Wind Data Collection and Analysis of Topographical Features along a Highway for Traffic Safety Assessment Based on Mobile Mapping Technology

Abstract

Strong crosswind is one of the main factors that may cause traffic collisions. Because the wind velocity is influenced by the roadside environment and surrounding terrain, its distribution varies in both the temporal and spatial domains. Therefore, locations with a high probability of strong crosswind should be identified and safety measures should be implemented at these sites. However, geographical data of continuous winds along a highway cannot easily be obtained using existing technology. This prompted the development of a method for geo-location positioning and terrain analysis with elevation data in ArcGIS in combination with mobile mapping technology. The method was applied in a field test conducted on three different highways in China to identify places at which stronger crosswinds occur. The results showed that the proposed method can successfully obtain site-specific wind and crosswind velocity data. It was found that strong winds along the tested highways usually occur at a saddleback or at the border of a riverbank and river, whereas crosswinds are relatively stronger in sections connecting a bridge and tunnel, a bridgehead, or a cross-sea bridge. This information will be useful for future highway projects and traffic safety assessment.