| Abstract: | Researchers developed a set of integrated infrastructure-based and economic models to evaluate the infrastructure and planning impacts of increased numbers of automated trucks and truck platoons operating on Texas highways. As automated and platooned truck technologies evolve and their use in Texas highway corridors continues to grow, it is critical that state transportation planners and engineers are able to quickly evaluate the potential impacts of, impediments to, and solutions for addressing the impacts of these vehicles upon Texas highway infrastructure. The project developed a geographic information system dashboard-based Fast Web Tool that uses user-input conditions to calculate physical infrastructure impacts on bridges, on different types of asphalt and concrete pavements, and under flooding or other soil conditions; and that allows economic analysis of the impacts of a given scenario over time. This project builds on the findings of TxDOT Project 0-6984, Evaluate Potential Impacts, Benefits, Impediments, and Solutions of Automated Trucks and Truck Platooning on Texas Highway Infrastructure, completed by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute in 2020. |
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