ICT executive committee approves new IDOT projects
5/1/2014
At its February 5, 2014, meeting, the ICT Executive Committee approved funding for 12 new research projects. The project proposals had first been evaluated and prioritized by one of eight Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) technical advisory groups that provided recommendations to the Executive Committee. The projects are funded IDOT.
Chloride Reduction Training
Technical review panel co-chairs are Tim Peters and Justan Mann, IDOT. Principal investigator is Wilfrid Nixon, University of Iowa.
The objective of this project is to develop and provide training in the effective use of chlorides in salt application for winter road maintenance in order to reduce environmental impacts while improving mobility and safety.
Development of Low-Water Crossing Design Guidelines for Very Low ADT Routes in Illinois
Technical review panel co-chairs are Tom Winkelman and Jayme Schiff, IDOT. Principal investigators are being solicited via RFP.
This research will evaluate safety, hydraulics, site hydrology, and environmental concerns related to low-water crossings and provide IDOT and local public agencies with design alternatives.
Mechanistic-Empirical Design Implementation and Monitoring for Rigid and Flexible Pavements
Technical review panel chair is Charles Wienrank, IDOT. Principal investigators are Jeffery Roesler and Marshall Thompson, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
The objective of this project is to provide IDOT with technical research support in adjusting, implementing, and monitoring activities associated with its design methods for flexible and rigid pavements.
Revised Condition Rating Survey Models to Reflect All Distresses
Technical review panel co-chairs are Travis Lobmaster and LaDonna Rowden, IDOT. Principal investigators are Hasan Ozer, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and Ahmed Faheem, University of Wisconsin–Platteville.
In this project, researchers will review and revise existing models to improve the prediction capabilities of IDOT’s pavement condition rating surveys.
Investigating the Optimum Performance of Reflective Pavement Markers
Technical review panel co-chairs are Kyle Armstrong and Kelly Morse, IDOT. Principal investigators are being solicited via RFP.
Researchers will investigate installation and performance of raised reflective pavement markers and similar devices to determine optimal solutions and policies for Illinois roadways.
Validation and Revision of Fees Charged for Oversize/Overweight Vehicle Permits
Technical review panel chair is Justan Mann, IDOT. Principal investigators are being solicited via RFP.
The objective of this project is to evaluate Illinois’ fee structure for oversize/overweight vehicle permits and to determine whether the fees equitably account for deterioration and reduced life expectancy of pavements, bridges, tunnels, and other infrastructure components.
Best Management Practices and Incentives to Expedite Utility Relocation
Technical review panel chair is Tim Kell, IDOT. Principal investigators are Khaled El-Rayes, Liang Liu, and Nora El-Gohary, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
This research will expand on the findings of a National Cooperative Highway Research Program project to identify incentives for timely utility relocations in Illinois.
Effect of Early-Age Concrete Elastic Properties on Fatigue Damage in PCC Pavements Containing Fibers
Technical review panel chair is James Krstulovich, IDOT. Principal investigators are being solicited via RFP.
The aim of the study is to determine the feasibility of opening newly constructed concrete pavements to traffic sooner than currently specified in Illinois. Doing so is beneficial because of the time and cost savings it would bring. In addition, it would minimize the safety risks to workers and drivers that are inherent to work zones.
Improving the Effectiveness of Smart Work Zone Technologies
Technical review panel chair is Paul Lorton, IDOT. Principal investigator is Dan Work, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
This research will investigate the application of improved performance monitoring of real-time traffic conditions in work zones in Illinois.
Repair and Strengthening of Distressed/Damaged Ends of Prestressed Beams with FRP Composites
Technical review panel chair is Victor Veliz, IDOT. Principal investigators are being solicited via RFP.
Researchers will determine the feasibility of IDOT using fiber-reinforced polymers to restore the flexural and shear capacity of Portland cement concrete beams with moderately to severely damaged ends. If use of these fibers is feasible, the researchers will identify the most effective, reliable, and cost-effective types.
Plasticity Requirements of the Aggregates as Subbase, Base, Surface, and Shoulder Courses
Technical review panel chair is Sheila Beshears, IDOT. Principal investigators are being solicited via RFP.
The objective of this research effort is to develop specific information for IDOT to modify appropriate portions of their specification guidelines with attention to Illinois soils and highway applications.
Crack Induction in Cement Stabilized Layers
Technical review panel co-chairs are Matt Mueller and Mark Gawedzinski, IDOT. Principal investigators are Jeffery Roesler and Barry Dempsey, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
The purpose of this research is to evaluate various methods of crack induction in cement stabilized layers; identify the most effective notch size, timing location, slab geometry, and foundation and concrete material properties; and develop recommendations to IDOT for its use of crack induction technology to decrease non-uniform crack distribution.