Different improvements can be identified for any given transportation network. Limited funding is typically available for proposed transportation projects, and thus identifying, ranking, and prioritizing the different transportation... more
Different improvements can be identified for any given transportation network. Limited funding is typically available for proposed transportation projects, and thus identifying, ranking, and prioritizing the different transportation alternatives is essential. Extensive travel demand, mapping and engineering studies are conducted in analyzing every transportation alternative for corridor planning and operational improvement; such costly and time consuming traditional methods may not identify the best alternative to proceed into the engineering design level. Therefore, a more efficient approach is needed to improve the detailed corridor planning process. This research aimed to incorporate a range of evaluation criteria into a structured GIS-based framework for corridor planning and analysis. The organization of evaluation components was based on two relatively independent levels, alignment and operational analysis. With a wide spectrum of evaluation factors incorporated in the developed framework (geometric, environmental, economic), identifying the best alternative becomes a complex problem. A decision support approach based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to structure the multi-criteria evaluation task and to provide a tool for ranking various alternatives. The developed evaluation framework was simplified and organized in two levels, by separating corridor alignment analysis from operational options, and developing evaluation and ranking procedures for both levels. Ongoing research aims to develop a comprehensive evaluation framework integrating both levels in the numerous cases where corridor analysis cannot be conducted in isolation of operational scenarios.
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The objective of this paper is to assess the potential of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) in alleviating traffic congestion in a developing congested city and to analyze implications related to vehicle-induced emissions. The... more
The objective of this paper is to assess the potential of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) in alleviating traffic congestion in a developing congested city and to analyze implications related to vehicle-induced emissions. The Greater Beirut Area road network is used as the test bed for evaluation of specific strategies for incident management, which is the ITS application considered for this
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Research Interests:
This paper develops a hybrid choice-latent variable model combined with a Hidden Markov model in order to analyze the causes of aggressive driving and forecast its manifestations accordingly. The model is grounded in the state-trait anger... more
This paper develops a hybrid choice-latent variable model combined with a Hidden Markov model in order to analyze the causes of aggressive driving and forecast its manifestations accordingly. The model is grounded in the state-trait anger theory; it treats trait driving anger as a latent variable that is expressed as a function of individual characteristics, or as an agent effect, and state anger as a dynamic latent variable that evolves over time and affects driving behavior, and that is expressed as a function of trait anger, frustrating events, and contextual variables (e.g., geometric roadway features, flow conditions, etc.). This model may be used in order to test measures aimed at reducing aggressive driving behavior and improving road safety, and can be incorporated into micro-simulation packages to represent aggressive driving. The paper also presents an application of this model to data obtained from a driving simulator experiment performed at the American University of Bei...
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Shop ASCE; MyASCE; Donate Now; Contact Us; About Civil Engineering; About ASCE. ASCE Join Now. Knowledge & Learning: Books & Journals; CE Body of Knowledge; Certification; Codes & Standards; Conferences; Continuing... more
Shop ASCE; MyASCE; Donate Now; Contact Us; About Civil Engineering; About ASCE. ASCE Join Now. Knowledge & Learning: Books & Journals; CE Body of Knowledge; Certification; Codes & Standards; Conferences; Continuing ...
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ABSTRACT The selection of an appropriate alignment for a proposed highway is determined largely by relating topographic, urban, and environmental features to geometric design controls. Typically, aerial photographs and topographic,... more
ABSTRACT The selection of an appropriate alignment for a proposed highway is determined largely by relating topographic, urban, and environmental features to geometric design controls. Typically, aerial photographs and topographic, geologic, and soil maps are reviewed. In this paper, a geographic information system (GIS) platform that incorporates the main coverages needed for evaluating route alignments is described. Using the GIS and a geographically referenced database, a decision-aid tool for multicriteria evaluation of route alignments is developed. Possible alignments are evaluated based on community disruption and environmental, geotechnical, and geometric design criteria. The developed decision-aid tool integrates slope stability and roadway design packages and specifically written codes with GIS packages ARC/INFO and ArcView, the latter acting as the system engine and interface. A case study is presented that applies the developed platform to the testing of potential alignments for a proposed 12 km highway to the south of the city of Beirut, Lebanon. Results of the case study demonstrated the advantages of the decision-aid tool and highlighted its potential in providing a quick, multicriteria screening evaluation of possible route alignments.
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... However, jitney drivers are infamous for erratic driving, unsafe loading and unloading practices, and contributing to congestion. It goes without saying that jitney systems influence the traffic conditions of each city they operate... more
... However, jitney drivers are infamous for erratic driving, unsafe loading and unloading practices, and contributing to congestion. It goes without saying that jitney systems influence the traffic conditions of each city they operate in. ...
ABSTRACT Urbanization in developing countries is causing an increase in roadside air pollution, which is associated with adverse environmental impacts. Such impacts are most prevalent in densely overpopulated urban centers, creating the... more
ABSTRACT Urbanization in developing countries is causing an increase in roadside air pollution, which is associated with adverse environmental impacts. Such impacts are most prevalent in densely overpopulated urban centers, creating the need for mitigation strategies. In developed countries, traffic and environmental policy planners are relying on stringent regulations, advanced tailpipe emission-reduction technologies, and complex traffic control measures (such as high-occupancy vehicles restricted lanes, bus-dedicated lanes, park-and-ride facilities, dynamic traffic light signalization, and hot-spot management) to mitigate excess automotive emissions. In contrast, developing countries may require only conventional or traditional traffic control measures (such as truck rerouting, car pooling, and promoting mass transit) along with affordable simple technological solutions to reduce automotive emissions to acceptable levels, at least in the short term, because of differences in traffic fleet characteristics and transportation infrastructure extensiveness. The present research aims at integrating a traffic model (,EMME/2) and an emission model (MOBILE5B) to simulate the emission inventory in the future central business district of Beirut city. The modeling effort will serve as a decision support tool for environmental/transportation policy planners to manage traffic-related air pollution problems. Simulation results showed that, with a proper set of policies and fiscal incentives, simple control measures can reduce total emissions by 45-85% depending on the alternative selected.
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ABSTRACT The selection of an appropriate alignment for a proposed highway is determined largely by relating topographic, urban, and environmental features to geometric design controls. Typically, aerial photographs and topographic,... more
ABSTRACT The selection of an appropriate alignment for a proposed highway is determined largely by relating topographic, urban, and environmental features to geometric design controls. Typically, aerial photographs and topographic, geologic, and soil maps are reviewed. In this paper, a geographic information system (GIS) platform that incorporates the main coverages needed for evaluating route alignments is described. Using the GIS and a geographically referenced database, a decision-aid tool for multicriteria evaluation of route alignments is developed. Possible alignments are evaluated based on community disruption and environmental, geotechnical, and geometric design criteria. The developed decision-aid tool integrates slope stability and roadway design packages and specifically written codes with GIS packages ARC/INFO and ArcView, the latter acting as the system engine and interface. A case study is presented that applies the developed platform to the testing of potential alignments for a proposed 12 km highway to the south of the city of Beirut, Lebanon. Results of the case study demonstrated the advantages of the decision-aid tool and highlighted its potential in providing a quick, multicriteria screening evaluation of possible route alignments.
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This paper reports on the new seaport of ancient Sidon (the larest city in Southern Lebanon), whose implementation program is currently underway. Extensive debate has taken place, and a comprehensive investigation has been undertaken by... more
This paper reports on the new seaport of ancient Sidon (the larest city in Southern Lebanon), whose implementation program is currently underway. Extensive debate has taken place, and a comprehensive investigation has been undertaken by the port authority to decide on the ...