Research, Development, and Technology

Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center

6300 Georgetown Pike

McLean, VA 22101-2296

Long-Term Pavement Performance 

Compliance with Department of 

Transportation Information Dissemination

Quality Guidelines

Publication No. FHWA-HRT-08-065 NOVEMBER 2008
FOREWORD 

This document provides information on the compliance of the Long-Term Pavement Performance 

(LTPP) program with the guidelines the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued Information 

Dissemination Quality Guidelines (IDQG). These guidelines were developed in response to 

requirements of Section 515 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act for fiscal 

year (FY) 2001. The purpose of the guidelines is to ensure and maximize the quality, utility, 

objectivity, and integrity of information that is disseminated by the Federal government. This 

document discusses the activities performed under the LTPP program, and it also addresses the 

policies and procedures established by these guidelines. 

The LTPP program is an ongoing and active program. To obtain current information and access to 

other technical references, LTPP data users should visit the LTPP Web site at http://www.fhwa.dot. 

gov/pavement/ltpp/index.cfm. LTPP data requests, technical questions, and data user feedback can 

be submitted to LTPP customer service via e-mail at ltppinfo@fhwa.dot.gov. 

 

 Gary L. Henderson 

Director, Office of Infrastructure 

 Research and Development 

Notice 

This document is distributed under the sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Transportation in the 

interest of information exchange. The U.S. Government assumes no liability for its contents or use 

thereof. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. 

The U.S. Government does not endorse products or manufacturers. Trade and manufacturers’ names 

appear in this report only because they are considered essential to the object of the document. 

Quality Assurance Statement 

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) provides high-quality information to serve 

Government, industry, and the public in a manner that promotes public understanding. Standards and 

policies are used to ensure and maximize the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of its 

information. FHWA periodically reviews quality issues and adjusts its programs and processes to 

ensure continuous quality improvement.
TECHNICAL REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE 

1. Report No. 

FHWA-HRT-08-065 

2. Government Accession No. 3. Recipient’s Catalog No. 

5. Report Date 

November 2008 

4. Title and Subtitle 

Long-Term Pavement Performance Compliance with Department of 

Transportation Information Dissemination Quality Guidelines 

6. Performing Organization Code 

7. Author(s) 

Gary E. Elkins 

8. Performing Organization Report 

No. 

9. Performing Organization Name and Address 10. Work Unit No. (TRAIS) 

MACTEC Engineering and Consulting, Inc. 

12104 Indian Creek Court, Suite A 

Beltsville, MD 20705-1242 

11. Contract or Grant No. 

DTFH61-02-C-00007 

13. Type of Report and Period 

Covered 

Final Report, August 2004– June 

2008 

12. Sponsoring Agency Name and Address 

Office of Infrastructure Research and Development 

Federal Highway Administration 

6300 Georgetown Pike 

McLean, VA 22101-2296 14. Sponsoring Agency Code 

15. Supplementary Notes 

Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR): Aramis Lopez, Jr., HRDI-13 

16. Abstract 

This document provides information on the compliance of the LTPP program 

with the guidelines the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued Information Dissemination Quality Guidelines 

(IDQG). These guidelines were developed in response to requirements of Section 515 of the Treasury and General 

Government Appropriations Act for fiscal year (FY) 2001. The purpose of the guidelines is to ensure and maximize the 

quality, utility, objectivity, and integrity of information that is disseminated by the Federal government. This document 

discusses the activities performed under the LTPP program, and it also addresses the policies and procedures 

established by these guidelines. 

17. Key Words 

Data quality, experiment design, data dissemination, Federal 

information dissemination guidelines, information quality, data system 

planning, data collection design 

18. Distribution Statement 

No restrictions. This document is available 

to the public through the National Technical 

Information Service, Springfield, VA 

22161. 

19. Security Classif. (of this report) 

Unclassified 

20. Security Classif. (of this page) 

Unclassified 

21. No. of Pages 

 83 

22. Price 

Form DOT F 1700.7 (8-72) Reproduction of completed page authorized
ii

SI* (MODERN METRIC) CONVERSION FACTORS 

APPROXIMATE CONVERSIONS TO SI UNITS

Symbol When You Know Multiply By To Find Symbol 

LENGTH 

in inches 25.4 millimeters mm 

ft feet 0.305 meters m 

yd yards 0.914 meters m 

mi miles 1.61 kilometers km 

AREA 

in2 square inches 645.2 square millimeters mm2

ft2 square feet 0.093 square meters m2

yd2 square yard 0.836 square meters m2

ac acres 0.405 hectares ha 

mi2 square miles 2.59 square kilometers km2

VOLUME 

fl oz fluid ounces 29.57 milliliters mL 

gal gallons 3.785 liters L 

ft3 cubic feet 0.028 cubic meters m3 

yd3 cubic yards 0.765 cubic meters m3 

NOTE: volumes greater than 1000 L shall be shown in m3

MASS oz ounces 28.35 grams g

lb pounds 0.454 kilograms kg

T short tons (2000 lb) 0.907 megagrams (or "metric ton") Mg (or "t") 

TEMPERATURE (exact degrees) o

F Fahrenheit 5 (F-32)/9 Celsius oC 

or (F-32)/1.8 

ILLUMINATION 

fc foot-candles 10.76 lux lx 

fl foot-Lamberts 3.426 candela/m2 cd/m2

FORCE and PRESSURE or STRESS 

lbf poundforce 4.45 newtons N 

lbf/in2 poundforce per square inch 6.89 kilopascals kPa 

APPROXIMATE CONVERSIONS FROM SI UNITS 

Symbol When You Know Multiply By To Find Symbol 

LENGTH

mm millimeters 0.039 inches in 

m meters 3.28 feet ft 

m meters 1.09 yards yd 

km kilometers 0.621 miles mi 

AREA mm2 square millimeters 0.0016 square inches in2 

m2 square meters 10.764 square feet ft2 

m2 square meters 1.195 square yards yd2 

ha hectares 2.47 acres ac 

km2 square kilometers 0.386 square miles mi2 

VOLUME 

mL milliliters 0.034 fluid ounces fl oz 

L liters 0.264 gallons gal 

m3 cubic meters 35.314 cubic feet ft3 

m3 cubic meters 1.307 cubic yards yd3 

MASS 

g grams 0.035 ounces oz

kg kilograms 2.202 pounds lb

Mg (or "t") megagrams (or "metric ton") 1.103 short tons (2000 lb) T 

TEMPERATURE (exact degrees) o

C Celsius 1.8C+32 Fahrenheit oF 

ILLUMINATION 

lx lux 0.0929 foot-candles fc 

cd/m2 candela/m2 0.2919 foot-Lamberts fl

FORCE and PRESSURE or STRESS 

N newtons 0.225 poundforce lbf 

kPa kilopascals 0.145 poundforce per square inch lbf/in2

*SI is the symbol for th International System of Units. Appropri e ate rounding should be made to comply with Section 4 of ASTM E380. 

(Revised March 2003)
iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................. 1

BACKGROUND ......................................................................................................... 1

LTPP DATA QUALITY HIGHLIGHTS................................................................. 2

CHAPTER 1. LTPP DATA SYSTEM PLANNING...................................................... 5

DATA SYSTEM OBJECTIVES ............................................................................... 5

DATA REQUIREMENTS ......................................................................................... 6

METHODS TO ACQUIRE DATA ........................................................................... 7

SOURCES OF DATA................................................................................................. 8

DATA COLLECTION DESIGN............................................................................... 9

CHAPTER 2. COLLECTION OF DATA.................................................................... 11

DATA COLLECTION OPERATIONS.................................................................. 11

MISSING DATA AVOIDANCE ............................................................................. 12

CHAPTER 3. LTPP DATA PROCESSING ................................................................ 15

DATA EDITING AND CODING............................................................................ 15

HANDLING MISSING DATA, ESTIMATES, AND PROJECTIONS .............. 19

PRODUCTION OF ESTIMATES AND PROJECTIONS ................................... 20

DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION..................................................... 21

CHAPTER 4. DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION............................................ 25

PUBLICATIONS AND DISSEMINATED SUMMARIES OF DATA................ 25

MICRODATA RELEASES ..................................................................................... 26

SOURCE AND ACCURACY STATEMENTS...................................................... 26

PREDISSEMINATION REVIEWS........................................................................ 27

CHAPTER 5. EVALUATING INFORMATION QUALITY .................................... 31

DATA QUALITY ASSESSMENTS........................................................................ 31

EVALUATION STUDIES ....................................................................................... 33

QUALITY CONTROL SYSTEMS......................................................................... 34

Equipment Calibration.......................................................................................... 34 

Data Collection Operator Training and Certification ........................................... 35 

Screening of Data from External Program Sources.............................................. 36 

DATA ERROR CORRECTION ............................................................................. 36

CHAPTER 6. IMPROVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES ................................................ 39

PLANNING DATA SYSTEMS ............................................................................... 39

COLLECTION OF DATA....................................................................................... 39

PROCESSING DATA .............................................................................................. 40

DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION .............................................................. 41

EVALUATING INFORMATION QUALITY....................................................... 41

APPENDIX A. LTPP OPERATIONS REFERENCE DOCUMENTS...................... 43

A.1. GENERAL......................................................................................................... 43

A.2. PAVEMENT MONITORING ......................................................................... 43

A.3. MATERIALS SAMPLING AND TESTING ................................................. 44

A.4. SEASONAL MONITORING PROGRAM .................................................... 45
iv

A.5. GPS EXPERIMENTS....................................................................................... 45

A.6. SPS EXPERIMENTS ....................................................................................... 45

A.7. TRAFFIC DATA............................................................................................... 49

A.8. CLIMATIC DATA ........................................................................................... 50

A.9. DYNAMIC LOAD RESPONSE DATA.......................................................... 50

A.10. SITE REPORTS.............................................................................................. 50

A.10.1. SPS Materials Sampling, Field Testing, and Laboratory Testing Plans.. 50 

A.10.2. SPS Construction Reports........................................................................ 57 

A.10.3. SMP Installation Reports ......................................................................... 65 

APPENDIX B. LTPP DATA ANALYSIS REPORTS................................................. 71

DATA QUALITY ASSESSMENT STUDIES........................................................ 71

COMPUTED PARAMETERS ................................................................................ 72

DATA COLLECTION STUDIES........................................................................... 73

INTERIM RESEARCH FINDINGS....................................................................... 73

REFERENCES................................................................................................................ 77
 

v

LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS 

AADT Annual average daily traffic 

AASHO American Association of State Highway Officials 

AASHTO American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 

AC Asphalt concrete 

ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials 

AVC Automated vehicle classification 

AWS Automated weather station 

CCC Canadian Climatic Center 

DLR Dynamic load response 

DMI Distance Measuring Instrument 

DOT Department of Transportation 

ESAL Equivalent single-axle load 

ETG Expert Task Groups 

FAR Federal Acquisition Regulation 

FHWA Federal Highway Administration 

FIPS Federal Information Processing Standards 

FWD Falling-weight deflectometer 

FY Fiscal year 

GPS General Pavement Studies 

HPMS Highway Performance Monitoring System 

IDQG Information Dissemination Quality Guidelines 

IMS Information Management System 

ISO International Organization for Standardization 

LTPP Long-Term Pavement Performance 

MEPDG Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide 

NCDC National Climatic Data Center 

NCHRP National Cooperative Highway Research Program 

NRC National Research Council 

PADIAS Pavement Distress Analysis System 

PCC Portland cement concrete 

QC Quality control 

RDBMS Relational database management system 

SHRP Strategic Highway Research Program 

SI International System of Units 

SMP Seasonal Monitoring Program 

SPR Software Performance Report 

SPS Specific Pavement Studies 

SQL Standard Query Language 

TFHRC Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center 

WIM Weigh-in-motion 
 
 

1

INTRODUCTION 

On October 1, 2002, the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued Information 

Dissemination Quality Guidelines (IDQG) to implement Section 515 of the Treasury and 

General Government Appropriations Act for fiscal year (FY) 2001. The purpose of the 

guidelines is to ensure and maximize the quality, utility, objectivity, and integrity of 

information that is disseminated. This document presents the policies and procedures 

established by the Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) program related to 

compliance with the DOT IDQG. 

In the interest of brevity, this document does not recite all of the DOT IDQG 

specifications. Instead, each chapter on a specific topic covered in the DOT IDQG 

provides a general summary of the intent of the guidelines. A copy of the DOT IDQG can 

be found at http://www.thecre.com/pdf/20021026_dot-final.pdf. 

BACKGROUND 

The LTPP program started as a States initiative in the early 1980s. Preimplementation 

research planning was conducted under a joint effort between the Federal Highway 

Administration (FHWA), Transportation Research Board (TRB), and the National 

Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP). These plans were published by 

NCHRP in May 1986 in the report Strategic Highway Research Program: Research 

Plans. Implementation of the LTPP program was authorized under the Surface 

Transportation and Uniform Relocation Act of 1987. The 20-year LTPP program began 

operations under the 5-year Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) administered 

by the National Academy of Sciences. In 1992, the FHWA made a commitment to 

assume management and administrative responsibilities to continue LTPP and complete 

the baseline 20-year period of pavement performance monitoring. Continuation of LTPP 

under FHWA was formally authorized by Congress in the Intermodal Surface 

Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA). In 1998, the Transportation Equity Act 

for the 21st Century (TEA-21) funded LTPP as a national program to 2003. 

The LTPP Program received its foundational mission from a 1984 study entitled, 

America’s Highways: Accelerating the Search for Innovation (Special Report 202), 

published by the TRB. The program’s mission is to “increase pavement life by the 

investigation of the long-term performance of various designs of pavement structures and 

rehabilitated pavement structures, using different materials and under different loads, 

environments, subgrade soils, and maintenance practices.” The strategic goals and 

objectives for LTPP were stated in the original LTPP work plan as follows: 

• Evaluate existing design methods. 

• Develop improved design methodologies and strategies for the rehabilitation of 

existing pavements. 

• Develop improved design equations for new and reconstructed pavements. 
 

2

• Determine the effects of loading, environment, material properties and variability, 

construction quality, and maintenance levels on pavement distress and 

performance. 

• Determine the effects of specific design features on pavement performance. 

• Establish a national long-term pavement database to support program objectives 

and future needs. 

LTPP DATA QUALITY HIGHLIGHTS 

Data quality has been a prime concern in the development and operation of the LTPP 

program. Although the LTPP program started more than 14 years prior to the issuance of 

the Federal data quality guidelines, it is remarkable how many of the concepts and 

procedures contained in the guidelines were followed by LTPP. Some of the highlights of 

the LTPP data quality process include the following: 

• Extensive peer review by experts and highway agency practitioners. A TRB 

committee was created in 1986 to monitor the status and progress of the LTPP 

studies and provides technical assistance to FHWA concerning courses of action 

and the future direction of the studies. The TRB LTPP Committee is 

supplemented with smaller Expert Task Groups (ETGs) created on specific 

subjects. Over the years, ETGs have been created on Experiment Design, 

Materials Testing, Environmental Data Collection, Profile Measurement, Falling 

Weight Deflectometer (FWD) Measurements, Traffic Data Collection, Pavement 

Distress Measurement, Construction Specifications, Data Analysis, Metrication, 

and Database Operations. 

• Statistically-based factorial experimental designs were used to plan the studies. 

The experimental designs were prepared by nationally and internationally 

recognized statisticians and research engineers. These designs were reviewed by 

an ETG. 

• LTPP has documented all phases of its activities. More than 300 documents have 

been prepared describing the details of the planning process, experiment design, 

construction guidelines, agency participation requirements, data collection 

procedures, data processing procedures, data evaluation checks, data collection 

equipment calibration procedures and checks, data analysis results, standard data 

release format and data user aids, and details of construction and instrumentation 

installation on specific test sections. 

• Inclusion of an indicator of “data quality” on each record in the database was 

developed in the early 1990s and has been refined over time. This data quality 

indicator encompasses measures of identifying missing data, out of range data, 

inconsistencies in relational data structures between tables, and illogical data. The 

data quality indicator is disseminated with the data. 

• In the design of the data collection plan, LTPP had to develop new procedures, 

protocols, and test methods. Some of these methods have been adopted as 
 

3

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) 

standards. 

• In 2000, LTPP implemented International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 

management quality standards in its data collection and processing activities. All 

data collection contractors developed management procedures for data quality 

control (QC). These procedures are audited by an independent source on a 

nominal 6-month cycle. 

• Currently, LTPP data updates are released on a 1-year interval. Prior to data 

release, a central contractor, independent from data collection sources, performs a 

predistribution review of the data in order to identify, and if possible, corrects 

data problems not previously discovered. 

• LTPP created a customer service and data problem feedback process in the early 

1990s. A formal data problem and feedback mechanism was created in the late 

1990s which allows data users, analysts, and others to submit problem reports. 

These reports and their resolution are now posted on the LTPP Web page 

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/ltpp/index.cfm. 

As a unique national research program whose operations model consists of providing 

research quality data for analysis to those who did not participate in the data collection 

process, all of the issues in recent Federal guides on data quality had to be addressed by 

LTPP. Improvements are continuously occurring to enhance LTPP’s conformance to the 

new IDQG. These improvements are resource constrained and are dependent on budget 

allocation from Congress. 
 
 

5

CHAPTER 1. LTPP DATA SYSTEM PLANNING 

The DOT IDQG indicates that the following factors should be considered for planning a 

data system: 

• Data system should be linked to the organization’s strategic plan. 

• Objectives for the data system should be expressed in terms of goals. 

• Data requirements should be based on achievement of goals. 

• Data acquisition methods are based on data requirements and use. 

DATA SYSTEM OBJECTIVES 

In order to garner widespread support and keep relevancy over a long period of time, 

LTPP goals were purposely expressed in terms of general topical areas of pavement 

engineering needs. Although a formal assessment of the program has been performed, the 

objective statements still remain relevant. 

The LTPP program was started as a States’ initiative and implemented as part of the 

SHRP, operated under the auspices of the National Academy of Sciences, to meet a need 

for research quality data on long-term performance of pavements in North America. The 

strategic goals for the program were establish by a committee with representation from 

State and Provincial highway agencies, Federal agencies, and academia. These goals 

were endorsed by AASHTO. 

Although the LTPP program did not start as a program managed by a Federal agency, its 

goals and objectives were congruent with those of FHWA in the early 1990s. This is why 

at the end of the 5-year SHRP effort in 1992, FHWA management agreed to provide 

management services for the remainder of this long-term effort. Although the LTPP 

program is not specifically addressed in the changing strategic objectives of FHWA, it 

has continued to be a line item in all of the highway bills passed by Congress to date. Due 

to the LTPP program’s unique enabling role in the advancement of pavement technology, 

its data will be used as a tool far into the future to address future highway infrastructure 

engineering needs. 

Highlights of LTPP’s compliance with this portion of the guidelines include the 

following: 

• Updates to the formal objective statements have not been necessary. 

• Key questions to be answered by the data are expressed in the objective 

statements. 

• Timeliness of data is not an important aspect to the accomplishment of the 

project’s goal, as this is a long-term project, and therefore is not directly 

addressed in the objectives. 
 

6

• The data system objectives are distributed with the data in the form of a database 

user’s reference guide. This guide is also available from the LTPP Web site 

(http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/pub_details.cfm?id=96). 

• Data user information and feedback is obtained through a variety of sources. 

Biannual meetings of the LTPP TRB Committee are held to provide input on 

programmatic issues. The LTPP ETGs provide input on specific data topics. A 

data user satisfaction survey is distributed with the data and is available on the 

LTPP Web site. LTPP holds two sessions at the annual TRB meeting allowing 

questions and comments from Federal, State, academia, and industry. These 

groups represent LTPP’s stakeholders. 

The objective of the LTPP data system is to provide data to engineering researchers that 

enable the evaluation of existing pavement design methods, the development of improved 

pavement design methods, and the study of the effect of relevant factors that influence 

pavement performance. 

DATA REQUIREMENTS 

The LTPP data requirements are based on the achievement of the program’s goals and 

objectives. The data requirements were developed by experts in each associated 

engineering discipline with review and critique by other stakeholders through 

TRB- facilitated national meetings. 

The development of measurement concepts for the LTPP program followed a scientific 

approach methodology. Data needs were based on existing models, theories of pavement 

performance, and anticipated needs of future models of pavement performance. The 

findings from previous studies of the performance of in-service pavements were also 

used. 

The LTPP program relies on thousands of measurement concepts. Some of the more 

important measurement concepts used in the LTPP program include the following: 

• Important characteristics in determining the cause and effect relationship on why 

pavements perform as they do include the following: 

o The strength of the pavement structure. 

o The thickness and types of materials in the pavement structure. 

o The strength, elastic, and plastic properties of the pavement materials. 

o The magnitude and volume of wheel loads applied to the pavement. 

o The response of the pavement structure to load. 

o The climate characteristics at the site. 

o The condition of a pavement as a function of its roughness and features 

related to fracture, distortion, and disintegration of the surface materials. 
 

7

• In order to maintain coherence across other databases, many existing concepts 

used in other databases were adopted. Some of these include the following: 

o Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) for geographic codes. 

o Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) test section 

identification. 

o National Transportation Thesaurus for keywords. 

o World Geodetic System 1984 for location coordinates. 

o AASHTO classification system for soils and unbound base material. 

o AASHTO material test standards. 

o American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) test standards. 

• While desired data accuracy and repeatability targets were developed for a vast 

array of measurement concepts, formal targets were not set for all data elements. 

Where possible, LTPP has strived to provide data users with quantitative 

information that permits an assessment of actual measurement error, accuracy, 

and repeatability. 

o An accuracy of 90 percent the confidence level being within 10 percent of 

the mean was a goal for traffic monitoring measurements, stated in terms 

of annual loading of equivalent 18-kips single axle loads in the LTPP test 

lane. Because many factors enter into the accuracy of field axle weight 

measurements, some of which are difficult to control, information on 

sources of error introduced by sampling and equipment calibration are 

stored in the database. 

o Use of industry standardized material testing protocols permits use of 

accuracy and repeatability studies performed in development of the 

protocol. 

o In some cases, where equipment calibration standards did not exist, LTPP 

developed calibration protocols and test procedures to assess equipment 

accuracy and repeatability. For example, a reference calibration procedure 

was developed by LTPP for FWDs. 

The LTPP data requirements are based on the concept of providing the user with baseline 

raw data that can be used to support a wide range of measurement concepts. This is a 

fundamental requirement of a research-based program. While the database contains 

traditional measurement concepts, data users are able to access the baseline measurement 

data in order to investigate their applicability for development of new measurement 

concepts. 

METHODS TO ACQUIRE DATA 

The methods to acquire LTPP data were developed by expert staff working in-concert 

with program stakeholders and other experts. The preliminary planning for the LTPP 

program was funded under an NCHRP-sponsored study conducted under the auspices of 
 

8

the LTPP TRB committee. A comprehensive process was used to examine and evaluate 

data acquisition methods that took into account budget, complexity, ease, and time 

considerations. 

Due to the complexity of many LTPP data elements, an early decision in the program was 

to use qualified data collection contractors with experience in operation of technical data 

collection equipment and working with highway agencies on collection of other data. 

Greater resources were planned and used on the more complex data elements requiring 

specialty resources. 

FHWA served as a cooperative partner in this work by funding an equipment evaluation 

project to evaluate the state of the practice and art in the critical data elements needed for 

the project during the preimplementation phase of the project. 

SOURCES OF DATA 

LTPP data sources were developed based on past experience in performing similar field 

studies. Findings from a research study sponsored by FHWA in the early 1980s called the 

Long-Term Pavement Monitoring Program(1) provided the basis for selection of data 

sources. 

Since provision of data to the LTPP program was not a matter of public law, LTPP had to 

rely upon contractual data collection services, available data sources, and the good will of 

participating highway agencies. 

The sources of data selected for the LTPP program included the following: 

• Participating highway agencies were used for inventory and construction 

information that were contained only in their files. 

• Pavement monitoring measurements were assigned to a team of expert contractors 

operating the same type of equipment in order to improve uniformity and reduce 

variability. Highly technical measurements which included specialized test 

section instrumentation were assigned to contractors. 

• Climate data were obtained from the National Climate Data Center (NCDC) for 

test sections in the United States and the Canadian Climate Center (CCC) for test 

sections in Canada. 

• The FHWA’s advance material testing laboratory at Turner-Fairbank Highway 

Research Center (TFHRC) was used for measurement of the coefficient of 

thermal expansion on portland cement concrete (PCC) and for SuperpaveTM tests 

on asphalt cement. 

• The National Aggregate Institute performed material tests on the angularity of 

fine aggregates in asphalt concrete (AC) mixtures. 

• Mixed approaches for the collection of some data items were required due to 

budgetary limitations. Early in the program, all material tests were performed 
 

9

under LTPP contract. Another set of material tests on newly constructed 

pavement test sections was assigned to participating highway agencies. 

• Over time, shifts in data sources have been necessary due to data quality and 

availability concerns. Collection of traffic data on LTPP test sections has been a 

participating highway agency responsibility. In order to overcome the limitations 

of this data, the LTPP Specific Pavement Study Traffic Pooled Fund Study 

TRF-05 (004) was implemented to obtain needed data from high priority test 

sections (http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/ltpp/spstraffic/index.cfm). 

DATA COLLECTION DESIGN 

The LTPP data collection design was based on a wide variety of methods, as follows: 

• Due to cost considerations, the population of test sections was not selected to 

represent a statistical sample of the pavement types used in North America but 

rather was restricted to a subset of pavement types thought by experts to represent 

“good” engineering practice. 

• Factorial sampling designs were used in which test sections were categorized by 

significant design features relative to the pavement type and environmental 

factors to direct test section selection. A large majority of LTPP experiments can 

be most properly described as uncontrolled fractional factorials since test section 

selection and sample size depended upon voluntary agency participation and the 

“diagonal” effect of public roads. The diagonal effect of properly engineered 

roads means that some of the combinations of factors in an experimental design 

are not common. For example, thin pavement structures on high traffic volume 

routes on poor subgrade are difficult to find since they are contrary to engineering 

design practice. The “diagonal” is best described as typical engineering practice in 

which thicker pavements are built on roads with higher traffic loadings and 

volume. 

• For the Specific Pavement Studies (SPS)-1 and -2 controlled experiments, which 

started with new construction, blocked fractional factorial experimental designs 

were used to reduce the number of test sections constructed at a site and still 

maintain desired statistical inferences. This permitted construction of some off 

“diagonal” pavement structures designed to have a “limited” life. 

• All experiment designs were developed and reviewed by expert statisticians with 

pavement research experience. These designs also received peer review by an 

ETG consisting of both expert statisticians and pavement research engineers. 

• Testing patterns were designed to capture known seasonal and location effects; in 

order to capture these effects, randomized testing patterns were not used. 

• Repeat measurements were used when possible to provide an estimate of 

measurement variances. For example, measurements of pavement stiffness using 

a FWD used four drops from each drop height. Measurement of longitudinal 

pavement profile used a minimum of five and up to nine repeat measurement 

passes on a test section. 
 

10

• When possible, the sampling theory used for the experiment and the data 

collection design are contained in the program documentation. Most of this 

information is included within the Reference Library disseminated with the data. 

• The one critical data element which LTPP relies on for statistical sampling is the 

collection of traffic weight, classification, and volume data. Although the stated 

preferred sampling practice is continuous monitoring of traffic weight and 

classification by a calibrated weigh-in-motion (WIM) station, since this portion of 

LTPP data collection is primarily dependent upon voluntary highway agency 

participation, the program developed a hierarchical approach to different sampling 

scenarios. Due to the lack of other information, an analysis study of data from 

sites with full-time operating WIM scales was used to evaluate traffic data 

sampling errors and bias. The basis of these sampling scenarios is documented in 

a report whose findings are published in a LTPP TechBrief.(2)

 
 

11

CHAPTER 2. COLLECTION OF DATA 

The DOT IDQG regarding the collection of data are generic to encompass a wide range 

of data collection methods. LTPP data collection methodology is best characterized as a 

mix of one-time surveys, periodic collection of condition data, continuous reporting of 

climate and traffic loading, and compilation of data collected by others. 

The LTPP data collection operations comply and, in some cases, surpass the DOT’s 

IDQG. The LTPP data collection operations include an array of techniques including data 

collection forms, electronic measurement systems, automated data acquisition, and use of 

data collected by third parties. The one data collection approach not used by LTPP is a 

statistical response survey. Some of the LTPP activities noted under data collection 

operations should be considered for addition to the DOT guidelines. 

DATA COLLECTION OPERATIONS 

With the vast array of data collection methods employed by the LTPP program, the 

following operational procedures had to be developed: 

• All data recorded on paper forms included written instructions on all requested 

pieces of information. 

• When possible, all pertinent information needed to complete a paper form were 

included on the form. For example, when codes were used to represent a response, 

the codes were printed on the form. 

• All forms were numbered and dated for document control. 

• Revisions to forms were issued in a formal directive documenting changes. 

• A response was requested for all information items contained on the form. A 

“NA” was requested when a piece of information was not available or was not 

appropriate to confirm that the requested data item was considered or ignored. 

• Data collected by instrumentation require a calibration process or a check on the 

state of calibration of the instrument used. 

o For the vast array of LTPP operated measurement instrumentation, 

requirements for instrument calibration or checks on the state of 

calibration were specified. 

o Where required, calibration procedures were developed by the program. 

o Where possible, calibration procedures were specified that could be traced 

back to the National Institute of Standards and Technology. 

o Adjustments to equipment calibration factors were documented and stored 

in the database. 

o When adjustments to measurement equipment calibration factors were not 

possible, guidelines were developed to check equipment calibration and to 
 

12

return it to the manufacturer for recalibration or discard and purchase new 

equipment. The guidelines include rules on disposition of data collected 

using equipment found to be out of calibration after measurement. 

o Field checks for reasonableness of data from electronic measurement 

equipment were developed. Many of these checks involved computer 

programs that plotted a data time history that permitted an assessment of 

operational condition. Guidelines were published to aid technicians to 

recognize faulty equipment. This allowed trouble shooting and repair 

activities to be conducted in the field whenever possible. 

o Before using equipment for measurement of critical test section 

characteristics, side-by-side equipment measurement studies were 

conducted. 

• Electronic data obtained from third parties were evaluated and subjected to 

automated QC checks before entry into the LTPP database. 

o Errors were found from checks of climate data obtained from the NCDC. 

The errors where the supplied data indicated that the average daily air 

temperature was not between the low and high temperature for the day 

was flagged and not used in calculations. 

o Traffic volume, classification, and weight data supplied by participating 

highway agencies were preprocessed through software developed by the 

LTPP program to detect a variety of known errors. Data error reports were 

then sent back to the agency for review and comment. 

• In order to better interface with participating highway agencies, North America 

was divided up into four “data collection” regions based on the number of 

agencies in each region. Regional data collection support centers were established 

in each region to coordinate data collection activities with highway agencies. The 

regional centers are responsible for collection, review, and processing of critical 

data and review and processing of all data on test sections located in their region. 

MISSING DATA AVOIDANCE 

Missing data avoidance is a significant issue for a program like LTPP that relies on 

voluntary participation by highway agencies for supply of important data elements. The 

program also relies on notification from highway agencies prior to the application of 

maintenance and rehabilitation treatments so that pavement condition measurements can 

be made. Some of the steps employed by the LTPP program to reduce missing data 

include the following: 

• The regional data collection contractors have established data tracking systems to 

track the status of data collection and processing functions for the test sections in 

their territory. 

• The paper data collection forms sent to highway agencies used a positive 

feedback response methodology where data items not applicable were marked as 
 

13

such. This method was used to avoid confusion over items on data forms left 

blank. 

• Group meetings were held with participating highway agencies on a regional 

basis where data needs and requirements were discussed. Data packets and status 

reports on missing data were distributed to agency representatives at these 

meetings. 

• Visits to each agency were performed to follow up on data needs and discuss the 

status of missing data. 

• In some cases, it was necessary to send contractor staff to the highway agencies’ 

offices in order to obtain the needed data directly from agencies’ files. 

• An internal assessment of the program was performed in 1996. One of the results 

of this assessment was the development of a formal program to identify missing 

critical data and formulate a plan to obtain the needed data. Visits with all 

participating highway agencies were held. A signed agreement was obtained from 

each agency to document what data would and would not be supplied by the 

agency. 

• From this assessment, a pooled fund study was set up with participating highway 

agencies to obtain missing traffic monitoring data on high-priority test sections. 

The benefits of the pooled fund study approach to this highly technical area of 

data collection were the opportunity to provide centralized expert resources and to 

lessen the impact of manpower resources at the agency to provide this data. 

• In another instance, program funds were reallocated to obtain missing materials 

data, which were the responsibility of participating highway agencies, on a subset 

of high-priority test sections. In this exercise, the new data collection effort was 

based on an assessment of both missing and questionable data. 

• While some of these efforts have been documented in various methods, due to the 

engineering research nature of the LTPP program, it is LTPP management’s 

position that a data user would not benefit from information on the procedures 

used to avoid missing data. Therefore, these procedures are not disseminated with 

the data. 
 
 

15

CHAPTER 3. LTPP DATA PROCESSING 

LTPP’s data processing operations started in 1988 at a time when modern database 

software was evolving. In the development of the data quality approach to LTPP data, all 

of the features covered in the IDQG were addressed. The data QC process started with 

procedures to calibrate and check the functioning of field data collection equipment. Data 

forms and data collection procedures always received an independent review prior to use. 

Extensive data editing checks were developed to automate the process of identifying and 

correcting erroneous data. Methods were developed to identify and address missing data. 

A codified procedure was developed to address the issue of computed parameters 

containing estimates, projects, and imputations. The data analysis plan and analyses were 

subjected to scrutiny from an expert panel operating outside the program. 

DATA EDITING AND CODING 

Efforts are made to reduce errors at the source, i.e., during data collection. An extensive 

number of methods have been developed to identify, and where possible, correct 

erroneous data. Data checks are made before and after data are entered into the database. 

A primary objective of the data checks made prior to entry is to prevent “bad” data from 

being entered into the database. Some of the data editing and coding methods used by the 

LTPP program include the following: 

• Predata entry processor programs developed by LTPP to prevent “bad” data from 

being entered into the database include: 

o AWSCHECK—This program is used for Automated Weather Stations 

(AWS) operated by the program at some test section sites. In addition to 

range and integrity checks, the program plots the climate data allowing for 

time-history consistency checks to be performed. This preprocessor 

program allows deletion of “bad” measurement data and adjustments to 

data fields such as time to correct for daylight savings time adjustments. 

The output of this program is an input file for loading data into the LTPP 

database. 

o SMPCHECK—The Seasonal Monitoring Program (SMP) includes 

instrumentation that measures air temperature, subsurface pavement 

gradient temperatures, subsurface electrical resistivity (frost indicator), 

and subsurface dielectric constant (moisture indicator) on a subset of test 

sections. In addition to automated range and integrity checks on the data, 

time-history plots of this temporal data are also used to identify data 

inconsistencies. This preprocessor program allows deletion of “bad” data 

and time-based adjustments. The output of this program is an input file for 

loading into the LTPP database. 

o FWDSCAN—This program scans electronic FWD data files to identify 

data collection rules violation issues, data file format integrity, and range 

values violations. 
 

16

o P46CHECK—This preprocessor program automates checks on the results 

of laboratory resilient modulus tests on unbound materials. In addition to 

all of the routine checks on data values, advanced statistical based checks 

are performed on details such as conformance of load-pulse shape and 

duration to protocols rules. 

o P07CHECK—While the primary function of this preprocessor program is 

a check on the integrity of the results of resilient modulus measurements 

in indirect tension on asphalt concrete cores, it also uses a documented 

algorithm to calculate the test results from the raw measurement data, 

which are stored in the database. 

o PROQUAL—Like P07CHECK, this program is both a preupload data 

check processor and a computed parameter generator. This program 

processes, evaluates, and generates computed parameters for both 

longitudinal and transverse profile measurements. In the LTPP series of 

preupload programs, this software is unique in that it is the primary 

data-entry point for manually collected profile data. It automates detection 

of spatial-based measurement anomalies as well as computers parameters, 

such as International Roughness Index. The output files from this program 

are used as input files to load data into the LTPP database. 

o Traffic database—Since traffic load data are an input to the pavement 

performance database, separate data storage and processing functions were 

developed for traffic load, classification, and volume data. Graphical, 

automated-range, and statistical-based checks are employed to identify 

suspect, invalid, duplicate, and erroneous data. Since the bulk of traffic 

data for the LTPP program are supplied by participating highway agencies 

in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, data identified as suspect 

are returned to the agency for review and comment. “Bad” data are purged 

from the system prior to generation of annual estimates. 

• While calculated measures have been used to reduce the reliance on subjectivity 

in detecting data anomalies, there are still many errors that can not be detected 

using automated methods. With the complex data structures collected by the 

LTPP program, some of the simple time-based, distance-based, or binned 

statistical distribution plots have proven to be more effective at detecting data 

problems. 

• To make some of the automated data checks effective, LTPP had to develop a 

system of human review of records failing the checks to weed out false positives. 

In order to make many automated data checks effective, such as range checks, a 

percentage of valid results must be flagged for further investigation. Another 

example is the check that LTPP uses to see if the ratio of the standard deviation to 

the mean is less than 0.5. While valid data sets can exist that fail this check, its 

purpose is to flag suspect data for further review. 

• The best way to avoid deletion of valid outliers that violate a range check is with 

subjective human review. It is LTPP’s policy not to delete something just because 

it is an outlier. 
 

17

• Entry of duplicate data into the database is primarily controlled by judicious use 

of key fields in the relational database software, which restricts entry of duplicate 

data sets. The key fields are specified such that only one logical record can exist 

for a given measurement or data set. To detect duplicate data sets in which one of 

the keys was changed, for example, the date of the measurement was changed; 

data studies are performed to detect this type of duplicates using Standard Query 

Language (SQL). 

• The size of LTPP’s database makes it impractical and cost prohibitive to both 

track and report all data edits. To track changes in the more than 7,000 data fields 

and more than 125 million records would be a worthless exercise to the data user. 

Some of the measures used by LTPP to address changes to measured data and 

data released to the public include: 

o If corrections are required to a raw electronic data file, when possible, the 

corrections are made in the file prior to upload into the database. 

o If corrections are required to data submitted on a paper data collection 

form, the corrected values are written onto the form with the previous 

values crossed out in a fashion that makes them still legible. 

o Data releases are numbered and dated. 

o To track important changes between data releases, a public data feedback 

report process was implemented. Problems identified in the data and their 

resolutions are posted on the LTPP Web page (http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ 

pavement/ltpp/index.cfm).

• The size of the LTPP database also makes it impractical to comment on every 

piece of missing information. The complication is related to tables containing 

multiple data attributes, some of which may not be applicable in a specific 

situation. On average, each table contains 17 fields, and some tables contain up to 

256 data fields. The missing data approach taken by LTPP includes the following: 

o For data collected via paper form, nonapplicable data fields are identified 

on the form using a not applicable code. In many fields, a nonapplicable 

code is used in the database. 

o For electronically measured data, a rigid enforcement of the use of null 

values is used. The objective is to differentiate between a zero and null, 

where null represents value not present, not measured, or removed. 

Modern database tools no longer translate null values into zeros when 

performing mathematical functions on a data set. 

o For data types measured electronically, manually recorded on a data form, 

and manually input into the database, a variety of data checks are used to 

detect missing data. 

 The use of automated required data checks in the database to 

identify data that should be present but are not. 
 

18

 For groups of related data, both referential data integrity checks are 

directly coded into the database software, and external relational 

data checks are used. 

 Data transcription error checks are made to identify improper data 

entries. 

 Data checks are used to identify widows and orphans. A widow 

occurs when a parent table exists, but the related child table(s) 

containing some part of the data does not exist. An orphan is when 

a child table exists, but the parent table no longer contains a 

matching record. These types of checks are necessary when using 

relational databases to store a linked data set in multiple tables. 

• There is an extensive set of comment fields included in the database where a 

controlled vocabulary is enforced using codes. A code table that describes all of 

the code fields is included in all data releases. Since some comment fields do not 

lend themselves to codes and a controlled vocabulary, these fields are regularly 

checked for spelling, grammar, and consistency prior to each data release. 

• LTPP has produced extensive documentation on its data editing and processing 

procedures. Distributed with each standard data release is a Reference Library 

disk which contains copies of all important documents on LTPP data editing and 

processing procedures. Some of the measures used by LTPP to enhance the 

transparency and understanding of its data include the following: 

o Inclusion of a database user reference guide with each data release. The 

user reference guide contains a listing of all operational documents for 

experimental designs, data collection methods, data checks, QC, data 

editing procedures prior to upload into the database, and missing data 

identification. 

o A separate document is contained in the Reference Library that contains 

all of the data checks performed on the data after upload into the database. 

This document currently exceeds 700 pages. 

o A data quality flag indicator is included in every record in the database 

containing “data.” At this time, a single flag field is used to indicate a 

relative level of data completeness, data range, and relational data 

integrity. A comment table explains the actions taken on records failing 

the automated checks. This explanatory table is no longer distributed with 

the data due to the passage of time and changes in the data checks; some 

of the comments are no longer applicable, and due to funding cuts, a 

review of these comments has not been possible. 

o A plan was devised to separate automated data quality flag fields into 

three distinct flags on the data quality attributes of completeness, logical 

range value, and data structure integrity. These flags would record each 

failure of a data check in a database table and indicate to a data user the 

action taken. Due to program budget cuts, this enhancement to the data 

quality system has not been implemented. 
 

19

HANDLING MISSING DATA, ESTIMATES, AND PROJECTIONS 

The approach to handling missing data, production of estimates, and projections for the 

LTPP program is similar enough to be classified under one topic. 

• A truth in data concept was developed in the early days of LTPP since it was 

intended that users of the data would perform direct manipulations of the data. 

The truth in data concept requires that measured values be separated from 

imputed or estimated values. Information on the statistical nature and basis of 

values obtained from samples is stored in the database. 

• Traffic volumes and loads over a test section are the only data that LTPP provides 

cumulative annual estimates for a data user from a monitoring data sample. While 

LTPP has developed various statistically-based traffic data sampling schemes, 

based on analysis of “real life” traffic monitoring data, in many cases, the best 

that participating highway agencies could do is provide LTPP with unstructured 

sample data. Thus, LTPP had to develop a wide range of estimation methods that 

included very basic time expansion algorithms that use days of the week, month 

of the year weighting factors to arrive at the best annual estimate from the data 

provided. The database contains information on the size of the sample used in the 

estimate which indirectly infers the amount of missing data. 

• Although some attempts have been made to impute, estimate, forecast, backcast, 

or otherwise compute missing data through various data analysis studies, to date, 

none of these data have been added to the database. If these data are added, they 

will follow LTPP’s policy on computed parameters that require algorithms and 

procedures used to be documented and available from the LTPP Web site 

(http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/ltpp/index.cfm). 

• Since most of the applications of LTPP data involve development, evaluation, 

calibration, or validation of complex models, missing critical data generally result 

in exclusion of a test section from the analysis. Thus, missing data rates and 

weights are not used in the bulk of LTPP analysis projects. 

• Due to the diversity of uses of LTPP data in engineering pavement performance 

research, as well as the dynamic changing nature of the database, data analysts and 

users are charged with responsibility for their use and interpretation of the database 

relative to the data study design, imputations, statistical methodology, etc. 

• Analysis of LTPP data have been used by universities as part of their engineering 

curriculum. The motto for use of LTPP in the classroom is, “LTPP...an endless 

source of unique problems.” In this context, problems are questions assigned to 

students to solve as part of the curriculum. 
 

20

PRODUCTION OF ESTIMATES AND PROJECTIONS 

Due to the research nature of the LTPP program, there is a division between the LTPP 

database and the LTPP data analysis results. The responses to LTPP’s actions relative to 

this part of the IDQG will focus on database contents. Discussion of production of 

estimates and projections from LTPP-sponsored analysis of the data are presented in the 

next portion of this document. 

The LTPP database contains a vast array of derived data to enhance the data set and 

reduce user and data supplier burden. Since a primary purpose of the database is to 

provide raw data to researchers and analysts, only a limited number of estimates are 

contained in the database. Virtually no projections are contained in the database. These 

quantities are contained in published analysis reports distributed independently of the 

database. 

Examples of derived data contained in the database include the following: 

• The derived climate data are provided as virtual weather stations using weighting 

factors based on the distance from the test section site to each weather station. A 

gravity model is used in which the weighting factors are based on the square of 

the distance. 

• Derived data are computed from climate data obtained from NCDC and the CCC 

after passing LTPP data quality checks. Derived climate data in the LTPP 

database include the following: 

o Monthly and annual mean maximum, minimum, and standard deviation of 

air temperature. The number of days of data included in the time period is 

also reported. 

o Monthly and annual freeze index, freeze-thaw index, days above 32 °C, 

and days below 0 °C. 

• Derived data similar to that computed from climate data obtained from other 

sources is also computed for weather stations operated by LTPP. 

• The LTPP database contains estimates of annual traffic loading statistics from 

traffic monitoring data supplied by participating highway agencies. A separate 

traffic database was established that contains the raw and processed data used to 

supply the annual estimates from monitored traffic data from highway agencies. 

The objective of this separation was to provide derived traffic estimates most 

commonly used by pavement researchers but to still maintain a comprehensive 

traffic data resource that can be used by other researchers. Examples of derived 

estimates of traffic data contained the LTPP database include the following: 

o Axle weight distributions by vehicle class and axle configuration. 

o Annual volume estimates by axle class. 

o Weighting factors used to expand volume and weight measurements to 

annual estimates. 
 

21

• LTPP measures the longitudinal profile of its test sections. Along with the raw 

profile measurements, ride statistics such as the international roughness index are 

computed from the profile measurements and stored in the database. 

• LTPP measures test section transverse profiles at varying distance intervals. 

Information such as rut depth, rut location, rut width, and other transverse profile 

distortion indices are computed from the raw profile measurements. 

• The most important part of the measured material properties database module is 

derived data from laboratory measurements. Basic engineering properties 

computed from measurements of load, displacement, weight, volume, and time 

are provided in terms such as stress, strain, elastic modulus, resilient modulus, 

creep compliance, thermal coefficient of expansion, specific gravity, air voids, 

density, moisture content, etc. 

• Most of the estimates of standard error contained in the database are based on 

simple descriptive statistics of standard deviation derived from repeat 

measurements. While research studies have been performed to investigate higher 

order levels of error and uncertainty, these data have not been included in the 

database. 

DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION 

A multiproject approach by topic area is used for analysis of LTPP data. To date, there 

have been approximately 55 analysis projects performed under LTPP management and 

21 LTPP analysis projects performed under the auspices and funding of the NCHRP. 

There have been more NCHRP- and State-sponsored research projects that have used 

LTPP data. With this volume of research, it is easy to understand that no single approach 

is used for LTPP data analysis, and different approaches have been used for analysis of 

the same set of data. 

The bulk of LTPP sponsored analyses are performed under contracts with consultants, 

experts, academicians, and university researchers. Thus, a formal contractual approach to 

analysis is used. Topics are selected from the LTPP analysis plan; formal statements of 

work are developed; request for proposals are issued; proposals are evaluated; a contactor 

is selected; on some projects a project panel is used to review work in progress; and all 

results are reviewed prior to publication. 

Highlights of LTPP conformance to the IDQG relative to data analysis and interpretation 

are as follows: 

• The LTPP program was designed to serve a broad range of pavement 

management needs that dissect traditional engineering disciplines. Because the 

objectives contained in the initial project plans were written on a topical basis, 

LTPP was required to develop detailed plans for specific analysis topics covering 

a variety of inter-related topics. The LTPP data analysis plan was developed from 

input from program staff, highway agency personnel, industrial stakeholders, and 

academicians using an outreach process. The process was based upon solicitation 
 

22

of candidate research needs statements, combination of statements into projects, 

review and assessment of projects relative to data availability, and classification 

of projects into a unified plan. The unified plan was developed in concert with the 

LTPP ETG on Data Analysis. The analysis plan is periodically updated using the 

ETG peer review process. In addition to deriving new knowledge from higher 

order analytical investigations, the plan includes exploratory analyses, data 

studies, and development of derived data for input into the database. The analysis 

plan is publicly available on the LTPP Web site (http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ 

pavement/ltpp/index.cfm). 

• A variety of statistical approaches have been used in the various LTPP-sponsored 

data analysis. All of the details contained in the IDQG guidelines have been 

addressed in one or more of the analyses. The degree to which statistical 

assumptions are tested, deviations are examined, and statistical sensitivities are 

evaluated depends on the nature of the analysis efforts. LTPP relies on a formal 

peer review process consisting of a panel of statistical experts. 

• The issue of replication in a field study of pavement test sections is an ongoing 

source of debate within the LTPP program. It is the nature of field pavement 

performance studies that variance and errors from uncontrolled and, in some 

instances, unmeasured co-variates can overshadow the significance of main 

effects of experimental design constructs and make significant higher order 

interactions difficult to detect. In some cases, Bayesian modeling approaches have 

been used to deal with these issues. 

• In many of the LTPP data analysis projects, modeling approaches are used to 

include related variables when the relationship between two or more primary 

variables are being assessed. 

• The wording of results contained in LTPP-sponsored data analysis documents is 

peer reviewed by an expert panel before dissemination. One of the concepts used 

in the LTPP program concerning evaluation of statistical significance tests is the 

engineering or physical significance of a difference or similarity. For example, an 

analysis of variance may result in a highly significant effect due to a very low 

error term when the physical reality of the difference has no impact in engineering 

terms. The opposite is also true due to a very large variance in a data set—items 

with significant physical or engineering difference can be found to have no 

statistical significance. This is why LTPP has adopted the use of both statistical 

and physical tests of inference as indicators of the possible significance of an 

effect. 

• LTPP does not always handle the results of 100 percent sample data. However, 

there are instances when external data sources on commonly expected variability 

inputs are needed to assess confidence intervals. One example is the assessment 

of variability in material test results from SPS projects where multiple test 

sections are located on the same site. Variance estimates from external industrial 

sources were used to assess the robustness of the variability in the material test 

results at these sites. 
 

23

• Since the basic nature of higher order analysis of LTPP data is a time series 

problem, stability of interim findings is addressed by requirements that the time 

stamp of the data set used for the analysis be documented, new analysis projects 

document findings from previous efforts, and recommendations are included 

regarding changes to improve the analysis topic within data collection operations. 

 
 
 

25

CHAPTER 4. DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION 

Dissemination of information is one of the stated objectives of the LTPP program. The 

primary focus of the program is to provide a macro release of raw data for use by 

scientists, engineers, and researchers for engineering based analysis. While published 

summaries and microdata releases are not the primary dissemination mechanism, a 

limited amount of data have been distributed in this fashion. The macrodata release 

includes documentation of data sources and, where possible, accuracy indicators. In 

accordance with the IDQG, all disseminated data are required to receive some type of 

review prior to release. 

PUBLICATIONS AND DISSEMINATED SUMMARIES OF DATA 

Since a primary objective of the LTPP program is to provide raw data for analysis and 

interpretation by researchers, dissemination of information in printed publications 

containing statistical summaries is not the primary dissemination mechanism. 

• The published results of FHWA-sponsored data analysis of LTPP data contain 

statistical summaries and data interpretation relevant to the subject. 

• All published reports are subjected to the FHWA publication process which 

includes editorial review for conformance with FHWA publication standards, 

inclusion of a report documentation page, which lists all pertinent meta 

information about the authors, contact information for the authors, contract 

reference, time period the work was performed, abstract, key words, and other 

metadata. 

• Many of the LTPP publications predate the introduction of Section 508 of the 

Americans with Disabilities Act by more than 10 years; documents published 

after the act’s implementation date have been formatted in conformance and are 

reviewed by individuals trained in DOT Section 508 compliance standards. 

• References in publications are documented following FHWA publication 

guidelines. All documents are dated. 

• Data analysis documents, which contain estimates and projections, are required to 

contain a description of the analysis methodology. These documents receive both 

an internal and independent external review by knowledgeable experts on the 

subject prior to publication. 

• All publications contain contact information for the report author, FHWA 

Contract Officer’s Technical Representative, and other citations as required on the 

FHWA’s Technical Report Documentation Page (Form DOT F 1700). 

• Due to the breadth of the LTPP program, a number of unpublished documents on 

specialty topics have been made available to the public. Due to practical budget 

constraints, these documents do not receive the same level of scrutiny or review 

as published documents. Although many of these documents do not receive a 

formal peer review, they are reviewed internally prior to release. 
 

26

MICRODATA RELEASES 

Although the primary thrust of the LTPP program are macrodata releases, the following 

microdata releases are used to encourage participation in the program and serve targeted 

sectors of the transportation research community: 

 

• A microrelease of data is used for preparation of information packages intended to 

encourage continued highway agency voluntary participation in the program. 

These packages present data extracted from the database which show time history 

and pavement performance trends on the agency’s test sections. The extracted 

data used in these releases have been subjected to all data QC and assurance 

checks. 

• In order to better serve users of analysis software that require a specific data 

format, LTPP has provided microdata releases in standardized formats. These data 

have undergone data quality checks prior to release. Examples include the 

following: 

o FWD time history data that are not included in the database, in the native 

format produced by the device. 

o Profile data in an industry developed data interchange format. 

o Raw traffic data measurements are provided in the FHWA standard “card” 

formats. 

• LTPP offers a custom data extraction service. This service is designed to provide 

data to those interested in pursuit of analysis of a specific topic. 

SOURCE AND ACCURACY STATEMENTS 

While LTPP does not have formal publication-named Source and Accuracy Statements 

(S&As), it has developed a vast array of documents which contain the content covered in 

this part of the guidelines. 

• In many cases, data sources are contained in code fields in each record in the 

database. For example, materials testing laboratories are assigned an identifying 

code that is contained in each database record containing data from that 

laboratory. 

• Where possible, descriptive statistical information is contained in the database to 

permit data users to quantify variability and uncertainty in key measured data 

elements. 

• A data user reference guide, distributed with data releases, contains 

documentation on data sources on a module and table basis. This document is 

updated with each data release to reflect changes in data sources and collection 

methods. 
 

27

• Topical data collection and data processing guides have been prepared by LTPP. 

Appendix A contains a list of this documentation. Updated data collection and 

data processing guides are documented by issuance of formal program directives. 

LTPP has collected data that could be used to better evaluate data accuracy. Due to 

funding constraints, these data and reports have not been distributed on a published basis. 

Some of the information collected by LTPP that could potentially aid a user in assessing 

the accuracy of the reported measurements are as follows: 

• Reference and relative calibration results on FWD geophones are not contained in 

the database. The electronic files created as a part of this function are considered 

part of the Ancillary Information Management System (AIMS). Efforts are 

currently underway to store these data in a central location and populate a 

metadata database on the contents of these files. 

• The reports documenting the side-by-side comparison of FWD and profile 

equipment operated by LTPP have not been formally published. Through the TRB 

peer review process, data users have indicated that although these detailed 

measurement information could theoretically be valuable, the limited amount of 

research funding in the United States would create too many expenditures for the 

limited use of the data. 

PREDISSEMINATION REVIEWS 

All formal data disseminated by the LTPP program undergo some type of review prior to 

release. The type and extent of the review depends on the subject matter being released. 

LTPP is developing an information category for dissemination that does not receive a 

“formal” review prior to dissemination. 

The following types of formal predissemination reviews have been conducted by LTPP: 

• The contents of the database are reviewed by experts and specialists on the central 

Technical Support Services Contractor (TSSC) staff prior to release. These review 

staff members are not directly involved with data collection or analysis. Data 

collection is the responsibility of four regional data collection contractors who 

collect data, process data, and review data prior to each upload to the national 

database. At the national level, data from the four regions are combined into a 

single database. Prior to each release of the database, the TSSC staff members 

perform a predissemination review of the database contents, notify the regional 

data collection contractors on needed corrections, and review corrections received 

prior to the release. Known data problems not corrected prior to release are 

documented using the Data Analysis Operation Feedback Report process. 

• Paper publications are subjected to a variety of predissemination reviews 

depending on subject content. 

o All published paper documents are reviewed by editors employed or 

contracted by the FHWA TFHRC publication staff. These editors are 
 

28

specialists trained in style and visual information content of FHWA 

publication standards. 

o Program promotional material and status reports are reviewed by FHWA 

LTPP staff and contractors who did not actively participate in preparation 

of the draft document. 

o Research reports containing engineering and statistical analyses receive an 

external and internal peer review in addition to the other predissemination 

reviews previously mentioned. The peer reviews are conducted by a 

diverse group including voluntary experts from the TRB ETG on data 

analysis, paid experts from the LTPP TSSC, and, most importantly, 

engineering staff from the regional data collection contractors. This 

rigorous peer review process includes knowledgeable individuals from 

outside the program who represent program stakeholders and academia; a 

paid staff of researchers not involved with the performance of the data 

analysis work, but who have unique knowledge of the LTPP program and 

have resources available to independently check reported results; and, 

most importantly, reviewers who collected the data and possess 

knowledge on its proper analytical interpretation. 

o Report reviewers on the TRB ETGs are required to report prior DOT 

technical/policy positions on issues related to LTPP as part of their 

conflict-of-interest disclosures required by the National Academy of 

Sciences before being appointed. 

o LTPP contractors are required by the Federal Acquisition Regulation 

(FAR) guidelines to report conflict-of-interest concerns in their proposals. 

o The peer review process has resulted in nonpublication of program-funded 

analysis reports. 

• After the passage of Section 508 of the Americans with Disabilities Act, all 

disseminations of information via electronic media have been reviewed by 

specialists who have received training on this legislation. All LTPP contractors 

responsible for managing Web pages containing LTPP program information have 

Section 508 compliance clauses included in their contracts. All LTPP-sponsored 

Web pages have been reviewed by LTPP staff for compliance conformance. As a 

long-term program, LTPP has been hampered by the lack of effective FHWA 

guidelines on implementation of this policy. To date, LTPP electronic documents 

have not been challenged by persons with disabilities for nonconformance with 

the Section 508 requirements. 

• Data products were disseminated by LTPP prior to enactment of Section 508 of 

the Americans with Disabilities Act. Since these data products can no longer be 

controlled by the program, documentation has been published that these data 

products are no longer supported by the program, and concerned data users should 

use current data products or contact LTPP concerning accessibility 

accommodation for the disabled. To date, LTPP has not received such a request. 
 

29

LTPP had developed plans for a system that allows dissemination of raw data that has not 

undergone a formal predissemination review. While the bulk of these data are contained in 

the database, the data included in this category are classified as objects in database 

terminology. Most of these electronic objects consist of electronic picture formats, but, on 

the advice of the external peer reviewers, many are the unedited electronic files from data 

collection devices. This allows a data user the opportunity to evaluate LTPP data 

processing and quality systems. At the heart of the process was the creation of a metadata 

database. The concept that was previously developed is that the metadata about an object 

contain adequate information to describe the format, content, quality review level, and 

nature of the data included in this module. The LTPP metadata database was planned as an 

electronic library based on the Dublin Core Standard and in concert with electronic library 

standards currently under development by the U.S. National Archives, Library of Congress, 

and internal FHWA publications staff. Due to budget cuts, development of the formal 

metadata database has been curtailed to documents indexed by the FHWA library staff. 
 
 

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CHAPTER 5. EVALUATING INFORMATION QUALITY 

The methods used by LTPP to evaluate and improve its data are the development of QC 

systems during data collection and processing, regular assessments of data quality, 

special studies of key aspects of the data, and data collection processes. 

DATA QUALITY ASSESSMENTS 

LTPP has developed two approaches to quality assessments. The first approach was a 

major program assessment conducted in 1996–1998. The second approach was the 

development of a quality control/quality assurance system based on the ISO 9001 quality 

management principles. 

The objective of the 1996 assessment was to evaluate the program goals, objectives, and 

future direction. This was completed by evaluation of the impacts on deviations from the 

program’s plans, number of test sections, data collection deficiencies, and resources. The 

ultimate objective of the assessment was to develop a revised strategic plan that focused 

on high-payoff product objectives that met States’ needs, improved program efficiency, 

and provided better quality data for product development. Some of the aspects of this 

assessment related to the Federal data quality guidelines, including the following: 

• The assessment was conducted by a team composed of expert contractor staff and 

FHWA staff, in concert with a special peer review subcommittee made up of State 

DOT, TRB, and AASHTO representatives. 

• Through the TRB advisory mechanism, stakeholders in State agencies were 

contacted to obtain input on agency needs as related to the goals and objectives of 

the program goal established 10 years earlier. 

• One member of the assessment team was a FHWA loan staff member from 

Canada who was knowledgeable of data quality but did not participate in 

preparing data system information or public dissemination. 

• The findings from this assessment resulted in a highly publicized “Campaign for 

Program Improvement,” which involved meetings with each participating State 

and Canadian provincial highway agencies to resolve missing data issues and 

obtain a written agreement on their intended level of support for the program on a 

test section basis. Program priorities were changed to focus on high-payoff areas 

of research in the program, and resource allocation reductions were made in areas 

judged to provide limited impacts. In addition to numerous presentations at 

national, regional and local meetings, a report was prepared on the results of the 

assessment. 

With the letting of the four regional LTPP data collection contracts in 2001, FHWA 

required documentation for the preparation of formal data collection and a processing QC 

system. After central review by a contractor with ISO 9001 certification, these QC 

documents were transformed into quality management documents based on ISO 9001 
 

32

principles. Some of the relevant features of this management process, as related to this 

portion of the Federal data quality guidelines, include the following: 

• Designation of a regional data QC manager on each regional contractor staff. The 

regional data QC manager is responsible for the following: 

o Conducting regularly scheduled and impromptu internal audits of 

compliance with quality control and data collection guidelines and 

procedures. 

o Documenting internal audits conducted and their results. 

o Documenting corrective actions resulting from both internal and external 

audit findings. 

o Conducting annual or more frequent reviews and updates of the QC and 

management procedures. 

• The central TSSC established a quality assurance audit team and process to assess 

compliance by the data collection contractors with their data quality control and 

management guidelines and compliance with LTPP program requirements. The 

quality assurance audits include the following: 

o Announced office visits to review designated sections of the quality 

control and management plans. The different parts of the plans are rotated 

so that each part is reviewed on a 2-year cycle, if budget permits. Prior to 

an audit, a data review is conducted to identify data issues of concern to be 

investigated during the audit. 

o Unannounced audits of primarily field data collection personnel. Each 

regional data collection contractor is required to maintain a data collection 

schedule posted on the Internet. Auditors arrive unannounced at data 

collection sites to observe activities and compliance with both the 

contractor’s internal requirements and the program requirements. Negative 

findings from these inspections are discussed with field personnel and then 

reported to management. 

o An example of an unanticipated and unannounced field audit was 

conducted in Hawaii. This audit was conducted since data collection 

efforts on sites not located on the mainland require an alternate set of 

procedures and tools not common to other test sections. 

o All audit results are documented in an audit report that includes a 

description of audit activities, items reviewed, positive findings, correction 

action requests, and improvement recommendations. All corrective action 

requests and improvement recommendations are discussed with the data 

collection management contractor in order to reach an agreement on 

corrective actions to be taken. On each audit visit, all previously agreed to 

corrective action findings and improvement requests are reviewed. 
 

33

Quality assurance audits are performed on highway agency operated FWD reference 

calibration facilities used by LTPP. These facilities were developed under cooperative 

agreements with select highway agencies. The facilities use LTPP-provided equipment 

and follow LTPP test protocols. Annual audits are performed on conformance to test 

protocols on the operators of these facilities. Audit results are documented and 

certificates of compliance are issued. 

EVALUATION STUDIES 

LTPP has used evaluation studies to analyze data quality issues that can not be identified 

by mere inspection of the data. Evaluation studies have also been performed in the 

development, refinement, or implementation of new or advanced data collection systems. 

The following are some of the evaluation studies conducted by the LTPP program: 

• Since the methods used to rate pavement distresses rely on a subjective 

interpretation by trained personnel, an evaluation study was conducted to examine 

the between rater variability and variability between rating methods. The study 

was conducted by engineering and statistical consultant experts and peer reviewed 

by a TRB ETG on pavement distress monitoring. The study was based on a 

statistical sample of data obtained from distress rater accreditation workshops. In 

addition to documenting probable ranges of uncertainty in these measurements, 

recommendations on improvements to the rating methods resulted from this work. 

The results of this work were published in the report, Study of LTPP Distress 

Data Variability, FHWA-RD-99-075. 

• An evaluation study was performed on the resilient modulus test on AC in 

indirect tension developed by the LTPP program when it was managed by the 

National Academy of Sciences as part of the SHRP. Due to the severity of the 

problems found with the data from these tests and the uncertainty associated with 

test results which appear reasonable, the data were archived and removed from 

the database distributed to the public. 

• As a part of the QC system, evaluation studies are routinely performed on 

advanced field data collection equipment which includes FWDs and pavement 

profilers. These evaluation studies typically consist of a statistically designed 

experiment that allows an analysis of variance approach to be used to evaluate the 

results of side-by-side equipment comparisons. These evaluation procedures have 

also been used to evaluate equipment during the procurement process. 

• The State-sponsored pooled fund study, TPF-5(039), managed by LTPP FHWA 

staff was established in 2004 to investigate improvements to the LTPP-developed 

FWD calibration protocols. The contractor is charged with evaluating current 

methods, procedures, and instrumentation to develop an improved system 

compatible with current computer technology. 

LTPP has established the basis for future evaluation studies that may not be able to be 

conducted with current funds. For important data elements based on measurements from 
 

34

instrumentation, when possible, equipment calibration factors are stored in the database. 

This permits evaluations of the effect of changes in the calibration factors over time. 

QUALITY CONTROL SYSTEMS 

LTPP has invested significant resources in developing data QC systems to address the 

variety of data sources and measurement technologies employed in the program. The goal 

of these QC systems is to provide a preventive system of error identification to avoid data 

errors before entry of data into the database. Within the LTPP program, data quality 

control is defined as the processes and procedures used to inspect data and data collection 

equipment prior to entry of data into the database. 

The major categories of QC systems developed by LTPP include equipment calibration 

procedures, equipment calibration checks, operator training and certification, post data 

collection reviews, data screening from external program sources, and formal quality 

control management procedures. 

Equipment Calibration 

In the development of the data collection plan, it was determined that the LTPP program 

needed to own and operate specialized data collection equipment judged by panels of 

experts to be critical to its success. While the LTPP program tried to rely on existing 

technology, in some cases, it had to develop its own measurement technology. In some 

cases, LTPP had to develop calibration procedures for its specialized equipment and, in 

other cases, used exiting procedures. Some highlights of LTPP equipment calibration 

procedures include the following: 

• LTPP developed the first reference calibration procedure for FWD in the United 

States. This procedure provides a calibration procedure independent from the 

equipment supply contractor. Federal, State, and international highway agencies 

have adopted the LTPP FWD reference calibration procedure. Changes to sensor 

calibration factors are stored in the database to permit analytical evaluation of 

potential impact of these changes by data users. 

• LTPP developed cutting-edge equipment calibration procedures for the very 

sensitive tests on the elastic response of pavement materials in the laboratory. 

These tests, informally called start-up procedures, involve expert instrumentation 

engineers who check the internal functions of advanced laboratory electronic 

measurement equipment to identify sources of bias and error that can not be 

reliably detected by inspection of the output data. The nature of these checks is to 

measure the output from a controlled electrical input into the system. The 

objective is to discern if the instrumentation is correctly calibrated to the 

manufacturer’s specifications. . 

• Calibrations of distance measurement instruments critical to vehicle mounted 

pavement related measurements are codified in LTPP directives. 
 

35

• It is LTPP policy to use equipment whose calibration can be traced back to the 

National Institute of Standards and Technology, when possible. 

In those cases where it is not possible to directly calibrate a device, equipment calibration 

checks are used to ensure proper function. For example, measurements by temperature 

sensors are conducted on items of known temperature such as ice and boiling water, and 

if found to be outside an established range, are either returned to the manufacturer for 

adjustment or replacement. 

It is LTPP policy to identify data collection equipment operators or data collectors in the 

database to allow evaluation of operator biases and errors. 

Data Collection Operator Training and Certification 

Due to the complexity and subjectivity of many of the LTPP data collection functions, 

LTPP has established formal data collection training classes and certification evaluations. 

LTPP requires that collection and interpretation of pavement distress data be performed 

by someone who has an active certification from a LTPP distress rater accreditation 

workshop. Raters must meet minimum experience and time-based recertification 

requirements in order to maintain their certification. 

The LTPP regional data collection contractors are required to train and certify operators 

of equipment used to collect LTPP data as a part of their formal data QC management 

plan. Regional equipment operator training is documented, as required. Evaluation of the 

performance of new personnel by the regional data collection management staff is also 

documented, as required. 

To promote consistency among regional data collection contractors, national meetings of 

regional data collection operators have been conducted on each major data collection 

topic. When the program began, annual meetings of data collectors were held. Due to 

program budget cuts, national meetings were scheduled on a priority basis, and the use of 

teleconferences was increased. 

When new data collection technologies are being implemented, the LTPP program has 

used the following process: 

• Development of draft guidelines. 

• Review and comment on draft guidelines. 

• National meeting to develop final guidelines. 

• Field pilot activities to test and refine the guidelines. 

• Issuances of final guidelines. 

• Use of problem reports to document and request guideline changes. 

• Update guidelines as appropriate. 
 

36

Screening of Data from External Program Sources 

The data collection plan relies upon multiple data sources. These data are screened prior 

to entry into the database. For data submitted on paper forms, the first level of screening 

is for completeness and logic checks on the provided information. Like all other data, 

these data are also screened after entry into the database using automated methods. 

A large amount of data is received in electronic format. Two of the largest modules of 

data from other agencies are traffic monitoring data and climate data. The following 

screen method demonstrates the steps used by LTPP on these data: 

• Traffic monitoring data are supplied by participating highway agencies in the 

standard FHWA card formats used for HPMS. The first step in the screening 

process is to determine if the data are in the correct format and will load into 

traffic quality control software. After the data are loaded, diagnostic checks are 

performed on the data. Many of these are graphs of the data used to determine 

common errors. A data review package containing graphs, a summary of data 

problems, and proposed actions to deal with problem data is prepared and 

submitted to the highway agency for review and comment. After agency 

comments are received, the data are processed, as appropriate. 

• Climate data are obtained from the NCDC and CCC. Due to the large amount of 

data, these data are loaded into database tables. Automated checks on 

completeness, range, and logical statistics are performed on these data, and flags 

are set in these records to store the results. Records not passing the checks are 

excluded from use in the analysis process that creates temporal summary climate 

statistics for each test site. 

DATA ERROR CORRECTION 

The LTPP program has established standard and formal methods for data error 

correction. It has been LTPP’s policy to not load known “bad” data into the database. 

Although steps are taken to prevent entry of erroneous data, there have been numerous 

instances when data in the database were found to contain errors, or, in some cases, 

unknown facts have caused previously entered data to be invalid. 

When data errors are found, the standard mechanism is to correct the error if possible or 

remove the data from the database if the error cannot be corrected. 

Error correction procedures are contained in formal documents issued by directive by 

data type. An example of an error correction policy is contained in the following excerpts 

from LTPP Directive I-85 on Manual Upgrades to QC Checks. This discussion describes 

the steps to be taken when data fail an automated check. 
 

37

When a record does not pass a QC check, the first action that should be taken is to 

determine the cause, examine the data in the record or other related records, and try to 

rectify the situation if possible. Some types of possible errors that can be corrected 

include the following: 

• Transcription errors. Transcription errors are an inherent problem with any 

manual data entry system. All data entry should be double checked for this type of 

error prior to saving a record to the database. When a record fails a QC check, this 

should be one of the first errors investigated. 

• Improper referential data entry in another record. Because LTPP data are 

obtained from multiple sources, it is possible that a field used for referential links 

between tables will not have been properly recorded. LAYER_NO is a prime 

example of this type of correctable problem. There are times when a material 

testing laboratory may be assigned a LAYER_NO that is later changed in the 

database due to factors unknown to the laboratory contractor. This can cause a 

mismatch of material types in the layer tables. This type of error can be easily 

corrected by assigning the correct LAYER_NO in the mismatched record. 

• Improper data acquisition or interpretation. In some cases, the supplier of the 

data may not have understood the intent or basis for the needed data element. 

These types of errors are usually associated with level-D range check errors. In 

these cases, the only recourse is to contact the data source and search for the 

correct value. For example, the percentage of longitudinal reinforcement steel in 

PCC pavements should never exceed 1 percent. When an agency has reported 

numbers in excess of this value, Regional Support Contract staff members should 

discuss the issue with agency contacts to decide if the correct value can be 

determined from the available records. In some cases, it may also be possible to 

resolve issues with photographs or direct field measurements. 

• Errors, oversights, and blunders with interpreted data. There are instances 

where it is possible to reinterpret data from the raw measurements. Distress data 

from photographic based measurements is an example of a potentially correctable 

error in interpretation, since the photographs can be reinterpreted. When errors or 

problems are discovered in transverse profile measurements or distress 

measurements, the apparent errors should be referred to the data collector for 

possible correction. 

• Potentially rectifiable data. The longitudinal and transverse profile data provide 

opportunities where erroneous data in the Information Management System (IMS) 

might be rectified. For longitudinal profile data, other measurement runs on a 

section may be available to replace runs, which contain spikes or other apparent 

data collection equipment errors, with other runs performed on the same day that do 

not contain such errors. Alternatively, on SPS projects, subsectioning of the raw 

data files can be corrected for apparent Distance Measuring Instrument (DMI) drift. 

Manually collected transverse profile data, in which the measurement width was 

varied along a section, may be salvaged with reinterpretation of the raw data. 
 

38

• Two directly linked fields in a record are in conflict. For example, if a value is 

provided for the amount of admixture then the corresponding code indicating the 

type of admixture should not be null or no admixture. 

During the QC error resolution process, it is also important to identify errors that are 

not possible to rectify. Some examples include the following: 

• Equipment measurement errors. When a record failing a QC check can be traced 

to an identifiable equipment measurement error, manual upgrades should not be 

employed to elevate an erroneous data element to a higher status. When 

equipment malfunction can be determined, the errant data element should be 

deleted from the IMS. In records with multiple measurement fields, the “bad” data 

element should be set to null. In cases where all of the measurement data elements 

in a record are linked to the same measurement equipment malfunction, then 

complete removal of the record is the most appropriate action. In situations where 

a record contains multiple measurements from different sensors and the erroneous 

data removed from the record causes it to fail a QC check, manual upgrade may 

be appropriate. 

• Required data not available. Circumstances can develop where critically required 

data are no longer available. There are instances when a required data element 

was not collected, was collected improperly, or is no longer possible to obtain or 

measure. These types of circumstance can potentially lead to a test section being 

removed from the LTPP study, taken out of study, or being recognized as not able 

to obtain the required data element. 

• Indeterminable problem that requires investigation. When new tables are added 

to the IMS or new QC programs are issued, some records failing a QC check 

require further investigation to determine the cause. There are instances when it 

cannot be immediately determined if the error is a result of equipment 

malfunction, abnormal phenomena, or program error. In these instances, manual 

upgrades should not be performed until the exact cause for the problem can be 

determined. Some of these problems are resolved through the Software 

Performance Report (SPR) process. In general, SPRs should only be issued after it 

has been determined that the problem is not related to other issues. 

The above policy and guidelines apply to data after entry into the LTPP database. Error 

correction guidelines are also contained in the data collection and processing documents 

for FWD measurements, profile measurements, seasonal monitoring measurements, 

AWS measurements, and traffic data. 
 

39

CHAPTER 6. IMPROVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES 

This document demonstrates the LTPP program’s focus on data quality in relationship to 

the DOT IDQG issued more than 10 years after the start of the LTPP program. While the 

LTPP program is proud of its record on data quality issues, this quality focus also results 

in identification of improvement opportunities. Implementation of these improvements is 

highly dependent upon program funding. 

The improvement opportunities are organized and presented using the main topic areas 

contained in the DOT IDQG. 

PLANNING DATA SYSTEMS 

The current date for the end of the LTPP program is 2009. No changes to this portion of 

the program are anticipated. 

COLLECTION OF DATA 

Although LTPP data collection operations have reached a mature stage, improvement 

opportunities currently identified by the program for possible implementation include the 

following: 

• Introduction of new technology to collect previously collected data in a more 

efficient manner. An example is using instrumentation to automatically measure 

and record pavement gradient temperatures previously measured and recorded 

using a manual method. Another example is the use of LiDAR (Light Detection 

and Ranging) based profile technology, which provides an integrated 

measurement of both the transverse and longitudinal profile of a pavement. 

• Issuance of a new contract for the collection of pavement surface distress 

permanent image records and interpreted distresses. The contract for this data 

collection operation expired in 2003 and has not been renewed due to a lack of 

funds. This data collection effort was rated a top priority from a peer review by 

the TRB LTPP Committee. 

• Increased coverage of nondestructive measurements of within-section pavement 

thickness using ground penetrating radar. A limited number of measurements 

were previously performed on high priority sites due to budget considerations. 

• Better characterization of the drainage related features at test sites which 

encompass geomorphologic, topographic, and engineered characteristics. 

• Use of more advanced material characterization methods. The LTPP program is 

collaborating with other FHWA teams to develop a test protocol for using indirect 

tensile test methods to measure the dynamic modulus of AC from core samples 

obtained from in-service pavement test sections. The Mechanistic-Empirical 

Pavement Design Guide (http://www.trb.org/mepdg/guide.htm) developed by 

NCHRP uses this material property for characterization of the elastic modulus of 
 

40

AC mixtures. Measurement of this property from field samples did not exist when 

LTPP began, and no formal measurement protocol has yet to be developed and 

accepted by the industry. 

• Use of LTPP-managed funds to collect missing data previously assigned as the 

responsibility of participating highway agencies. As a result from a previous 

assessment of the LTPP program, the lack of traffic data and materials data from 

SPS project sites was identified as a critical area for improvement. These efforts 

are contingent on funding. 

o A pooled fund study was established to address missing traffic data issues. 

o LTPP program funds were reappropriated to obtain and test material 

samples from priority SPS project sites to fill in the gaps of missing data, 

add measurements from new tests, and provide more time sequence 

material properties. 

PROCESSING DATA 

This is an area where LTPP has internally documented improvement opportunities that 

have not been implemented due to dwindling budget resources. They include the 

following: 

• Addition of computed parameters to the database to fill missing data gaps or add 

new parameters that is potentially useful to data users. 

o Estimation of pavement temperature profile during FWD testing when 

measured data are not available. 

o Estimation of load transfer efficiency from FWD tests. 

o Estimation of faulting in PCC pavements from longitudinal profile 

measurements. 

o Imputation of time based PCC material properties, such as the 28 day 

compressive strength. 

o Estimation of the dynamic modulus of AC mixes using empirical models 

and agency supplied data. 

o Estimation of joint opening from transverse joint gauge length 

measurements. 

o Interpretations of instrumentation measurements to provide estimates of 

frost depth locations and moisture contents in subsurface layers. 

• Improved automation to data error detection and editing software. Many of the 

legacy data edit programs need to be upgraded to current software platforms. 

• Increased use of codes and controlled vocabulary for comment fields. While some 

comment fields will always need to be retained as free form entries, work is 

needed to clean up those fields which can be codified and subjected to vocabulary 

control. 
 

41

• Application and adaptation of changes to standardized coding schemes. 

• Requirements that analysis contractors include in their proposals a detailed 

discussion of their analytical approach, statistical assumption tests proposed for 

use, statistical deviations to be examined, and statistical sensitivities to be 

evaluated in their approach. It is noted that this requirement can increase the cost 

of proposal preparation. It also requires that proposal review panels contain 

expertise, experience, and training to adequately evaluate proposed statistical 

approaches. 

• Develop data analysis contractor guidelines in conformance with DOT guidelines 

on statistical approaches and wording of the interpretation of statistical test 

outcomes. 

• Develop data analysis peer review guidelines in conformance with DOT 

guidelines on statistical approaches and wording of the interpretation of statistical 

test outcomes. 

DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION 

In the last years of the LTPP program, improvements to information dissemination have 

been planned as a priority focus area. Some opportunities for improvements include the 

following: 

• Improvements to uncertainty statements in measurements and statistical 

interpretations for traffic monitoring data. 

• Improved access to updated planning documentation, collection, processing, and 

analysis methodology. 

• Improvements in source and accuracy statements that accompany the data. 

• Improved data user aids that simplify access to data stored in the LTPP relational 

database structure, including development of views and data user training aids. 

• Development of a training course for data users. 

• Use of technology advancements to improve data delivery, such as Web-based 

database servers optimized for delivery of large data sets. 

EVALUATING INFORMATION QUALITY 

The LTPP program intends to continue its established practices relative to evaluation and 

improvement of data quality. At this time, the only recognized opportunity for 

improvement is the enhancement of documentation for user notification of data errors. 
 
 

43

APPENDIX A. LTPP OPERATIONS REFERENCE DOCUMENTS 

A.1. GENERAL 

America’s Highways, Accelerating the Search for Innovation, Special Report 202, TRB, 

National Research Council, June 1984. 

Data Collection Guide for Long-Term Pavement Performance Studies, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, LTPP Division, revised October 1993. 

Fulfilling the Promise of Better Roads, A Report of the TRB Long-Term Pavement 

Performance Committee, TRB, 2001. 

An Investment Benefiting America’s Highways, The Long-Term Pavement Performance 

Program, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, 2001. 

LTPP Product Plan, Publication No. FHWA-RD-01-086, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, 2001. 

SHRP-LTPP Overview: Five-Year Report, Publication No. SHRP-P-416, SHRP, National 

Research Council, June 1994. 

Strategic Highway Research Program, Research Plans, Final Report, TRB, National 

Research Council, NCHRP, May 1986. 

Saving Lives, Reducing Congestion, Improving Quality of Life, SHRP, Special Report 

260, TRB, National Research Council, 2001. 

A.2. PAVEMENT MONITORING 

Analysis of Pavement Homogeneity, Non-Representative Test Pit and Section Data, and 

Structural Capacity, FWDCHECK, Version 2.0, Volume I: Technical Report, Volume 2: 

Users Guide, Publication Nos. SHRP-P-633 and SHRP-P-634, SHRP, National Research 

Council, January 1991. 

Calibration of Reference Load Cell, Software User’s Guide and Instruction Manual, 

LDCELCAL, Version 1.7, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, June 1993. 

Distress Identification Manual for the Long-Term Pavement Performance Studies,

Operational Guide No. SHRP-LTPP-OG-001, SHRP, National Research Council, 1993. 

Falling Weight Deflectometer, Relative Calibration Analysis, FWDCAL, Version 2.00, 

Program Manual, SHRP, National Research Council, April 1992. 

Falling Weight Deflectometer, Relative Calibration Analysis, RELCAL, Version 3.00, 

Program Manual, SHRP, National Research Council, May 1994. 
 

44

Guidelines for Users of the SHRP FWD Calibration Centers, Publication No. FHWASA-95-038, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, November 1994. 

Long-Term Pavement Performance PROQUAL User’s Documentation, Version 2.08, 

FHWA, June 1998. 

LTPP Manual for Profile Measurements, Operational Field Guidelines, Version 3.1, 

FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, January 1999. 

LTPP Manual for Falling Weight Deflectometer Measurements, Operational Field 

Guidelines, Version 2.0, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, LTPP Division, 

February 1993. 

LTPP Manual for Falling Weight Deflectometer Measurements, Operational Field 

Guidelines, Version 3.0, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, LTPP Division, 

January 2000. 

LTPP Manual for Falling Weight Deflectometer Measurements, Operational Field 

Guidelines, Version 3.1, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, LTPP Division, 

August 2000. 

Manual for Profile Measurement: Operational Field Guidelines, Publication No. SHRPP-378, SHRP, National Research Council, February 1994. 

PROQUAL, Version 1.4, User Documentation, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, 

June 1992. 

Reference Calibration of Falling-Weight Deflectometers, Software User’s Guide and 

Instruction Manual, FWDREFCAL, Version 3.72, SHRP, National Research Council, 

March 1994. 

SHRP/LTPP FWD Calibration Protocol, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, 

March 1994. 

Study of LTPP Distress Data Variability, Volumes I and II, Report Nos. FHWA-RD-99-

074 and FHWA-RD-99-075, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, September 1999. 

A.3. MATERIALS SAMPLING AND TESTING 

SHRP-LTPP Guide for Field Materials Sampling, Handling, and Testing, Operational 

Guide No. SHRP-LTPP-OG-006, SHRP, National Research Council, February 1991. 

SHRP-LTPP Interim Guide for Laboratory Materials Handling and Testing, Operational 

Guide No. SHRP-LTPP-OG-004, SHRP, National Research Council, November 1989, 

revised July 1997. 
 

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A.4. SEASONAL MONITORING PROGRAM 

CR10 Data Logger Software and CR10 Procedure Manager, Version 4.01, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, January 1997. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Instrumentation Installation and Data Collection 

Guidelines, Publication No. FHWA-RD-94-110, FHWA, Pavement Performance 

Division, April 1994. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: MOBFIELD Users Guide, Version 2.4, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, January 1997. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: MOBFIELD Users Guide, Version 3.0, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, December 1999. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: ONSFIELD Users Guide, Version 1.2, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, June 1996. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: ONSFIELD Users Guide, Version 2.0, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, December 1999. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: SMPCheck Users Guide, Version 2.5, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, October 1996. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: SMPCheck Users Guide, Version 5.0, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, January 2000. 

A.5. GPS EXPERIMENTS 

Recruitment Guidelines for Additional GPS Candidate Projects, SHRP, National 

Research Council, October 1988. 

A.6. SPS EXPERIMENTS 

Specific Pavement Studies, Experimental Design and Participation Requirements, 

Operational Memorandum No. SHRP-LTPP-OM-005R, SHRP, National Research 

Council, July 1990. 

Specific Pavement Studies Pavement Layering Methodology, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, January 1994. 

Specific Pavement Studies, Construction Guidelines for Experiment SPS-1, Strategic 

Study of Structural Factors for Flexible Pavements, Operational Memorandum No. 

SHRP-LTPP-OM-017, SHRP, National Research Council, December 1990, revised 

FHWA, December 1993. 
 

46

Specific Pavement Studies, Data Collection Guidelines for Experiment SPS-1, Strategic 

Study of Structural Factors for Flexible Pavements, Operational Memorandum No. 

SHRP-LTPP-OM-026, SHRP, National Research Council, December 1991. 

Specific Pavement Studies, Experimental Design and Research Plan for Experiment SPS1, Strategic Study of Structural Factors for Flexible Pavements, SHRP, National 

Research Council, revised February 1990. 

Specific Pavement Studies, Guidelines for Nomination and Evaluation of Candidate 

Projects for Experiment SPS-1, Strategic Study of Structural Factors for Flexible 

Pavements, Operational Memorandum No. SHRP-LTPP-OM-008, SHRP, National 

Research Council, February 1990. 

Specific Pavement Studies, Materials Sampling and Testing Requirements for Experiment 

SPS-1, Strategic Study of Structural Factors for Flexible Pavements, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, revised January 1994. 

Specific Pavement Studies, Construction Guidelines for Experiment SPS-2, Strategic 

Study of Structural Factors for Rigid Pavements, Operational Memorandum No. SHRPLTPP-OM-018, SHRP, National Research Council, 1991. 

Specific Pavement Studies, Data Collection Guidelines for Experiment SPS-2, Strategic 

Study of Structural Factors for Rigid Pavements, Operational Memorandum No. SHRPLTPP-OM-028, SHRP, National Research Council, February 1992. 

Specific Pavement Studies, Experimental Design and Research Plan for Experiment SPS2, Strategic Study of Structural Factors for Rigid Pavements, SHRP, National Research 

Council, April 1990. 

Specific Pavement Studies, Guidelines for Nomination and Evaluation of Candidate 

Projects for Experiment SPS-2, Strategic Study of Structural Factors for Rigid 

Pavements, Operational Memorandum No. SHRP-LTPP-OM-009, SHRP, National 

Research Council, April 1990. 

Specific Pavement Studies, Materials Sampling and Testing Requirements for Experiment 

SPS-2, Strategic Study of Structural Factors for Rigid Pavements, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, revised June 1994. 

Specific Pavement Studies, Data Collection Guidelines for Experiment SPS-3, 

Maintenance Effectiveness for Asphalt Concrete Pavements, SHRP, National Research 

Council, June 1990. 

Specific Pavement Studies, Data Collection Guidelines for Experiment SPS-4, 

Maintenance Effectiveness for Portland Cement Concrete Pavements, SHRP, National 

Research Council, November 1991. 
 

47

Specific Pavement Studies, Construction Guidelines for Experiment SPS-5, Rehabilitation 

of Asphalt Concrete Pavements, Operational Memorandum No. SHRP-LTPP-OM-012, 

SHRP, National Research Council, June 1990. 

Specific Pavement Studies, Data Collection Guidelines for Experiment SPS-5, 

Rehabilitation of Asphalt Concrete Pavements, Operational Memorandum No. SHRPLTPP-OM-015, SHRP, National Research Council, October 1990. 

Specific Pavement Studies, Experimental Design and Research Plan for Experiment SPS5, Rehabilitation of Asphalt Concrete Pavements, SHRP, National Research Council, 

April 1989. 

Specific Pavement Studies, Guidelines for Nomination and Evaluation of Candidate 

Projects for Experiment SPS-5, Rehabilitation of Asphalt Concrete Pavements, 

Operational Memorandum No. SHRP-LTPP-OM-006, SHRP, National Research 

Council, November 1989. 

Specific Pavement Studies., Materials Sampling and Testing Requirements for 

Experiment SPS-5, Rehabilitation of Asphalt Concrete Pavements, Operational 

Memorandum No. SHRP-LTPP-OM-014, SHRP, National Research Council, October 

1990. 

Specific Pavement Studies, Construction Guidelines for Experiment SPS-6, Rehabilitation 

of Jointed Portland Cement Concrete Pavements, Operational Memorandum No. SHRPLTPP-OM-013, SHRP, National Research Council, July 1990. 

Specific Pavement Studies, Data Collection Guidelines for Experiment SPS-6, 

Rehabilitation of Jointed Portland Cement Concrete Pavements, Operational 

Memorandum No. SHRP-LTPP-OM-023, SHRP, National Research Council, May 1991. 

Specific Pavement Studies, Experimental Design and Research Plan for Experiment SPS6, Rehabilitation of Jointed Portland Cement Concrete Pavements, SHRP, National 

Research Council, November 1989. 

Specific Pavement Studies, Guidelines for Nomination and Evaluation of Candidate 

Projects for Experiment SPS-6, Rehabilitation of Jointed Portland Cement Concrete 

Pavements, Operational Memorandum No. SHRP-LTPP-OM-007, SHRP, National 

Research Council, November 1989. 

Specific Pavement Studies, Materials Sampling and Testing Requirements for Experiment 

SPS-6, Rehabilitation of Jointed Portland Cement Concrete Pavements, Operational 

Memorandum No. SHRP-LTPP-OM-019, SHRP, National Research Council, January 

1991. 
 

48

Specific Pavement Studies, Construction Guidelines for Experiment SPS-7, Bonded 

Portland Cement Concrete Overlays, Operational Memorandum No. SHRP-LTPP-OM016, SHRP, National Research Council, December 1990. 

Specific Pavement Studies, Data Collection Guidelines for Experiment SPS-7, Bonded 

Portland Cement Concrete Overlays, Operational Memorandum No. SHRP-LTPP-OM024, SHRP, National Research Council, July 1991. 

Specific Pavement Studies, Experimental Design and Research Plan for Experiment SPS7, Bonded Portland Cement Concrete Overlays, SHRP, National Research Council, 

February 1990. 

Specific Pavement Studies, Guidelines for Nomination and Evaluation of Candidate 

Projects for Experiment SPS-7, Bonded Portland Cement Concrete Overlays, Operational 

Memorandum No. SHRP-LTPP-OM-011, SHRP, National Research Council, June 1990. 

Specific Pavement Studies., Materials Sampling and Testing Requirements for 

Experiment SPS-7, Bonded Portland Cement Concrete Overlays, Operational 

Memorandum No. SHRP-LTPP-OM-020, SHRP, National Research Council, January 

1991. 

Specific Pavement Studies, Construction Guidelines for Experiment SPS-8, Study of 

Environmental Effects in the Absence of Heavy Loads, Operational Memorandum No. 

SHRP-LTPP-OM-029, SHRP, National Research Council, March 1992. 

Specific Pavement Studies, Data Collection Guidelines for Experiment SPS-8, Study of 

Environmental Effects in the Absence of Heavy Loads, Operational Memorandum No. 

SHRP-LTPP-OM-031, SHRP, National Research Council, September 1992. 

Specific Pavement Studies, Experimental Design and Research Plan for Experiment SPS8, Study of Environmental Effects in the Absence of Heavy Loads, SHRP, National 

Research Council, August 1991. 

Specific Pavement Studies, Materials Sampling and Testing Requirements for Experiment 

SPS-8, Study of Environmental Effects in the Absence of Heavy Loads, Operational 

Memorandum No. SHRP-LTPP-OM-030, SHRP, National Research Council, August 

1992. 

Specific Pavement Studies, Materials Sampling and Testing Requirements for Experiment 

SPS-8, Study of Environmental Effects in the Absence of Heavy Loads, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, revised October 1997. 

Specific Pavement Studies, Experimental Design and Research Plan for Experiment SPS9, Validation of SHRP Asphalt Specifications and Mix Design and Innovations in Asphalt 

Pavements, SHRP, National Research Council, February 1992. 
 

49

Specific Pavement Studies, Guidelines for Nomination and Evaluation of Candidate 

Projects for Experiment SPS-9, Validation of SHRP Asphalt Specifications and Mix 

Design and Innovations in Asphalt Pavements, SHRP, National Research Council, 

February 1992. 

Specific Pavement Studies, Construction Guidelines for Experiment SPS-9A, Superpave 

Asphalt Binder Study, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, September 1995. 

Specific Pavement Studies., Experimental Design and Research Plan for Experiment 

SPS-9A, Superpave Asphalt Binder Study, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, 

January 1995. 

Specific Pavement Studies, Guidelines for Nomination and Evaluation of Candidate 

Projects for Experiment SPS-9A, Superpave Asphalt Binder Study, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, August 1994. 

Specific Pavement Studies, Materials Sampling and Testing Requirements for Experiment 

SPS-9A, Superpave Asphalt Binder Study, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, 

February 1996. 

A.7. TRAFFIC DATA 

Flexible Pavement Load Equivalency Factors (LEF) Based on Structural Number 

Estimates Using the SHRP-LTPP IMS Inventory Data, Tech Memo No. AU-167, 

November 1990. 

Guide to LTPP Traffic Data Collection and Processing, FHWA, Pavement Performance 

Division, March 2001. 

Load Equivalency Factors (LEF) Estimates for GPS-LTPP Rigid Pavements Based on 

SHRP-LTPP IMS Inventory Data, Tech Memo No. AU-168, November 1990. 

Long-Term Pavement Performance Program Protocol for Calibrating Traffic Data 

Collection Equipment, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, April 1998. 

LTPP Traffic Database Librarian Software, Version 4.0, FHWA, Pavement Performance 

Division, April 1997. 

LTPP Traffic QC Software, Technical Documentation, FHWA, Pavement Performance 

Division, 1997. 

LTPP Traffic Software Technical Documentation, FHWA, Pavement Performance 

Division, July 1997. 

LTPP Traffic Software Users Guide, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, June 

1997. 
 

50

Managing Purge Documents Using Purge Operations Software, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, February 1998. 

Revised Data Collection Plan for LTPP Sites, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, 

April 1998. 

Running the Level 4 Traffic Quality Control Filter Program, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, June 1997. 

Traffic Analysis Software, Volume 1: User’s Guide, FHWA, Office of Infrastructure 

Research, Development, and Technology, August 2002. 

Users Manual for Level 3 Through 1 LTPP Traffic Quality Control Software, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, July 1997. 

A.8. CLIMATIC DATA 

Climate Data Collection Plan for SPS Test Sites, FHWA, Pavement Performance 

Division, January 1993, revised May 1993. 

LTPP Climatic Database Revision and Expansion, Draft Report, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, July 1999. 

LTPP-SPS Automated Weather Stations: Automated Weather Station (AWS) Installation, 

Arizona DOT Open House, Phoenix, AZ, July 20–21, 1994. 

LTPP-SPS Automated Weather Stations: AWSCheck Users Guide, Version 1.1, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, November 1996. 

LTPP-SPS Automated Weather Stations: AWSScan Program Background and Users 

Guide, Version 1.11, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, February 1996. 

A.9. DYNAMIC LOAD RESPONSE DATA 

Development of an Instrumentation Plan for the Ohio SPS Test Pavement, Final Report, 

Publication No. DEL-23-17.48, Ohio DOT and FHWA, October 1994. 

SPS-2. Seasonal and Load Response Instrumentation, North Carolina DOT Open House, 

Lexington, NC, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, May 9–11, 1994. 

A.10. SITE REPORTS 

A.10.1. SPS Materials Sampling, Field Testing, and Laboratory Testing Plans 

The SPS materials sampling, field testing, and laboratory testing plans are very valuable 

sources of information for data users who want to interpret the materials data collected at 

SPS sites. Unlike the General Pavement Studies (GPS) materials sampling and testing 
 

51

plans, which are relatively uniform from site to site, the sampling plans for SPS sites vary 

substantially since they are tailored to site conditions, construction sequence, test section 

sequence, etc. For example, to compute certain material properties, the test results from 

samples obtained at different test sections must be combined. 

A.10.1.1. North Atlantic Region 

Updated Materials Sampling and Testing Plans for SPS-1 Project, US 113, SBL, 

Delaware, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, March 1995. 

SPS-1 Materials Sampling and Testing Plans, Project 510100, Rt. 265, SB, Danville, 

Virginia, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, November 1994. 

Revision to SPS-1 and SPS-2 Construction and Materials and Testing Guidelines, 

Delaware, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, April 1994. 

Report of Site Investigation on Delaware SPS-2 Problem Test Sections, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, August 1995. 

Revised Materials Sampling and Testing Plans SPS-2, US 113, SBL, Delaware, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, August 1994. 

Revised Materials Sampling and Testing Plans, SPS-2, US 52 SB, Lexington, By-Pass, 

North Carolina, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, February 1995. 

SPS-5 Materials Sampling and Testing Plans, Project 230500, I-95 NB, Argyle, Maine, 

FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, July 1994. 

SPS-5 Materials Sampling and Testing Plans, Project 240500, US-15 NB, Frederick, 

Maryland, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, January 1992. 

SPS-5 Materials Sampling and Testing Plans, Project 340500, I-195 WB, Imlaystown, 

New Jersey, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, September 1994. 

SPS-6 Materials Sampling and Testing Plans, Project 420600, I-80 WB, Centre County, 

Pennsylvania, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, July 1994. 

SPS-8 Materials Sampling and Testing Plans, Project 340800, Port Authority of NY/NJ, 

JFK Airport, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, September 1994. 

SPS-8 Materials Sampling and Testing Plans, Project 360800, Lake Ontario State 

Parkway, Brockport, New York, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, February 

1994. 

SPS-8 Materials Sampling and Testing Plans, Project 370800, SR 1245, Jacksonville, 

North Carolina, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, revised August and October 

1997. 
 

52

SPS-9 Pilot, Materials Sampling and Testing Plans, Project 240900, I-70 WB, Frederick, 

Maryland, Memo, July and September 1992. 

SPS-9 A Materials Sampling and Testing Plan Revisions, Connecticut, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, December 1997. 

Revised SPS-9 A Materials Sampling and Testing Plans, Project 340900, I-195 EB, 

Allentown, New Jersey, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, December 1997, 

revised May 1998. 

SPS-9 A Materials Sampling and Testing Plans, Project 370900, NB/SB, Sanford, North 

Carolina, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, revised February and June 1997. 

SPS-9 A Materials Sampling and Testing Plans, Project 870900, Hwy. 17 WB, 

Petawawa, Ontario, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, revised May 1997. 

SPS-9 A Materials Sampling and Testing Plans, Projects 890900, NR 170 WB, and 

89A900, NR 170 EB, Jonquiere, Quebec, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, 

revised February 1997. 

A.10.1.2. North Central Region 

As-Sampled, Sampling and Testing Plan, SPS-1 Experimental Project, US-27 

Southbound, Clinton County, Michigan, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, March 

1995. 

Sampling and Testing Plan, SPS-1 Experimental Project, US-27 Southbound, Clinton 

County, Michigan, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, February 1994. 

Sampling and Testing Plan, SPS-1 Experimental Project, STH 29, Marathon County, 

Wisconsin, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, updated July 1997. 

Mix Designs and Summary of Concrete Test Results, SPS-2 I-70 Westbound, Kansas, 

FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, April 1993. 

Summary of Test Run at the Kansas SPS-2 Project in 1992, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, April 1993. 

As-Sampled Sampling and Testing Plan, SPS-2 Experimental Project, US-23 

Northbound, Monroe County, Michigan, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, 

March 1995. 

Sampling and Testing Plan, SPS-2 Experimental Project, Westbound and Eastbound, 

Marathon County, Wisconsin, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, updated July 

1997. 
 

53

Sampling, Testing, and Monitoring Activities, SPS-5, Plan for Test Sections Located on 

Highway 1 Westbound Near Brokenhead River, Manitoba, Canada, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, June 1989. 

As-Sampled Sampling and Testing Plan, SPS-8 Experimental Project, Ramp A, Delaware 

County, Ohio, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, May 1995. 

Sampling and Testing Plan, SPS-8 Experimental Project, Ramp A, Delaware County, 

Ohio, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, May 1994. 

Draft Sampling and Testing Plan, SPS-8 Experimental Project, Apple Lane, Marathon 

County, Wisconsin, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, updated July 1997. 

Work Plan, Materials Sampling and Testing, Missouri SPS-9A, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, updated July 1996. 

Sampling and Testing Plan, SPS-9A, Experimental Project, US-23 Southbound, 

Delaware County, Ohio, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, September 1995. 

Materials Sampling and Testing Plan, SPS-9A, Highway 16 (Yellowhead Highway), 

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, May 1996. 

A.10.1.3. Southern Region 

Sampling and Testing Plan for SPS-1 Test Site in Alabama, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, April 1992. 

Materials Sampling and Testing Plan, Arkansas SPS-1 Project 050100, US-63 NBL, 

Craighead County, Arkansas, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, January 1993. 

Materials Sampling and Testing Plan, Florida SPS-1 Project 120100, US-27 SBL, Palm 

Beach County, Florida, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, August 1996. 

Laboratory Materials Testing for LTPP SPS-1 Project 2201, US-171, Calcasiu Parish, 

Louisiana, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, July 1995. 

Louisiana SPS-1 (220100), Revised Materials Sampling and Testing Plan, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, January 1993, revised December 1993. 

Materials Sampling and Testing Plan, New Mexico SPS-1 Project 350100, IH-25 NBL, 

Dona Ana County, New Mexico, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, June 1994. 

Materials Sampling and Testing Plan, Oklahoma SPS-1 Project 400100, US-62 EBL, 

Comanche County, Oklahoma, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, July 1996. 

Materials Sampling and Testing Plan, Texas SPS-1 Project 480100, US-281 SBL, 

Hidalgo County, Texas, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, December 1996. 
 

54

Arkansas SPS-2 (050200), Materials Sampling and Testing Plan, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, February 1994. 

Materials Sampling and Testing Plan, Arkansas SPS-2 Project 050200, IH-30 WBL, Hot 

Spring County, Arkansas, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, January 1997. 

Materials Sampling and Testing Plan, Alabama SPS-5 Project 010500, US-84 EBL, 

Houston County, Alabama, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, March 1996. 

Materials Sampling and Testing Plan, Florida SPS-5 Project 120500, US-1 SBL, Martin 

County, Florida, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, November 1994. 

Materials Sampling and Testing Plan, Georgia SPS-5 Project 130500, IH-75 SBL, 

Bartow County, Georgia, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, April 1993. 

Materials Sampling and Testing Plan, New Mexico SPS-5 Project 350500, IH-10 EBL, 

Grant County, New Mexico, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, September 1995. 

Materials Sampling and Testing Plan, Oklahoma SPS-5 Project 400500, US-62 WBL, 

Comanche County, Oklahoma, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, July 1996. 

Materials Sampling and Field Testing Plan for SPS Section 48A5 in Kaufman, Texas, 

FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, December 1990. 

Alabama SPS-6 Project (010600), Materials Sampling and Field Testing Plan, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, February 1998. 

Materials Sampling and Field Testing Plan, Arkansas SPS-6 Project 05A6, US-65 

Southbound, Jefferson County, Arkansas, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, June 

1997. 

Materials Sampling and Field Testing Plan, Oklahoma SPS-6 Project 4006, IH-35 

Southbound, Kay County, Oklahoma, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, March 

1992. 

Materials Sampling and Field Testing Plan, Tennessee SPS-6 Project 4706, IH-40 

Westbound, Madison County, Tennessee, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, June 

1995. 

Materials Sampling and Field Testing Plan, Louisiana SPS-7 Project 2207, IH-10 

Eastbound, Ascension Parish, Louisiana, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, May 

1991. 

Materials Sampling and Testing Plan, Arkansas SPS-8 Project 050800, US-65 East 

Terminal Interchange, Right Frontage Road, Jefferson County, Arkansas, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, October 1996. 
 

55

Materials Sampling and Testing Plan, Mississippi SPS-8 Project 280800, SR-315 NBL, 

Panola County, Mississippi, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, April 1996. 

Materials Sampling and Testing Plan, New Mexico SPS-8 Project 350800, Grant County, 

New Mexico, IH-10 Frontage Road Eastbound, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, 

August 1995. 

Materials Sampling and Testing Plan, Texas SPS-8 Project 480800, FM-2223 EBL, 

Brazos County, Texas, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, August 1995. 

Materials Sampling and Testing Plan, Texas SPS-8 Project 48A800, FM-2670, Bell 

County, Texas, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, March 2000. 

Materials Sampling and Testing Plan, Arkansas SPS-9A Project 050900, US-65 

Southbound, Jefferson County, Arkansas, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, June 

1997. 

Materials Sampling and Testing Plan, Florida SPS-9A Project 120900, Columbia 

County, Florida, IH-10 Eastbound, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, March 

1996. 

Materials Sampling and Testing Plan, Mississippi SPS-9A Project 280900, Panola 

County, Mississippi, IH-55 Southbound, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, June 

1995. 

Materials Sampling and Testing Plan, New Mexico SPS-9A Project 350900, Grant 

County, New Mexico, IH-10 Eastbound, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, 

August 1995. 

Materials Sampling and Testing Plan, Texas SPS-9A Project 480900, Bexar County, 

Texas, Loop 1604 Southbound, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, August 1995. 

A.10.1.4. Western Region 

Materials Sampling, Field Testing, and Laboratory Testing Plan, Strategic Highway 

Research Program, SPS-1. Experimental Project, Federal Aid Project No. F-39-1-509, 

State Highway No. US-93, Mohave County, Arizona, FHWA, Pavement Performance 

Division, March 1993. 

Materials Sampling, Field Testing, and Laboratory Testing Plan, Strategic Highway 

Research Program, SPS-1 and SPS-2 Experimental Projects, Interstate Highway No. I80, Humboldt and Lander Counties, Nevada, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, 

September 1994. 

Addendum to Materials Sampling, Field Testing, and Laboratory Testing Plan, Strategic 

Highway Research Program, SPS-1 and SPS-2 Experimental Projects, Interstate 
 

56

Highway No. I-80, Humboldt and Lander Counties, Nevada, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, April 1995. 

Materials Sampling, Field Testing, and Laboratory Testing Plan, Strategic Highway 

Research Program, SPS-1 and SPS-9 Experimental Projects, I-15, Cascade County, 

Montana, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, October 1997. 

Materials Sampling, Field Testing, and Laboratory Testing Plan, Strategic Highway 

Research Program, SPS-2 Experimental Project, Federal Aid Project No. IR-10-2(146), 

Ehrenberg-Phoenix State Highway, Maricopa County, Arizona, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, January 1993. 

Materials Sampling, Field Testing, and Laboratory Testing Plan, Strategic Highway 

Research Program, SPS-2 Experiment Project, Federal Aid Project No. ACNHP099(370)Y, SR 99 at and Near Delhi and Various Locations, Merced County, 

California, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, February 1999. 

Materials Sampling, Field Testing, and Laboratory Testing Plan, Strategic Highway 

Research Program, SPS-2 Experimental Project, Federal Aid Project No. ACDPS0027(001), 395–Lind to Ritzvile, Washington, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, 

March 1993. 

Materials Sampling, Field Testing, and Laboratory Testing Plan, Strategic Highway 

Research Program, SPS-2 and SPS-8 Experimental Projects, Federal Aid Project No. I 

076-1(138), State Highway No. I-76, Adams County, Colorado, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, May 1992. 

Materials Sampling, Field Testing, and Laboratory Testing Plan, Strategic Highway 

Research Program, SPS-8 Experimental Project (Flexible and Rigid), Federal Aid 

Project No. ACNH-P099(370)Y, Sycamore Street, Delhi, Merced County, California, 

FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, February 1999. 

Materials Sampling, Field Testing, and Laboratory Testing Plan, Strategic Highway 

Research Program, SPS-8 Experimental Project, Federal Aid Project No. RS 273-1(2)0, 

State Highway No. RS 273, Deerlodge County, Montana, FHWA, Pavement Performance 

Division, April 1994. 

Materials Sampling, Field Testing, and Laboratory Testing Plan, Strategic Highway 

Research Program, SPS-8 Experimental Project, Utah Forest Highway and Federal 

Lands Highway Project 5-2(3), State Highway 35 (Wolf Creek Road), Wasatch County, 

Utah, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, April 1996. 

Materials Sampling, Field Testing, and Laboratory Testing Plan, Strategic Highway 

Research Program, SPS-8 Experimental Project, Project Nos. PFH 176-1(1) and RSA070(002), North Touchet Road, Columbia County, Washington, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, June 1994. 
 

57

Materials Sampling, Field Testing, and Laboratory Testing Plan, Strategic Highway 

Research Program, SPS-8 Experimental Project (Rigid), Project No. CRP 93-13, Smith 

Springs Road, Walla Walla County, Washington, FHWA, Pavement Performance 

Division, September 1999. 

A.10.2. SPS Construction Reports 

The SPS construction reports provide data users with site-specific information and notes 

on the general layout of the site, site features, construction problems, nonstandard 

construction features, and other information not easily captured on the data sheets. 

A.10.2.1. North Atlantic Region 

Construction Report on SHRP 100100, SPS-1 Project, Ellendale, Delaware, Publication 

No. FHWA-TS-96-10-01, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, June 1996. 

Construction Report on LTPP 510100, SPS-1 Project, Danville, Virginia, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, June 1996. 

Construction Report on LTPP 100200, SPS-2 Project, Ellendale, Delaware, Publication 

No. FHWA-TS-96-10-04, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, October 1996. 

Report of Site Investigation on Delaware SPS-2 Problem Test Sections, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, July 1999 

Construction Report on LTPP 370200, SPS-2 Project, Lexington, North Carolina, 

FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, August 1994. 

Construction Report on LTPP 24A300, SPS-3 Project, Ocean City, Maryland, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, October 1990. 

Construction Report on LTPP 36A300 and 36B300, SPS-3 Projects, Glen Falls and 

Cranberry Lake, New York, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, October 1990. 

Construction Report on LTPP 42A300 and 42B300, SPS-3 Projects, Lewisburg and 

Knoxville, Pennsylvania, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, October 1990. 

Construction Report on LTPP 51A300, SPS-3 Project, Petersburg, Virginia, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, 1990. 

Construction Report on LTPP 87A300 and 87B300, SPS-3 Projects, Moonstone and 

Bracebridge, Ontario, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, October 1990. 

Construction Report on LTPP 89A300, SPS-3 Project, Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, 1990. 
 

58

Construction Report on LTPP 230500, SPS-5 Project, Argyle, Maine, Publication No. 

FHWA-TS-95-23-02, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, December 1995. 

Construction Report on LTPP 240500, SPS-5 Project, Frederick, Maryland, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, March 1993. 

Construction Report on LTPP 340500, SPS-5 Project, Imlaystown, New Jersey, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, December 1994. 

Construction Report on LTPP 420600, SPS-6 Project, Snowshoe, Pennsylvania, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, May 1995. 

Construction Report on LTPP 340800, SPS-8 Project, NY/NJ, JFK Airport, Port 

Authority, Publication No. FHWA-TS-94-34-01, FHWA, Pavement Performance 

Division, December 1994. 

Construction Report on LTPP 360800, SPS-8 Project, Lake Ontario State Parkway, 

Brockport, New York, Publication No. FHWA-TS-95-36-01, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, March 1995. 

Construction Report on LTPP 370800, SPS-8 Project, Jacksonville, North Carolina, 

Publication No. FHWA-TS-98-37-02, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, 

December 1998. 

Construction Report on LTPP 240900, SPS-9 Project, Frederick, Maryland, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, December 1992. 

Construction Report on LTPP 090900, SPS-9A Project, Colchester, Connecticut, 

Publication No. FHWA-TS-98-09-02, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, June 

1998. 

Construction Report on LTPP 340900, SPS-9A Project, Allentown, New Jersey, 

Publication No. FHWA-TS-00-34-01, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, 

December 2000. 

Construction Report on LTPP 370900, SPS-9A Project, NB and SB, Sanford, North 

Carolina, Publication No. FHWA-TS-00-37-02, FHWA, Pavement Performance 

Division, June 2000. 

Construction Report on LTPP 870900, SPS-9A Project, Petawawa, Ontario, Publication 

No. FHWA-TS-98-87-02, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, March 1998. 

Construction Report on LTPP 890900 and 89A900, SPS-9A Projects, Jonquiere, Quebec, 

Publication No. FHWA-TS-98-89-02, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, April 

1998. 
 

59

A.10.2.2. North Central Region 

SPS-1 Construction Report, US-54 Near Fort Madison, Iowa, Sections 190101 to 

190112, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, April 1994. 

SPS-1 Construction Report, US-54 Near Greensburg, Kansas, Sections 200101 to 

200164, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, April 1994. 

SPS-1 Construction Report, U.S. Highway 81 Southbound, 80 Miles Southwest of 

Lincoln, Nebraska, (4 Miles) North of the Kansas Border, Sections 310113 to 310124, 

FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, June 1996. 

SPS-1 Construction Report, U.S. Highway 23 Southbound, Delaware County, Ohio, 

Sections 390101 to 390112, 390159, and 390160, FHWA, Pavement Performance 

Division, September 1998. 

SPS-1 Construction Report, STH 29 Westbound, Marathon County, Wisconsin, Sections 

550113 to 550124, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, March 2000. 

SPS-2 Construction Report, US-65 Northbound, Polk County, Iowa, Sections 190213 to 

190224, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, June 1996. 

SPS-2 Construction Report, I-70 Near Abilene, Kansas, Sections 200201 to 200212, 

FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, March 1993. 

SPS-2 Construction Report, US 23 Northbound, Monroe County, Michigan, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, December 1995. 

SPS-2 Construction Report, I-94 Eastbound, West of Fargo, North Dakota, Sections 

380213 to 380224, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, June 1996. 

SPS-2 Construction Report, U.S. Highway 23 Northbound, Delaware County, Ohio, 

Sections 390201 to 390212 and 390259 to 390265, FHWA, Pavement Performance 

Division, September 1998. 

SPS-2 Construction Report, STH 29 Westbound, Marathon County, Wisconsin, Sections 

550213 to 550224 and 550259 to 550266, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, 

December 1999. 

SPS-5 Construction Report, Trunk Highway 2 Westbound, 14 Miles West of Bemidji, 

Minnesota, Core Sections 270501 to 270509 and Supplemental Sections 270559 to 

270561, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, June 1996. 

SPS-5 Construction Report, PTH No. 1 Westbound, 35 Miles East of Winnipeg, 

Manitoba, Sections 830501 to 830509, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, June 

1996. 
 

60

SPS-6 Construction Report, I-35 Southbound, Between Ames and Des Moines, Iowa, Test 

Sections 190601 to 190608, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, June 1996. 

SPS-6 Construction Report, US-10 Eastbound, Bay County, Michigan, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, December 1995. 

SPS-6 Construction Report, US Highway 12 Westbound, Approximately 15 Miles East of 

Aberdeen, South Dakota, Test Sections 460601 to 460608, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, June 1996. 

SPS-7 Construction Report, I-35 Near Ames, Iowa, Sections 190701 to 190710, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, April 1994. 

SPS-7 Construction Report, Interstate 94 Eastbound, Between Moorhead and 

Barnesville, Minnesota, Sections 270701 to 270709, FHWA, Pavement Performance 

Division, June 1996. 

Construction Report for SPS-7, Route 67 Northbound, Jefferson County, Missouri, 

FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, December 1995. 

Construction Report for SPS-8, Ramp A, Delaware County, Ohio, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, December 1995. 

SPS-8 South Dakota, Construction Report, State Highway 1804, Pollock, South Dakota, 

Sections 460803 and 460804, Supplemental Section 460859, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, June 1996. 

SPS-9 Construction Report, US-54 Near Greensburg, Kansas, Sections 200901 to 

200903, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, December 1993. 

SPS-9 Construction Report, US-169, Near Belle Plaine, Minnesota, Sections 270901 to 

270903, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, April 1995. 

SPS-9 Construction Report, I-94 Near Tomah, Wisconsin, Sections 550901 to 550909, 

FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, June 1994. 

SPS-9 Construction Report, I-43 Near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Sections 55A901 to 

55A909 and Sections 55B901 to 55B909, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, June 

1994. 

SPS-9A Construction Report, U.S. 65 Southbound, Sedalia, Missouri, Sections 290901 to 

290903 and 290959 to 290964, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, September 

1998. 
 

61

SPS-9A Construction Report, U.S. Highway 81 Southbound, 80 Miles Southwest of 

Lincoln, Nebraska, (4 Miles) North of the Kansas Border, Sections 310901 to 310903, 

FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, June 1996. 

SPS-9A Construction Report, Yellow Head Highway Westbound, Radisson, 

Saskatchewan, Sections 900901 to 900903 and 900959 to 900962, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, September 1998. 

A.10.2.3. Southern Region 

Southern Region SPS Tour, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, October 1995. 

SPS-1 Project 0101, Strategic Study of Structural Factors for Flexible Pavements, US280 Westbound, Lee County, Alabama, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance 

Division, February 1996. 

SPS-1 Project 0501, Strategic Study of Structural Factors for Flexible Pavements, US-63 

Northbound, Craighead County, Arkansas, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance 

Division, October 1996. 

SPS-1 Project 1201, Strategic Study of Structural Factors for Flexible Pavements, US-27 

Southbound, Palm Beach County, Florida, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance 

Division, December 1996. 

SPS-1 Project 2201, Strategic Study of Structural Factors for Flexible Pavements, US171 Northbound, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, May 1998. 

SPS-1 Project 3501, Strategic Study of Structural Factors for Flexible Pavements, IH-25 

Northbound, Dona Ana County, New Mexico, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, April 1996. 

SPS-1 Project 4001, Strategic Study of Structural Factors for Flexible Pavements, US-62 

Eastbound, Comanche County, Oklahoma, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance 

Division, August 1998. 

SPS-1 Project 4801, Strategic Study of Structural Factors for Flexible Pavements, US281 Southbound, Hidalgo County, Texas, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance 

Division, December 1997. 

SPS-2 Project 0502, Strategic Study of Structural Factors for Rigid Pavements, I-30 

Westbound, Hot Springs County, Arkansas, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance 

Division, November 1997. 

Report on the SPS-3 Experiment of the Long-Term Pavement Performance Project in the 

Southern Region, Publication No. FHWA-IF-00-026, FHWA, Pavement Performance 

Division, August 2000. 
 

62

SPS-3 Construction Report, SHRP Southern Region Coordination Office, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, January 1991. 

SPS-4 Construction Report, SHRP Southern Region Coordination Office, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, February 1991. 

SPS-5 Project 0105, Asphalt Rehabilitation Study, US-84 Eastbound, Houston County, 

Alabama, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, March 1996. 

SPS-5 Project 1205, Asphalt Rehabilitation Study, US-1 Southbound, Martin County, 

Florida, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, April 1996. 

SPS-5 Project 1305, Asphalt Rehabilitation Study, IH-75 Southbound, Bartow County, 

Georgia, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, January 1996. 

SPS-5 Project 2805, Asphalt Rehabilitation Study, IH-55 Northbound, Yazoo County, 

Mississippi, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, April 1993. 

SPS-5 Project 3505, Asphalt Rehabilitation Study, IH-10 Eastbound, Grant County, New 

Mexico, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, May 1997. 

SPS-5 Project 4005, Asphalt Rehabilitation Study, US-62 Westbound, Comanche County, 

Oklahoma, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, October 1998. 

SPS-5 Project 4805, Asphalt Rehabilitation Study on US-175 in Kaufman County, Texas, 

Final Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, July 1992. 

SPS-6 Project 0106, Rehabilitation of Jointed Portland Cement Concrete Pavements, I59 Southbound, Etowah County, Alabama, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance 

Division, May 1999. 

SPS-6 Project 05A6, Rehabilitation of Jointed Portland Cement Concrete Pavements, 

US-65 Southbound, Jefferson County, Arkansas, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, October 1997. 

SPS-6 Project 4006, Rehabilitation of Jointed Portland Cement Concrete Pavements, IH35 Southbound, Kay County, Oklahoma, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance 

Division, June 1993. 

SPS-6Project 4706, Rehabilitation of Jointed Portland Cement Concrete Pavements, IH40 Westbound, Madison County, Tennessee, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, March 1997. 

SPS-7 Project 2207, Bonded Concrete Overlay of a Concrete Pavement, IH-10 

Eastbound, Ascension Parish, Louisiana, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance 

Division, April 1993. 
 

63

SPS-8Project 0508, Environmental Effects in the Absence of Heavy Loads, US-65 East 

Terminal Interchange, Right Frontage Road, Jefferson County, Arkansas, Final Report, 

FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, December 1998. 

SPS-8 Project 2808, Environmental Effects in the Absence of Heavy Loads, SR-315 

Westbound, Panola County, Mississippi, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance 

Division, February 1998. 

SPS-8 Project 3508, Environmental Effects in the Absence of Heavy Loads, IH-10 

Frontage Road, Grant County, New Mexico, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, May 1997. 

SPS-8 Project 4808, Environmental Effects in the Absence of Heavy Loads, FM-2223 

Eastbound, Brazos County, Texas, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance 

Division, October 1996. 

SPS-8 Project 48A8, Environmental Effects in the Absence of Heavy Loads, FM-2670 

Eastbound, Bell County, Texas, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, 

July 2000. 

SPS-9A Project 0509, Superpave Asphalt Binder Study, US-65 Southbound, Pulaski 

County, Arkansas, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, September 

1997. 

SPS-9A Project 1209, Superpave Asphalt Binder Study, IH-10 Eastbound, Columbia 

County, Florida, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, March 1997. 

SPS-9A Project 2809, Superpave Asphalt Binder Study, IH-55 Southbound, Panola 

County, Mississippi, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, November 

1996. 

SPS-9A Project 3509, Superpave Asphalt Binder Study, IH-10 Eastbound, Grant County, 

New Mexico, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, May 1997. 

SPS-9A Project 4809, Superpave Asphalt Binder Study, FM-1604 Southbound, Bexar 

County, Texas, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, January 1996. 

A.10.2.4. Western Region 

Construction Report on Site 040200, Interstate Highway No. I-10, Maricopa County, 

Arizona, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, May 1994. 

Construction Report on Site 040500, Interstate Highway No. I-8, Casa Grande, Arizona, 

Final Report, Arizona Transportation Research Center, Arizona DOT, October 1990. 

Construction Report on Site 040600, Interstate Highway No. I-40, Flagstaff, Arizona,

Final Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, November 1992. 
 

64

Construction Report on Site 040900/04A900, U.S. 93, Arizona Department of 

Transportation, Kingman, Arizona, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance 

Division, December 1997. 

Construction Report on Site 060200, SR 99, Delhi, California, Final Report, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, December 2002. 

Construction Report on Site 060500, Interstate 40, California Department of 

Transportation, Barstow, California, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance 

Division, April 1996. 

Construction Report on Site 060600, Interstate Highway No. I-5, Mt. Shasta City, 

California, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, April 1996. 

Construction Report on Site 060800, Sycamore Street, Delhi, California, Final Report, 

FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, August 2002. 

Construction Report on Site 06A800, Sycamore Street, Delhi, California, Final Report,

FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, August 2002. 

Construction Report on Site 080500, Interstate 70, Colorado Department of 

Transportation, Lincoln County, Colorado, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance 

Division, October 1994. 

Construction Report on Site 080800, Chestnut Street, Colorado Department of 

Transportation, Adams County, Colorado, Draft Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance 

Division, June 1998. 

Construction Report on Site 300100, Interstate Highway 15, Cascade County, Montana, 

Final Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, November 2002. 

Construction Report on Site 300500, Interstate 90, Big Timber, Montana, Final Report,

FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, January 1992. 

Construction Report on Site 300900, Interstate Highway 15, Cascade County, Montana, 

Final Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, August 2002. 

Construction Report on Site 320100, Interstate Highway No. I-80, Humboldt and Lander 

Counties, Nevada, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, March 1998. 

Construction Report on Site 320200, Interstate Highway No. I-80, Humboldt and Lander 

Counties, Nevada, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, March 1998. 

Construction Report on Site 300800, SR 273, Adams County, Washington, Final Report, 

FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, August 1996. 
 

65

Construction Report on Site 530200, SR 395, Adams County, Washington, Final Report, 

FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, March 1997. 

Construction Report on Site 530800, North Touchet Road, Dayton, Washington, Final 

Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, September 1997. 

Construction Report on Site 53A800, Smith Springs Road, Clyde, Washington, Final 

Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, August 2002. 

Construction Report on Site 810500, Highway 16, Alberta Transportation and Utilities 

Department, Edson, Alberta, Final Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, 

July 1993. 

Construction Report on Site 81A900, Highway 2, Alberta Transportation and Utilities 

Department, Okotoks, Alberta, Draft Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, 

March 1997. 

FHWA LTPP Specific Pavement Studies, Arizona SPS-1, Construction Report on SHRP 

040100, Draft Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, April 1995. 

Investigation of Premature Distress in Asphalt Overlays on IH-70 in Colorado, 

Cooperative Applied Research between the Asphalt Institute and Colorado DOT, Denver, 

Colorado. 

SPS-2 Construction Report, SHRP 080200, Federal Aid Project No. I 076-1 (138), I-76 

Eastbound, Milepost 18.43, Adams County, Colorado, FHWA, Pavement Performance 

Division, September 1998. 

SPS-3 Construction Report, SHRP Western Region, Final Report, SHRP, National 

Research Council, December 1990. 

SPS-8 Construction Report on Site 490800, State Route 35 (Wolf Creek Road), Utah, 

Draft Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, September 1998. 

SPS-9A I-10 Westbound Milepost 112-123, Construction Report on Site 04B900, Arizona, 

Draft Report, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, August 1998. 

A.10.3. SMP Installation Reports 

The SMP site installation reports provide valuable information to analysts interested in 

the LTPP SMP data. Information contained in these reports includes: sensor installation, 

sensor check and calibration, site layout, problems during installation, nonstandard 

installation features, gravimetric moisture measurements taken during TDR installation, 

site photographs, and pavement layer structure in the instrumentation hole. 
 

66

A.10.3.1. North Atlantic Region 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 091803, Groton, Connecticut, Publication No. FHWA-TS-95-09-01, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, September 1995. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 100102, Ellendale, Delaware, Publication No. FHWA-TS-96-10-02, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, June 1996. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 231026, East Dixfield, Maine, Publication No. FHWA-TS-94-23-01, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, June 1994. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 241634, Ocean City, Maryland, Publication No. FHWA-TS-96-24-01, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, June 1996. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 251002, Chicopee, Massachusetts, Publication No. FHWA-TS-94-25-01, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, June 1994. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 331001, Concord, New Hampshire, Publication No. FHWA-TS-94-33-01, 

FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, June 1994. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 360801 Hamlin, New York, Publication No. FHWA-TS-96-36-01, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, June 1996. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 364018, Oneonta, New York, Publication No. FHWA-TS-95-36-01, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, September 1995. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Sections 370201, 370205, 370208, and 370212, Lexington, North Carolina, Publication 

No. FHWA-TS-97-37-01, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, March 1997. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 371028, Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Publication No. FHWA-TS-96-37-01, 

FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, June 1996. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 421606, Altoona, Pennsylvania, Publication No. FHWA-TS-96-42-01, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, June 1996. 
 

67

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 501002, New Haven, Vermont, Publication No. FHWA-TS-94-50-01, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, December 1994. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 510113, Danville, Virginia, Publication No. FHWA-TS-96-51-03, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, June 1996. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 510114, Danville, Virginia, Publication No. FHWA-TS-96-51-02, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, June 1996. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 871622, Bracebridge, Ontario, Publication No. FHWA-TS-94-87-01, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, December 1994. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 893015, Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, Publication No. FHWA-TS-94-89-01, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, June 1996. 

Seasonal Testing Instrumentation Pilot, GPS 361011, 1H 481 SB, E. Syracuse, New York, 

SHRP, National Research Council, October 1991. 

A.10.3.2.North Central Region 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program, Site Installation Report for GPS Section 183002 

(18A), Lafayette, Indiana, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, February 1996. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program, Site Installation Report for GPS Section 204054 

(20A), Enterprise, Kansas, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, February 1996. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program, Site Installation Report for GPS Section 271018 

(27A), Little Falls, Minnesota, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, January 1996. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program, Site Installation Report for GPS Section 271028 

(27B), Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, January 

1996. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program, Site Installation Report for GPS Section 274040 

(27D), Grand Rapids, Minnesota, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, February 

1996. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program, Site Installation Report for GPS Section 276251 

(27C), Bemidji, Minnesota, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, January 1996. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program, Site Installation Report for SPS Section 310114 

(31A), Hebron, Nebraska, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, February 1996. 
 

68

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program, Site Installation Report for GPS Section 313018 

(31B), Kearney, Nebraska, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, February 1996. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program, Site Installation Report for SPS Section 460804 

(46A), Pollock, South Dakota, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, February 1996. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program, Site Installation Report for GPS Section 469187 

(46B), Faith, South Dakota, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, February 1996. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program, Site Installation Report for GPS Section 831801 

(83A), Oak Lake, Manitoba, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, January 1996. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program, Site Installation Report for GPS Section 833802 

(83B), Glenea, Manitoba, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, January 1996. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program, Site Installation Report for GPS Section 906405 

(90A), Plunkett, Saskatchewan, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, January 1996. 

A.10.3.3. Southern Region 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 010102, Opelika, Alabama, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, February 

1996. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 131005, Warner Robins, Georgia, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, 

February 1996. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 131031, Dawsonville, Georgia, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, 

February 1996. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 133019, Gainesville, Georgia, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, 

February 1996. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 281016, Kosciusko, Mississippi, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, 

February 1996. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 281802, Laurel, Mississippi, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, February 

1996. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 351112, Hobbs, New Mexico, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, March 

1995. 
 

69

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 404165, Cleo Springs, Oklahoma, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, 

March 1995. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 481060, Victoria, Texas, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, March 1995. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 481068, Paris, Texas, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, February 1995. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 481077, Estelline, Texas, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, January 

1995. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 481122, Floresville, Texas, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, March 

1995. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 483739, Kingsville, Texas, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, March 

1995. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 484142, Jasper, Texas, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, February 1995. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 484143, Beaumont, Texas, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, March 

1995. 

A.10.3.4. Western Region 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 040113, Kingman, Arizona, Publication No. FHWA-04-0113, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, May 1997. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 040114, Kingman, Arizona, Publication No. FHWA-04-0114, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, May 1997. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 040215, Kingman, Arizona, Publication No. FHWA-04-0215, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, May 1997. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 041024, Flagstaff, Arizona, Publication No. FHWA-04-1024, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, May 1997. 
 

70

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 063042, Lodi, California, Publication No. FHWA-06-3042, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, May 1997. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 081053, Delta, Colorado, Publication No. FHWA-08-1053, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, January 1994. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 161010, Idaho Falls, Idaho, Publication No. FHWA-16-1010, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, February 1994. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 300114, Great Falls, Montana, Publication No. FHWA-30-0114, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, October 2001. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 320101, Battle Mountain, Nevada, Publication No. FHWA-32-0101, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, June 1997. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 320204, Battle Mountain, Nevada, Publication No. FHWA-32-0204, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, June 1997. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 491001, Bluff, Utah, Publication No. FHWA-49-1001, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, February 1994. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 493011, Nephi, Utah, Publication No. FHWA-49-3011, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, February 1994. 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 533813, Camas, Washington, Publication No. FHWA-53-3813, FHWA, 

Pavement Performance Division, May 1997. 

 

LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program: Site Installation and Initial Data Collection, 

Section 561007, Cody, Wyoming, Publication No. FHWA-56-1007, FHWA, Pavement 

Performance Division, February 1994. 

Seasonal Instrumentation Pilot Study, Instrumentation Installation, Section 163023 in 

Idaho, SHRP, May 1992. 

Seasonal Instrumentation Pilot Study, Instrumentation Installation, Montana Section 

308129, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, December 1992. 
 

71

APPENDIX B. LTPP DATA ANALYSIS REPORTS 

DATA QUALITY ASSESSMENT STUDIES 

Analyses Relating to Pavement Material Characterizations and Their Effects on 

Pavement Performance, FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-RD-97-085, January 1998. 

Evaluation and Analysis of LTPP Pavement Layer Thickness Data, FHWA, Publication 

No. FHWA-RD-03-041, May 2004. 

Guidelines for Review and Evaluation of LTPP Backcalculation Results, FHWA, 

Publication No. FHWA-HRT-05-152, February 2006. 

LTPP Maintenance and Rehabilitation Data Review—Final Report, FHWA, Publication 

No. FHWA-RD-01-019, February 2001. 

Assessment of the SPS-7 Bonded Concrete Overlays Experiment: Final Report, FHWA, 

Publication No. FHWA-RD-98-130, October 1998. 

Assessment of LTPP Friction Data, FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-RD-99-037, March 

1999. 

Assessment of Selected LTPP Material Data Tables and Development of Representative 

Test Tables, FHWA, Publication No FHWA-RD-02-001, March 2003. 

LTPP Profile Variability, FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-RD-00-113, July 2000. 

Mechanistic Evaluation of Test Data From LTPP Flexible Pavement Test Sections, 

Volume I: Final Report, FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-RD-98-012, April 1998. 

Mechanistic Evaluation of Test Data From LTPP Jointed Concrete Pavement Test 

Sections, FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-RD-98-094, June 1998. 

Preliminary Evaluation and Analysis of LTPP Faulting Data—Final Report, FHWA, 

Publication No. FHWA-RD-00-076, June 2000. 

 

Preliminary Evaluation of LTPP Continuously Reinforced Concrete (CRC) Pavement 

Test Sections, FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-RD-99-086, July 1999. 

 

Study of LTPP Pavement Deflections, FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-RD-03-093, 

August 2006. 

Study of LTPP Pavement Temperatures, FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-RD-02-071, 

March 2005. 
 

72

Structural Factors for Flexible Pavements—Initial Evaluation of the SPS-1 Experiment, 

Final Report, FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-RD-01-166, June 2003. 

Structural Factors of Jointed Plain Concrete Pavements: SPS-2—Initial Evaluation & 

Analysis, FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-HRT-01-167, April 2005. 

Study of LTPP Laboratory Resilient Modulus Test Data and Response Characteristics, 

Final Report, FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-RD-02-051, October 2002. 

Review of the Long-Term Pavement Performance Backcalculation Results—Final Report, 

FHWA, Publication No.FHWA-HRT-05-150, February 2006. 

Researcher's Guide to the Long-Term Pavement Performance Layer Thickness Data, 

FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-RD-03-040, July 2002. 

LTPP Pavement Maintenance Materials: SPS-4 Supplemental Joint Seal Experiment, 

Final Report, FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-RD-99-151, October 1999. 

LTPP Pavement Maintenance Materials: SHRP Crack Treatment Experiment, Final 

Report, FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-RD-99-143, September 1999. 

LTPP Pavement Maintenance Materials: PCC Partial-Depth Spall Repair Experiment,

FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-RD-99-153, Final Report, October 1999. 

LTPP Pavement Maintenance Materials: SHRP Joint Reseal Experiment, Final Report, 

FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-RD-99-142, September 1999. 

COMPUTED PARAMETERS 

Backcalculation of Layer Moduli of LTPP General Pavement Study (GPS) Sites, FHWA, 

Publication No. FHWA-RD-97-086, September 1997. 

Estimating Cumulative Traffic Loads, Final Report for Phase 1, FHWA, Publication No. 

FHWA-RD-00-054, July, 2000. 

Estimating Cumulative Traffic Loads, Volume II: Traffic Data Assessment and Axle Load 

Projection for the Sites with Acceptable Axle Weight Data, Final Report for Phase 2, 

FHWA, Publication No FHWA-RD-03-094, March 2005. 

Backcalculation of Layer Parameters for LTPP Test Sections, Volume I: Slab on Elastic 

Solid and Slab on Dense-Liquid Foundation Analysis of Rigid Pavements, FHWA, 

Publication No. FHWA-RD-00-086, January 2001. 

 

Back-Calculation of Layer Parameters for LTPP Test Sections, Volume II: Layered 

Elastic Analysis for Flexible and Rigid Pavements, FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-RD01-113, October 2002. 
 

73

Characterization of Transverse Profiles, FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-RD-01-024, 

April 2001. 

Evaluation of Joint and Crack Load Transfer, Final Report, FHWA, Publication No. 

FHWA-02-088, October 2003. 

Determination of Frost Penetration in LTPP Sections, Final Report, FHWA, Publication 

No. FHWA-RD-99-088, September 1999. 

Determining Soil Volumetric Moisture Content Using Time Domain Reflectometry,

FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-RD-97-139, February 1998. 

Analysis of Time Domain Reflectometry Data From LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program 

Test Sections-Final Report, FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-RD-99-115, July 1999. 

Distress Data Consolidation, Final Report, FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-RD-01-143, 

October 2003. 

Verification of Virtual Weather Stations Phase I Report: Accuracy and Reliability of 

Virtual Weather Stations, FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-RD-03-092, May 2006. 

DATA COLLECTION STUDIES 

Study of LTPP Distress Data Variability, Volume I, FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-RD99-074, September 1999. 

Study of LTPP Distress Data Variability, Volume II, FHWA, Publication No. FHWARD-99-075, September 1999. 

Optimization of Traffic Data Collection for Specific Pavement Design Applications,

FHWA, Publication No.FHWA-HRT-05-079, May 2006. 

Quantification of Smoothness Index Differences Related to Long-Term Pavement 

Performance Equipment Type, FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-HRT-05-054, September 

2005. 

LTPP Materials Characterization Program: Verification of Dynamic Test Systems with 

an Emphasis on Resilient Modulus, FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-RD-02-034, 

September 2005. 

INTERIM RESEARCH FINDINGS 

LTPP Data Analysis. Phase I: Validation of Guidelines for k-Value Selection and 

Concrete Pavement Performance Prediction, FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-RD-96-

198, January 1997. 
 

74

Design Pamphlet for the Backcalculation of Pavement Layer Moduli in Support of the 

1993 AASHTO Guide for the Design of Pavement Structures, FHWA, Publication No. 

FHWA-RD-97-076, September 1997. 

Common Characteristics of Good and Poorly Performing PCC Pavements, FHWA, 

Publication No. FHWA-RD-97-131, January 1998. 

Design and Construction of PCC Pavements, Volume I: Summary of Design Features 

and Construction Practices That Influence Performance of Pavements, FHWA, 

Publication No. FHWA-RD-98-052, March 1998. 

Maintaining Flexible Pavements–The Long-Term Pavement Performance Experiment 

SPS-3 5-year Data Analysis, FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-RD-97-102, March 1998. 

Investigation of Development of Pavement Roughness, FHWA, Publication NO. FHWARD-97-147, May 1998. 

Common Characteristics of Good and Poorly Performing AC Pavements, FHWA, 

Publication No. FHWA-RD-99-193, November 1999. 

Concrete Pavement Maintenance Treatment Performance Review: SPS-4 5-Year Data 

Analysis, FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-RD-97-155, July 1998. 

Design and Construction of PCC Pavements, Volume II: Design Features and Practices 

That Influence Performance of Pavements, FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-RD-98-127, 

October 1998. 

 

Design and Construction of PCC Pavements, Volume III: Improved PCC Performance 

Models, FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-RD-98-113, January 1999. 

Effects of Multiple Freeze Cycles and Deep Frost Penetration on Pavement Performance 

and Cost: Final Report, FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-HRT-06-121, November 2006. 

 

Long-Term Monitoring of Pavement Maintenance Materials Test Sites, FHWA, 

Publication No. FHWA-RD-98-073, July 1998. 

Performance of Rehabilitated Asphalt Concrete Pavements in LTPP Experiments (Data 

Collected Through February 1997), FHWA Publication No. FHWA-RD-00-029, January 

2000. 

Rehabilitation of Asphalt Concrete Pavements - Initial Evaluation of the SPS-5 

Experiment: Final Report, FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-RD-01-168, July 2006. 

Rehabilitation of Jointed Portland Cement Concrete Pavements—SPS-6 Initial 

Evaluation and Analysis, FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-RD-01-169, October 2005. 
 

75

Rehabilitation Performance Trends: Early Observations From Long-Term Pavement 

Performance (LTPP) Specific Pavement Studies (SPS), FHWA, Publication No. FHWARD-97-099, January 1998. 

LTPP Seasonal Asphalt Concrete (AC) Pavement Temperature Models, FHWA, 

Publication No. FHWA-RD-97-103, September 1998. 

 

Materials and Procedures for Rapid Repair of Partial-Depth Spalls in Concrete 

Pavements—Manual of Practice, FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-RD-99-152, 

December 1999. 

Materials and Procedures for Repair of Potholes in Asphalt-Surfaced Pavements—

Manual of Practice, FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-RD-99-168, December 1999. 

 

Materials and Procedures for Repair of Joint Seals in Portland Cement Concrete 

Pavement Joints—Manual of Practice, FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-RD-99-146, 

December 1999. 

Materials and Procedures for Sealing and Filling Cracks in Asphalt-Surfaced 

Pavements—Manual of Practice, FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-RD-99-147, 

December 1999. 

Pavement Smoothness Index Relationships: Final Report, FHWA, Publication No. 

FHWA-RD-02-057, October 2002. 

 

Pavement Treatment Effectiveness, 1995 SPS-3 and SPS-4 Site Evaluations, National 

Report, FHWA, Publication No. FHWA-RD-96-208, May 1997. 

Seasonal Variations in the Moduli of Unbound Pavement Layers, FHWA, Publication 

No. FHWA-HRT-04-079, July 2006. 

Temperature Predictions and Adjustment Factors for Asphalt Pavement, FHWA, 

Publication No. FHWA-RD-98-085, May 2000. 
 
 

77

REFERENCES 

1. Lytton, R. L., Rauhut, J. B., and Darter, M.I., “Long-Term Pavement Monitoring 

Program Development of Pavement Monitoring,” Federal Highway 

Administration, Contract DTFH61-83-C-00164, August 1984. 

2. FHWA, “Accuracy of LTPP Traffic Loading Estimates,” Publication FHWA-RD98–124, July 1998. 
 
 
HRDI-13/11-08(WEB)E