Construction laborer crushed by asphalt truck while paving interstate highway.

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1996 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 171-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark R. Hafen ◽  
Robert Brinkmann
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Author(s):  
Michael A. Staiano

Traffic noise exposures were measured at various locations adjacent to an Interstate highway and compared with sound levels predicted by the FHWA Traffic Noise Model (TNM). The prediction procedure underestimated the measured sound attenuation by 6 to 12 A-weighted decibels. Various TNM site model configurations were evaluated in an effort to improve agreement between measurements and predictions. For the site tested—a severe case with relatively distant receptors and extreme topography—variations in ground impedance (including a median ground zone) had little benefit or were counterproductive, while adding topographic detail via terrain lines helped somewhat. The best agreement resulted from the incorporation of a tree zone for the wooded site. However, this benefit is thought to be chance, because the site was not only relatively lightly wooded but also thinly foliaged at the time of the on-site measurements.


Author(s):  
Harold Josephs

While Traveling On An Interstate Highway, A Pick-Up Truck Went Out Of Control As A Result Of The Detachment Of Its Left Rear Wheel. The Loss Of A Wheel From A Moving Vehicle Obviously Represents A Significant Safety Hazard, And, Apparently, Is Not A Rare Occurrence. Wheel Detachment From A Moving Vehicle Causes Instability Of The Vehicle, Which Can Lead To A Series Of Catastrophic Events, Resulting In Serious Injury Or Death. The National Transportation Safety Board Estimates That Approximately 750 - 1050 Reported Accidents And 40-50 Fatalities A Year Occur Due To Truck-Wheel Separations The Wheel-Off Failure Discussed Herein Resulted From The Loss Of Adequate Clamping Load On The Nut/Lug/Wheel Joint. A Case Study Is Presented Of A Vehicle Wheel-Off Failure, After More Than 2000 Miles Of Travel, Resulting From Inadequately Torqued Lug Nuts. An Analysis Is Presented To Determine The Elements Of Causation.


2014 ◽  
Vol 129 (3) ◽  
pp. 1085-1140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Treb Allen ◽  
Costas Arkolakis

Abstract We develop a general equilibrium framework to determine the spatial distribution of economic activity on any surface with (nearly) any geography. Combining the gravity structure of trade with labor mobility, we provide conditions for the existence, uniqueness, and stability of a spatial economic equilibrium and derive a simple set of equations that govern the relationship between economic activity and the geography of the surface. We then use the framework to estimate the topography of trade costs, productivities and amenities in the United States. We find that geographic location accounts for at least twenty percent of the spatial variation in U.S. income. Finally, we calculate that the construction of the interstate highway system increased welfare by 1.1 to 1.4 percent, which is substantially larger than its cost.


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