News

A researcher who noted the spread of the highly invasive Japanese knotweed in Vermont after Hurricane Irene continued his investigation into its detrimental effects. The plant spreads vegetatively—without seeds and through disruption—and thrives as it quickly kills groundcover and promotes erosion of banks, such as those along streams and roadways. This TRB conference presentation reveals the plant’s many destructive effects, including those relevant to transportation.

Read the presentation: Japanese Knotweed as a Driver of Streambank Erosion, January 2019.

Researchers for Michigan DOT developed a system to evaluate bridge decks at near-highway speeds. The vehicle-mounted 3D optical bridge evaluation system (3DOBS) uses GPS, a high-tech camera, and an inertial measurement unit to collect bridge deck imagery for inspectors’ use. The system will help bridge inspectors safely quantify deck distresses and optimize the timing of preservation treatments.

Read the research report: Evaluation of Bridge Deck Using Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) at Near Highway Speeds for Effective Asset Management, October 2018.

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