ZKXKZ LLC — Department of Transportation SBIR Phase II: 14.2-FH3

Description

In Phase II, ZKxKZ designed, developed and demonstrated an approach for fabrication and rapid installation of low cost modular mini-roundabouts made from recycled plastic boards. Phase II culminated in the installation of one full modular mini-roundabout in both Georgia and Virginia. In addition, 3 modular mini-roundabouts were commercially sold and installed in Canada prior to the SBIR funded sites mentioned earlier. Phase IIB will feature two major types of activity. Lab testing will be conducted to verify suitability of design improvements determined from lessons learned during Phase II. The primary issues to be addressed are reduction of the number of anchors used and reduction of installation time. Other areas of improvement will also be investigated, including alternative anchor adhesives, visibility improvement, low profile plugs, and board optimization. Promising design concepts down-selected from lab testing will be vetted via environmentally representative lab testing or, ideally, a roadway installation. The ultimate objective of Phase IIB is to optimize the installation and design process to reduce anchors, decrease cost and installation time, provide retroreflective visibility enhancements, environmentally robust alternative anchor adhesive and commercialization plan to provide a competitive mini-roundabout solution compared to currently available conventional options.