Upgraded Culvert Inspection Robot Offers Greater Access and Signal Range June 29, 2021 - The original Hydraulic Inspection Vehicle Explorer, or HIVE, was designed by Minnesota DOT to offer a lightweight and low-cost option for transportation agencies to inspect culverts and other hard-to-reach places.
Now, Vermont Agency of Transportation has developed and tested HIVE 2.0, which offers more powerful video transmission and improved maneuverability while keeping the device small and affordable.
Read the report: Hydraulic Inspection Vehicle Explorer (HIVE) Culvert Upgrade, April 2021.
Image source: Vermont AOT
New Federal Resources Increase Options for Assessing Pavement Condition June 22, 2021 - Evaluating pavement condition is a key part of road maintenance. Federal guidance allows states to use present serviceability ratings (PSRs) as an alternative to the more common International Roughness Index in some situations, but putting the PSR method into practice can pose a challenge.
To make it easier for state transportation agencies to use PSR ratings to evaluate pavements where appropriate, the Federal Highway Administration has developed a variety of guidance and support resources.
Read the report: Present Serviceability Rating Computation from Reported Distresses, March 2021.
Image source: FHWA
Ohio Identifies Safety Improvements for Mobile Maintenance Operations June 15, 2021 - In an effort to reduce the risks that highway maintenance crews face on the job, Ohio DOT evaluated its existing mobile operations and tested a variety of new practices and technologies that could be implemented to enhance worker safety.
The research resulted in a matrix tool that can be used to identify potential safety improvements for mobile maintenance operations on multi-lane highways, as well as the pros and cons associated with each method or device.
Read the report: Evaluate the Uses and Technology for Truck-Mounted Attenuators, December 2020.
Image source: Ohio DOT
Webinar Will Help Agencies Make the Most of Chip Seal Equipment June 8, 2021 - The Federal Highway Administration will host, “Chip Seal Equipment and Calibration” on June 17 from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. Eastern.
The webinar will address how to ensure a chip spreader and distributor are applying at the correct rate, as well as a review of the components that should be routinely maintained for optimal calibration.
Learn more and claim your spot.
Image source: FHWA
California Develops Strategies to Keep Small Wildlife From Roadways June 2, 2021 - Maintenance staff often deal with animals whose habitats are on the right-of-way or cross roadways.
To reduce contact between creatures and moving vehicles, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) developed a guide of best management practices for constructing and maintaining road crossing systems designed specifically for amphibians and reptiles, such as turtles, frogs, snakes and salamanders.
Read the report: Measures to Reduce Road Impacts on Amphibians and Reptiles in California: Best Management Practices and Technical Guidance, March 2021.
Image source: Caltrans
FHWA Compiles Best Practices to Improve Pavement Data Accuracy May 25, 2021 - Accurate data is essential for assessing the conditions of pavement surfaces and then applying it in data-driven decision-making.
To help DOTs ensure that their information is reliable, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) developed a list of successful and budget-conscious practices that boost data accuracy.
From planning and preparation, equipment calibration and employee training to quality control, evaluation and data management, this study outlines the steps to take before and after data collection to achieve quality results.
Read the report: Successful Practices for Quality Management of Pavement Surface Condition Data Collection and Analysis, December 2020.
Image source: FHWA
Best Practices for Waterproofing Ohio’s Concrete Culverts May 18, 2021 - Successfully sealing and waterproofing a concrete culvert’s joints and surfaces can significantly reduce intrusive damage from water over time.
Ohio DOT evaluated its current waterproofing and treatment methods, as well as those used by other transportation agencies, and compiled a list of recommendations and best practices for repairing and protecting precast concrete culverts.
Read the report: Division of Engineering Research on Call Task #9 – Exterior Protection of Precast Reinforced Concrete Culverts, March 2021.
Image source: Michigan DOT
Kansas Evaluates Effectiveness of Dynamic Signs in Slowing Traffic Near Work Zones May 11, 2021 - Work zones for highway maintenance, repairs or construction can become unsafe when drivers fail to slow down.
Dynamic messaging signs are often used to alert drivers to the presence of work zones and foster slower traffic speeds, but whether the signs actually accomplish their intended goals has not been well understood.
In an attempt to verify the effectiveness of the signs, Kansas DOT collected and analyzed vehicle speeds and related data at three work zone sites. The study identified areas of improvement for future research to yield more conclusive findings.
Read the technical summary: Analysis of Speed Profiles and Evaluation of Dynamic Signs in Kansas Work Zones, March 2021.
Image source: Oregon DOT
Oregon Develops Chip Seal Performance Specification and Maintenance Guidance May 4, 2021 - In an effort to ensure long-lasting chip seals, Oregon DOT has developed quantifiable standards that can be used to objectively measure a chip seal’s performance over time.
With input from maintenance workers, designers, suppliers, consultants and other industry stakeholders, Oregon DOT’s proposed performance specification for chip seals aims to encourage quality workmanship and innovation. The proposed specification also includes a one-year maintenance provision.
Read the report: Implementation Phase of SPR 777 Study and Guidance for a Chip Seal Performance Specification, April 2021.
Image source: Minnesota DOT
Remote Sensing Can Help Minnesota Improve Maintenance Safety April 20, 2021 - Areas with tall grass can obscure hidden objects or even people, posing serious risk to maintenance crews. To reduce the risk, Minnesota DOT investigated remote sensing tools that could be used to identify dangers hidden from the naked eye.
The most promising tools offer a range of sensing capabilities, including infrared/thermal imaging, polarization filtering and radar. These are detailed based on applicability, availability, cost and more.
Read the research synthesis report: Remote Sensing in Maintenance Work, October 2020.
Image source: Minnesota DOT