Advanced Materials and Construction for Preformed Traffic Loops

With their proven performance, reliability, and low cost, inductive loop sensors are widely employed in traffic monitoring and control. However, the presently used preformed loops suffer from frequent breakage induced by traffic or repaving operations - a need exists to develop a preformed inductive loop that can survive these stresses. Additionally, the performed loop should be immune to changing environmental conditions, should withstand abrasive materials and movement of the pavement, and should be resistant to sealant chemicals and petroleum-based contaminants from road vehicles. ORINCON proposes to develop a Flat Cable Loop design to address the deficiencies of presently available preformed loops. In particular, the design will aim to prevent loop breakage due to thermal and mechanical stress associated with repavig operations and roadway traffic, reduce the cross-section size to fit a 3/8" saw cut, and minimize the connector size between the loop and the home run cable. The loop will be easy to configure and install in the field. In Phase I, ORINCON will formulate the specifications for wire insulation materials, the home run wire, and connector materials and fabrication. To make the design a viable commercial alternative to the presently available preformed loops, the Flat Cable Loop will be supported by thorough cost analysis of materials, manufacturing, and installation. Phase II will include manufacturing of a prototype and thorough field tests of the Flat Cable Loop.