USA Banner
  U.S. flag
              An official website of the United States government Here's how you knowOfficial US Government Icon
              **Official websites use .gov**A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
            Secure Site Icon
              **Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
                  A **lock** ( A locked padlock ) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 
 U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation
 Search DOT
            Search
                    About FHWAFHWA Organization
                Headquarters Offices
                Field Offices
                Strategic Plan
                Business Opportunities
                Staff Directories
                Careers
                Highway History
                Contact UsProgramsAcquisition Management
                Civil Rights
                Federal Lands Highway
                Infrastructure
                Innovative Program Delivery
                Operations
                Planning, Environment, and Realty
                Policy
                Research, Development, and Technology
                Safety
                Browse by TopicsResourcesCore Highway Topics
                Federal Aid Essentials
                Automation
                Complete Streets
                Laws and Regulations
                Policy & Guidance Center
                Section 508
                Publications and Statistics
                Professional Development
                National Highway Institute
                Resource Center
                Accessibility Resource Library
                FHWA Research LibraryNewsroomPress Releases
                Speeches & Testimony
                Photos
                Videos
                Media ContactsMenu OFFICE OF RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND TECHNOLOGY AT THE TURNER-FAIRBANK HIGHWAY RESEARCH CENTER Home
                        Research
                        Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center


            
            In This Section
        Explore Research and Technology
                Technology and Innovation Deployment Research Programs
                Technology and Innovation Deployment
      
   Related Links
          J. Sterling Jones Hydraulics Research Laboratory Overview
      
      
      
        Contact Us
      Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center
      
                    
            United States Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration6300 Georgetown PikeMcLean, VA 22101United States
      
          
    **Email:**TFHRC.webmaster@dot.gov
    If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
                
                Hydraulics
    

    
    
          The Geotechnical and Hydraulics Research and Technology (R&T) Program provides a coordinated and cohesive approach to research, development, and technology activities to improve the geotechnical and hydraulic performance (safety, efficiency, durability, resiliency, and cost-effectiveness) of the highway and transportation system.

The composition and focus of the Geotechnical and Hydraulics R&T Program reflects how our Nation’s transportation system spans and includes widespread and diverse geological, riverine, and coastal environments and features. The Geotechnical and Hydraulics R&T Program aligns with needs and requirements associated with public safety, statutory, and regulatory requirements, and other elements of transportation.

The program is organized under several functional areas, under the geotechnical and hydraulic engineering disciplines.  Geotechnical functional areas include Earth and Rock Works; Earth Retaining Structures; Geohazards; Ground Improvement; Structural Foundations; Subsurface Investigation. Hydraulic functional areas include Hydrology (including floodplains), Highway Drainage, Bridges and Culverts; Scour; and Coastal Engineering.  Additionally, the Geotechnical and Hydraulics R&T Program provides flexibility and interchangeability that recognizes conditions and circumstances might incorporate and employ multiple functional areas. This multifaceted program yields an effective, crosscutting approach to addressing the hydraulic and geotechnical challenges of highway infrastructure.

Examples of Program activities include research of slope stability and geotechnical properties to protect and mitigate effects of landslides (Geohazards); investigation of hydroplaning to reduce risk to the public while optimizing drainage approaches (Drainage); or reduction of bridge foundation sizes and costs through development of safe yet effective bridge scour estimates (Geohazards/Scour).

Program activities and outcomes include research, development, outreach, deployment, guidance efforts, and technical products. To accomplish these outcomes, the program gains valuable insights and information through partnerships and collaborations with other government entities, industry organizations, associations, academic institutions, and other stakeholders in the transportation community.
      
    
          Last updated: Thursday, July 21, 2022 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

**Federal Highway Administration**

1200 NEW JERSEY AVENUE, SE

WASHINGTON, DC 20590

202-366-4000Subscribe to email updates
                    About
  

        
              About FHWA
                Careers
                Org Chart
                Staff Directories
                Work with UsPrograms
  

        
              Acquisition Management
                Civil Rights
                Federal Lands Highway
                Infrastructure
                Innovative Program Delivery
                Operations
                Planning, Environment, and Realty
                Policy
                Research, Development, and Technology
                SafetyPolicies, Rights, Legal
  

        
              About DOT
                Accessibility
                Budget and Performance
                Civil Rights
                FOIA
                Information Quality
                No FEAR Act
                Office of Inspector General
                Privacy Policy
                USA.gov
                Web Policies and Notices
                Web StandardsNews & Events
  

        
              Newsroom
                Press Releases
                Speeches & Testimony
                Media Contacts
                Connect with Us