Delaigue, P. (2004) "Safety of Excessive Pavement Wedge Due to Overlays", Transportation Research Board 84th Annual Meeting, Washington, DC.

Abstract: This study investigates the potential hazard to vehicles of excessive roadside edge wedge and develops a safety design countermeasure. Using the Human Vehicle Environment (HVE) simulation tool, a typical driving scenario, road profiles, vehicles and driver’s behavior were selected to represent high risk situations. Roadside wedge heights and slopes were modeled and varied to study the potential hazard to vehicles for different pavement conditions (i.e. dry or wet), vehicle type/size, load configurations, and driver’s reaction times. The effects of other parameters were also evaluated. A large sample of wedge dimensions was investigated. Tractor semi-trailers experienced the most severe instabilities. A geometric criterion was introduced to help design safer roadside edge wedges.