Fall No Boundaries Meeting in Austin, Texas

More than 30 attendees participated in No Boundaries' second meeting of 2018, hosted by Texas DOT in Austin from October 16 to 18. (Meeting materials and presentations)

One-on-one technology transfer activities and peer information sharing addressed a range of topics relevant to non-winter transportation maintenance. Discussions for the meeting included:

• Award-winning innovations in maintenance from No Boundaries member agencies
• Roundtables on unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), horizontal alignment warning signs, and adopt-a-highway programs
• Updates on asset management programs, training and apprenticeship programs, and No Boundaries' planned sessions at the 2019 TRB Annual Meeting (see the next article in this newsletter)

In addition, technical visits included a tour of the fleet shop where Texas DOT fabricates maintenance vehicles (such as herbicide trucks and sign trucks) and a demonstration of the agency's pavement management system and equipment. (Technical tour photos)

During our business meeting, members tentatively selected the next meeting for May 2019, with Colorado DOT hosting.

No Boundaries' TRB Lectern Session on Innovation Programs

Come join No Boundaries at the Transportation Research Board 2019 annual meeting this January in Washington, D.C. We have organized a panel of experts and practitioners who will talk about different state DOT innovation programs, provide details on successes and challenges, and share the national perspective on innovation.

We look forward to seeting you there.

New Members Are Welcome

No Boundaries membership stands at 19 state DOTs across the United States: Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New York State, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington State, and Wisconsin.

As the program prepares to enter Phase III with a new solicitation, the pooled fund remains open to new members.

No Boundaries is Transportation Pooled Fund project #TPF-5(330). State DOT commitments to the project can be made using 100% federal funds. Contact Brian Hirt, CTC & Associates, at 402-770-9067 for more information.

Meetings and Events

Training Opportunities

APWA Webinar: GPS/Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL)

This webinar, to be held December 6 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Central Time, will look at GPS and AVL from different perspectives through a panel discussion. Details.

TRB Webinar: Moisture Infiltration and Pavement Surface Treatments

TRB conducted a webinar in November that discussed available methods for measuring moisture infiltration into pavements. Presenters described a universal method for measuring water infiltration into multiple types of in-place asphalt pavement surfaces. They also discussed novel materials, design, and/or construction practices that may minimize moisture infiltration into pavements.

Missed a recent TRB webinar? Recordings of most webinars are available by request from TRB (some organizations may pay a fee), and presentation slides are often posted online after the webinar concludes. Find maintenance-related webinars on TRB's website, and contact TRB's Reggie Gillum to request a recording.

Austroads Webinar: Measuring and Reporting the Value of Road Maintenance and Renewal Works

Recorded in November, this webinar gives an overview of a cost benefit analysis framework to help assess the value of maintenance and renewal activities. Details.

Asset Management Research

Improved Methodology for Benefit Estimation of Preservation Projects
Washington State DOT

Researchers developed a supplemental software application tool based on FHWA's HERS-ST software to improve the process for evaluating the benefits and economic tradeoffs of highway preservation projects. With the new tool, the software can provide estimates for a variety of regional-level agency and user costs associated with preservation programs and more effectively consider different investment alternatives. Report.

Remaining Service Life Asset Measure, Phase 1
Minnesota DOT

In this study, preliminary work was performed to determine if a common metric, such as remaining service life, can be used across MnDOT's bridge and pavement assets. After examining similar tools and methodologies, researchers recommended the use of Percent Remaining Service Interval as a common metric to optimize the use of available funds. Report.

Application of System Dynamics to Integrate Pavement Preservation in Flexible Pavement Design Process
Advances in Civil Engineering Materials, October 2018

This study identified the optimal time to intervention for pavement preservation strategies that depend on traffic level, design layer thicknesses, and modulus (strength) of the pavement layers. Researchers used AASHTOware and a system dynamic software to examine how design input parameters and various external factors (e.g., climates, environments, traffic) impact pavement performance. Abstract.

Bridge Maintenance Research

Evaluation of Effective Bridge Deck Repair Maintenance Methods
Ohio DOT

Ohio DOT needed a safer and more efficient approach for concrete removal for bridge deck patch repair. After an extensive literature review of current and alternative methods, researchers recommended the use of hydrodemolition robots, which were more efficient and effective in patch repair than other methods and equipment. Report.

I-10 Girder Repair Using Post-Tensioned Steel Rods and Carbon Fiber Composite Cables (CFCC)
Louisiana DOTD

Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development rehabilitated the deteriorated girders of the I-10 Littlewoods Bridge using external post-tensioning with both high strength steel rods and carbon fiber composite cables as secondary support. After installation, both materials were monitored for a short period of time to assess structural performance. Report.

Bridge Inspecting with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles R&D
Transportation Consortium of South-Central States (Tran-SET)

In this study, researchers reviewed the advantages, disadvantages and limitations of using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for routine bridge inspection work in Louisiana. Based on their findings, they made recommendations for a specific UAV system and provided guidance on how to conduct inspections. Report.

Culvert Maintenance Research

Adapting 360-Degree Cameras for Culvert Inspection: Case Study
Journal of Pipeline Systems Engineering and Practice, February 2019

Researchers used a 360-degree video camera mounted on a remote-control vehicle to help pinpoint the location of defects in a culvert. The camera allowed inspection of hard-to-reach areas and provided culvert inspectors with quantitative information on the condition of the asset. Abstract.

Drainage Systems Maintenance Research

Effective and Economical Cleaning of Pipes and Underdrains--Phase II
Ohio DOT

Ohio DOT investigated new technology to replace its vacuum jet truck for cleaning drainage assets. This two-page fact sheet presents the research team's evaluation and recommendation on the more portable and cost-efficient modified cleaning system. Fact sheet.

Gravel Roads Research

Defining Needs for Optimized Management of Gravel Road Networks
Transportation Association of Canada

This paper presents survey results on the state of the practice in gravel road management used by Canadian municipalities. The paper also discusses the main components and functions of a comprehensive gravel road management system. Paper.

Roughness Deterioration Models for Unsealed Road Pavements and Their Use in Pavement Management
International Journal of Pavement Engineering, August 2018

Gravel roads are usually maintained by routine blading to provide a smooth riding surface for vehicles. Researchers examined three widely used roughness prediction models to determine ideal blading frequencies for unsealed roads. Abstract.

Maintenance Worker Safety Research

Towards Improving Safety Performance of Transportation Maintenance Workers through a Pre-Task Safety Talk Program
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

This study analyzed and identified the leading causes of work-related injuries among construction highway maintenance workers between 2005 and 2015. Based on the findings, which suggested a lack of safety practices as the main reason behind most accidents, researchers developed guidance and a practical pre-task safety tool to improve worker safety. Report.

Synthesis of State Highway Worker Safety Practice and Programs in the United States
Road Safety on Five Continents: 18th International Conference , May 2018

States have adopted safety programs and policies to encourage safety and reduce risks to state highway workers. This synthesis study presents safety practices among state DOTs and highlights innovative safety programs. Conference paper.

Student Work Safety Guidelines in Roadside Applications and Work Zones: Safety Guidelines for Transportation Researchers
Oregon DOT

Students conducting research on behalf of state DOTs are constantly exposed to safety hazards. In many cases, these students have minimal safety training and have little prior experience working on active roadways. This guideline provides students with information on how to work safely on roadways when performing research. Report.

Pavement Maintenance Research

Application Rate Adjustments for Seal Coats in Texas
Texas DOT

New technologies are being developed that can potentially reduce pavement deterioration. A Texas DOT study investigated an asphalt distributor system as a tool to improve its current sealcoating practices. Report.

Establishing Percent Embedment Limits to Improve Chip Seal Performance
Michigan DOT

In this study, researchers validated a software tool developed in a previous Michigan DOT research effort to measure chip seal properties that are associated with long-term performance. This tool is based on direct visual imaging techniques and does not suffer the same drawbacks as traditional estimation methods. Report.

Roadside and Vegetation Management Research

Mowing and Haying in the State Trunk Highway Right of Way
Minnesota DOT

After a mixed public response to Minnesota DOT's issuance of a standard permit to access land for mowing and haying, the Minnesota legislature formed a commission and stakeholder group to review the requirements. This publication details the outcomes of these efforts and presents recommendations regarding mowing and haying.

Sign Maintenance Research

Re-Tightening the Large Anchor Bolts of Support Structures for Signs and Luminaires
Minnesota DOT

In Minnesota, anchor bolts used in support structures were becoming loose in less than two years, even after being tightened according to existing procedures. To address this issue, researchers developed a new tightening process for MnDOT structures based on AASHTO specifications. Report.

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