Institute for Transportation

About the research

GeoTechTools (www.geotechtools.org) is a web-based information and guidance system for geotechnical solutions for transportation infrastructure. This SHRP2 solution, developed under project R02, provides a framework for selecting appropriate geo-construction and ground improvement technologies to use for site-specific project conditions and constraints. For each of more than 50 technologies, significant technical and cost information is provided that allows users to complete feasibility, design, quality assurance, and preliminary cost studies; most of this information is provided in several PDF files for each technology. A key feature of the system is a technology selection/workflow tool that poses questions about geotechnical project conditions to the user and identifies applicable technologies based on the responses.

The primary objective of this project is to upgrade the GeoTechTools website platform from its current ColdFusion 10 platform to one that includes a content management system (CMS) that would allow non-technical users to update web content. Additionally, this update will improve the functionality and capabilities of the present system so users can better navigate the system and optimize the website for viewing and interaction experience across a full range of digital devices (desktops to mobile phones).

About the research

About the research

The ultimate objective of this research is to determine how drivers negotiate work zones and determine the factors present when safety critical situations arise as compared to normal work zone driving. Ideally, the impact of countermeasures can be determined. However, the number and types of work zones present in the data may be limited, as a result identifying the types of driver behaviors that contribute to work zone crashes will be the greatest contribution.

This information can be used to better select and target countermeasures. For instance, different countermeasures would be targeted to alert drivers when speeding is the main problem compared to when driver distraction is the main problem. Using the information from Phases I and II, the research will result in the following products, which can help stakeholders including safety researchers, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), state departments of transportation (DOTs), counties, and cities.

The project will provide: (1) final reports and tech briefs outlining the safety impacts of driver, work zone, and roadway characteristics; (2) recommendations for application of countermeasures to address identified driver behaviors; and (3) evaluation of current work zones and recommendations for changes to work zone layouts and standards. The most significant contribution of this research is a better understanding of the roles that speed and distraction play in work zone safety critical events.

About the research

The objective of this research is to develop a guidebook, for use by departments of transportation (DOTs) and other agencies, on estimating transportation project preconstruction services costs. The guidebook is meant to be suitable for formal balloting and acceptance by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Subcommittee on Design through the Technical Committee on Preconstruction Engineering Management and for maintenance and updating by these or other AASHTO groups.

About the research

Rumble strips are a low cost safety countermeasure used to reduce roadway/lane departure crashes. When a pavement marking is applied over the rumble pattern, it is known as a rumble stripe. The practices from state to state are not uniform and there may not be one ideal design for all applications. There are advantages and disadvantages to the different rumble designs. This synthesis will identify current practices used by states installing rumble strips and rumble stripes. The scope of this synthesis study will focus on the safety benefits, rumble design, external noise considerations, durability/maintenance issues, impacts on bicyclists, and public affairs/outreach efforts. Results will benefit government agencies, researchers, and the road-building industry in providing guidance on successful practices. This synthesis will include a literature review and a survey of state departments of transportation (DOTs) and Canadian ministries of transportation. International agencies’ experience will be reviewed as available. From the results of the survey, a minimum of three agencies will be selected and case examples of their practices will be shared. Lessons learned and gaps in information will also be covered.

Visit the Transportation Research Board’s project website.

About the research

This project aimed at developing and demonstrating the application of renewable polymers for use in asphalt pavements. Work on the project will be carried out in two stages. Stage 1 will involve synthesis and characterization of renewable polymers and demonstrating through laboratory tests that they meet performance expectations for both asphalt binders as well as asphalt mixtures. The work will be performed through several tasks. Task 1 will involve the formulation of new polymers. The chemical, physical, and rheological characterization of biopolymers and biopolymer modified asphalt will be carried out in Task 2 using standard test methods. Task 3 will evaluate the compatibility, volatility and biodegradability of the biopolymers in asphalt binders while Task 4 will evaluate the developed biopolymer-asphalt binder blends in asphalt mixtures via mixture performance testing. Task 5 will involve an analysis of data collected in the first four tasks with a primary focus on rheological and chemical characterization data and mixture performance test results. Work in Stage 2 will focus on demonstrate and establishing that the developed biopolymers can be used turn-key in asphalt production and construction facilities. This will be achieved through demonstration paving projects on roadways as well as at the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) Test Track. The biopolymers will be produced at a pilot plant that is under construction and due for completion in September 2014 in Boone, Iowa. Seneca Petroleum, the parent company of Argo Genesis Chemical, has reserved a test section for placement of the biopolymer modified asphalt mixture at the NCAT Test Track in 2015. The final report will provide all relevant data and guidelines for using new biopolymers in asphalt pavements as well as plans for its implementation by highway agencies and commercialization by their industrial partners.

Visit the Transportation Research Board’s project website

About the research

The objectives of this research are to (a) quantify the costs and benefits of a formal partnering process and (b) prepare a recommended AASHTO Partnering Handbook, Second Edition.

Visit the AASHTO Partnering Handbook, Second Edition project website at the Transportation Research Board for more information.