FHWA R&T Now ~ March 2013~

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A news update of research, technology, and development from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), 

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) 

GENERAL/ADMINISTRATIVE 

SHRP2 Implementation Update 

FHWA is working closely with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 

(AASHTO) and the Transportation Research Board (TRB) to implement the priority products included in a joint 3-

year plan for the Second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP2). The plan calls for approximately six 

SHRP2 Solutions (or product groupings) to begin implementation each year, based on the assessed priority and 

readiness of each product. Implementation plans have been finalized for the first set of priority products. These plans 

include technical briefings, training, as well as opportunities for States to deploy and evaluate the products. 

In February, FHWA and AASHTO announced a SHRP2 Implementation Assistance Program that solicits States and 

other transportation agencies to advance SHRP2 Solutions and to engage in implementing and deploying the six 

SHRP2 products. The program includes proof of concept pilots, lead adopter incentives, and user incentives tailored 

to each product. Numerous outreach efforts (including informational Webinars and the launch of a SHRP2 

implementation assistance Web site, www.fhwa.dot.gov/goshrp2) have served to promote the Implementation 

Assistance Program. The solicitation period closes on March 22, and awards will be announced later in the spring. 

On March 28 and 29, AASTHO’s SHRP2 Implementation Task Force will reconvene to reassess the priorities in the 

SHRP2 3-year Implementation Plan. FHWA and AASHTO will then prepare a joint revised plan and budget for 

moving forward. 

 

For more information, contact Carin Michel, 410-962-2530, carin.michel@dot.gov. 

Petri Heads Hearing on Administration’s Implementation of MAP-21 

On March 14, 2013, Tom Petri, who represents Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of 

Representatives and is the chairman of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit of the Transportation and 

Infrastructure Committee, led a hearing focused on the implementation of reforms and requirements included in the 

Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). 

MAP-21 is the current surface transportation law, which was enacted last July and expires at the end of Fiscal Year 

2014. The law includes a number of reforms and mandates to help streamline the project approval process, 

consolidate U.S. Department of Transportation programs, and improve program accountability. 

“Ensuring that the Department of Transportation is making progress in implementing MAP-21 provisions, and 

preparing for the next surface transportation reauthorization are both Committee priorities this Congress,” Petri said. 

“I look forward to hearing from the Department on its efforts to implement major reforms such as project delivery 

and program consolidation required by MAP-21.” 

Witnesses at the hearing included Federal Highway Administration Administrator Victor M. Mendez; Federal 

Transit Administration Administrator Peter M. Rogoff; Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Administrator 

Anne S. Ferro; and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Administrator David L. Strickland. 

For more information, including the testimony and live Web cast link, visit 

http://transportation.house.gov/hearing/implementing-map-21-progress-report-us-dot-modal-administrators. 
ADVANCED RESEARCH 

Advancing Multiscale Modeling Techniques 

Mix design methods for infrastructure materials used to be highly empirical and depend on representative tests and 

traditional modeling techniques to evaluate properties and assess behavior. Because of scaling effects and 

environmental and structural differences between the laboratory and field, these methods may not accurately predict 

material performance. “Mechanical and Structural Nanoscale Modeling” is an FHWA Exploratory Advanced 

Research (EAR) Program study in partnership with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, aimed at 

improving multiscale modeling techniques. The EAR Program has published the fact sheet, “Predicting Materials 

Behavior: Advancing Multiscale Modeling Techniques” (Publication No. FHWA-HRT-12-070), which provides the 

details of this study. 

This document is available at www.fhwa.dot.gov/advancedresearch/pubs/12070/index.cfm. 

For more information about the EAR Program, contact David Kuehn, 202-493-3414, david.kuehn@dot.gov. 

IEEE Workshop on Multimodal and Alternative Perception for Visually Impaired People 

A workshop on Multimodal and Alternative Perception for Visually Impaired People (MAP4VIP) will be held at the 

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers International Conference on Multimedia and Expo, scheduled for 

July 15–19, 2013 in San Jose, California. Directed by the principle investigator of an EAR project on “Intelligent 

Situation Awareness and Navigation Aid for Visually Impaired Persons,” the workshop will bring together 

researchers and practitioners from numerous disciplines, including those focused on computer vision, neuroscience, 

multimedia computing, sensor technologies, and assistive technology applications. 

The participants are expected to discuss the fundamental issues in visual perception, computational intelligence, 

neuroscience, and visual prosthesis for helping the blind and visually impaired and those working in visually 

challenged environments. The workshop should provide the multimedia community with a better understanding of 

human perception, the human brain, and human-machine interaction issues for assisting visually impaired and 

challenged individuals. Specific topics include computer vision, sensing, and learning algorithms; visual prostheses 

and human-computer interaction; and neuroscience/biomechanical/psychological/societal studies. 

Workshop information is available at www.icme2013.org/workshops.php. 

For more information, contact Mohammed Yousuf, 202-493-3199, mohammed.yousuf@dot.gov. 

INFRASTRUCTURE 

Chloride Contaminated Grout Studies Complete 

In response to findings of chloride contaminated grout in a post-tensioned (PT) concrete bridge in Texas and similar 

problems with several bridges in Florida, FHWA initiated a multiphased program to address concerns about 

potential corrosion. The program involved conducting two studies at Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center 

(TFHRC). 

The first study focused on developing recommended guidance for grout sampling, testing, data analysis, and 

interpretation of results. This resulted in a draft guide, which includes recommendations for courses of action to be 

taken by State transportation departments when grout deficiencies are identified. The guide is complete and is 

expected to be published soon. 
The second study, which was completed in December 2012, examined the effects of chlorides on the long-term 

performance of post-tensioning systems. The research included a six-month period of accelerated corrosion testing 

on full-scale components and PT strand/duct systems under varying levels of chloride concentration, relative 

humidity, and temperature. A draft report documenting the results of this study and its conclusions is being reviewed 

and finalized. This study provides the basis on which an acceptable “chloride threshold” can be determined, and 

assists in predicting the long-term performance and potential for corrosion in PT systems that may be subjected to 

elevated levels of chloride. 

FHWA’s Office of Bridges and Structures (HIBS) is using the results of the second study to develop and 

recommend actions to mitigate future performance concerns for tendons with chloride contaminated grout. HIBS is 

also developing and deploying training and quality control and assurance procedures in cooperation with the 

industry and AASHTO to help prevent a similar issue from occurring again. 

For more information, contact Paul Virmani, 202-493-3052, paul.virmani@dot.gov. 

Ultrasonic Culvert Inspection System 

TFHRC’s Hydraulics Laboratory has been working with the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) to develop a field 

prototype for inspecting culverts. There are an estimated 2,000,000 culvert units supporting the Nation’s highway 

infrastructure. Thousands of culvert pipes are damaged every year in floods, costing millions to repair and/or 

replace. This damage can also cause traffic delays. The focus of this research is the development of an inexpensive, 

easy-to-deploy system for use in both water-filled and dry culverts (as compared to the traditional and costly roverbased systems). The prototype floatable system is about 2 feet (0.6 meters) in length and consists of an ultrasonicbased system designed to image culverts. 

So far, three generations of laboratory prototypes have been developed and validated at the TFHRC Hydraulics 

Laboratory. On February 27, 2013, researchers tested a first generation field prototype at a full-size corrugatedmetal culvert pipe inside TFHRC. They tested a pipe in dry and wet conditions (using water from a nearby fire 

hydrant). SwRI is scheduled to present the final results via a Web conference scheduled for March 26. Researchers 

will discuss the probe commercialization plan and possible next phase advancements, including incorporation of the 

rovers/robotics transport mechanism for dry culvert applications. 

For more information, contact Frank Jalinoos, 202-493-3082, frankjalinoos@dot.gov. 

Structural Design with Lightweight Concrete 

The performance of modern lightweight concrete has been demonstrated to surpass the performance levels predicted 

by AASHTO’s Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) Bridge Design Specification. At TFHRC, FHWA’s 

structures research group is assisting AASHTO in the development of revised specifications that will address 

updated performance expectations as well as broader shortcomings with the current organization of the relevant 

specifications. The revisions will be based on the existing body of knowledge, including the 100 structural tests 

completed at TFHRC since 2007. The researchers presented the framework of revisions to AASHTO’s Standing 

Committee on Bridges and Structures (SCOBS) Concrete Structures Technical Committee T-10 in September and 

will deliver full details in 2013. Supporting documents include National Technical Information Service (NTIS) 

Reports PB2013-102358 and PB2013-102359. 

For more information, contact Ben Graybeal, 202-493-3122, benjamin.graybeal@dot.gov. 

Long-Term Bridge Performance Program Update 

On March 18, 2013, the long-term data collection phase began within the Mid-Atlantic cluster in cooperation with 

partners from Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia, the District of Columbia, 

and Rutgers University, a contractor. The Long-Term Bridge Performance (LTBP) team has identified the 
performance parameters to be monitored on the initial 24 bridges for periodic testing and evaluation. The team is 

currently meeting with the owners from the remaining 13 clusters to identify the number and location of bridges that 

will be subjected to detailed data collection and evaluation. 

The team will take advantage of an innovative new way to help assess the condition of concrete bridge decks with 

an automated robot that can save time and money. This robot, a research product of the LTBP program, combines a 

number of advanced, customized imaging technologies to give its human counterparts more accurate, real-time 

information about the deck’s overall health. The robot will undergo further validation and evaluation over the next 9 

months through testing of the Mid-Atlantic cluster bridges. The LTBP program was successful in holding a number 

of key meetings with the Transportation Research Board LTBP Committee, three expert task groups, industry 

groups, and State coordinators. 

For more information, contact Hamid Ghasemi, 202-493-3024, hamid.ghasemi@dot.gov. 

 

LTPP Develops New MEPDG Default Traffic Datasets and LTPP-PLUG Software 

The Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) program has evaluated the applicability and identified the 

limitations of the existing Mechanical-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) global traffic loading defaults. 

The research-quality weigh-in-motion (WIM) data from the LTPP Specific Pavement Study (SPS) Traffic Data 

Collection Pooled-Fund Study was used to develop improved global default axle loading values. In addition, the 

LTPP-Pavement Loading User Guide (LTPP-PLUG) was developed as a stand-alone guide and database software 

application to provide guidance in developing axle loading defaults and selecting defaults for MEPDG use for sites 

that lack site-specific WIM data or have data of limited quality. This application can work with LTPP and userprovided WIM data summaries and produces axle load distribution input files for use with the National Cooperative 

Highway Research Program (NCHRP) 1-37A and DARWin-METM software products. Beta testing of LTPP-PLUG 

will run until June 14, 2013. 

For more information, contact Aramis Lopez, 202-493-3145, aramis.lopez@dot.gov. 

LTPP Will Soon Monitor WMA Pavements 

The LTPP program initiated a new WMA project in the summer of 2012 to evaluate WMA performance in the 

short- and long-term. The documentation that will be developed under this project will be used to solicit, construct, 

test, and monitor WMA pavements as part of the LTPP program. The LTPP program will be starting recruitment for 

the new WMA experimental sites in late summer of 2013. 

For more information, contact Aramis Lopez, 202-493-3145, aramis.lopez@dot.gov. 

Rapid-Strengthening Ultra-High Performance Concrete 

Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) has garnered interest from the highway infrastructure community for its 

ability to create strong, robust, field-cast connections between prefabricated structural components. Recent research 

completed at TFHRC evaluated the compressive mechanical response of a rapid-strengthening UHPC formulation 

exposed to a range of curing conditions. The results provide an indication of anticipated performance for field-cast 

UHPC as well as relationships between time, curing temperature, compressive strength, and modulus of elasticity. A 

summary of the study can be found in Tech Brief HRT-12-064, and the full results are presented in NTIS Report 

PB-2012-112545. 

For more information, contact Ben Graybeal, 202-493-3122, benjamin.graybeal@dot.gov. 

Fact Sheet: Identification of Nondestructive Evaluation Needs for the United States Highway Infrastructure 
In September 2012, FHWA’s Office of Infrastructure Research and Development (R&D) held a 2-day workshop to 

develop a list of prioritized needs for the nondestructive evaluation of U.S. highway infrastructure. The list will be 

used to determine new research and development activities required to create a new strategic vision and roadmap for 

the program. This document presents the list of needs identified at the workshop by nondestructive evaluation and 

structural health monitoring experts. 

This document is available at www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/infrastructure/pavements/13056/index.cfm 

For more information, contact Shane Boone, 202-493-3064, shane.boone@dot.gov. 

TechBrief: Material Characterization of Field-Cast Connection Grouts 

Prefabricated bridge element and system construction concepts frequently rely on field-cast grouts to complete the 

connections between discrete precast concrete elements. A variety of grouts are available, each with unique 

performance attributes. This TechBrief discusses a study on the performance of a representative sample of grouts in 

terms of relevant material properties. The study reports on the performance of eight specific grouts representing five 

different types of grout. Although many of these grouts could be used in a post-tensioned connection system, the 

tests investigated the performance of the grouts in a non-post-tensioned condition. 

The document is available at 

www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/infrastructure/structures/bridge/13042/index.cfm. 

For more information, contact Ben Graybeal, 202-493-3122, benjamin.graybeal@dot.gov. 

 

TechBrief: Surface Resistivity Test Evaluation as an Indicator of the Chloride Permeability of Concrete 

This TechBrief discusses a study focused on investigating the correlation of the surface resistivity test with the 

widely used the rapid chloride permeability test in evaluating the ability of concrete to resist chloride penetration, 

including high-volume fly ash mixtures. 

The document is available at www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/infrastructure/pavements/13024/index.cfm. 

For more information, contact Ahmad Ardani, 202-493-3422, ahmad.ardani@dot.gov. 

SAFETY 

FHWA Releases Version 8.1.0 of Interactive Highway Safety Design Model 

FHWA’s Office of Safety R&D recently released version 8.1.0 of the Interactive Highway Safety Design Model 

(IHSDM) to support the proposed freeway chapter of AASHTO’s Highway Safety Manual (HSM), Part C: 

Predictive Method. This updated 2012 Public Release can be downloaded for free at www.ihsdm.org. 

The 8.1.0 version expands and improves software features by adding a Calibration Utility for freeway segments via 

the IHSDM Administration Tool (or Admin Tool). The “Calibrate Using Site Data” option is intended to assist 

agencies in implementing the calibration procedures described in the Appendix of the proposed freeway chapter, 

which is currently in process under AASHTO’s balloting (or production) phase. 

Existing registered IHSDM users can use their IHSDM username and previously assigned password to access and 

download this update. Also, a “call home” feature has been updated to remind and guide users (who launch an 

earlier version of IHSDM) through the latest software updates. New users are encouraged to click on the “download 

registration” link at www.ihsdm.org. Here users can find additional information related to case studies/user 

applications, past Webinar materials, and frequently asked questions. 
IHSDM Technical Support is available at 202-493-3407, IHSDM.support@dot.gov. For training course information, 

visit http://nhi.fhwa.dot.gov. 

For more information, contact Clayton Chen, 202-493-3054, clayton.chen@dot.gov

Three Papers Accepted for Driving Assessment Conference 

Researchers from FHWA’s Office of Safety R&D will present papers on cooperative adaptive cruise control, active 

traffic management sign comprehension, and traffic sign detection and identification at the 7th International Driving 

Symposium on Human Factors in Driver Assessment, Training and Vehicle Design to be held June 17–20, 2013 in 

Bolton Landing, New York. 

Cooperative adaptive cruise control permits vehicles and infrastructure to communicate, providing the capability to 

maintain safety while increasing travel lane capacity. The paper, “Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control: Critical 

Human Factors Issues and Research Questions,” identifies research areas and questions that may guide future 

research to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and acceptance of this new technology. 

Another paper, “Active Traffic Management Sign Comprehension,” discusses a study that used laboratory 

procedures to examine driver comprehension of and preference for various variable speed limit and lane control sign 

messages. The results indicate that while participants sometimes make errors interpreting some advisory messages, 

they generally correctly interpret lane control and speed limit active traffic management signs. 

The paper, “Traffic Sign Detection and Identification,” presents two experiments focused on the conspicuity of 

speed limit and warning signs. Based on the study results, it is recommended that sign backgrounds be considered 

when locating signs, and that if the background does not provide adequate contrast, conspicuity enhancement 

strategies should be considered. 

For more information, contact Brian Philips, 202-493-3468, brian.philips@dot.gov. 

Collecting and Analyzing Stakeholder Feedback for Signing at Complex Interchanges 

FHWA’s Office of Safety R&D has launched a research project to consider factors impacting the effective design of 

signage at complex intersections. The position of signage and the grouping of signs that provide different 

information to the driver may be important factors for intersection designers to consider. Researchers will work with 

roadway engineers and other stakeholders to identify other significant factors related to the design of signage at 

complex intersections. A key deliverable will be a work plan for conducting additional research on driver 

expectations at complex interchanges. 

For more information, contact Jim Shurbutt, 202-493-3420, jim.shurbutt@dot.gov. 

Fact Sheet: Office of Safety Research and Development Fact Sheet 

FHWA’s Office of Safety R&D helps reduce highway crashes and related fatalities and injuries by developing and 

implementing safety innovations through a program of nationally coordinated research and technology development. 

This fact sheet describes research specific to the Highway Safety Information System; the Interactive Highway 

Safety Design Model; the Evaluation of Low-Cost Safety Improvements Pooled Fund Study and Development of 

Crash Modification Factors; motorcycle crash causation; Geographic Information System safety analysis tools; 

driving simulation and human factors field investigations; signs and markings; pedestrian safety; roadway safety; 

and vehicle-to-infrastructure technology development. 

This document is available at www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/safety/12066/index.cfm. 

For more information, contact Lincoln Cobb, 202-493-3313, lincoln.cobb@dot.gov. 
RECENT PERIODICALS 

Public Roads— March/April 2013

 

This issue includes: Every Day Counts: The Second Phase; Innovative Partnerships Help Inventory Traffic Signs; 

Postwar Houses: A Transportation Timebomb?; Understanding Driver Behavior in Work Zones; and Taking the 

Next Step. 

It is available online via www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/publicroads/13marapr/index.cfm. 

Public Roads—January/February 2013 

 

This issue includes: Linking Drivers and Roads; An Eight-Lane, Four-Bore Hole in One; Why Drivers Do What 

They Do; From Milepost to Milestone: Innovative Mitigation; and America’s Byways Pay Off in Authentic 

Experiences, But How About Dollars? 

It is available online via www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/publicroads/13janfeb/index.cfm. 

For more information, contact Paula Magoulas, paula.magoulas@dot.gov.

FOCUS Newsletter March 2013 

The March issue includes: Meet the New Steel Bridge Design Handbook; Pavement Management Roadmap: 

Achieving the Long-Term Vision for Pavements; SHRP2 Implementation Assistance Program Now Accepting 

Applications; Building a Better Concrete Pavement; Join the Asset Management Book Club; Infrastructure 

Innovation Webinars; and Highway Technology Calendar. 

The issue is available online via www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/focus/13mar/13mar00.cfm

For more information, contact Lisa Pope, lgpope@woodwardcom.com. 

Innovator: Accelerating Innovation for the American Driving Experience—January/February 2013 

This issue includes: Pennsylvania’s IdeaLink Propels Employee Ideas to the Top; States Consider New Every Day 

Counts Innovations; New York’s Diverging Diamond Draws Public Praise; EDC’s Role in MAP-21; Arkansas 

Project Demonstrates Roller-Compacted Concrete; States Innovate; and Calendar. 

The issue is available online via www.fhwa.dot.gov/hfl/innovator/issue34.cfm. 

For more information, contact Kathleen Bergeron, kathleen.bergeron@dot.gov. 

Links: 

Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/research/

Resource Center: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/resourcecenter/ 

National Highway Institute: http://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/home.aspx

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