Development of Temporary Rumble Strip Specifications

The objective of this study was to develop specifications for portable reusable temporary rumble strips for their applications in different work zone settings in Kansas. A detailed literature review, a survey of practice, and a closed-course test were performed regarding temporary rumble strips. Additionally, data from permanent cut-in-place (CIP) rumble strips at six locations in Kansas were collected. All commercially available portable reusable temporary rumble strips were tested at once in a closed-course setting using a standard dump truck and a full-size car. The rumble strips’ rotational movement, linear movement, and sound produced by a traversing vehicle were chosen as parameters in developing the decision matrix. Measurements of the strips’ linear and angular movements and sound generated due to the test vehicles passing over the rumble strips were collected for a total of 40 passes each at speeds of 22.5, 37.5, 57.5, and 67.5 mph. A matrix and a classification table were created with class intervals defining the classes based on the performance of temporary rumble strips at each of the speeds.

Threshold limits for movements, rotation, and sound generation of the temporary rumble strips at each of the speeds were calculated for developing the classification table. Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) and Average Daily Truck Traffic (ADTT) were used in calculating threshold limits for movement and rotation, and sound threshold limits were based on CIP strips’ sound data. A matrix consisting of all the classes, which incorporates various work zone conditions ranging from low-speed, low-volume to highspeed, high-volume work zone conditions was developed. This matrix in combination with the classification table provides a basis for a recommended method of any vendor or a research team with information regarding the performance of a temporary rumble strip, the type of class it belongs to, and its applicability in
various work zone conditions.