Smart Construction Work-Zone Safety with ADAS and Passive Road Sensing

Principal Investigator(s):

Jeffery Roesler, Associate Head for Graduate Affairs Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering – The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Project Abstract:
This project addresses the safety of workers and drivers in construction work zones (CWZ) by providing feedback to drivers on their speed and upcoming maneuvers (e.g., merge or entrance/exit ramps. The primary objective is to optimize the vehicle sensing system and electromagnetic material (EM) configuration for application in smart construction work zones. This new project builds on some exploratory research completed in a previous project at the feasibility of passive road sensing applications in CWZ. The initial laboratory testing of utilizing EM signatures from passive sensing strips to improve driver awareness and response through in-vehicle warning systems showed promise for CWZ enhancements. The proposed research seeks to expand the testing and development of passive sensing technology outside the lab settings with 3D magnetometers and programmable electromagnetic materials. The proposed experiments will evaluate the V2I system performance on a moving vehicle (cart) equipped with 3D magnetometers and programmable EM materials embedded on the road. Through these advancements, this project contributes to the broader “Vision Zero” initiative for safer roadways, with the goal of significantly enhancing driver awareness and response within construction work zones.

Institution(s): University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Award Year: 2023

Research Focus: Safety

Project Form(s):