats more than 15,000 lane miles during winter. It is critical to deliver the materials efficiently and effectively so that the impacts of winter storms on road operations are minimized while the utilization of the materials is maximized to reduce potential environmental impacts. This proposed study aims to develop and validate an automated system that can automatically adjust the spreader controller based on the acquired mobile RWIS sensor data, such as road temperature, grip level, and surface state. The anticipated products include a hardware/software program that enables automated roadway treatment with minimum supervisor/plow driver’s intervention. The program will consist of essential hardware, RWIS data acquisition software, and the spreader controlling algorithm. The research team will also provide recommendations on utilizing the developed programs through tutorials and presentations. If successful, the outcome of this study will include a sensor-based material application decision model and the recommended configurations for sensor instrumentation so that it lays a critical foundation for seamless integration and successful implementation for a more extensive fleet of MassDOT winter operation vehicles in the future.

Language

  • English

Project

  • Status: Completed
  • Funding: $125,000
  • Contract Numbers:

    117740

  • Sponsor Organizations:

    Federal Highway Administration

    Massachusetts Division
    55 Broadway, 10th Floor
    Cambridge, Massachusetts  United States  02142
  • Principal Investigators:

    Ai, Chengbo

    Tessier, Russell

  • Start Date: 20220425
  • Expected Completion Date: 20240731
  • Actual Completion Date: 20240731

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01857500
  • Record Type: Research project
  • Source Agency: Massachusetts Department of Transportation
  • Contract Numbers: 117740
  • Files: RIP, STATEDOT
  • Created Date: Sep 12 2022 5:17PM