Development of an Intelligent Snowplow Truck that Integrates Telematics Technology, Roadway Sensors, and Connected Vehicle

Abstract

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) manages and maintains over 28,000 miles of roadways. Maintenance of the roadways includes pavement repair in the summer as well as snow removal and de-icing in the winter. The prioritization of assets during winter storm events is crucial and impacts travel and safety. The objective of this project was to identify and develop tools INDOT could provide its operators to effectively perform winter operation de-icing activities. This project examined application methods and data to provide analytics and make data-driven decisions for state-wide deployment and operations. Discovery of calibration metrics partnered with fleetwide telematics enabled the development of analytic dashboards that allowed real-time evaluations and adjustments to be made during winter operation activities. These tools will allow the agency to better treat and enhance safety for road users.

Reducing Distracted Driving and Improving Consistency with Brine Truck Automation

“…Figure 5a shows the interior of the truck cab with callout i being the standard truck operation and perspective. The user interface controller, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) antenna, solenoid control module, and wiring harness are four pieces of equipment from the agricultural industry required to automate the brining controls [39,40]. The user interface controller (callout ii in Figure 5a) is a Raven Viper 4, a 12.1-inch touch screen with the Raven Operating System installed.…”

Calibration and Confidence in Snowplow Fleet Operations and Fleet Telematics

“…Recent advances in the availability of traffic data, weather models, and telematics technology coupled with an increase in widespread affordability and accessibility have enabled agencies, including INDOT, to instrument their fleet of maintenance vehicles and utilize statewide tracking dashboards to better monitor and assess the effectiveness of roadway maintenance operations in near real-time [3] [4] [5]. The statewide integration of a Maintenance Decision Support System (MDSS) into its planning operations in the winter of 2008-2009 helped INDOT save nearly $12 million by reducing salt usage by 40.9 percent [6].…”