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21  DSS For Selection of WZIT A web-based DSS was created to provide an easy-to-use and practical means of utilizing the information available related to WZITs. The DSS is specifically geared toward DOT employees and contractors who might want a list of technologies that could be used on their project and meets the specific project conditions and work operations. DSS was created as a web-based system to enable ready-access by interested personnel with- out the need to download and install special software. This format also ensures that policies regarding installation of third-party software on organization (e.g., DOT) computers are not violated, making the tool widely accessible. DSS was created using Googleâs Webapps feature, utilizing Google Sheets as the database to store information about technologies and their ratings in various categories. Using Google Sheets enables ready-access to be shared with multiple stake- holders and an intuitive interface to update backend ratings if needed. The link to the web page containing the DSS is available from the authors to interested parties upon request. DSS web page consists of two sections: the selection criteria section and applicable technologies section. Both sections are shown side-by-side in Figure 10. The selection criteria section consists of a group of selection drop boxes that enable the user to specify various constraints or conditions they would like the technology to meet. These correspond to the database headers and currently enable the user to select a variety of options related to roadway characteristics, technology char- acteristics, and operational features of technology. The list of WZIT technologies displayed on the right side of the screen changes dynamically in response to user input and in accordance with the ratings provided in the WZIT database. As an example, when the warning for only workers and the vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) connectivity constraints are selected, the list is shortened and its order is changed, as seen in Figure 11. The list of eligible technologies is shortlisted from all available technologies by first checking user input against the database to see if a specific WZIT technology has a non-zero score for all the user-selected criteria. If that is the case, that technology is given a score calculated by summing up the non-zero scores for the user-selected criteria. This score is then used to rank the technologies from highest to least applicable for all of the userâs constraints. Additional work for the DSS can involve providing more resources relating to the technology, such as manufacturer links and user reports. It is anticipated that this DSS can guide and inform users on what technologies apply to which scenarios on the jobsite. This DSS also succinctly captures the major findings of the research synthesis project and provides it to stakeholders in a very accessible format. For the readerâs information, the criteria presented in Table 3 are used to shortlist the tech- nology based on user input. The criteria are divided into project, technology, and implementation characteristics. C H A P T E R  4
Figure 10. Screenshot of WZIT DSS.
Figure 11. DSS showing dynamic changes in response to user input.
24 Guide to Alternative Technologies for Preventing and Mitigating Vehicle Intrusions into Highway Work Zones Project Characteristics Work Zone Duration Long-term stationary Intermediate stationary Short-term stationary Short-duration Mobile Traffic Volume High Low Type of Work Construction Maintenance Time of Day Day Night Roadway Environmental Condition Dry Wet Windy Icy Location of Work Activity Off-road Off-road/on shoulder On travel lane In center Vehicle Speed in Work Zone Less than 35 mph 36-45 mph Above 45 mph Roadway Type Local street Arterial Highway Expressway/freeway Technology Characteristics Output Features Visual Sound Vibration Electronic data Functionality Perimeter monitoring Location monitoring (approaching vehicle) Video surveillance Intrusion prevention Intrusion mitigation Target of Intrusion Alert Workers Drivers Connectivity Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) Vehicle-to- Infrastructure (V2I) Vehicle-to-Person (V2P) Infrastructure-to- Infrastructure (I2I) Infrastructure-to- Person (I2P) Operational Characteristics Cost Effectiveness Capital Operation Maturity TRL Maintenance Time Effort Complexity Usability (Ease/Complexity) Deployment Retrieval Movability Table 3. Criteria for selecting technology.