The first primary purpose of this research was to find, by experiment, a mixture that was suitable for design modeling of highways. Many available materials were mixed, molded, observed, photographed and evaluated for this use. The ideal mixture was found to be motor oil and asbestos powder since it stayed malleable and could be easily remolded giving a realistic impression of grading in the photographs. Further research was done using glycerine instead of oil as a wetting agent and there was no appreciable difference in the two. The second primary purpose was to apply this mixture to an actual design problem. Two design alternatives were constructed and the modeling techniques evolved. The method proved to be fast and effective as a preliminary design aid and it provided a reliable evaluation of the scheme finally constructed. Other alternatives could be examined at small additional cost. A secondary result that evolved from this research was valuable experience in the photographic technique, instrumental in making a visual evaluation of preliminary design alternatives. The photographs taken through the modelscope gave a realistic roadway view that a driver would see. Models and photography provide an inexpensive design evaluation tool and contribute to an efficient and aesthetic preliminary design.
Abstract