FY 2002

PERFORMANCE

REPORT

Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center

WELCOME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

SECTION I: Who We Are and What We Do . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

SECTION II: The Strategic Framework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Vision and Mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

F H WA G o a l s , “ Vi t a l Fe w, ” a n d Ro l e s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

C o r p o r a t e Ro l e i n Te c h n o l o g y a n d In n o v a t i o n D e p l o y m e n t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1

SECTION III: Our Business Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

RD&T Chal lenges, Commitments, and Achie vements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Leadership Council Action Agenda Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

RD&T Research Project Status Summar y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

RD&T Research Success Stories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

SECTION IV: RD&T Performance Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Re l e v a n c e , Q u a l i t y, a n d Pe r f o r m a n c e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Planning and Priority Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Stakeholder Advisor y Activities and Feedback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

T h e Pe r f o r m a n ce Ma n a g e m e n t Te a m . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

The Lab Assessment Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

The Performance Mana gement Frame work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

RD&T Research Benefits Ca se Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

RD&T Annual Quality Self Assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

RD&T Organizational Char t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

APPENDICES: Project and Services Status Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

A: RD&T Research Project Status Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

B : RD&T Ser vices Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B -1

C: R D &T Re s e a r c h a n d Te c h n o l o g y Pa r t n e r s h i p s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C - 1

D: RD&T Educational Outreach Par tnerships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1

E : List of Abbre viations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E -1

WELCOME

his publication is the Federal Highway

Administration’s (FHWA) Office of

Research, Development, and Technology’s

(RD&T) first annual performance report. It

represents an effort to demonstrate and communicate our commitment to accountability in the

programs and initiatives managed at the TurnerFairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC), a

federally owned and operated research facility in

McLean, VA. The report documents our 2002

accomplishments and success stories, and discusses the challenges and strategies we plan to

use in addressing them. Additionally, the report highlights

some changes in the research and technology (R&T) environment this year and shows how we adapted to changing

circumstances by adjusting our practices. This performance

report is a companion document to the 2002/2003

Performance Plan and the 2002/2003 Catalog of Products and

Services, both available on the TFHRC Web site. Our organization recently took on the leadership and coordination of

the FHWA initiative to “raise the bar” in research, technology, and innovation deployment. Next year’s performance

report will include a section that communicates FHWA’s

accomplishments in this particular area. 

Our R&T program directly supports the FHWA and

Department of Transportation’s (DOT) goals. At FHWA, our

mission of “Enhancing Mobility through Innovation,

Leadership, and Public Service” and our role as “Innovators

for a Better Future,” reinforce R&T’s importance to the

Nation’s transportation system and our customers. FHWA’s

research leadership emphasizes information sharing and

partnerships with State and local governments, academia,

and the private sector to quickly and cost-effectively transform new technologies and concepts, into better transportation systems, processes, and services. 

The TFHRC facility contains more than 24 indoor and outdoor laboratories (labs) and support facilities, which provide

advanced research and development

(R&D) innovations for U.S. and international highways. TFHRC houses more

than 300 Federal and contract transportation researchers, students, and support personnel. The first section of this

performance report provides additional

insight into our research facility, personnel skill levels, programs, and initiatives that enhance and “give back” to

our community. The remainder of the report highlights our

contributions to highway research and technology, and our

efforts to continually improve our organizational processes.

These efforts recently earned RD&T the FHWA Quality

Breakthrough Award for making significant progress in quality management practices.

We hope that this report encourages you to learn more about

RD&T’s people, laboratories, services, and research. Our

office undertakes and completes research that is essential,

indispensable, and connected to our stakeholders. I sincerely

welcome your feedback on this performance report and

encourage you to provide comments and improvement suggestions through the TFHRC Web site at

http://www.tfhrc.gov/. A Research, Development, and

Technology FY 2002 Performance Report feedback link was

added to our home page to encourage and facilitate your

input. Thank you for letting us know how we may better

serve you.

Dennis C. Judycki

Associate Administrator for Research, Development, 

and Technology

T

Welcome

3

RD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT

I. WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

We continually seek

to promote partnerships with State and

local governments,

academia, and the

private sector to

quickly and 

cost-effectively

transform new 

technologies, 

concepts, and ideas

into better 

transportation 

systems, processes,

and services.

I. Who We Are and What We Do

5

TFHRC has six offices involved in research and program

support activities. The R&D Office of Safety, Office of

Operations, and Office of Infrastructure conduct R&D that

continually improves highway safety, operations, and infrastructure, respectively. Our 300 employees and contractors

work in a variety of occupations and specialties, and job

positions include engineers, scientists, psychologists, and

program support specialists from a variety of disciplines.

Their activities cover major subject-matter areas such as

human centered systems, materials technology, operations

and intelligent transportation systems (ITS), pavements,

safety, and structures. Fifty percent of RD&T staff has

advanced degrees, with 20 percent holding one or more 

doctoral degrees.

RD&T develops and executes policy, budget, program management, and evaluations that support FHWA’s R&T program. The organization serves as the focal point for FHWA

participation in cooperative research activities, such as the

National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP)

and the Transportation Pooled Fund program. In the 2002

fiscal year (FY), the Transportation Pooled Fund included

115 FHWA-led projects valued at approximately $38 million,

with the average study valued at $450,000. Additionally,

FHWA administered 150 State-led projects valued at approximately $50 million—with the average study valued at

$575,000. (Each project included five State partners on average.) RD&T also conducts outreach to University

Transportation Research Centers and the small business

community. 

Our approach to research supports FHWA’s emphasis on

cooperation, information sharing, and formal research

agenda development within DOT and across the entire

government. We continually seek to promote partnerships

with State and local governments, academia, and the private

sector to quickly and cost-effectively transform new technologies and concepts into better transportation systems,

processes, and services. Appendices C and D of this report

provide an overview of the extensive partnership activities

that involve FHWA. Our emphasis on conducting world-class

research includes a commitment to improve our business

processes and efficiently operate the RD&T facilities, organization, and programs. We saved more than $1 million by

streamlining support contracts, and more than $85,000 by

utilizing an offsite manager for our Web-based operations as

part of our cost-saving measures. For additional business

process improvement highlights that enabled us to exceed

our customers’ and partners’ expectations, see the

“Challenges and Commitments” section of this report and

the “Services” tables in appendix B. 
Our organization regularly offers a variety of career development programs, including FHWA’s professional development

program, the DOT-wide Summer Transportation Intern

Program for Diverse Groups (STIPDG), and Federal governmentwide programs such as the Executive Leadership Program and

the Executive Potential Program. RD&T benefits from the new

perspectives and fresh ideas that these program participants

offer, and provides new learning opportunities whenever possible.

In return, the program creates more participant awareness and

a better understanding of the unique highway research

challenges. For more information, see appendix D. 

In addition to educational outreach, RD&T provides a variety

of marketing and communications services that support FHWA

technology and innovation deployment initiatives. These services

include marketing and communications strategic planning,

exhibits, special events planning, and report and periodical

publishing, including Public Roads, Research and Technology

Transporter, and Focus. 

“Giving Back” to the Community 

Youth Educational Outreach

Part of the organizational culture at RD&T is an emphasis on

societal responsibility, community involvement, and mentorship. RD&T enthusiastically encourages future transportation

professionals and we offer hundreds of students the opportunity to learn firsthand about the

role of research

and technology in

the Nation’s transportation system,

and the variety of

available transportation career

options. These

activities support

the educational community at all levels, from research fellow

grants to kindergarten through senior high school (K-12) ageappropriate outreach activities. For several years now, our lab

research engineers have spoken to and made presentations to

local elementary schools to interest students in the engineering profession. Recently, RD&T engineers visited two elementary schools in Prince George’s County, MD, and one in

Washington, DC, to teach students about the profession and

encourage them to explore engineering as a future career path.

Other K-12 educational outreach activities include hosting job

shadowing on Groundhog Day and Take Your Son/Daughter to

Work Day. RD&T also supports the National Engineer Week’s

Future City Competition, bringing together seventh- and

eighth-grade students and engineers to develop models of

future cities. FHWA sponsors an award to the Future City team

that best incorporates transportation elements in its prototypical design. This year, the RD&T staff judged and presented the

team award to students from the St. Thomas More School in

Baton Rouge, LA, and each winning team member received a

$100 savings bond and a framed recognition certificate.

I. WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

6
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Training

For the past 5 years, firefighters from two Fairfax County Fire

and Rescue Departments, Fairfax, VA, practiced removing

pinned and trapped motorists (using crash dummies) from

automobile crash tests at the TFHRC Federal Outdoor Impact

Laboratory (FOIL). Normally, these firefighters and rescue

workers practice their rescue techniques on junked cars at the

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Academy, Fairfax, VA.

However, using crash test vehicles from the FOIL provides

them with a more challenging training exercise, since the FOIL

better simulates actual crash conditions. As a result, firemen

who train at the FOIL improve their equipment skills and their

rescue techniques in preparation for real-life emergencies. 

Future Car Congress “Ride and Drive”

To showcase the latest environmentally friendly vehicles,

RD&T hosted the “Ride and Drive” event for the Future Car

Congress, which enabled attendees to drive state-of-the-art

vehicles and gain hands-on experience using the technologies

highlighted during the conference.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of

Energy (DOE), the U.S. Council for

Automotive Engineers, and The

Engineering Society of Detroit,

this year’s Future Car Congress

hosted more than 800 guests

from 16 countries and included

government officials, policy

makers, analysts, researchers, engineers,

industry and academic representatives, news

reporters, and FHWA employees. 

Facility Tours

TFHRC conducts facility tours, which create awareness with

critical audiences and deliver the message that RD&T research

provides innovative, real-world solutions to a number of highway-related problems. Each year, TFHRC offers tours to hundreds of guests such as senior legislative and U.S. DOT

decision makers, congressional staffers, international research

colleagues, FHWA State and local partners, professional organiRD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT 7

I. WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
8

I. WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

zation and association members, and others. Guests visit the

labs and learn about research projects that benefit our Nation’s

transportation system. 

Combined Federal Campaign 

and Other Outreach Activities

At TFHRC, we give back to the community through a number

of other programs. RD&T supports the annual Combined

Federal Campaign (CFC) with fundraising and social events,

such as a chili cook-off and bake sales with proceeds this year

going to the Oklahoma City Scholarship Fund. Throughout the

year, employees also collect donations on various holidays for

a senior center in Washington, DC,

and they conduct semi-annual blood

drives to support the American Red

Cross of the National Capital Area.

During the September 11 tragedy,

personnel organized a special blood

drive to support and help save the

lives of fellow Americans, who were

injured. Other RD&T public outreach activities include exhibits on the National Mall in

Washington, DC, for Public Service Appreciation Week and

National Transportation Week.
RD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT 9

FHWA’s research

approach emphasizes

cooperation, 

information sharing,

and developing 

formal research

agendas. 

The FHWA R&T Program

Managing FHWA’s R&T program and communicating with

our partners are important components of the RD&T mission. Like the R&T program, the RD&T program directly

supports FHWA’s and DOT’s goals. FHWA’s research

approach emphasizes cooperation, information sharing,

and formal research agenda development with State and

local governments, academia, and the private sector. The

RD&T Performance Plan illustrates RD&T’s alignment with

the DOT and FHWA vision, mission, and goals; documents

the action agenda that will produce results; and lists the

RD&T products and services. 

Vision and Mission

The FHWA Leadership Team recently reexamined FHWA’s

vision, mission, and roles. In the new mission statement,

“Enhancing Mobility through Innovation, Leadership and

Public Service,” FHWA affirms that research and innovation

are integral to its mission. In fact, one of FHWA’s three primary roles is to be “innovators for a better future.” This key

rewording of the mission statement reflects R&T’s important contribution to enhancing mobility, and it underscores

FHWA’s commitment to organizationally “raising the bar”

on technology and innovation development and deployment.

II. The Strategic Framework

DOT Vision

A visionary and vigilant Department of

Transportation leading the way to

transportation excellence in the 

21st Century.

FHWA Vision

Improving transportation for a 

strong America.

RD&T Vision

An RD&T organization that is essential,

indispensable, and connected to our partners

in advancing research and technology.

DOT Mission

Serve the United States by ensuring a fast,

safe, efficient, accessible, and convenient

transportation system that meets our vital

national interests and enhances the quality of

life of the American people, today, and into

the future.

FHWA Mission

Enhancing mobility through innovation,

leadership, and public service.

RD&T Mission

Leads in developing a nationally coordinated

research and technology program; champions

the advancement of highway technological

innovation in support of FHWA strategic

goals and performance objectives; advances

knowledge through research, development,

testing, and evaluation services; and provides

support and assistance throughout FHWA in

matters relating to research, development,

and technology.

II.THE STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK
II.THE STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK

10

FHWA Goals for FY 2002

Safety—Improve highway safety.

Mobility—Improve the public’s access to activities, goods, and

services through preserving, improving, and expanding the

highway transportation system, and enhancing its operations,

efficiency, and intermodal connections.

Productivity—Improve the economic efficiency of the Nation’s

transportation system to enhance America’s position in the

global economy.

Human and Natural Environment—Protect and enhance the natural environment and communities affected by highway transportation.

National Security—Improve the Nation’s national defense

mobility.

Organizational Excellence—Advance FHWA’s ability to manage

organizational resources, to improve customer service and satisfaction, and to successfully deploy technologies and innovations.

FHWA “Vital Few”

Safety, Congestion Mitigation, and Environmental Stewardship

and Streamlining can best be described as the Agency “to do”

list. These goals reflect FHWA’s desire to commit resources in

areas where critical performance gaps exist and where the

greatest impact can be made. In the next 3 to 5 years, our performance in these areas will define success for FHWA and

affirm the need for a Federal role in highway transportation.

FHWA Roles

Based on discussions at the FHWA annual meeting, the Agency

developed a new technology and innovation role statement,

which affirms FHWA’s new mission and declares our identity: 

Innovators for a Better Future—To support the role of

“Innovators for a Better Future,” TFHRC leadership

commits to: 

Coordinating R&D with and for our stakeholders and

partners;

Supporting an environment that encourages innovation

deployment; and

Creating improved technology and innovation deployment processes. 

In light of these guiding principles, the TFHRC provides

FHWA, its stakeholders, and customers—the world highway

community—with the most advanced research and development related to new highway technologies—focusing on

solutions to complex technical problems by developing economical, environmentally sensitive designs; efficient, quality controlled constructions practices; and durable

materials, all of which will create a safer, more reliable

highway transportation system. 

Leaders for National Mobility—defining future transportation systems and advocating highway system excellence.

Stewards for National Highway Programs—“raising the bar”

on performance and ensuring financial accountability.
Corporate Role in Research and

Deployment of Technology and Innovation 

In FY 2002, FHWA completed a restructuring assessment to

examine the state of its current organizational structure. The

restructuring assessment team conducted 160 focus groups and

structured interviews, 85 with external stakeholders and 75

with FHWA employees.

FHWA’s “raising the bar” initiative supports the Agency’s role

as “Innovators for a Better Future.” The initiative addresses recommendations from the FHWA restructuring assessment, the

Transportation Research Board (TRB) Research and Technology

Coordination Committee’s (RTCC) TRB Special Report 261, The

Federal Role in Highway Research and Technology, and the recommendations from the Government Accounting Office (GAO)

report on highway research. A new position of Director for

Research, Technology, and Innovation Deployment was created, reporting to the Associate Administrator for RD&T. The

strategy is to develop an FHWA “Corporate Master Plan for

Research and Technology and Innovation Deployment.” The

plan will cover all phases, including setting research agendas,

increasing the role of external stakeholders, using “roadmaps”

(multiyear plans), evaluating research results, and deploying

technology.

RD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT 11

II.THE STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK
We have developed 

a lab assessment

process that will

allow routine expert

peer review of the

research conducted

at TFHRC. 

12

III. OUR BUSINESS RESULTS

III. Our Business Results

RD&T Challenges, Commitments and

Achievements

To guide our business and performance plan, the RD&T

Leadership Council’s (LC) vision is to conduct research and

provide products and services that are essential, indispensable, and connected to our customers and partners. We are

committed to continuing our quality journey (the process

that FHWA uses to regularly assess their management practices); initiating program, process, and quality of work-life

improvements; conducting outstanding research; and providing services that exceed performance indicators, strategic

goals, and customer

and partner expectations. The following is

a list of our top challenges and some key

achievements related

to fulfilling them:

I. Effectively

Deliver Needed

Products and Services 

1. Develop quality research products and services

that address the needs of our internal customers

and external partners in a timely manner.

RD&T’s performance plan calls for the delivery of more

than 86 products in the FY 2002/2003 timeframe. More

than 90 percent of research projects are on schedule, and

our customer surveys confirm improvements in

response and delivery times. RD&T projects span many

disciplines and transportation topics, from highway

design, engineering, and maintenance to economic

analysis, human factors, travel surveys, outreach, and

marketing. See the Project and Services Status Tables for

a detailed status listing of FY 2002/2003 products.

2. Improve R&T collaboration, communication, and

feedback from the FHWA Resource Centers and

Division Offices.

The findings from the RD&T annual self-assessment confirmed that there were notable improvements in communications and feedback between RD&T offices and the

Resource Centers and Division Offices. Survey results

indicated that relationships with our internal and external customers and stakeholders were generally positive,

and reflected greater awareness of customer and partner

needs and communication improvements, overall.

Several RD&T offices also confirmed better response

times and better product and service deliveries. 

RD&T conducted several meetings and conferences with

Division Offices and Resource Centers to discuss important strategic and operational issues, in addition to standard communication activities and field office

interactions. Highlights include the sessions held at the

annual TRB meeting, the technology and innovation

delivery conference for the Western States, and the

National Research Advisory Committee meetings.
II. Improve Business and Administrative Processes

1. Develop and implement a lab assessment process to

provide regular, independent feedback to improve the

quality of lab services and lab-based research

programs.

RD&T developed a lab assessment process that will foster

routine expert peer review of the research conducted at

TFHRC. Planning

for a pilot assessment of the

Human Centered

Systems Lab currently is underway. 

An SAIC-prepared

RD&T report provided an overview

of Federal laboratory assessment

best practices. RD&T used this report to develop its

approach and shared it with other interested agencies.

2. Effectively use research resources and ensure

efficient RD&T facility, organization, and program

operations. 

RD&T recently received the Quality Breakthrough Award,

which recognizes organizations within FHWA that are making significant progress in developing clear plans, building

sound processes, and achieving measurable results. The

award is for the second-of-three milestones in the pursuit of

the Quality Journey Award. The first milestone is the

Quality Commitment Award, the second is the Quality

Breakthrough Award, and the third is the Quality

Excellence Award. Each office award recipient was judged

using the seven Malcolm Baldrige award criteria for performance excellence. Because it is one of the highest

awards given within FHWA, receipt of a

Quality Journey Award is a distinctive

honor. 

RD&T improved its account coordination and reconciliation and identified

corrections for FHWA R&T funds. The

office used this information to develop FHWA-wide reports

for all R&T funds. For contracting and procurement planning, RD&T staff developed training, which FHWA is now

using for contracting officer’s technical representative

(COTR) refresher training requirements. RD&T staff are

piloting an advanced acquisition planning system that will

be adopted by the Agency.

Technology facilitation action plans (TFAPs) are important

mechanisms to ensure organizational R&T product and

service delivery to our customers. RD&T and the entire

Agency are using TFAPs to track research product development and deployment. 

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Process

Improvement—RD&T led the development and implementation of a multifaceted process improvement initiative. It

established procedures for evaluating SBIR proposals and

ensuring that funded projects support critical FHWA

research priorities and strategic objectives. The process also

provided FHWA office directors with direct roles for determining the SBIR proposals that most closely meet mission

priorities. The process helps develop closer and more effective working relationships between Volpe (the organization

responsible for overseeing the DOT SBIR initiative) and

FHWA. Finally, the process encourages more realistic decisions regarding the number of Phase I-funded projects,

given budgetary trends. 

3. Define and implement methodologies/tools to

evaluate projects and conduct a performance

measurement of TFHRC research.

RD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT 13

III. OUR BUSINESS RESULTS
RD&T developed and adopted a performance management

framework based on FHWA’s corporate management strategies. The framework was well received within the performance measurement community and obtained a favorable

mention in TRB Special Report 261 and in a recent NCHRP

report on performance measures. 

RD&T staff provided key recommendations to DOT for

developing the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB)

criteria for Federal investment in

research, based on relevance, quality, and performance. The revised

criteria are a variation of the original recommendations of the

National Academies’ Committee on

Science, Engineering, and Public

Policy.

RD&T participated in the FHWA

“catchball” initiative to draft performance objectives directly related

to FHWA’s Vital Few goals. Catchball

is an FHWA goal-setting process that

uses input and participation from all

levels of the organization.

Employees at all levels were

involved in designing strategic objectives, activities, and

measures for accomplishing and being held accountable for

specific goals. The catchball process encouraged RD&T

employees and managers to focus performance plans at the

office and individual levels for achieving results in specific

project areas. 

TFHRC established a performance management team with

representatives from all six RD&T offices. The team’s charter is to advise and assist the RD&T leadership in developing, coordinating, and implementing organizational

performance and productivity improvements. Performance

management efforts currently underway include:

Developing performance goals, measures, strategies, and

initiatives to improve performance management in

RD&T offices and laboratories;

Monitoring measurement results, and analyzing performance management information;

Conducting the annual RD&T self-assessment process

and applying results;

Developing and conducting RD&T customer satisfaction

surveys;

Contributing to special projects for RD&T performance

management, such as developing and implementing the

expert panel assessment process for RD&T laboratories; 

Assisting in the implementation and review of Agencywide performance improvement initiatives within

RD&T.

4. Advance the information technologies and systems

to address the unique needs of a world-class research

organization.

RD&T commissioned an information technology task force

consisting of representatives from all of its offices. The task

force team’s goal is to advance information technologies

and systems at TFHRC and to improve computer system

communications with our partners and customers. 

RD&T actively supported FHWA’s effort to make unit performance plans accessible to FHWA offices nationwide via

the Shared Unit Performance Plan System (SUPPS). The

current RD&T performance plan, challenges, and commitments are posted in SUPPS. RD&T will use SUPPS not only

14

III. OUR BUSINESS RESULTS
for performance planning, but also as a means of tracking

Vital Few goal-related activities and resources to support

FHWA’s performance goals and strategies. 

III. Develop and Recognize Employees 

1. Mentor and encourage individual development

plans (IDP) that build employee skills and add to

FHWA research capacities and competencies.

RD&T is serious about training its employees, and we

encourage all employees to develop and regularly update

IDPs through the Learning and Development System

(LADS). We also encourage employees to participate in traditional classroom, video, and online training; to perform

mentoring; and to actively share research ideas and results.

Office directors at RD&T received training at The Federal

Executive Institute and Management Development Centers,

American Association of State Highway and Transportation

Officials’ (AASHTO) Executive Leadership Program, and

the Eno Transportation Foundation. 

The Technical Career Track (TCT) program provides an

opportunity for RD&T to promote and retain employees

with technical excellence in FHWA. An employee at GS-13

or GS-14 grade level in non-supervisory technical delivery

position may be considered for promotions based on current accomplishments, degree of technical expertise, and

current position relative to the Agency’s overall goals. In

2001, FHWA promoted six RD&T employees under the TCT

program, and in 2002, promoted nine RD&T employees.

2. Improve the award and recognition program to

value achievements, link directly to team

accomplishments, and advance the RD&T Leadership

Council Action Agenda.

RD&T developed a list of potential new awards for TFHRC personnel. The Leadership Council has agreed to review the list

and to discuss, revise, and approve new monetary and nonmonetary methods for recognizing TFHRC personnel.

IV. Communicate the FHWA R&T Story and Future

Agenda 

1. Improve the state of FHWA R&T initiatives and

focus areas.

The FHWA R&T Initiatives report discusses our work with a

wide range of organizations to implement innovative technologies and progressive programs that will yield impressive returns in safety, mobility, productivity, natural

environment, and national security. It also describes initiatives in 12 priority areas: advanced research, asset management, environment, intelligent transportation systems,

RD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT 15

III. OUR BUSINESS RESULTS
16

III. OUR BUSINESS RESULTS

pavements, safety, structures, operations, policy, planning

and real estate, international, and partnerships.

To better communicate Leadership Council goals and

accomplishments and increase awareness throughout

FHWA about RD&T activities and initiatives, we recently

established the “RD&T InfoLink,” the FHWA StaffNet

intranet Web site. The InfoLink site contains easily accessible information, such as Leadership Council meeting minutes, the Leadership Council Action Agenda, and the

checkpoint review progress-tracking calendar.

2. Collaborate with FHWA headquarters and field

offices to gather and disseminate achievements in

FHWA technology and innovation delivery.

The first annual report on achievements in technology

transfer was published in February 2002. The Technology

and Innovation Delivery Activities for Fiscal Year 2001 report

compiles the technology and innovation delivery activities

of all the FHWA field and headquarters offices for the previous fiscal year. FY 2001 was the first year that the 52 FHWA

Division Offices received discretionary funding to implement technologies and apply innovations for individual

States’ particular needs. The report details the wide variety

of activities initiated with State and local partners.

The data in this report will provide a valuable baseline to

track and assess FHWA’s technology and innovation implementations in future years. The largest expenditure was for

showcase projects, followed by testing and evaluation, and

specifications, design guides and tools, while smaller

amounts were spent on training, outreach, and communication.

RD&T continues to document and highlight R&T success

stories in Public Roads and other publications. The RD&T

Success Stories section of this report contains some examples of key research conducted at TFHRC.

3. Identify national research program priorities,

resources, and funding needs with our partners.

The National Partnership Initiative was unprecedented in

terms of outreach—hundreds of individuals and more than

170 organizations participated. The partnership initiative

may become a model for involving external stakeholders as

part of a national highway R&T agenda. Convened by the

FHWA, AASHTO, and TRB, the partnership engages the

entire highway transportation community in identifying

R&T needs and examining potential benefits of partnerships formed to fulfill those needs. The partnership initiative established five working groups: safety, infrastructure

renewal, policy analysis and systems monitoring, operations and mobility, and planning and environment. A

report reflecting the view of the working groups and incorporating the Surface Transportation-Environment

Cooperative Research Program (STECRP) findings was published in April 2002. 

FHWA is supporting interim work to develop more detailed

work plans for the Future Strategic Highway Research

Program (FSHRP). Program liaisons on each of the FSHRP

technical panels will help ensure that the proposed work

complements FHWA’s R&T program.

4. Build a common advocacy to enhance the national

R&T program and legislative agenda.

In preparation for reauthorization, FHWA Executive

Director Frederick “Bud” Wright and the Associate

Administrator for RD&T, Dennis Judycki, testified about

FHWA’s R&T program at a Senate Committee on

Environment and Public Works’ roundtable. Several

senators made supportive comments about the FHWA R&T

program, and many partners witnessed and provided strong

support for FHWA R&T activities and leadership. AASHTO,

TRB, and ten other organizations testified on behalf of

FHWA’s key role in highway research.
RD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT

III. OUR BUSINESS RESULTS

A surface transportation reauthorization Web site was established for reauthorization outreach, which also enables the

public to make comments directly into the docket. The Web

site is available at: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/

reauthorization/index.htm

RD&T Leadership Council Action Agenda

The Leadership Council oversees the RD&T Quality Journey

and implements FHWA’s corporate management strategies.

The council also identifies key processes and measures for

RD&T; analyzes results of RD&T-wide measures; identifies

information gaps; serves as a forum

for sharing best practices and lessons learned; and develops and

implements action plans. The council uses the annual office selfassessment process to obtain

important customer and employee

feedback in each of the seven

Baldrige categories. This input then

is compiled into a crosscutting list

of organizational priorities and

focus areas for the upcoming FY. 

Leadership Council and team leaders

Leadership Council Action Agenda Status & Milestones

Action Item Office Status

A. Leadership

1. Develop and implement R&T legislative agenda and strategy Office of Program Development and

Evaluation (HRPD) -Completed2. Prepare a concept paper and work plan for advanced

research 

Offices of Safety, Infrastructure, and

Operations R&D (HRDS, HRDI, HRDO) -Completed3. Prepare a white paper on the FHWA role in R&T HRPD 

-CompletedNote: An implementation plan was prepared in response to the TRB

Special Report 261, The Federal Role in Highway R&T.

B. Strategic Planning 

1. Mobility See RD&T Research Project Status

Summary for FY 2002 25 projects completed to support the mobility goal in FY 2002.

2. Safety See RD&T Research Project Status

Summary for FY 2002 12 projects completed to support the safety goal in FY 2002.

3. Productivity See RD&T Research Project Status

Summary for FY 2002 5 projects completed to support the productivity goal in FY 2002.

17
III. OUR BUSINESS RESULTS

Leadership Council Action Agenda Status & Milestones (continued)

Action Item Office Status

B. Strategic Planning (continued)

4. Human and natural environment See RD&T Research Project Status

Summary for FY 2002 

3 goal-related projects completed in FY 2002 (See Infrastructure

project listing).

5. Security See RD&T Research Project Status

Summary for FY 2002 

RD&T worked with the AASHTO Transportation Security Task Force to

develop a prioritized list of research projects. FHWA is planning to

participate in three studies:

1) Rapid Bridge Replacement and Bridge Design;

2) Construction and Retrofit Strategies; and 

3) State-of-the-Art Bridge Surveillance Technologies.

C. Human Resources Development and Management 

Provide a forum for outreach on work systems, training,

security, and morale 

Office of Resource Management

(HRRM)

-CompletedHRRM developed a list of potential new awards for TFHRC personnel.

The LC agreed to review the list and discuss, revise, and approve new

monetary and non-monetary methods for recognizing TFHRC

personnel.

D. Customer and Partner Focus 

1. Communicate the FHWA R&T Story HRTS -Redefined for FY 2003-

2. Update and maintain technology facilitation, strategy and

action plans HRDI/HRDS/HRDO -Continued in FY 2003-

3. Communicate RD&T Activities (Profiles report, success

stories, Innovation Connection, etc.) HRTS -Continued in FY 2003-Note: Will be redefined and moved to Process Management.

4. Develop a customer feedback plan for RD&T HRPD -CompletedE. Information & Analysis 

Improve the RD&T Web site to enhance customer access 

and service HRTS -Completed18
RD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT

III. OUR BUSINESS RESULTS

Leadership Council Action Agenda Status & Milestones (continued)

Action Item Office Status

F. Process Management 

1. Administrative key processes

1. Review procurement planning process, evaluate results,

and document improvements HRRM HRRM will continue to participate in the HAAM pilot.

2. Review administrative processes, evaluate results, and

document improvements HRRM -Completed2. Business Processes

1. Replace technology and innovation process, evaluate

results, and document improvements HRTS

-Will be redefined for FY 2003-

Note: Discontinue and replace the Technology Innovation Network

(TIN) effort with "Raising the Bar" agency-wide initiative.

2. Develop a TFHRC lab assessment process HRPD -Continued in FY 2003-

3. Complete a process management improvement for

FHWA participation in the SBIR process HRPD/ HRRM -CompletedG. Business Results (Metrics) 

1. Develop and implement an RD&T performance

evaluation program HRPD

-CompletedSee section on Our Business Results—RD&T Challenges,

Commitments, and Achievements. Items II.1 (lab assessment), and

II.3 (benefits evaluations). See also—Performance Management

Framework. 

2. Establish and support RD&T information technologies

team HRRM

-CompletedNote: RD&T information technology needs analysis will continue in

FY 2003 under Information and Analysis.

3. Outreach for Work life Issues HRRM -Completed19
Research Project Status Summary

More than 90 percent of the research projects listed in the

2002/2003 plan currently are on schedule. RD&T will complete more than 70 percent of the projects listed in the plan by

the end of 2003.

Of the projects originally scheduled for FY 2002, 37 of 38 were

completed. One project on functional requirements for

microsimulation-based surrogate safety measures at intersections was cancelled. The use of intelligent snowplows project

was rescheduled for FY 2003 because of inadequate snowfall

last winter.

Because of external and/or internal factors, 8.6 percent of projects were delayed, overall. Factors contributing to delay

include:

Factor # of Occurrences

Equipment-related problems 3

Budget-related issues 1

Contractor or technical issues 3

Project technical issues 2

Regulatory issues 2

Details regarding specific projects and project statuses are

available in the Project and Services Status Tables.

RD&T Success Stories

RD&T successfully completed 37 projects during FY 2002 and

delivered more than 50 products during FY 2001 to 2002 that

support DOT’s strategic goals and FHWA’s performance goals.

The following highlights showcase research implemented by

FHWA and State DOTs.

Safety

Interactive Highway Safety Design Model (IHSDM)

Every year, States redesign or modify about 3 million miles

of two-lane roads. IHSDM helps State and other highway

planners and designers assess the safety effects of specific

geometric design decisions and alternative road improvements. IHSDM was developed over several years. Initial

efforts focused on two-lane rural highways, since they are

the largest highway class in the United States, representing

approximately two-thirds of all Federal-aid highways. Beta

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III. OUR BUSINESS RESULTS
versions of the Policy Review and the Design Consistency

modules are currently available for testing. 

Rumble Strips

Rumble strips help prevent roadway departure crashes,

which account for 38 percent of all fatal crashes. As part of

its R&T program, FHWA is communicating the benefits and

costs of using rumble strips to all States. A survey of 8

States using rumble strips shows 18 to 72 percent in crash

reductions, with a 30-to-1 benefit-to-cost ratio (with some

State ratios as high as 60-to-1). 

Highway Safety Information Systems (HSIS)

HSIS is a multistate information system that contains accident data for more than 5-million crashes, information

about traffic volumes, and roadway inventory data covering

approximately 165,000 miles of State highway systems.

FHWA staff, contractors, university researchers, and others

use HSIS to study current highway safety issues, to direct

research efforts, and to evaluate the effectiveness of accident countermeasures. Through HSIS, FHWA works closely

with States and other partners to gather data and improve

our ability to analyze roadway safety challenges. HSIS

enables FHWA to direct investments to specific projects

and programs that will deliver the most value in terms of

saving lives and minimizing injuries.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Crash Analysis 

Tool (PBCAT)

FHWA developed a crash-typing software product, PBCAT,

to assist State and local pedestrian and bicycle coordinators,

planners, and engineers with improving walking and bicycling safety. The Orlando Metropolitan Area used PBCAT to

identify appropriate countermeasures for 10 “hot spots” that

accounted for 169 crashes and 22 fatalities.

Roundabouts Information Guide

FHWA developed Roundabouts: An Informational Guide, to

help communities improve safety and mobility by placing

roundabouts in appropriate areas. Experiences in the U.S.

show that roundabouts reduce crashes by 37 percent, and

decrease crashes involving injuries by 51 percent.

Highway Design Handbook for Older Drivers 

and Pedestrians

Based on the characteristics of older drivers and pedestrians, this resource provides practitioners with practical

information for incorporating specific roadway features into

highway design, operations, and traffic-engineering. The

handbook showcases tools that address issues that enhance

older driver and pedestrian safety and mobility.

Infrastructure

Superpave®

The United States spends more than $15 billion each year

to construct and resurface roads with hot-mix asphalt

(HMA). This annual investment requires at least 500-million tons of HMA, held together by about 30-million tons of

liquid asphalt binder. Initially developed under the

Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP), the

Superpave system is the primary mechanism used by State

highway agencies to purchase liquid asphalt binder and

design asphalt mixtures. In close partnership with TRB,

FHWA continues its leadership role in refining the

Superpave specifications and testing procedures. Recent

innovations include modifying the low-temperature binder

specification and incorporating an FHWA-developed device

to increase laboratory mixture compaction uniformity in

the gyratory.

Partnering to Save Time and Money on a Critical

Infrastructure Project

During the foundation construction for the new Woodrow

Wilson Bridge, a tremie concrete seal dislodged from one of

the main piers and fell to the bottom of the river. Although

this had no immediate effect on the structural stability or

integrity of the main pier (the tremie concrete enabled

RD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT 21

III. OUR BUSINESS RESULTS
dewatering for construction of the pier cap), there was concern about the long-term scour effects of the thicker tremie

seal that was originally proposed as a solution to the problem. The Maryland Division Office, the Eastern Resource

Center, and FHWA’s hydraulics laboratory provided technical assistance to the Maryland State Highway Administration.

FHWA tested physical models of the new pier configuration

in the flume at TFHRC to estimate the long-term scour

effects. The tests confirmed that bridge safety was not

affected by the change, and this major project continued 

on schedule. 

Report Estimates Cost of Corrosion in U.S.

FHWA published the Corrosion Cost and Preventive Strategies

in the United States report that provides a comprehensive

and current estimate of the total economic effect of metallic corrosion in the United States and identifies national

strategies to minimize corrosion’s impact. Corrosion’s total

direct cost is estimated at $276 billion per year. FHWA analyzed the effects of corrosion in 26 industrial sectors and

extrapolated these results for a nationwide cost estimate.

Sectors were divided into five major categories: infrastructure, utilities, transportation, production and manufacturing, and government. The conservative estimate of the

indirect cost is equal to the direct cost of corrosion. The

report is widely referenced as the most authoritative, comprehensive, and current study of corrosion cost in the U.S. Further

information is available at http://www.corrosioncost.com. 

Serving Internal Customers: The Office of

Infrastructure R&D Delivers a New Tool to FHWA

Bridge Engineers

This project developed a Web-based system to access the

National Bridge Inventory (NBI); with search and analysis

capabilities that enable FHWA bridge engineers to better

understand the relationship between bridges, bridge conditions and capacities, and bridge performance in the national transportation system. Web-NBI is the Web-based NBI

system that engineers may use to access and analyze NBI

data. Its functionality includes the: 

Ability to download NBI files in Microsoft® Access or

ASCII text format for any State; 

Ability to create dynamic queries, browse the results,

and download the results; 

Ability to perform dynamic cross-tab queries and

browse the results; 

Ability to generate dynamic NBI bar charts or to generate bar charts from query results; 

Access to standard queries—graphs and maps are preformatted and are readily available for browsing or downloading; 

Partial support to map bridge records from NBI queries

and display significant bridge environment features

such as roads, rivers, and rail lines; 

Dynamic thematic map generation that displays bridge

information such as the number of deficient bridges by

county; and 

Ability to generate structure inventory and appraisal

reports. 

These capabilities are now on the desktop of every bridge

engineer within FHWA to ensure the safety, reliability, and

security of the Nation’s highway bridges.

Long Term Pavement Performance (LTPP)

The LTPP program is a comprehensive 20-year study of 

in-service pavements, with more than 1,900 asphalt and

Portland Cement Concrete pavement test sections from

across the U.S. and Canada. LTPP’s goal is to provide the

data needed to help the States and Provinces make

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III. OUR BUSINESS RESULTS
decisions that will lead to better-performing and more 

cost-effective pavements. 

Since 1998, States have provided more than $30 million to

FHWA through NCHRP to continue critical, high-payoff

research. LTPP data played a significant role in developing

the NCHRP 2002 Guide for the Design of New and

Rehabilitated Pavement Structures as a source for data and

test procedures. The LTPP test sections and procedures

may play a role in the local calibration/validation of the

design guide by States. LTPP research information will continue to play a key role in developing future pavement

design guides, and it represents a dynamic example of State

and Federal partnerships.

HIPERPAVTM

Originally developed in 1996, the High-Performance Paving

Software (HIPERPAV) is a powerful tool that helps highway

organizations build long-lasting concrete pavements. When

used in the design and construction phases of a concrete

paving project, HIPERPAV can help engineers achieve a

high-quality product at minimal cost by optimizing pavement and overlay design, optimizing mix design and temperature characteristics, and reducing long-term performance uncertainties.

With the release of HIPERPAV 3.0, the HIPERPAV modeling

capabilities have been expanded to consider early-age

behavior of continuously reinforced concrete pavements

(CRCP) and longer-term behavior of jointed concrete pavements (JCP), in addition to the early-age JCP and bonded

concrete overlay capabilities provided in early versions.

Cost-Effective Rehabilitation Strategies Using

Falling-Weight Deflectometer Calibration Centers

Billions of dollars are spent on pavement rehabilitation and

resurfacing annually. To make the best possible decisions

about where and when to conduct pavement rehabilitation

work, State DOTs need extensive data on the pavement’s

structural condition. These data are obtained by using accurately calibrated equipment. FHWA calibration centers provide a critical resource to the States, which rely on consistent and accurate data to properly assess the structural condition of our Nation’s highways and allocate limited

resources in the most effective manner.

High-Performance Concrete (HPC) Contributes to

Rapid Bridge Reopening

The successful rapid replacement of an I-65 bridge in

Birmingham, AL, demonstrated what was achieved by

using innovative practices and materials developed by

FHWA R&T. After closure from an accident, the bridge was

replaced and traffic capacity restored in a record 67 days. 

COST (Concrete Optimization Software Tool)

High-performance concrete offers tremendous potential for

improving the highway infrastructure. However, that potential relies on the correct mix components in the proper proportions for each project. COST is an online design and

analysis system that enables concrete producers, engineers,

and researchers to determine optimal concrete mixture

proportions. COST makes the highly complex mix design

process more efficient and more manageable. Available

online at http://ciks.cbt.nist.gov/cost/, COST is the culmination of a highly-successful joint research effort by members of the Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP)

team and researchers from the National Institute of

Standards and Technology.

Operations 

QuickZone

The recently released QuickZone software is a work zone

delay estimation software, which will provide a more complete and realistic view of total construction costs.

QuickZone is a key component of FHWA’s Strategic Work

Zone Analysis Tools (SWAT) program. 

RD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT 23

III. OUR BUSINESS RESULTS
24

The QuickZone partnership program enables users to take

advantage of open source code to customize the software,

thus providing State and local agencies with a tool that best

meets their needs. With QuickZone, State highway agencies

can evaluate a broad range of alternative work zone design

and mitigation strategies in a relatively short time frame,

resulting in better decisionmaking for highway construction projects. A recent QuickZone benefits study verified

this important aspect of the program—traffic engineers

were able to better predict the traffic effects of various

work zone design strategies and more accurately stage their

projects, thus saving money and time (see RD&T Research

Benefits Case Studies).

Nationwide Differential Global Positioning System

(NDGPS)

NDGPS can pinpoint a person or vehicle’s position to within 3 meters. The NDGPS directs emergency responders to

the exact location of a crash, makes it easier for highway

agencies to monitor and respond to hazardous pavement

conditions, provides drivers with in-vehicle route guidance,

and contains a host of other transportation applications.

NDGPS sites will form part of a nationwide operational GPS

meteorological observing system that will enable the

National Weather Service to provide more accurate weather

forecasting. 

High Accuracy Nationwide Differential Global

Positioning System (HA-NDGPS) 

As part of its ongoing research efforts, RD&T modified an

existing NDGPS facility to broadcast corrections that

achieve 10-centimeter horizontal accuracy. Initial testing of

the HA-NDGPS indicates the new broadcast is accurate to

within 10 centimeters and better in many areas. Further

research is underway to modify an additional NDGPS facility to achieve faster and even more accurate navigation

solutions.

III. OUR BUSINESS RESULTS
RD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT

IV. Performance Management

25

I V. P E R F O R M A N C E M A N A G E M E N T

Relevance, Quality, and Performance

The OMB recently adopted relevance, quality, and performance as their investment criteria in Federal research. The

criteria were established to conform to the Government

Performance and Results Act (GPRA) and to reflect the

inherent challenge of measuring research outcomes. R&D

investment criteria are

designed to help improve

R&D program management, funding decisions,

and public understanding

of the potential benefits of

investing in Federal

research. The OMB expects

agency R&D managers to

demonstrate the extent to

which their programs meet

the following three tests:

Relevance. R&D programs

must be able to articulate

why this investment is

important, relevant, and appropriate. Programs must have

well conceived plans that identify program goals and priorities and identify linkages to national and customer needs.

Quality. R&D programs must justify how funds will be allocated to ensure quality R&D. Programs allocating funds

through means other than a competitive, merit-based

process must justify these exceptions and document how

they maintain quality.

Performance. R&D programs must be able to monitor and

document how well this investment is performing. Program

managers must define appropriate outcome measures and

milestones that can be used to track progress toward goals,

and assess whether to increase or redirect funding.

Descriptions of performance should not, however, be limited

only to quantitative measures.

RD&T made considerable progress over the past year in

areas directly related to the OMB’s recommendations, most

notably by developing a lab assessment process that will

incorporate expert peer reviews to improve TFHRC laboratories’ quality and performance. Several retrospective RD&T

benefit studies were conducted to identify key performance

measures and collect data that will be used to track progress

and identify the research contribution to FHWA goals and

outcomes. This information will be important as we better

define the link between research activities and program outcomes.

Planning and Priority Setting

FHWA’s Office of RD&T coordinates the research and technology program and supports FHWA and U.S. DOT strategic

goals for the Nation’s transportation system. The FY

2002/2003 RD&T Performance Plan outlines FHWA research

priorities and strategies and shows a clear link between

research program goals and FHWA and DOT strategic plans.

Research highlighted in the FHWA RD&T plan focuses on

providing solutions to complex technical problems by developing economical, environmentally-sensitive designs; efficient, quality-controlled construction practices; and durable

materials. The result will be a safer, more reliable highway

transportation system.

The R&D investment

criteria are designed

to help improve

R&D program management, inform

funding decisions,

and increase public

understanding of

the potential benefits of investment in

Federal research.

RD&T recently received 

the Quality Breakthrough

Award, which recognizes

organizations within FHWA

that are making significant

progress in developing clear

plans, building sound

processes, and achieving 

measurable results.
26

I V. P E R F O R M A N C E M A N A G E M E N T

Stakeholder Advisory Activities 

and Feedback

The Research and Technology Coordinating

Committee (RTCC)

The RTCC reviews, guides, and advises FHWA on research

activities and provides policy-level recommendations on the

overall direction of the program. The RTCC committee consists

of 18 members including top-level administrators, researchers,

and practitioners from the States, academia, and private sector.

The committee recently examined national highway R&T

needs and roles, and in October 2001 released the TRB Special

Report 261 urging FHWA to focus on long-term, fundamental

research, address gaps and emerging issues, conduct policy

research, and engage in technology transfer activities. The

report also recommends more substantive stakeholder involvement in making decisions, setting priorities, and allocating

resources for FHWA’s research program to ensure that the program addresses the needs of those building, maintaining, and

using the Nation’s highways. 

The National R&T Partnership Initiative 

The national partnership initiative was unprecedented in

terms of outreach and participation—with hundreds of individuals and more than 170 organizations. Five working groups

were established: Safety, Infrastructure Renewal, Policy

Analysis and Systems Monitoring, Operations and Mobility,

and Planning and Environment. A report reflecting the views

of the working groups was released in April 2002 and is

expected to form the basis of a national highway research

agenda. 

Performance Management Team

The primary purpose of the performance management team is

to assist the RD&T leadership developing, coordinating, and

implementing organizational performance improvement

efforts. Performance management efforts currently underway

include:

Developing performance

goals, measures, strategies,

and initiatives to improve

organizational performance

management in RD&T

offices and laboratories;

Monitoring results of

measures and analyzing

performance management

information;

Conducting the annual RD&T self-assessment process and

implementing solutions to issues raised during the process;

Developing and conducting RD&T customer satisfaction

surveys;

Contributing to special projects related to RD&T performance management, such as developing and implementing

the expert panel assessment process for RD&T laboratories;

and

Assisting in conducting and reviewing agency-wide performance improvement initiatives within RD&T.

Lab Assessment

RD&T laboratory assessments will be unbiased, independent

expert or peer reviews of the technical and scientific merit of

research conducted at TFHRC. The assessment process is

designed to:

Enhance laboratory performance and quality by providing

feedback to laboratory managers;

Create a vehicle that will increase the opportunities for customer and stakeholder input to research activities; and 26
RD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT

I V. P E R F O R M A N C E M A N A G E M E N T

Provide a credible, professional, and objective assessment that further

improves stakeholder confidence in the value of the work performed

and outcomes produced.

Performance Management Framework

One of the conclusions of NCHRP Synthesis 300, Performance Measures for

Research, Development, and Technology Programs was that “different types of

evaluation methods are appropriate for different types of research projects.” This holds true across organizational functions, as well. The RD&T

Performance Management Framework chart identifies existing performance measures and assessment mechanisms used by unit managers. It

integrates these measures and mechanisms across management functions

using FHWA’s Baldrige-based corporate management strategies. This

approach enables RD&T to manage, analyze, and integrate information

obtained from a variety of sources. It also helps organize the various

dimensions of program results analyses, such as financial performance,

customer feedback, and business results. The RD&T Leadership Council

uses this framework as a tool to assess unit performance measurement

activities and to identify measurement gaps. 

RD&T Performance Management Framework 

CMS Definition Related RD&T Performance Measures Methodology

Leadership

Leadership focuses on how senior leaders

guide the organization. It describes how leaders

set direction and high-performance

expectations, project a strong customer focus,

and communicate clear and visible values to

employees.

Leadership Effectiveness Inventory (LEI) results

Action items completed 

Performance plan items fulfilled 

Self-assessment score 

360-degree feedback

Action agenda

Performance plans

Quality self-assessments

Strategic

Planning

Strategic planning examines how the

organization sets strategic goals and develops

key action plans.

Action items completed

Self-assessment score

Progress made on goals established 

Performance plans and action

agenda

Quality self-assessment

Lab assessments

Customer/

Partner Focus

Customer and partner focus examines how the

organization determines customer and market

requirements and expectations.

Percent of satisfaction with RD&T products and services

Number of technology facilitation plans in place

Self-assessment score

Lab assessment results (TBD)

RD&T customer survey results (TBD)

American Customer Satisfaction

Index (ACSI)

Technology Innovation Network

(TIN)

Technology Facilitation Action

Plan (TFAP)

Quality self-assessments

Lab assessments

Customer surveys

27
I V. P E R F O R M A N C E M A N A G E M E N T

RD&T Performance Management Framework (continued)

CMS Definition Related RD&T Performance Measures Methodology

Information

and Analysis

Information and analysis examines the

management, effective use, and analysis of

data and information to support key

organization processes, to include the

organization's objectives 

Performance measurement framework

Response level and content of feedback mechanisms 

Self-assessment score

Lab Assessment results (TBD)

Performance measurement

framework

ACSI, TIN

Quality self-assessments

Lab Assessments

Human

Resource

Development

Human resource development and

management examines how the organization

enables its workforce to develop to its full

potential and how the workforce is aligned with

the organization's objectives

Self-assessment score

Percent of employee satisfaction survey rating

Percent of payroll spent on training and development

Number of IDP's in place and in LADs

Number of “priority 1” training needs met

Number of vacancies filled

Number of days positions are vacant

Number of student interns (Number of Grant for Research

Fellowships (GRF), STIPDG, etc.)

Number of outreach activities

Quality self-assessments

Employee satisfaction survey

LADS

Process

Management

Process Management examines aspects of how

key production, delivery, and support

processes are designed, managed, and

improved.

Number of process improvements documented

Lab Assessment (TBD)

Number of contracts on time and on budget

TIN (TBD)

SBIR (TBD)

Quality self-assessments

Lab assessments

Project tracking system

ACSI

Business

Results

Business results show the organization's

performance and improvement in its key

business areas: customer satisfaction, financial

and marketplace performance, human

resources, supplier and partner performance,

and operational performance. The category also

examines how the organization performs

relative to competitors.

Percent of project completion

Number of success stories

Research benefit (TBD)

Track project and services

delivery 

RD&T success stories

Pilot and case studies

28
RD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT 29

RD&T Research Benefits Case Studies

RD&T conducted studies to identify quantifiable and articulable research benefits that demonstrate their strategic links to

FHWA goals and outcomes. We are conducting these evaluations with the understanding that a combination of evaluation

methods within a unified framework is needed. The recent

NCHRP Synthesis 300 report supports this conclusion. RD&T

benefit assessments are largely retrospective analyses and will

require data collection throughout the product development

and delivery cycles to produce meaningful conclusions. In the

short term, RD&T benefit studies will provide a workable taxonomy for data collection and performance measurements that

can be applied to a cross-section of RD&T products—ultimately

resulting in customer focus improvements, broader programmatic analyses, and more effective business results reports. 

Highway Safety Information System 

HSIS is a multistate information system that improves highway

safety and design. The HSIS performance assessment goal was

to provide value indicators for the system. These indicators

will be used to develop a broader framework to assess the benefits of research databases and information tools. Value indicators developed for the study included measurements of HSIS

value to internal and external safety research communities,

and State and local engineers and planners. Examples of HSIS

indicators included bibliometric usage data, expert peer review

data, and user survey results.

QuickZone 

QuickZone’s evaluation results revealed several useful product

benefit measures for State DOT planners. The combination of

customer survey data and user cost and benefit modeling

proved particularly useful and resulted in immediate improvements to the product’s input modules and analysis options.

The metric results from the study have a broader application

potential in determining research benefits for similar RD&T

products.

Infrastructure R&D

The RD&T Office of Infrastructure R&D is conducting a study

that will examine RD&T research benefits in the areas of

national design and data standards, new technologies, and new

materials developments. The study results will be synthesized

and used to develop a more robust measurement methodology

for RD&T performance in these areas.

A synthesis report covering lessons learned from the pilot

studies will be forthcoming. Highlights will be included in the

next RD&T performance report.

RD&T Annual Quality Self Assessment

This year’s self-assessment process contained more approach

variations, compared with those done in previous years.

Variations in RD&T office size and complexity, plus logistical

scheduling issues for employees, facilitators, and customer

involvement led to several offices seeking a more flexible,

abbreviated format. This did not, however, diminish the

process effectiveness. Participants agreed that the experience

was still very valuable for providing an opportunity to review

and capture the year’s achievements, to refocus on FHWA’s

goals, and to supply a forum for employees to discuss

organizational concerns. 

Comments related to RD&T offices’ relationships with customers and stakeholders were generally positive and reflected

a greater awareness of their needs and improved communication,

overall. Roughly 90 percent of research projects are on schedule

at this point in the year, and customer surveys conducted by

several RD&T offices confirmed better timeliness of response

and delivery. There also is a recognition that RD&T’s role is

expanding. Several offices’ comments support this conclusion

and were centered on the need for more joint planning, better

customer survey processes, additional face-to-face contact

(meetings, visits, etc.), and greater outreach activities. 

I V. P E R F O R M A N C E M A N A G E M E N T
30

I V. P E R F O R M A N C E M A N A G E M E N T

Although several offices listed the increased need for joint

planning as an area for improvement, RD&T accomplished

much in this area over the past year. Many RD&T offices

introduced initiatives such as the Infrastructure Long Range

Vision, the advanced acquisition planning system, the FHWA

security product team, the Western Resource Center technology

transfer conference, the advanced research program, and

efforts aimed at Title V reauthorization—just to name a few.

These achievements link directly to the RD&T “Challenges

and Commitments” established last year.

Perceptions of employee development and work-life issues

were positive. Offices reported strengths in areas such as flexible work scheduling; work environment; support for training

and participation in professional associations; awards and

incentives; and relationships with management. The updated

technical career track program was an overwhelming success,

and RD&T research offices were well-represented in the program this year. 

Finally, several key process management improvements were

made this year because of input from the previous year’s

assessment. These include the updated Leadership Council

Action Agenda checkpoint tracking system and improved

council meeting format; an advanced acquisition planning

system pilot that will be adopted FHWA-wide; the development of a State planning and research (SP&R) handbook for

FHWA Field Offices, and the completion of the SP&R (CFR

Part 420) rule revision to reflect current practices, conform to

plain language standards, and facilitate the overall State planning and research administration processes. “90 percent of research projects are on schedule.”

—Business Results

“Customer surveys confirmed better timeliness of

response and delivery.”

—Customer Focus

“These achievements link directly to the RD&T 

Challenges and Commitments.”

“The Technical Career Track program is a success,

and RD&T was well represented this year.”

—Human Resource Development
RD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT 31

RD&T ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
APPENDICES

32
RD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT

APPENDICES

A-1

APPENDICES

Appendix A: RD&T Research Project Status Tables

The following charts detail TFHRC research and identify the goals that this research supports. The charts also indicate which projects were completed in

FY 2002 and which ones are still ongoing for 2003 and beyond. The comment column provides reasons behind changes or deviations from the unit plan

and schedule. Additionally, we included new projects that were not identified at the time the FY 2002/2003 Performance Plan was published.

Office of Infrastructure R&D

Project Technical Contact Projected Goal

Impact

Project Completion 

Status (Percent) On

Schedule

Target

Completion

Date

Comments

25 50 75 100

Pavements/Asphalt

FHWA Dynamic Angle Validation 

(DAV) Kit

Tom Harman

HRDI-11

202-493-3072

Mobility X Yes Oct-2003

Improved identification with Superpave

gyratories compliance issues.

Funded by NCHRP, in partnership with 

the TRB.

A State-of-the-Practice Report in the

Design of Crumb Rubber Material

Kathy Petros

HRDI-11

202-493-3154

Mobility X No Mar-2003

Updated information on the design of

crumb rubber asphalt.

The contractor had a health setback,

which will delay completion of the project.

Evaluation of the Particle Additive Test

(PAT) Report

Jack Youtcheff

HRDI-11

202-493-3090

Mobility X Yes Dec-2002

New tool for assessing modified binder’s

compatibility with the Superpave binder spec.

Funded by NCHRP, in partnership with 

the TRB.

Evaluation of the Laboratory Asphalt

Stability Test (LAST) Report

Jack Youtcheff

HRDI-11

202-493-3090

Mobility X Yes Complete

New tool for assessment of storage

stability of modified binders.

Funded by NCHRP, in partnership with 

the TRB. 

A-1
APPENDICES

Office of Infrastructure R&D (continued)

Project Technical Contact Projected Goal

Impact

Project Completion 

Status (Percent) On 

Schedule

Target

Completion

Date

Comments

25 50 75 100

Pavements/ Portland Cement Concrete (PCC)

Vibrating Slope Apparatus to Measure

PCC Workability, Equipment and Test

Method

Marcia Simon 

HRDI-12

202-493-3071

Mobility X Close Dec-2002

More meaningful assessment of concrete

paving mixtures workability.

Some delays in fabrication have pushed

back testing by 2-3 months.

Guidelines to Detect, Analyze, Treat,

and/or Prevent Materials-Related

Distress

Steve Forster

HRDI-04

202-493-3070

Mobility X Yes Complete

Improved PCCP forensic analysis.

Reports in printing. Technology Transfer

(T2 ) package received. The results should

provide for more systematic forensic

analysis of PCCP.

Updated Version of HIPERPAV Software

Used to Prevent Early-Age Cracking of

(Jointed Plain Concrete Pavement

(JPCP)

Fred Faridazar

HRDI-12

202-493-3076

Mobility X Yes Jan-2003

Improved performance of PCCP.

Contract was revised to add software

refinements and an expand product

delivery effort (workshops and technical

support). Work is 92 percent complete.

Guidelines to Select Curing Materials and

Procedures 

Steve Forster

HRDI-04

202-493-3070

Mobility X Yes Complete

Guidelines for improved PCCP Curing.

A draft final report has been completed

and is under review.

Petrography Manual

Steve Forster

HRDI-04

202-493-3070

Mobility X Yes Dec-2002

State-of-the-art petrographic manual 

for PCC.

Adding new techniques, including

scanning electron microscope analysis.

Guidelines on the Use of Recycled PCCP

as Aggregate in New PCCP

Steve Forster

HRDI-04

202-493-3070

Mobility X No Dec-2002

Research designs which consider recycled

aggregate.

Principal investigator is no longer with the

contractor. This may delay delivery of the

final report.

A-2
RD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT

APPENDICES

Office of Infrastructure R&D (continued)

Project Technical Contact Projected Goal

Impact

Project Completion 

Status (Percent) On 

Schedule

Target

Completion

Date

Comments

25 50 75 100

Pavements/ Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) (Continued)

Guidelines to Develop Statistical Quality

Assurance Specifications

Peter Kopac

HRDI-12

202-493-3051

Mobility X Yes Nov-2002

Enhanced quality and uniformity of State

QA specifications.

Project is 95 percent complete; final

reports are being prepared.

Freeze-Thaw Durability of Concrete

Report

Marcia Simon 

HRDI-12

202-493-3071

Mobility X No Dec-2002

Enhanced understanding of the freezethaw durability of concrete having

“marginal” air contents.

Laboratory testing delayed by equipment

problems.

Pavements/LTPP

LTPP Database, Data Releases

Aramis Lopez

HRDI-13

202-493-3145

Mobility X Yes Complete

Make LTPP database available to the

public. Two data releases completed

during FY 2002 (In Jan. and July).

The January 2002 data is available at the

LTPP customer support office.

Dynamic Test System Protocol

Aramis Lopez 

HRDI-13 

202-493-3145

Mobility X Yes Complete

Develop a new procedure to evaluate

close-loop equipment.

Report completed and awaiting

publication and 508 conversion.

DATAPAVE 3.0, CD-ROM Software

Package

Aramis Lopez 

HRDI-13

202-493-3145

Mobility X Yes Complete 

National software distribution to facilitate

LTPP database usage.

National distribution was made during

TRB, and the software was used during a

FHWA professor training workshop.

A-3
APPENDICES

Office of Infrastructure R&D (continued)

Project Technical Contact Projected Goal

Impact

Project Completion 

Status (Percent) On 

Schedule

Target

Completion

Date

Comments

25 50 75 100

Pavements/LTPP (continued)

Improved Specifications for Weigh-InMotion (WIM)

Larry Wiser

HRDI-13

202-493-3079

Mobility X Yes Complete 

Improved WIM technology.

The WIM specifications and guideline are

available on the LTPP Web page.

Estimating Cumulative Traffic Loads

Report

Larry Wiser

HRDI-13

202-493-3079

Mobility X Yes Complete 

Study of State DOTs using the new axle

load spectra procedures.

Report completed and is under technical

and editorial review.

Joint and Crack Load Transfer in LTPP

Test Sections Report

Aramis Lopez

HRDI-13 

202-493-3145

Mobility X Yes Complete 

Improve the understanding of PCCP joint

and crack load transfer.

Report completed and awaiting

publication and 508 conversion.

Verification of LTPP Virtual Weather

Stations Report

Aramis Lopez

HRDI-13

202-493-3145

Mobility X Yes Complete 

To determine accuracy and factors

affecting virtual weather stations.

Report completed and awaiting

publication and 508 conversion.

Pavements/Models

Mechanistic Pavement Models

Bill Kenis

HRDI-10

202-493-3149

Mobility X Yes Complete

Tools for mechanistic design of pavements.

Alpha systems for JSLAB & Vesyss

pavement models available for use in

designing pavements.

Pavements/Surface Analysis

Measuring and Evaluating PCCP Warp

and Curl

Dennis Sixbey 

HRDI-10

202-493-3078

Mobility X Yes Complete

Methods for evaluating and mitigating

PCC warping.

Proof of concept study; conference paper

(Best Paper Award); software development.

A-4
RD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT

APPENDICES

Office of Infrastructure R&D (continued)

Project Technical Contact Projected Goal

Impact

Project Completion 

Status (Percent) On 

Schedule

Target

Completion

Date

Comments

25 50 75 100

Structures/Steel

Designers Guide for High-Performance

Steel Bridges (HPS)

Bill Wright

HRDI-06

202-493-3053

Mobility/

Safety X Yes Complete

Provide consistent accurate design guidance.

Developed in cooperation with Western

Resource Center (WRC).

Improved Fracture Toughness

Specifications for High-Performance

Steel

Bill Wright 

HRDI-06

202-493-3053

Mobility/

Safety X Yes Dec-2003

Maximize the design and performance

benefits of advanced steels.

Performance properties of HPS provide

significant advantages in resistance to

critical fracture not presently accounted

for in design guidance.

Curved Girder Bridge Strength Prediction

Equation

Bill Wright

HRDI-06

202-493-3053

Mobility/

Safety X Yes Dec-2003

Provide design guidance to AASHTO.

Critical input to design protocol for

curved steel structures.

Corrugated Web Plates for Steel Girders

Bill Wright

HRDI-06

202-493-3053

Mobility X Yes Dec-2003

Maximize bridge efficiency of design and

capacity and maximize the efficiency of

design for steel structures.

Structures/Concrete

High-Performance Concrete (HPC) Data

Base

Joey Hartmann

HRDI-06

202-493-3059

Mobility X Yes Dec-2003

Analyze the effectiveness of new

generation concrete structural materials.

Documenting the performance

improvements obtained through the use

of high performance concrete.

Structures/Timber

Design Guidance for Composite Timber

Bridges

Sheila Duwadi

HRDI-07 

202-493-3106

Mobility/

Safety X Yes Dec-2003

Provide guidance and assistance in fiberreinforced polymer (FRP) and glulam

composite bridge design and construction.

A-5
APPENDICES

Office of Infrastructure R&D (continued)

Project Technical Contact Projected Goal

Impact

Project Completion 

Status (Percent) On 

Schedule

Target

Completion

Date

Comments

25 50 75 100

Structures/Advanced Materials

Specifications for Highway Bridge

Applications Using FRP Composites

Eric Munley

HRDI-06

202-493-3046

Mobility X Yes Jun-2003 Provide design guidance for state highway

bridge engineers.

Materials Spec-Accelerated Test-Based

Specification

Eric Munley

HRDI-06

202-493-3046

Mobility X Yes Dec-2003 Provide information regarding expected

performance of FRP materials.

FRP Prestressing for Highway Bridges

Eric Munley

HRDI-06

202-493-3046

Mobility X Yes Dec-2003 Provide engineering option that improves

strength and eliminates corrosion.

Performance Specification and

Acceptance Tests for FRP Bridge Decks

and Superstructures

Eric Munley

HRDI-06

202-493-3046

Mobility/

Safety X Yes Dec-2003 Provide specification for the proper use ofadvanced materials. 

Performance Specification and

Acceptance Tests for FRP Bridge Decks

and Superstructures

Eric Munley

HRDI-06

202-493-3046

Mobility/

Safety X Yes Dec-2003 Provide specification for the proper use ofadvanced materials.

Applied Engineering Hydraulics 

Effects of Debris on Bridge Pier Scour

J. Sterling Jones

HRDI-07

202-493-3043

Mobility/

Safety Yes Jun-2004

Experiments to account for debris in the

pier scour equation.

Start was deferred to accommodate other

requirements for the hydraulics flume.

Culvert Installation Provisions for

AASHTO Bridge Specifications

John O’Fallon

HRDI-07

202-493-3051

Mobility X Yes Complete

Verified durability of aluminized coatings

for metal pipe.

Proposed provisions provided to the

Office of Bridge Technology. Also,

presentation made at AASHTO Culvert

Committee Meeting.

A-6
RD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT

APPENDICES

Office of Infrastructure R&D (continued)

Project Technical Contact Projected Goal

Impact

Project Completion 

Status (Percent) On

Schedule

Target

Completion

Date

Comments

25 50 75 100

Applied Engineering Hydraulics (continued)

Improved Culvert Entrance Loss

Prediction

J. Sterling Jones

HRDI-07

202-493-3043

Mobility X Yes Aug-2003

Provide design guidance for standard

culvert inlets used by highway agencies.

Completed experiments on stepped down

culvert diameters in series. Currently

testing prefabricated versus cast-in-place

(CIP) culvert inlets and multiple barrel

hydraulics.

Applied Engineering/Aerodynamics

Mean Wind Force Coefficients for

Hexagonal, Uniform, and Tapered

Cylinders

Hal Bosch

HRDI-07

202-493-3031

Mobility/

Safety X Slightlybehind Dec-2003

Provide more realistic coefficient for

calculating wind load.

This study is slightly delayed due to

rehabilitation of the wind tunnel and the

slow fabrication and delivery of tapered

models.

Stochastic Methods for Simulating 3-D

Wind Flow Around Bridges

Hal Bosch

HRDI-07

202-493-3031

Mobility/

Safety

X No Dec-2003

Provide new tool for simulation and

analysis of wind effects on bridges.

This study has been put on hold due to

budget cuts and limited access to the

principal investigation.

Applied Engineering/Seismic

Seismic Retrofitting Manuals: 

Part III: Special Bridges

Phil Yen

HRDI-07

202-493-3056

Mobility/

Safety X Yes Dec-2004

Provide nationally applicable seismic design

and retrofitting guidelines for special

bridges. 

A-7
APPENDICES

Office of Infrastructure R&D (continued)

Project Technical Contact Projected Goal

Impact

Project Completion 

Status (Percent) On

Schedule

Target

Completion

Date

Comments

25 50 75 100

Applied Engineering/Seismic (Continued)

A Risk-Based Methodology For

Assessing the Seismic Performance of

Lifeline Systems Report

Phil Yen

HRDI-07

202-493-3056

Mobility/

Safety X Yes Dec-2004

Tool to assist State bridge engineers in

assessing loss estimation of earthquake

damage.

A computer program was completed and 

a report published. This tool has been

calibrated and validated by a

demonstration project (Northridge

earthquake case study).

Improved Seismic Design Provisions for

AASHTO Bridge Specifications

Phil Yen

HRDI-07

202-493-3056

Mobility X Yes Dec-2003

Provide recommended seismic design

specifications for highway bridges.

Recommended seismic design

specifications completed and proposed to

AASHTO. More work required to adopt the

specifications.

Applied Engineering/Geotechnology

Micropile Technology for Bridges

Al DiMillio 

HRDI-06

202-493-3035

Mobility X Yes Dec-03

Provide design and retrofit guidance for

the use of micropiles.

Particularly critical technology for retrofit

of existing structures and structures with

limited access for equipment.

Non-Nuclear Compaction Control

Equipment

Mike Adams 

HRDI-06 

202-493-3025

Mobility X Yes Feb-2003

Provide a more user-friendly compaction

test method.

A means of accurately measuring

construction compaction of soil without

the need for a nuclear device.

A-8
RD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT

Office of Infrastructure R&D (continued)

Project Technical Contact Projected Goal

Impact

Project Completion 

Status (Percent) On

Schedule

Target

Completion

Date

Comments

25 50 75 100

Applied Engineering/Corrosion

Knowledge-Based Tools for Bridge

Coatings Maintenance Decision Making

Bob Kogler

HRDI-06

202-493-3080

Mobility X Yes Jun-2003

Provide coating assessment tools to

resident bridge engineers.

Supplies a tool for conveniently assessing

the condition of a coating on steel and

provides options for repair. 

Applied Engineering/Nondestructive Evaluation

Thermal Imaging System for 

Crack Detection

Glenn Washer

HRDI-10

202-493-3082

Mobility X Yes Sep-2003 Method to detect cracks and prevent

failure of steel structures. 

HERMES II Ground Penetrating Radar

System

Glenn Washer

HRDI-10

202-493-3082

Mobility X Yes Oct-2002

Tools to rapidly survey concrete decks for

deficiencies.

System delivered; testing completed;

report 99 percent complete.

Ultrasonic Methods for Health

Monitoring of Prestressing Tendons

Glenn Washer

HRDI-10

202-493-3082

Mobility X Yes Sep-2004

Technology to prevent failures due to

corrosion or tendon fracture. 

Prototype sensors built and tested; patent

application being completed.

Automated Ultrasonic Inspection

Methods

Glenn Washer

HRDI-10

202-493-3083

Mobility X Yes Jan-2003

Develop automated ultrasonic methods

for quality assurance.

Field testing is currently ongoing.

Applied Engineering/ Bridge Management

WebNBI: Internet-Based Query and

Analysis System for the National Bridge

Inventory Database

John Hooks

HRDI-10

202-493-3023

Mobility X Yes Complete

Provide basis for effective bridge

preventive maintenance and preservation.

WebNBI query system active and in use

by FHWA HQ and field bridge engineers

and planning staff.

A-9

APPENDICES
APPENDICES

Office of Infrastructure R&D (continued)

Project Technical Contact Projected Goal

Impact

Project Completion 

Status (Percent) On

Schedule

Target

Completion

Date

Comments

25 50 75 100

Projects Not Reflected in 2002-2003 Plan

Risk-Based Countermeasure Selection

for Scour Critical Bridges

J. Sterling Jones

HRDI-07

202-493-3043

Mobility X Yes Mar-2003

Provide logical basis for prioritizing

limited resources to protect scour in

critical bridges.

Presented the concept at the 2002 Annual

TRB meeting. Logic has been coded as an

extension of the HYRISK model and is

being evaluated by two Resource Centers.

The HYRISK model is keyed to the NBI

datasbase and is currently being revised

to include a switch between data based on

1995 and 2002 coding guides.

Infrared Thermography for Infrastructure

Inspection

Glenn Washer

HRDI-10

202-493-3082

Mobility X Yes Jun-2003

Technology for detecting delamination in

bridge members.

System built; field testing underway.

Technical Expertise on Grout Issues

Glenn Washer

HRDI-10

202-493-3082

Mobility X Yes Sep-2003

Technical assistance for inspection of post

tensioned.

Ongoing consultation and project

development

Management of Highway Runoff in Karst

Areas

Howard Jongedyk

HRDI-10

202-493-3077

Environment X Yes Complete Techniques to prevent damage to

sensitive geologies.

Air Pollution Models for Complex Site

Geometries

Howard Jongedyk

HRDI-10

202-493-3077

Environment X Yes Complete

Techniques to evaluate impacts of toxic

spills.

Model for dispersion of exhaust gases

and toxic gases from chemical spills or

terrorist attacks; applicable to complex

urban sites and tunnels. Report printed.

A-10
RD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT

APPENDICES

Office of Infrastructure R&D (continued)

Project Technical Contact Projected Goal

Impact

Project Completion 

Status (Percent) On

Schedule

Target

Completion

Date

Comments

25 50 75 100

Projects Not Reflected in 2002-2003 Plan (Continued)

Diffusion of Airborne Highway Pollutants

Howard Jongedyk

HRDI-10

202-493-3077

Environment X Yes Complete Methodology to mitigate impacts of

airborne pollutants.

Smoothness Specifications

Dennis Sixbey

HRDI-10

202-493-3078

Mobility X Yes Nov-2003

Improved pavement measurements made

at highway speeds.

Determine accelerometer requirements for

inertial profilers at speeds from 15 to 70

miles per hour.

Warp & Curl Analysis Software 

Dennis Sixbey 

HRDI-10 

202-493-3078

Mobility X Yes Nov-2003

Improved analysis and design of PCC

pavements.

Software analysis package being

developed.

Preliminary Laboratory Investigation of

the Performance of Modified Asphalt

Binders in Mixtures

Kevin Stuart

HRDI-11 

202-493-3073

Mobility X Yes Complete

National refinement of Superpave binder

specifications to fully capture the benefit

of modified binders.

Funded by NCHRP, and the TRB

Superpave Mix/Aggregate and Binder

Expert Task Group (ETG).

Evaluation of the Proposed Simple

Performance Test

Kevin Stuart 

HRDI-11

202-493-3073

Mobility X Yes Jun-2003

New tool to improve the quality and

performance of asphalt pavements.

Funded by Revenue Aligned Budget

Authority (RABA); requested by AASHTO.

Evaluation of GSB-88 Emulsified Sealer

Kevin Stuart 

HRDI-11

202-493-3073

Mobility X Yes Sep-2003

Product intended to increase pavement

service life.

Congressionally-directed research activity.

A-11
APPENDICES

Office of Infrastructure R&D (continued)

Project Technical Contact Projected Goal

Impact

Project Status % On

Schedule

Target

Completion

Date

Comments

25 50 75 100

Projects Not Reflected in 2002-2003 Plan (Continued)

Full-Scale Accelerated Performance

Testing for Superpave and Structural

Validation: Phase I - Construction

Terry Mitchell

HRDI-11

202-493-3147

Mobility X Yes May-2005

National Superpave binder spec.

refinement to capture fully the benefit of

modified binders.

Pooled fund study TPF-5(019) in partnership

with the TRB Superpave Binder ETG.

Fundamental Properties of Asphalt and

Modified Asphalts

Ernie Bastian

HRDI-11

202-493-3075

Mobility X Yes Sep-2003

Expanded fundamental knowledge of

asphalt and modified asphalts.

Congressionally-directed research activity.

Mixture-Specific Test Method for ASR

Marcia Simon

HRDI-12

202-493-3071

Mobility X No Dec-2003

Improve performance of PCCP.

Prism testing began in July 2002. Lengthy

delay in testing due to equipment problems.

COST Web Site and Report

Marcia Simon

HRDI-12

202-493-3071

Mobility X Yes Completed

Web-based software to efficiently optimize

concrete mix proportioning and achieve

multiple performance criteria.

Web site is online at

http://ciks.cbt.nist.gov/cost/

High-Energy Radiography for Structures

Glenn Washer

HRDI-10

202-493-3083

Mobility X Yes Jan-2004

Technology field testing for imaging

defects in concrete.

Ongoing field testing to evaluate

capabilities of the method.

Preliminary Laboratory Investigation of

the Performance of Modified Asphalt

Binders in Mixtures

Kevin Stuart 

HRDI-11

202-493-3072

Mobility X Yes Dec-2002

Validation of proposed changes to the

Superpave binder spec.

Funded by NCHRP and the TRB Superpave

Binder and Mix/Aggregate ETG. National

refinement of Superpave to fully capture

the benefit of modified binders.

A-12
RD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT

APPENDICES

Office of Operations R&D

Project Technical Contact Projected Goal

Impact

Project Status % On

Schedule

Target

Completion

Date

Comments

25 50 75 100

Intelligent Vehicle Initiative (IVI) & Human Centered Systems Related Research

Intersection Collision & Roadway Crash

Avoidance / Infrastructure Systems

Concepts & Requirements

Bob Ferlis

202-493-3268 Safety X Yes Jan-2005

Specialty Vehicles Technologies

Evaluation

Bob Ferlis

202-493-3268

Safety/

Mobility X No Mar-2003 Lack of snow prevented evaluation ofMnDOT intelligent snow plows in 2002.

Enhanced Digital Mapping Toni Wilbur

202-493-3269 Safety X Yes Apr-2004

Guidelines for In-Vehicle Display Icons Tom Granda|

202-493-3365

Safety/

Mobility X Complete Jun-2002 Diverse industry working group guideddevelopment. 

Transportation Management Center

(TMC) National Pooled Fund Study

Results

Tom Granda

202-493-3365

Safety/

Mobility X Yes Sep-2006 Developed several references for TMCoperations.

Interactive Icon Evaluation Tool Tom Granda

202-493-3365

Safety/

Mobility X Yes Complete

Diverse industry working group guided

development. OEM suppliers expressed

interest in the product.

Synthesis of practices addressing

consistency in text-based messing for

Advanced Traveler Information Systems

(ATIS)

Tom Granda

202-493-3365

Safety/

Mobility X Yes Oct-2002

Review of ATIS operator practices in

selecting, filtering, and assembling

dynamic message sign (DMS) messages.

Survey of the diverse text message

delivery systems to understand the

baseline system, the various types of

messages being presented, and the

decisionmaking processes for those

messages. 

Human Factors Review of ALERT Police

Specialty Vehicle System

Tom Granda

202-493-3365

Safety/

Mobility X Yes Complete

Developed interface recommendations

and a set of lessons learned for police invehicle information system (IVIS)

designers/integrators.

A-13
APPENDICES

Office of Operations R&D (continued)

Project Technical Contact Projected Goal

Impact

Project Completion 

Status (Percent) On

Schedule

Target

Completion

Date

Comments

25 50 75 100

Traffic Control & Operations

Adaptive Control Systems (ACS) -

Development

Deborah Curtis

202-493-3267 Mobility X Yes Complete Weather and evacuation papers prepared;product handoff to Office of Operations done.

ACS - Field Test Raj Ghaman

202-493-3270 Mobility X Yes Dec-2002

ACS “Lite” Version Software Felipe Luyanda

202-493-3368 Mobility X Yes Sep-2003

Ramp Metering 2000 Software Deborah Curtis

202-493-3267 X No Mar-2003

Working with Office of Operations to

determine next steps for product.

Contract issues were resolved.

DynaMIT - A Prototype for the Real-Time

Traffic Estimation and Prediction System

(TrEPS)

Henry Lieu

202-493-3273 Mobility X Yes Dec-2004 A work plan for implementing DynaMIT inLos Angeles is being developed.

DYNASMART-X - A Prototype for the

Real-Time Traffic Estimation and

Prediction System (TrEPS)

Henry Lieu

202-493-3273 Mobility X Yes Jun-2005

A work plan for the real-time

implementation of DYNASMART-X in

Houston is being planned.

Traffic Detector Handbook Dave Gibson

202-493-3271

Safety/

Mobility/

Environment/

X Yes Dec-2002

Describes design requirements,

installation, and maintenance procedures

for transportation sensors.

Traffic Control Systems Handbook Raj Ghaman

202-493-3270 Mobility Yes Dec-2003 FY 2003 funds to be obligated.

Freeway Management Handbook Felipe Luyanda

202-493-3368

Mobility/

Productivity X Yes Jun-2003

Winter Weather Maintenance Decision

Support Systems

Rudy Persaud

202-493-3391

Safety/

Mobility/

Productivity/

Environment

X Yes 2003

A-14
RD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT

APPENDICES

Office of Operations R&D (continued)

Project Technical Contact Projected Goal

Impact

Project Completion 

Status (Percent) On

Schedule

Target

Completion

Date

Comments

25 50 75 100

Traffic Control & Operations (Continued)

Support to Office of Operations on

Devices (MUTCD) Signing Issues

Tom Granda

202-493-3365

Safety/

Mobility X Yes Nov-2002

Role of FHWA in In-Vehicle Information

Revised completion date due to delayed

startup by contractor. Percent complete

remains the same because only 50

percent was received to date.

Traffic Simulation Modeling

Next Generation Simulation Modeling

(NGSIM)

Gene McHale

202-493-3275 Mobility Yes Dec-2007

DYNASMART-P - A Prototype for the

Traffic Estimation and Prediction System

for Operations Planning (TrEPS-P)

Henry Lieu

202-493-3273 Mobility X Yes Jan-2004

DynaMIT-P - A Prototype for the Traffic

Estimation and Prediction System for

Operations Planning 

Henry Lieu

202-493-3273 Mobility X Yes Dec-2004

Strategic Work Zone Analysis Tools

(SWAT)

Deborah Curtis

202-493-3267 X Yes Dec-2004

QuickZone Work Zone Delay Estimation

Tool

Deborah Curtis

202-493-3267 X Yes Dec-2002

Nationwide Differential Global

Positioning System (NDGPS) Base

Stations

Jim Arnold

202-493-3265 

Safety/

Mobility/

Productivity/

Environment/

Security

X Yes Dec-2005

A-15
APPENDICES

Office of Operations R&D (continued)

Project Technical Contact Projected Goal

Impact

Project Completion 

Status (Percent) On

Schedule

Target

Completion

Date

Comments

25 50 75 100

Traffic Simulation Modeling (Continued)

NDGPS Coverage Verification Test Jig Jim Arnold

202-493-3265

Safety/

Mobility/

Productivity/

Environment/

Security

X Yes Dec-2005

GPS Surface Observation System

Installation for Integrated Precipitable

Water Vapor (IPWV) 

Jim Arnold

202-493-3265

Rudy Persaud

202-493-3391

Safety/

Mobility/

Productivity/

Environment/

Security

X Yes Dec-2005

Projects Not Reflected in 2002-2003 Plan

Surface Transportation Security and

Reliability Information System Model

Deployment

Toni Wilbur

202-493-3269

Safety/

Mobility/

Security

Yes Dec-2007

Traffic Software Integrated System

(TSIS)

Raj Ghaman

202-493-3270

Gene McHale

202-493-3275

Mobility X Yes N/A

High Accuracy-NDGPS Jim Arnold

202-493-3265

Safety/

Mobility/

Productivity/

Environment/

Security

X Yes Dec-2007

Research program to evaluate the

potential for achieving very high accuracy

navigation solutions using existing

infrastructure.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for Aerial

Surveillance

Dave Gibson

202-493-3271

Safety/

Mobility X Yes Dec-2003

Uses model airplane for traffic

surveillance and potential transportation

system inspections.

A-16
RD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT

APPENDICES

Office of Safety R&D

Project Technical Contact Projected Goal

Impact

Project Completion 

Status (Percent) On 

Schedule

Target

Completion

Date

Comments

25 50 75 100

Run Off Road: Mitigation

Simulation and Analysis of Vehicle

Crashes into Mailboxes

Charlie McDevitt

202-493-3313 Safety X Yes Dec-2002 Develop models for analysis of vehiclecrashes into vandal-resistant mailboxes.

Finite Element Model of a Tractor-Trailer

and Wood Materials for Guardrails

Martin Hargrave

202-493-3311 Safety X Yes Dec-2002 Develop models for use in crash testsimulations and analyses.

Rollover Causation Study, Interim Report Mort Oskard

202-493-3339 Safety X Complete Identify causal factors that lead up torollover crashes.

Side Impact Human Injury Methodology

for Future Crash Tests

Martin Hargrave

202-493-3311 Safety Cancelled TRB will include in update to 350.

Run Off Road Prevention: Design

Interactive Highway Safety Design Model

(IHSDM) - Complete Model Beta Test

Ray Krammes

202-493-3312 Safety X Yes Nov-2002

This suite of safety evaluation software

modules incorporates available knowledge

about roadway safety and geometric

design into a more useful format for

highway planners and designers.

IHSDM - Crash Prediction Module 

Beta Test 

Ray Krammes

202-493-3312 Safety X Yes Complete Beta testing is in progress.

A-17
APPENDICES

Office of Safety R&D

Project Technical Contact Projected Goal

Impact

Project Completion 

Status (Percent) On

Schedule

Target

Completion

Date

Comments

25 50 75 100

Run Off Road Prevention: Design (Continued)

IHSDM - Intersection Diagnostic Review

Module Beta Test

Ray Krammes

202-493-3312 Safety X Yes Nov-2002

This suite of safety evaluation software

modules incorporates available knowledge

about roadway safety and geometric

design into a more useful format for

highway planners and designers.

IHSDM - Traffic Analysis Module 

Beta Test 

Ray Krammes

202-493-3312 Safety X Yes Nov-2002

This suite of safety evaluation software

modules incorporates available knowledge

about roadway safety and geometric

design into a more useful format for

highway planners and designers.

IHSDM - Driver/Vehicle Module 

Beta Test

Ray Krammes

202-493-3312 Safety X No Sep-2004

This module needs additional work, which

we are deferring to FY 2003/2004. It will

not be part of the 2002 release of IHSDM. 

Guidelines for Assuring Systemwide

Adequacy of Traffic Sign Visibility 

at Night

Carl Andersen

202-493-3366 Safety NotStarted Sep-2003

Efforts to finalize the tables of minimum

requirements for traffic sign retroreflectivity

have slightly delayed the start of this effort.

Updated Minimum Levels for Pavement

Marking Retroreflectivity

Kenneth Opiela

202-493-3371 Safety X No Jun-2003

Progress was made in verifying and

validating past efforts, but the need to

revise the sign retroreflectivity values has

delayed completion of this effort.

Night Driving and Lighting Requirements

for the Older Driver

Kenneth Opiela

202-493-3371 Safety X Yes Complete The draft final report is expected nextmonth.

A-18
RD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT

APPENDICES

Office of Safety R&D (continued)

Project Technical Contact Projected Goal

Impact

Project Completion 

Status (Percent) On

Schedule

Target

Completion

Date

Comments

25 50 75 100

Run Off Road Prevention: Design (Continued)

Field Guide for the Use of Portable

Changeable Message Signs

Thomas Granda

202-493-3365 Safety X No Dec-2002

Waiting to determine how proposed

changes in the Federal regulations will

affect the handbook. Once proposed

changes are ratified, it can be completed.

Requirements for LED Traffic Signals Carl Andersen

202-493-3366 Safety Yes Sep-2003 Not started. Exploring cooperativeagreement with NIST.

Minimum Fluorescent Requirements for

Traffic Signs

Carl Andersen

202-493-3366 Safety X Yes Aug-2003

Delayed due to difficulty in finding

specifically configured fluorescent

material.

Enhanced Night Visibility Project Follow

Up Study Results

Carl Andersen

202-493-3366 Safety Yes Dec-2004 Initial project extended through 5/31/04.

Pedestrian & Bicyclist

Pedestrian Facilities Safety User Guide Ann Do

202-493-3319 Safety X Yes Complete

Provide information on how to identify the

safety and mobility needs of pedestrians

within roadway rights-of-way.

Recommendations for Future Design of

Crosswalk Signals

Thomas Granda

202-493-3365 Safety X Yes Complete Research completed and draft reportundergoing analysis and review.

Design Criteria Based on the Nonmotorists Perception of SpeedThomas Granda

202-493-3365 Safety X Yes Complete Submitted report; results were presentedat ITE in August.

A-19
APPENDICES

Office of Safety R&D (continued)

Project Technical Contact Projected Goal

Impact

Project Completion 

Status (Percent) On

Schedule

Target

Completion

Date

Comments

25 50 75 100

Speed Management

Results of Field Tests on Impacts of

Setting and Enforcing Rational Speed

Limits

Davey Warren

202-493-3318 Safety X Yes Dec-2004 Results from first wave of demonstrationprojects due 8/28/03.

USLIMITS: A Preliminary Expert System

for Speed Zoning

Davey Warren

202-493-3318 Safety X Yes Aug-2002 Beta version available for testing.

Recommended Designs for Hump Signs

and Markings

Thomas Granda

202-493-3365 Safety X No Aug-2002

Project delayed due to changes in the

MUTCD. It now has guidelines for hump

signs.

Prototype Variable Speed Limit Systems

in Work Zones

Davey Warren

202-493-3318 Safety X Yes Aug-2003

Field testing completed in Michigan;

testing in Maryland planned for 8/2002;

testing in Virginia not to begin until 2003

construction season.

Variable Speed Limit Technical

Assessment Plan

Davey Warren

202-493-3318 Safety X No Jul-2003

A report on judicial enforcement of

variable speed limits was published in

March 2002 as Legal Research Digest

Number 47.

Intersections

Safety and Operational Impacts of Offset

“T” Intersections

Joe Bared

202-493-3314 Safety X Yes Complete Traffic safety conference on threecontinents, Published in TRIS, 2002.

Accident Warrant for Traffic Signals Davey Warren

202-493-3318 Safety X Yes Complete Draft report.

Safety Recommendations for Novel

Intersection Designs

Joe Bared

202-493-3314 Safety X Yes Sep-2003

Determine and analyze user responses to

various alternatives for signage and

marking at novel intersections.

Driver Selection of Path and Speed

Through Roundabouts

Thomas Granda

202-493-3365 Safety X Yes Nov-2002 Research completed; draft reportundergoing review.

A-20
RD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT

APPENDICES

Office of Safety R&D (continued)

Project Technical Contact Projected Goal

Impact

Project Completion 

Status (Percent) On

Schedule

Target

Completion

Date

Comments

25 50 75 100

Intersections (Continued)

Functional Requirements for

Microsimulation-Based Surrogate Safety

Measures at Intersections 

Joe Bared

202-493-3314 Safety X Yes Complete

Surrogate measures and functional

specifications are completed. The

intersections algorithm is still in progress.

Traffic Operations and Safety

Comparisons of Single Point Urban

Interchange with Tight Diamond

Interchange

Joe Bared

202-493-3314 Safety X Yes Complete

A traffic operational performance analysis

paper was presented at the 5th Access

Management Conference and will be

published in the conference proceedings.

The safety analysis is still in progress.

Human Centered Systems

Revised Older Driver Design Handbook Thomas Granda

202-493-3365 Safety X Yes Complete Handbook, guidelines, and recommendationsare on the TFHRC Web site.

Projects Not Reflected in 2002-2003 Plan

Retroreflective raised pavement markers

(RRPM) Research - Highway Driving

Simulator (HYSIM) study

Thomas Granda

202-493-3365 Safety X Yes Dec-2002 Added 7/9/2002, about 90% completed.

RRPMs Research - field validation study Thomas Granda

202-493-3365 Safety X Yes Dec-2002 Added 7/9/2002.

RRPMs Research - second HYSIM study Thomas Granda

202-493-3365 Safety X Yes Jun-2003 Added 7/9/2002.

Projects conducted in collaboration with other offices

Intersection Collision & Roadway Departure

Crash Avoidance-Infrastructure Systems

Concepts and Requirements

Robert Ferlis

202-493-3268 Safety

Reported by Bob Ferlis in Operations R&D

Projects and Services report. 

See listing in Operations section.

Transportation Management Center

National Pooled Fund Study Results

Thomas Granda

202-493-3365 Safety

Shown on Operations R&D Projects and

Services report.

See listing in Operations section.

A-21
APPENDICES

Appendix B: Services

The following charts outline accomplishments over the past year in the area of technical and program support for FHWA R&T activities nationwide. 

Office of Infrastructure R&D

Service Technical Contact Comments

Structures

Forensic evaluations of catastrophic failures or risk

analysis in the areas of bridges and bridge components

Bill Wright

202-493-3053

Expertise obtained through laboratory and field research is applied to explain the cause

of catastrophic structural failures and develop recommendations for remedial action.

Forensic evaluations of catastrophic failures or risk

analysis in the areas of hydraulic erosion and bridge and

culvert stability

J. Sterling Jones

202-493-3043 No services provided during FY 2002.

Forensic evaluations of catastrophic failures or risk

analysis in the areas of seismic stability, nationally and

internationally

Hamid Ghasemi

Phil Yen

202-493-3042

Participated in post-earthquake investigations of the Northridge earthquake (EQ) in the

U.S., the Kobe EQ in Japan, the Kocaeli and Duzce EQs in Turkey, and the Chi-Chi EQ in

Taiwan. The Turkish KGM (highway agency) requested further assistance from HRDI-07

office in retrofitting damaged and existing bridges. 

Forensic evaluations of catastrophic failures or risk

analysis in the areas of aerodynamic induced failures of

bridges and bridge components

Hal Bosch

202-493-3031

Continued to monitor the post-retrofit wind response and behavior of the Deer IsleSedgwick Suspension Bridge. Evaluated possible cable vibrations on the Chesapeake

and Delaware Canal cable-stayed bridge.

Studies to resolve unique or very complex design

situations in hydraulic capacity, efficiency and

effectiveness

J. Sterling Jones

202-493-3043

Flume studies were conducted for: (1) the Wisconsin Division Office to investigate

danger to a 96” sanitary sewer from pier scour; (2) the Maryland DOT to investigate a

cross vane concept to reduce culvert entrance scour; (3) FHWA to investigate a bridge

clearance problem; and (4) Maryland DOT and design consultants for the Woodrow

Wilson Bridge to investigate proposed solutions to a construction mishap. Work plans

were negotiated with the South Dakota, Alaska, and Maryland DOTs to conduct culvert

studies in the Hydraulics Lab.

B-1
RD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT

APPENDICES

Office of Infrastructure R&D (continued)

Service Technical Contact Comments

Structures (Continued)

Studies to resolve unique or very complex design

situations in aerodynamic stability of bridge and bridge

components

Hal Bosch

202-493-3031

Participated in several meetings about the preliminary design of the Blennerhassett

Suspension Bridge. Completed field measurements of a new stay-cable system's

dynamic properties on the Charles River Bridge.

Studies to resolve unique or very complex design

situations in bridge foundations, abutments, and retaining

walls

Mike Adams

202-493-3025

Provide technical input to FHWA field and State DOT engineers about the use of

innovative geotechnical applications, including Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil (GRS)

abutments and walls, micropiles, and data from the Geotech Research Database.

Testing new and innovative materials and projects Bob Kogler

202-493-3080

Testing and evaluation focuses on high value-added, innovative materials that promise

significant benefits over the current materials commonly used for highway applications.

Materials such as HPS, ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC), fiber-reinforced

polymers, and high-durability corrosion protection materials are investigated.

Technical expertise and consultation in bridge coatings and

corrosion materials and techniques to other government

agencies, States and industry groups

Shuang-Ling Chong

202-493-3081

Providing advice to States on the reliability and reproducibility of three of the most

popular commercial test kits for determining chloride concentration on steel surfaces

prior to bridge coating application.

Application, evaluation, and development of specialized

instrumentation for nondestructive evaluation,

measurement, and long-term monitoring of highway

structures

Glenn Washer

202-493-3082

Assist States with technology for the detection of broken wires in cable stayed bridges.

Imaging of post-tensioning strands in concrete beams, and detecting voids in the

grouted post-tensioned ducts.

Application of bridge management information systems to

better understand bridge performance and develop

improved performance measures for bridges

John Hooks

202-493-3023

Studies involve NBI data mining to develop bridge condition prediction models, isolate

causes of bridge deficiencies, develop performance measures, and develop innovative

approaches to bridge management.

B-2
APPENDICES

Office of Infrastructure R&D (continued)

Service Technical Contact Comments

Pavements

Forensic evaluations of early performance problems in

asphalt and concrete pavements

Marcia Simon

202-493-3071

Conducted petrographic examination of pavement cores to identify the cause of

premature distress (fine aggregate bands resulting from poor mixing) for the Wisconsin

DOT.

Laboratory testing of new, innovative, and recycled

materials used in pavement construction

Tom Harman

202-493-3072

Evaluated crumb-rubber material and recycled polyester fiber polymers in the laboratory

and in performed full-scale testing.

Technical expertise, assistance, and laboratory testing

support for field trials of new pavement materials and

procedures

Tom Harman

202-493-3072

Evaluated polymer-modified materials in the laboratory and in full-scale testing at the

FHWA pavem

ent testing facility and in partnership with the National Center for Asphalt Technology.

Technical assistance in the application, testing, evaluation,

and problem solving for construction quality control,

quality assurance, performance related specifications, and

warranties

Peter Kopac

202-493-3151

Analyzed the Pennsylvania DOT air content and compressive strength specifications;

provided comments recommending a loosening of air content requirements; and

discussed the comments with the FHWA Division Office.

Technical assistance and information on the application,

testing, specifications, cost, and performance of recycled

pavement materials

Tom Harman

202-493-3072

Asphalt team continues to provide technical assistance on a National basis to our State

partners, industry, and FHWA Federal Lands.

Access to the world’s largest and most comprehensive

pavement performance database. Technical assistance and

consultation in pavement data usage

Aramis Lopez

202-493-3145

During the first and second quarters of 2002, the group received 378 customer

requests for LTPP data and/or information. A detailed report of each request is

available. Access methods to the LTPP customer office include e-mail, phone, or fax.

OMB granted approval to conduct a yearly customer survey of the LTPP program via

the Internet.

Services Not Reflected in 2002-2003 Plan

Forensic evaluation of concrete material problems Marcia Simon

202-493-3071

Evaluated concrete problems in bridge decks for the transportation departments in

Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the District of Columbia.

B-3
RD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT

APPENDICES

Office of Operations R&D

Service Technical Contact Comments

Traffic Analysis & Modeling

Traffic Research Laboratory (TReL) Model Simulation and

Problem Solving Studies

Randy VanGorder

202-493-3266

The TReL provides a support environment to the Advanced Traffic Management

Simulator (ATMS) RD&T Team and ITS program. The following is a list of current

support efforts: Simulation of Emergency Evacuations (Central Intelligence Agency

study), air pollution simulation with Mort Oskard, WESTA (Weigh Station) Model

Evaluation (exclusive bus lane simulation for Joint Program Office), Model Evaluation

(Paramics, VISSIM, AIMSUN), Dynamic Traffic Assignment, ACS Lite support, railroad

grade crossing preemption, demonstration and outreach activities.

Communication & Frequency Spectrum Support

Dedicated Short Range Communications Program Support

for Standards and ITS Applications

Jim Arnold

202-493-3265

Providing technical analysis and general guidance for the development of a dedicated

short-range communications standard at 5.9 gigahertz.

Ultrawide-Band Radar Technology Coordination Jim Arnold

202-493-3265

Provide technical support for other FHWA offices on spectrum planning and allocation

through National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and

support Office of the Secretary of Transportation (OST) in their efforts to better understand

the implications of ultrawide-band radar technology on existing users of the radio spectrum.

Frequency Spectrum Coordination for FHWA Jim Arnold

202-493-3265

Support various organizations in FHWA to find appropriate spectrum for specific

applications and work with the field and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to

ensure the availability of spectrum for various applications.

B-4
APPENDICES

Office of Infrastructure R&D

Service Technical Contact Comments

Research Program Support

IVI Infrastructure Consortium Coordination & Leadership Bob Ferlis

202-493-3268

Provide technical leadership in the development of intersection collision 

avoidance services.

U.S.-Japan ITS Joint Research Program Bob Ferlis

202-493-3268

Identify promising opportunities for collaboration and assemble technical materials 

to share with Japan.

Cooperative Program for Operational Meteorological

Education and Training for Road Weather Forecasting

Rudy Persaud

202-493-3391

This project will create a mesoscale network of hourly weather observations using

Roadway Weather Information Systems. Target date is December 2002.

High-Speed Rail IDEA (Innovations Deserving Exploratory

Analysis) Program Support

Dave Gibson

202-493-3271

Review technical proposals on high-speed rail. Receive approximately 20 proposals 

per year.

SBIR Program Support Dave Gibson

202-493-3271 Coordinate submission of project statements to SBIR program.

University Research Program Coordination and Support Dave Gibson

202-493-3271

Coordinate projects with Texas A&M and University of Central Florida. Provide feedback

to Office of Operations.

B-5
RD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT

APPENDICES

Office of Safety R&D

Service Technical Contact Comments

Human Centered Systems

Review potential safety effects of electronic billboards on

driver attention and distraction

Thomas Granda

202-493-3365

Report delivered to Office of Real Estate Services (ORES). Customer was pleased and

placed the report on their Web site.

Safety Analysis and Management

Research methods support and provide HSIS data to

requesting parties

Carol Tan Esse

202-493-3315 Ongoing.

Photometric and radiometric measurements of light

sources, including traffic signals, vehicle headlamps and

roadway lighting

Ray Krammes

202-493-3312

Spectro-radiometric measurement of light emitting diode (LED) traffic signal lights for

Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE): support for colorimetric requirements in ITE

specification.

Spectro-radiometric measurement of high intensity discharge (HID) headlights on hold

pending National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) approval of selection

of items to be measured.

Photometric and colorimetric measurements (including

coefficient of retroreflectivity and fluorescence) of signing

and marking materials

Ray Krammes

202-493-3312

Round-robin measurement of weathered sheeting for National Transportation Product

Evaluation Program (NTPEP).

Round-robin measurement of samples used by Highway Innovative Technology

Evaluation Center (HITEC) for evaluation of handheld retroreflectometers.

Series of bi-spectral measurements of fluorescent sheeting in support of proposed

rule-making Office of Transportation Operations.

B-6
APPENDICES

Office of Resource Management

Service Technical Contact Comments

Accountable Property Inventory Denise Seward

202-493-3471

RD&T recently conducted a complete physical inventory of accountable property. The

accountable property inventory maintained by the group is valued at 10-million dollars.

Employee Training and Professional Development Carol Roberts

202-493-3185

Coordinated and provided computer training courses in Microsoft Access, Microsoft

Excel, HTML programming, Microsoft FrontPage 2000, and Microsoft PowerPoint.

Provided professional development opportunities for employees through college

courses on various engineering research subjects, including “Evaluation and Mitigation

of Seismic Hazards,” “Mathematical Statistics,” and “Modeling and Simulation for

Intelligent Transportation Systems.”

31 courses were funded for RD&T employees, in addition to the many FHWA courses

given to employees at no cost.

Contracts and Procurements Sue Stanton

202-493-3480

Coordinated mandatory COTR refresher training for 75 RD&T employees. Ensured that

COTRs took the basic COTR training and the mandatory 4-hour annual refresher

training.

Coordinated mandatory Ethics Training for RD&T COTR employees. 45 people attended

the 8/6/2002 session held at TFHRC.

Total active contract actions: 194; contracts: 75; interagency agreements: 27;

cooperative agreements: 22; purchase orders: 40; and allocations to the field: 30.

B-7
RD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT

APPENDICES

Office of Program Development & Evaluation

Service Technical Contact Comments

SBIR Review and Support John Munro

202-493-3469

FHWA awarded a total of $3.3 million to 11 small businesses to conduct Phase II

research projects as part of the SBIR program, and entered into cooperative

agreements with 9 Minority Institutions of Higher Education for transportation research

and technology activities valued at $444,772 (latest figures available 9/5/2002).

Transportation Pooled Fund Program Lisa Williams

202-493-3376

HRPD provided administrative assistance to States and sponsoring organizations

interested in establishing pooled fund projects by reviewing and processing requests;

circulating proposals for technical review; and updating information on the FHWA’s

transportation pooled fund Web site.

115 FHWA-led projects—projects valued at approximately $38 million; $20 million

remaining available to the projects with an average of 10 partners and the average study

valued at $450,000.

150 State-led projects—valued at approximately $50 million. There was an average of 5

State partners per study with the average study valued at $575,000.

Web site makes the program more efficient and provides interactive, online

solicitations, and commitments by project partners. We also disseminate other relevant

information through the Web site. Improvements were made in the response times for

closing transportation pooled fund study completed projects. As of August 2002, the

HRPD advised the Finance Office to close 14 projects.

Transportation Research Board Bill Zaccagnino

202-493-3183

Contract managed by HRPD to provide technical expertise access to TRB.

HRPD support provided for the TRB annual meeting.

Coordination done of NCHRP support, balloting, and solicitation of problem statements.

B-8
APPENDICES

Office of Research and Technology Services

Service

Customer

Internal

External

Both

Audience

Internal

External

Both 

Contact Brief summary of the nature of services performed

Number

frequency of 

services per 

FY 02 

Estimates

Periodical Publications

- Public Roads

- Transporter (monthly)

- Focus (monthly)

Both

Internal

Internal

Both

Both

Both

Strategic

Communications

Team

202-493-3468

Develop issue themes and articles to support FHWA research,

development, technology transfer, best practices, lessons learned,

and outreach.

Develop article(s) content and guide writers for appropriate story

angle and audience.

Cradle-to-final-product publication services; including all

writing/editing phases, style guidelines and design layout, other

camera-ready preparation services, printing, Web site HTML

conversion, distribution list preparation, and initial distribution.

Bimonthly

Monthly

Monthly

Strategic Marketing and

Communications Plans Internal Both

Strategic

Communications

Team

202-493-3468

Work with COTRs and project managers on marketing and/or

communications plans to reach goals, including suggesting the

appropriate marketing tools for reaching the target audience(s),

such as events, public affairs, publications, videos, etc. Set

production schedules.

When needed

RD&T Research Reports and

other Publications Internal Both

Strategic

Communications

Team

202-493-3468

Cradle-to-final-product publication services; including all

writing/editing phases, style guidelines and design layout, other

camera-ready preparation services, printing, Web site HTML

conversion, distribution list preparation, and initial distribution.

34

Editing and Printing RD&T

Performance Plans,

Directories, Brochures,

Pamphlets, Laboratory Fact

Sheets, etc.

Internal Both

Strategic

Communications

Team

202-493-3468

Cradle-to-final-product publication services; including all

writing/editing phases, style guidelines and design layout, other

camera-ready preparation services, printing, Web site HTML

conversion, distribution list preparation, and initial distribution.

Developing marketing brochure/pamphlet contents.

Strategic marketing and communications plans and products.

31

B-9
RD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT

APPENDICES

Office of Research and Technology Services (continued)

Service

Customer

Internal

External

Both

Audience

Internal

External

Both 

Contact Brief summary of the nature of services performed

Number

frequency of 

services per 

FY 02 

Estimates

Other Publications

Wazzup Newsletter

Technology Talks (TT)

Newsletter

Internal

Internal

Internal

Internal

Strategic

Communications

Team

202-493-3468

Marketing Team

202-493-3467

Develop story ideas. Complete editing and final printing/distribution.

Compile TT Newsletter and distribute electronically.

Quarterly

36

Full-Service RD&T Web Site

Content and HTML

Programming Support

Internal Both

Strategic

Communications

Team

202-493-3468

Complete document preparation with HTML coding, and PDF

preparation for thousands of pages of RD&T reports, directories,

newsletters, brochures, etc.

- 1,000s of HTML

coded text pages

(508 compliant)

- PDF documents

RD&T Tour Services Both Both

Strategic

Communications

Team

202-493-3468

Full-service support. Prepare agendas and handout materials for

tour groups. Schedule and coordinate tours with RD&T labs,

speakers. Arrange for meeting room(s), audio/visual needs,

refreshments (i.e., lunches, coffee breaks), etc.

Approximately

1,200 individuals

FHWA Exhibit Events

Program Support Services Internal External Marketing Team202-493-3467

Warehouse storage and shipping of FHWA program displays and

conference handouts.

Full-service support of FHWA program office exhibitions for all of

FHWA, and OST.

Exhibit shipping

services for

110 events

Full-Service

support for 10

national FHWA

cross-cutting

events

B-10
APPENDICES

Office of Research and Technology Services (continued)

Service

Customer

Internal

External

Both

Audience

Internal

External

Both

Contact

Comments

Brief summary of the nature of services performed

Number

frequency of 

services per 

FY 02 

Estimates

FHWA R&T Report

Center/TRC Both Both Marketing Team202-493-3467

Management of R&T Report Center, distributing hard copy

publications, and CD-ROMS to FHWA customers, nationally and

abroad.

Approximately

8,000 mailings

FHWA Meeting and

Conference Support Services Internal Internal Marketing Team202-493-3467

Full-service support for logistics planning and support of FHWAsponsored meetings for program offices. Services include hotel

meeting space rental, meeting invitations and announcements,

invitational travel, speaker(s) support, etc.

11

Audio/Visual/Computer

Marketing Productions

Photography, VHS Tape or

Digital Filming, Computer

Presentation Services, and

CD reproductions

Internal Internal

Marketing Team

202-493-3467

Strategic

Communication 

Team

202-493-3468

Multimedia Services for RD&T program offices for still photography,

VHS or digital filming services, computer presentations preparation,

and compact disk (CD) production or duplication (i.e., photographs,

promotional VHS tapes, short movies, Microsoft PowerPoint

presentations, CD productions for presentations).

As required.

Frequency is often

Technology and Innovation

Deployment 

“Raising the Bar”

Both Both Marketing Team

202-493-3467

Meetings and other logistical arrangements. Assist with preparing

documents and meeting handout materials, purchase and supply

TRB reports, and other support activities.

Full-Support

B-11
RD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT C-1

APPENDICES

Appendix C: FHWA Research and

Technology Partnerships

FHWA’s research approach emphasizes cooperation, information sharing, and formal research agenda development, both

within DOT and across the entire government. We promote

partnerships with State and local governments, academia, and

the private sector to quickly and cost-effectively transform new

technologies and concepts into better transportation systems,

processes, and services.

The following is just a partial listing of different R&T partnerships. Many partnerships may transcend categories, and may

often have three or more participants that can represent several categories. There also are several different partnership

types offering many opportunities for participation and

involvement in FHWA R&T projects. Partnerships generally

can be separated into nine categories:

1) Partnerships with other DOT agencies: ITS Joint

Program Office, NHTSA, FTA, RSPA, FMCSA, FAA, FRA,

MARAD, USCG, and BTS.

2) Partnerships with other Federal agencies (outside

DOT): NASA, DOD, DOC, DOE, DOS, EPA, HHS, HUD,

Interior, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army Cold

Region Research and Engineering Laboratory, and U.S

Navy.

3) Partnerships with States or organizations representing

States: AASHTO, LTPP, National Governor’s Association.

4) Partnerships with quasi-governmental organizations:

TRB, NCHRP, and NSF.

5) Partnerships with local governments, MPOs and other

organizations representing local and county governments: National Association of County Engineers, Cities of

Los Angeles and Houston (to evaluate CLAIRE).

6) Partnerships with universities: UTCs, MIHEs, Summer

Transportation Internship Program for Diverse Groups

(STIPDG), Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation

Fellowship Program, National Summer Transportation

Institutes for Secondary Students (NSTI), Recycled

Materials Resource Center, National Crash Analysis Center

at George Washington University.

7) Partnerships with industry: Castle Rock Services,

Lockheed Martin, Iteris, Mitretek, GEOPAK Corporation,

Innovative Pavement Research Foundation, SBIR.

8) Partnerships with nongovernmental organizations:

American Society of Civil Engineer’s Civil Engineering

Research Foundation, Institute of Transportation Engineers,

ITS America.

9) International partnerships: International Technology

Scanning Program, World Road Association (PIARC),

Organization of Economic Cooperation and Developments

Road and Transport Research Program (OECD/RTR),

European Federation of Highway Research Labs (FEHRL),

National Highway Research Council of Canada, U.S.- Japan

ITS Joint Research Program, The Pan American Institute of

Highways, The International Road Federation, The Asia

Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum.

ITS Joint Program Office

The ITS Joint Program Office coordinates ITS activities across

the Department of Transportation, including research,

technology, and development conducted at TFHRC. 

Research is being conducted at TFHRC on the IVI—a

government-industry program coordinated by the JPO. IVI’s

goal is to use enabling technologies to accelerate safety and

mobility-enhancing, driver-assistance development and

commercialization. Partners include FHWA, Federal Transit

Authority, NHTSA, RSPA Volpe Center, Department of Defense,

and the National Science Foundation, plus motor vehicle and
APPENDICES

C-2

trucking industries, fleet operators, State and local

transportation and law enforcement agencies, emergency

response organizations, universities, other research

organizations, and professional societies.

The Transportation Pooled Fund Program

When significant or widespread interest is shown in solving

transportation-related problems, research, planning, and

technology innovation activities may be jointly funded by

several Federal, State, regional, and local transportation

agencies, academic institutions, foundations, or private

industry as a study under the Transportation Pooled Fund

Program. FHWA plays a key role in this process. While FHWA

participates and contributes directly to some pooled fund

studies, it also encourages States to pool their funds for

regional or national problems to avoid research duplication,

and to effectively use monies for managing research. 

To qualify as a pooled fund study, more than one State

transportation agency, Federal agency, other agency such as a

municipality or metropolitan planning organization,

college/university, or a private company must find the subject

important enough to commit funds or other resources to

conduct the research, planning, and technology innovation

activities. A pooled fund study is intended to address a new

area, or complement or advance previous subject matter

investigations. All studies receive funding from the States

involved. Another pooled fund category involves the NCHRP,

and every year FHWA establishes a pooled fund study for the

NCHRP contributions from the States.

Federal and State transportation agencies may initiate pooled

fund studies and act as the “lead agency” for the study. Local

and regional transportation agencies, private industry,

foundations, and colleges and universities may partner with

any or all of the sponsoring agencies to conduct pooled fund

projects. The Transportation Pooled Fund Program is the

successor of the former national and regional pooled fund

programs. 

The Infrastructure Consortium was organized under a pooled

fund program to represent the interests of State and local

highway transportation infrastructure providers in developing

and deploying advanced highway safety technologies. The

members of the Infrastructure Consortium are State

departments of transportation. The Consortium is expected to

sponsor and support innovative research in cooperative IVI

services, serve as a stakeholder for all State and local

governments, and promote cost-effective cooperative IVI

service deployment. Just as IVI partnered with the vehicle

manufacturing industry to jointly conduct precompetitive

research, IVI will partner with the Infrastructure Consortium

to ensure that the research for infrastructure cooperative

systems to avoid intersection collisions will provide results that

governments can accept. The Infrastructure Consortium

provides a unique opportunity that enables partnerships

between the vehicle manufacturing industry and the

infrastructure providers so that cooperative vehicle-highway

systems can be researched, evaluated, manufactured,

deployed, operated, and maintained.

Transportation and Sustainable Communities

The goals of this partnership are to integrate and coordinate

existing research agendas to minimize duplication and research

gaps while optimizing support for a sustainable transportation

system. It also seeks to improve technical tools and models to

analyze the impacts of activities on both the natural and the

social environment. This partnership will help Federal

agencies work with each other and with other levels of

government and the private sector to foster sustainability.

Partners include: DOE; DOT (BTS, FAA, FHWA, FRA, FTA);

EPA; HHS (CDC); HUD; Interior (National Park Service); 

OMB; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, State and local

transportation/environmental agencies and organizations;
health agencies; Metropolitan Planning Organizations; mayoral

offices; advocates; environmental technology manufacturers

and vendors; system designers, engineering and construction

firms; materials manufacturers; vehicle and fuel

manufacturers; and universities.

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program

The SBIR program is a research and development program

mandated by Congress in 1982 and reauthorized in 1992. Its

purpose is to develop technological innovations by using high

level of expertise in the small business community throughout

the United States. The program aims to stimulate technological

innovations; meet the Federal government’s needs for research

and development by providing opportunities to small

businesses; increase private sector commercialization of

innovations derived from Federal research and development;

and provide opportunities for minority and disadvantaged

participation in technological innovations.

One example of an SBIR research partnership is the Visual

Freight Database, which is a public/private partnership that

provides improved modeling tools for national, State, and MPO

freight planning and information that shows county-to-county

freight movements by modes and commodity types. The

database is available for use throughout the FHWA.

International Involvement

The FHWA promotes the U.S. highway transportation

community’s objectives through participation in international

organizations and their operating committees, including: The

Pan American Institute of Highways; the PIARC; the

OECD/RTR program; the International Road Federation; and

the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum.

FHWA also fosters cooperation on international R&T activities

with our U.S. partners, such as the American Association of

State Highway Transportation Officials and the National

Cooperative Highway Research Program. The International

Technology Scanning Program accesses and evaluates foreign

technologies and innovations, which could significantly benefit

U.S. highway transportation systems. This program enables

advanced technology to be adapted and implemented much

more efficiently without spending scarce research funds to

recreate advances that already have been developed by other

countries. Twelve scans are conducted over a 2-year period.

Additionally, FHWA has a number of bilateral agreements with

other countries.

There are also efforts underway to create an R&T partnership

with the FEHRL. Frequently, U.S. and the European Union

(EU) research priorities are similar; therefore, a partnership

with FEHRL helps save money by avoiding duplication of

effort and allows optimal use of resources. FHWA will be

working with FEHRL to conduct EU-supported research. This

cooperation may allow for future common standards.

A new agreement was recently reached with Japan to proceed

with a U.S.-Japan ITS joint research program for developing

infrastructure cooperative systems to avoid intersection

collisions. This involves a continuing, cooperative dialogue on

specific research of common interest by routine

communication through our Japanese research fellow and

annual workshops.

A continuing agreement with France involves our research and

testing of a product called CLAIRE, advanced software for

adaptive traffic control at intersections. This led to agreements

for working together to field test a combination of FHWA- and

French-control software in Los Angeles’ and Houston’s urban

environments. 

FHWA and the French Road Directorate/Direction des Routes

signed a project agreement on highway research and

technology transfer September 23, 1993, which falls under the

French Ministry of Transport/U.S. DOT Memorandum of

Understanding (MOU) framework signed February 14, 1972.

RD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT C-3

APPENDICES
C-4

APPENDICES

Our agreements are indefinite unless one party chooses to

terminate the partnership.

Our road agreement enables participation among “researchers

and organizations from all sectors including, universities,

national laboratories, and the private sector” based on mutual

consent. To select and launch a project under the road

agreement, approval of FHWA’s Office of International

Programs and the French Road Directorate is required, and

both sides must agree to an “implementation agreement.” 

Implementation agreements specify the particulars of the

project, including subject, procedures, terms of cooperation,

enmities involved, funding, project managers, and principle

investigators. 

Possible research areas include: asphalt mixes and asphalt

pavement performance modeling; CRCP modeling, polymer

modified asphalt specifications; use of LCPC’s accelerated

pavement tests results for validation of pavement design of

flexible pavements and specifications for binders; Superpave

qualification of LCPC’s gyratory shear compactor; surface

pavement distress imaging; automatic surface pavement

distress images processing; noncontact longitudinal profile

measurement high-speed deflectometer; pavement

degradations evolution laws; close proximity noise

measurement; and use of LCPC’s videogranulometer for

aggregate shape characterization.

Remote Sensing Technology

The U.S. DOT has implemented a research program in

partnership with leading academic institutions, service

providers, and industry for remote sensing in transportation.

The program is designed for long-term research to support

education and workforce development and near-term

transportation practice technology applications. DOT and

NASA have entered into an MOU to implement a fully

integrated and coordinated research program that will apply

remote sensing to transportation.

The Department of Transportation’s Research and Special

Programs Administration (RSPA) administers the program in

coordination with the nine additional DOT administrations.

The RSPA Office of Innovation, Research, and Education

manage the program.

U.S. Army Cold Region Research and 

Engineering Laboratory

A recent agreement with the U.S. Army Cold Region Research

and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) for three studies is an

example of an interagency and pooled fund agreement. The

studies are entitled “Extending the Season for Concrete

Construction and Repair,” “Pavement Subgrade Study,” and

“Asphalt Pavement Damage Related to Tire Pressure.” The

projects are partnerships between CRREL, two State funding

pools, the National Highway Research Council of Canada, and

NCHRP. FHWA will have technical involvement with the

projects and will gain technically from the partnership.

Another multiyear project is underway with the CRREL to

develop a winter weather Maintenance Decision Support

System in coordination with six national research laboratories.

System operational testing will follow prototype development.

The intent is to bring their expertise to this area of highway

operations and to produce accessible products that can

improve private vendor products.

High Performance Steel

With a vision of steel bridges that are easier to construct and

can reduce fracture and corrosion susceptibility, FHWA

developed a new steel grade in partnership with the U.S. Navy.

High-performance steel (HPS) combines increased durability

with increased strength and other improved properties. HPS

for bridge girders is resulting in lower initial costs for many

bridges. Tennessee DOT claims they saved up to 10 percent on
one job and now considers using this steel for all medium- and

long-span bridges. Fifty-one HPS bridges are being built or

planned in 18 States.

Nationwide Differential Global Positioning System

TFHRC is part of a DOT-wide program to augment the existing

GPS network with systems that will provide differential

correction to enhance location accuracy of 1 to 3 meters,

compared to the existing 10 to 20 meters. Further research

efforts are underway on a site-testing level to investigate the

feasibility and benefits of further enhancement to 1 to 2

centimeters accuracy. These outcomes offer significant

potential benefits to all modes within the DOT as well as

public and private sector users.

IHSDM: Improving the Safety of Highway Design

The Interactive Highway Safety Design Model (IHSDM) is a

tool that provides transportation engineers with safety

information on the relationships between geometric design

elements and traffic accidents. IHSDM is a combination of

computer-aided design (CAD) and roadway design software

that helps the designer evaluate the safety implications of

alternative highway designs. This cooperative agreement with

FHWA and GEOPAK Corporation will provide roadway

planners with easy-to-use formats in CAD/civil design software

and expedite IHSDM’s transition from research and

development to application. This is a part of FHWA’s

Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA). 

A technical working group (TWG) helps guide IHSDM development. The TWG includes representatives from seven State

departments of transportation (Arkansas, California, Illinois,

Minnesota, North Carolina, Washington, and West Virginia) and

FHWA Field Offices. The TWG provides periodic input on

development, testing, and marketing issues to ensure that

IHSDM is responsive to users’ needs. FHWA also receives input

on IHSDM development through presentations and demonstrations to other State DOTs and engineering consulting firms.

Highway Innovation Technology 

Evaluation Center (HITEC)

HITEC is an independent not-for-profit organization created to

provide a process to impartially evaluate new products,

materials, and equipment; and to provide services for which

industry standards do not exist. HITEC was conceived and

established through a cooperative effort by the American

Society of Civil Engineer’s (ASCE) Civil Engineering Research

Foundation (CERF), in conjunction with AASHTO and FHWA.

FHWA has a cooperative agreement with the CERF, which is

ASCE’s research arm, to operate the HITEC. Under the

agreement, CERF operates the HITEC, promotes the HITEC

concept, organizes and coordinates expert panels, arranges for

and coordinates the technology evaluations, and prepares and

disseminates technical evaluation reports.

A nonprofit research organization, CERF was selected because

it emphasizes revitalizing the Nation’s deteriorating

infrastructure by transferring research results into practice.

CERF programs are dedicated to enhancing private industry’s

incentives to invest in highway-oriented R&D; improving the

opportunities for bringing new technologies to the marketplace

in a timely and efficient manner; and providing prompt,

efficient nationally recognized, impartial evaluation of new

private sector technologies for use on our Nation’s highways. 

Concrete Pavement Technology Program (CPTP)

Launched in 1999, the CPTP is a 5-year, $25 million effort that

was charged by the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st

Century (TEA-21) with carrying out “research on improved

methods of using concrete pavement in the construction,

reconstruction, and repair of Federal-aid highways.” FHWA and

the Innovative Pavement Research Foundation (IPRF), a

concrete paving industry consortium, jointly administer the

program. The program’s partners also include State highway

agencies and the TRB. Specifically, the partnership will ensure

that the highest-priority concrete pavement technology needs

are addressed; the expertise and resources of States, industry,

RD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT C-5

APPENDICES
C-6

APPENDICES

and FHWA are used effectively and efficiently; and new

concrete pavement technology will proceed rapidly from

research to implementation.

In addition to the oversight provided by FHWA and the IPRF,

the program receives guidance from the TRB Committee for

Research on Improved Concrete Pavements. The committee

reviews and provides advice on the program’s long-range work

plan and project tasks, including objectives, appropriateness,

and the likelihood of success. The committee has

representatives from industry, academia, and State highway

agencies, FHWA, IPRF, and AASHTO.

FHWA/ National Highway Traffic Safety

Administration (NHTSA) National Crash 

Analysis Center

In support of FHWA’s strategic objective to reduce fatalities and

injuries by 20 percent in 10 years, FHWA/NHTSA NCAC

research goal is to maximize safety in crashes. The facilities at

NCAC enable researchers to understand and quantify the

vehicle’s performance and its components, occupants (“crash

dummies”), and roadside hardware in crashes, individually and

collectively. 

In 1998, NHTSA joined FHWA as a full partner in administrating

and guiding NCAC. This laboratory, located at George

Washington University, Loudon, VA, is an internationally

recognized cooperative center for automotive and highway

safety research. 

The facility's comprehensive ability to analyze roadside

hardware designs, simulate crashes, and evaluate occupant

injuries through analytical and computer modeling is unique.

NCAC produces and serves as a repository for computer

vehicles models, ongoing biomechanics models, and

progressive roadside hardware models.

NCAC also includes a Vehicle Digitizing and Reverse

Engineering Laboratory and a High-Performance Parallel

Computing Laboratory. In addition, NCAC maintains a national

library of crash-test film and documentation that FHWA and

NHTSA have collected over the past two decades.

Curved Structure Test

There are many partnership-supported research projects taking

place at TFHRC. One example, conducted in the TFHRC

Structures Laboratory, is a full-scale test on a curved structure

to simulate actual bridge conditions. This is the first time this

test has ever been attempted. Like many other projects, FHWA

formed a major R&T partnership to accomplish this study,

with 17 States providing input and resources. 

Recycled Materials Resource Center

The Recycled Materials Resource Center (RMRC) was

established under TEA-21 at the University of New Hampshire

and is administered through a cooperative agreement between

FHWA and the University of New Hampshire. To oversee the

center’s activities an advisory board was established and

members of the board represent FHWA, EPA, New Hampshire

DOT, AASHTO, Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste

Management Officials, industry, and highway trade

associations. The RMRC tests, evaluates, and develops

guidelines for recycled materials use, and analyzes long-term

performance of highways containing recycled materials,

among other projects. The center has initiated research

projects that include testing and evaluating guidelines and

specifications, performing material-specific investigations,

reviewing the economics of recycled and new materials,

coming up with innovative technologies, and conducting field

trials.

Universities and Grants Programs

FHWA supports a number of key initiatives under the

Universities and Grants Program (U&GP), which is funded

separately from the RD&T program. The mission of the U&GP
RD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT C-7

APPENDICES

is to promote transportation education benefits and encourage

transportation research pursuits among university students and

faculty. The U&GP program works cooperatively with more

than 750 universities throughout the U.S. Its primary objectives

are to enhance FHWA university-based programs and other

academic programs that provide fellowships, internships, and

partnerships; conduct workforce analyses related to retention,

recruitment, and diversification; and conduct research on

DOT’s and FHWA’s transportation-related academic programs.is

to promote transportation education benefits and encourage

transportation research pursuits among university students and

faculty. The U&GP program works cooperatively with more

than 750 universities throughout the U.S. U&GP’s primary

objectives are to enhance FHWA university-based programs

and other academic programs that provide fellowships,

internships, and partnerships; conduct workforce analyses

related to retention, recruitment, and diversification; and

conduct research on DOT’s and FHWA’s transportation-related

academic programs.

Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship

Program (DDETFP)

DDETFP, initiated in 1991 and re-authorized by the TEA-21,

awards fellowships to undergraduate, graduate students, and

faculty annually. The program will award $24 million by 2003

to prospective transportation professionals. Fellowship categories include: Grants for Research Fellowships; Graduate

Fellowships; Faculty Fellowships; Historically Black Colleges

and Universities; Fellowships; Hispanic Serving Institutions

Fellowships; and Tribal Colleges Fellowships.
D-1

APPENDICES

Appendix D: FHWA Educational Outreach

Partnerships

To encourage a new generation of transportation professionals,

TFHRC annually gives hundreds of students the opportunity to

learn firsthand, about the career options available to them in

transportation research. Outreach programs with local schools

and active participation in such programs as the Garrett A.

Morgan Technology and Transportation Futures Program, a

U.S. DOT-wide initiative, provides opportunities to increase

awareness of transportation and related skills among children

and adults. Since its inception in 1997, the program has

increased awareness of math, science, and transportation technology for two-million children and young adults. Programs

like this one find and develop our future workforce.

The Summer Transportation Intern Program for

Diverse Groups 

Since 1991, the U.S. DOT headquarters has provided 10-week

summer college-level STIPDG internships. In 1999, it

expanded to include field office placements for a maximum of

100 students each year.

The NSTI for Secondary Students 

The Institute has provided 4-week opportunities for 9th to 11th

graders on as many as 35 college campuses since 1993.

University Transportation Centers Program (UTCP) 

UTCP funds 33 University Transportation Centers that address

transportation issues and attract researchers, resources, and

facilities to promote individual initiatives and scientific innovations in a variety of transportation modes and disciplines. The

UTCP receives $227.8 million in funding through the duration

of TEA-21. FHWA transfers funds to the RSPA to administer

this program.

The University Transportation Education 

Resource Catalog 

This catalog provides information on DOT and FHWA educational initiatives, along with Web site links to transportationrelated opportunities.

The National Highway Institute (NHI) 

NHI is FHWA’s technical training organization, which develops

and administers transportation-related training and educational

programs that support new technology applications for planning, designing, constructing, maintaining, and rehabilitating

our Nation’s transportation infrastructure. NHI offers training

to Federal, State, and local transportation agencies, and increasingly, to the private sector. NHI provides technical course

materials for inclusion in undergraduate and graduate curricula, and collaborates with community colleges, technical

schools, and secondary and grade schools to identify the 

transportation professionals of tomorrow.

Minority Institutes of Higher Education (MIHE)

One of FHWA’s goals is to strengthen the ties between the

RD&T program and Minority Institutes of Higher Education

(MIHE). There are several ways for achieving this goal. For

example, we provide research grants and offer summer

employment opportunities for MIHE faculty and students. This

fosters MIHE RD&T activities that contribute substantially to

FHWA’s mission and prepare faculty and students at MIHE to

participate successfully in the competitive research arena.

Competitive Assistance Program

The Competitive Assistance Program enables MIHE participants to compete solely with one other for cooperative, costsharing agreements. This partnership between MIHE and

FHWA expands MIHE’s research and technology activities

while contributing to FHWA’s mission. 
RD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT E-1

APPENDICES

Appendix E: List of Abbreviations

The following abbreviations are used within this document.

This list is provided for quick reference. 

AASHTO American Association of State Highway and

Transportation Officials

ACS Adaptive Control Systems

ALERT Police Specialty Vehicle System

ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers

ATIS Advanced Traveler Information System

ATMS Advanced Traffic Management Simulator

BTS Bureau of Transportation Statistics

CAD Computer Aided Design

CD Compact Disk

CDC Centers for Disease Control

CERF Civil Engineering Research Foundation

CFC Combined Federal Campaign

CIP Cast-in-place

CLAIRE Expert decision software for real time traffic

management developed in France

COST Concrete Optimization Software Tool

COTR Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative 

CPTP Concrete Pavement Technology Program

CRADA Cooperative Research and Development

Program

CRCP Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavements

CRREL U.S. Army Cold Region Research and

Engineering Laboratory

DAV Dynamic Angle Validation 

DDETFP Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation

Fellowship Program

DMS Dynamic Message Sign

DOC Department of Commerce

DOD Department of Defense

DOE Department of Energy

DOS Department of State

DOT Department of Transportation

DynaMIT Prototype for the Real-Time Traffic Estimation

and Prediction System TrEPS

DynaMIT-P Prototype for the Traffic Estimation and

Prediction System for Operations Planning 

DYNASMART-P Prototype for the Traffic Estimation and

Prediction System for Operations Planning

(TrEPS-P)

DYNASMART-X Prototype for the Real-Time Traffic Estimation

and Prediction System 

EPA Environmental Protection Agency

EQ Earthquake

ETG Expert Task Group

EU European Union

FAA Federal Aviation Administration

FEHRL European Federation of Highway Research Labs

FHWA Federal Highway Administration

FMCSA Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

FOIL TFHRC Federal Outdoor Impact Laboratory

FRA Federal Railroad Administration

FRP Fiber-reinforced Polymer

FSHRP Future Strategic Highway Research Program
E-2

APPENDICES

FTA Federal Transit Administration

FY Fiscal Year

GAO Government Accounting Office

GPRA Government Performance and Results Act 

GRF Grant for Research Fellowships

GRS Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil

HAAM Office of Acquisition Management

HA-NDGPS High Accuracy Nationwide Differential Global

Positioning System

HERMES HERMES is a bridge inspection trailer unit

HHS Human and Health Services

HID high intensity discharge

HIPERPAVTM High-Performance Paving Software

HITEC Highway Innovative Technology Evaluation

Center

HMA Hot-mix Asphalt 

HPC High-Performance Concrete

HPS High-Performance Steel 

HRDI Office of Infrastructure R&D

HRDO Office of Operations R&D

HRDS Office of Safety R&D

HRPD Office of Program Development and Evaluation

HRRM Office of Resource Management

HRTS Office of Research and Technology Services 

HSIS Highway Safety Information Systems

HUD Department of Housing and Urban

Development

HYRISK Software for inspecting bridges

HYSIM Highway driving simulator 

IDEA Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis

IDP Individual Development Plan

IPRF Innovative Pavement Research Foundation

IPWV Integrated Precipitable Water Vapor 

ISHDM Interactive Highway Safety Design Model

ITE Institute of Transportation Engineers 

ITS Intelligent Transportation Systems 

IVI Intelligent Vehicle Initiative

IVIS In-Vehicle Information System

JCP Jointed Concrete Pavements

JPCP Jointed Plain Concrete Pavement

JPCP Jointed Plain Concrete Pavement

K-12 Kindergarten through Senior High School

KGM Turkish Highway Agency

Labs Laboratories

LADS Learning and Development System

LAST Laboratory Asphalt Stability Test 

LC RD&T Leadership Council

LCPC Laboratoire Central des Ponts et Chaussées

LED Light Emitting Diode

LEI Leadership Effectiveness Inventory

LTPP Long Term Pavement Performance

MARAD Maritime Administration

MIHE Minority Institutes of Higher Education

MOU Memorandum of Understanding

MPO Metropolitan Planning Organization

MS Microsoft
RD&T 2002 PERFORMANCE REPORT E-3

MUTCD Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NBI National Bridge Inventory

NCHRP National Cooperative Highway Research

Program

NDGPS Nationwide Differential Global Positioning

System

NGSIM Next Generation Simulation Modeling 

NHI National Highway Institute

NHTSA National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology

NSF National Science Foundation

NSTI National Summer Transportation Institutes

NTIA National Telecommunications and Information

Administration

NTPEP National Transportation Product Evaluation

Program

OECD/RTR Organization of Economic Cooperation and

Developments Road and Transport Research

Program

OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer

OMB Office of Management and Budget

ORES Office of Real Estate Services

OST Office of the Secretary of Transportation 

PAT Particle Additive Test

PBCAT Pedestrian and Bicycle Crash Analysis Tool

PCC Portland Cement Concrete

PCCP Portland Cement Concrete Pavement 

PDG Pavement Design Guide

PIARC World Road Association

QuickZone Work Zone Delay Estimation Software

R&D Research and Development

R&T Research and Technology

RABA Revenue Aligned Budget Authority

RD&T Research, Development, and Technology

RMRC Recycled Materials Resource Center

Roadmaps Multiyear Plans 

RRPM Raised Retroreflective Pavement Marker

RSPA Research Special Programs Administration

RTCC Transportation Research Board's Research and

Technology Coordinating Committee

SAIC Science Applications International Corporation

SBIR Small Business Innovation Research

SHRP Strategic Highway Research Program

SP&R State planning and research 

STECRP Surface Transportation-Environment

Cooperative Research Program 

STIPDG Summer Transportation Internship Program for

Diverse Groups

Superpave® Superior Pavement System

SUPPS Shared Unit Performance Plan System

SWAT Strategic Work Zone Analysis Tools

T2 Technology Transfer 

TBD To Be Determined

TCT Technical Career Track

TEA-21 Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century

TFAP Technology Facilitation Action Plan

APPENDICES
E-4

TFHRC Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center

TIN Technology Innovation Network

TMC Transportation Management Center

TRB Transportation Research Board

TReL Traffic Research Laboratory 

TrEPS Traffic Estimation and Prediction System 

TrEPS-P Traffic Estimation and Prediction System for

Operations Planning 

TRIS Transportation Research Information Service

TSIS Traffic Software Integrated System 

TWG Technical Working Group

U&GP Universities and Grants Program

UAV Unmanned Aerial Vehicle 

UHPC Ultra-high performance concrete

USCG United States Coast Guard

USLIMITS Preliminary Expert System for Speed Zoning

UTC University Transportation Center

UTCP University Transportation Centers Program

VHS Very High Speed

Web-NBI Web-based National Bridge Inventory system

WIM Weigh-in-motion

WRC Western Resource Center

APPENDICES