News

Researchers for Minnesota DOT tested different grass seed mixtures to determine their ability to survive harsh roadside environments: heat, salt and ice cover. For each stress test, investigators identified top-performing varieties; these will be further field-tested to determine the best mixtures to use along Minnesota roadsides.

Read the research report: Regional Optimization of Roadside Turfgrass Seed Mixtures, December 2018.

The Ohio Department of Transportation’s Culvert Management Manual provides guidelines for the inventory and inspection of conduits and structures with a span less than 10 feet measured parallel to the centerline of the highway. The manual provides a regular and systematic approach to aid inspectors as they evaluate these structures in order to perform routine maintenance for the continued safety of the driving public.

Read the manual: Ohio Department of Transportation Culvert Management Manual, September 2018.

Concrete transportation infrastructure is susceptible to constant deterioration and thus requires constant attention and maintenance. According to research conducted for the Transportation Consortium of South-Central States, the dense microstructure and damage-tolerant characteristics of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete repairs can significantly reduce the need for subsequent repair, rehabilitation and maintenance work.

Read the research report: Use of Ultra-High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced (UHP-FRC) for Fast and Sustainable Repair of Pavements, December 2018.

Quick and inexpensive chip seals as a pavement maintenance surface are widely used. Researchers for Missouri DOT tested the use of crumb rubber from recycled tires as portions of chip seal aggregate. Results showed “remarkable performance” in aggregate retention, and after one year of use, the sample chip seal sections outperformed trap rock chip seal in all areas examined.

Read the research report: Field Implementation of Rubberized Chip Seal, December 2018

A new study from Minnesota DOT investigated how concrete grinding residue (CGR) impacted physical and chemical properties and plant growth. Researchers found that areas receiving CGR applications in the past did not negatively affect soil quality and plant growth.

Read the research report: Concrete Grinding Residue: Its Effect on Roadside Vegetation and Soil Properties, January 2019

A new associate’s degree program in maintenance was featured in the June 2018 issue of APWA Reporter.

The article “Highway maintenance management goes to college” discusses the joint efforts of Colorado DOT and Front Rage Community College to develop the first-in-the-nation two-year associates of applied science degree program in highway maintenance management.

This article outlines the program curriculum and the anticipated benefits to those who earn this degree as well as to their employers.

(Image source: APWA Reporter)