December 2018
UFTI Affiliate Conducts Study to Analyze, Validate and Optimize Virtual Cement and Concrete Testing
Image of men working with cement
Cement and concrete (C/C) can behave differently if proportions, materials or processing steps are not correct, and this can lead to big changes in performance. Currently, empirical methods derived from equations and tables can predict the behavior of new cement mixes. However, the use of computational methods based on the property of materials from C/C is replacing the empirical method because it can more accurately predict how the mixture will behave. With this in mind, Dr. Chris Ferraro and his team of researchers at UF, sponsored by the Florida Department of Transportation, applied and tested the computational method with the Virtual Cement and Concrete Testing Lab (VCCTL) software, which considers chemical and thermal behaviors of C/C, thus providing better insights into the C/C and new mixes. Predicting the behavior of C/C could lead to new and more durable cement mixes and concrete structures.

UFTI Students and Faculty Attend FAV Summit
UFTI students and faculty attended the Florida Automated Vehicles (FAV) Summit in Tampa, FL, on November 27-28, 2018. The conference addresses technologies, operations, and policy issues. Stephen Spana and Aschkan Omidvar, UFTI students, presented during the summit in the exhibitor/poster reception, and the Shark Tank competition, where students pitched research ideas to a panel of industry professionals. Spana won 3rd place in the poster competition. Dr. Clark Letter and Dr. Sanjay Ranka presented during the “Strategic Initiatives Around Connected Vehicles” session. Dr. Lily Elefteriadou presented in the Connected Vehicle Breakout Session on her presentation titled "Traffic Signal Control with Connected and Autonomous Vehicles in the Traffic Stream."
Dr. Sanjay Ranka, Stephen Spana, Aschkan Omidvar and Dr. Lily Elefteriadou
UFTI Reception at Annual TRB Meeting in Washington D.C.
The UFTI and STRIDE Center are hosting their annual reception held in conjunction with the 98th Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board in Washington, D.C. on Monday, January 14, 2018. A STRIDE Student Poster Showcase/Competition will take place during this event.
Article Related to I-STREET and the Autobus Published in Traffic and Transit
The Gainesville Autonomous Transit Shuttle (GAToRS) is one of the projects under the I-STREET initiatives to implement connected and automated vehicles (CAV). The GAToRS study presents conclusions for planning and deploying successful autonomous transit systems. The objective was to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the autonomous shuttle project in and around the University of Florida campus and the city of Gainesville.

Florida Map that shows various projects and initiatives that fall under FDOT-CAVI.
Caption: Florida map that shows various projects and initiatives that fall under Florida Department of Transportation-Connected and Automated Vehicle Initiative (FDOT-CAVI)
Follow us on social media!