Technical information

Chapter 2

Supported Projects

2.1 Introduction

The support of machines is extensive during the field deployment phase of the project.

However, additional support is provided during the development phase. Information

gathered during the field testing is often important during development of other projects.

Current highway maintenance equipment, practices, and operator interface issues are a

few items of great value.

2.2 Intelligent Herbicide Applicator Sprayer IHAS

During the first year of this task order, Caltrans maintenance headquarters had shown

interest in continuing testing with the IHAS system, however, the vehicle was not

running at the time. A new 12V – 120V power inverter was installed and repair work to

the main computer completed. Using water in the main spray tank, the system was

initialized and tested at the AHMCT facility and at several equipment demonstrations

including the CAATS show at Cal Expo. The machine was run in several different

environments and failures, reported during previous testing, were recreated. In an effort

to improve the machine, information about the current herbicide operation was gathered.

Prior to the implementation of any changes in the machine, a new smart herbicide

spraying project was initiated requiring the use of the IHAS platform.

2.3 Debris Removal Vehicle (DRV)

The current Debris Removal Vehicle (DRV) was originally manufactured by Pic-All Inc.

After being in the field for several years with little operational time, the Caltrans

Equipment Service Center and the Advanced Highway Maintenance and Construction

Technology Research Center (AHMCT) decided to pull the machine out of the field and

entered into a cooperative effort to repair the DRV. The machine was taken to the

AHMCT Research Center, in February of 1999, where it was tested and analyzed and

later taken to the Caltrans Equipment Service Center. The project scope was defined

collectively by the AHMCT Research Center and Caltrans at a meeting attended by

persons listed in attachment (Appendix A).

Project Scope

• Evaluate the existing mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic control structure

• Devise a plan of action to repair the existing machine with the goal of re-

deployment for the purposes of field operational testing and evaluation

Even though a majority of all parties involved agreed that a complete redesign and

rebuild would have been ideal, it was determined that a limited rebuild was the most

timely solution to implement in order to evaluate the interface of a machine with an