Research results
2009 Technical Summaries
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005
Materials Quality Testing
Reducing Cold-Weather Cracking in Asphalt Pavements
Researchers evaluated the low-temperature fracture properties of 12 asphalt mixtures and nine asphalt binders used in the 2008 MnROAD reconstruction project. Results will help departments of transportation choose materials that are fracture-resistant in cold weather and provide baseline data for several other low-temperature cracking research efforts.
Technical Summary: 200942TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009-42 (PDF)
“The results of this project are vitally important to supporting current and future research efforts into the low-temperature cracking of asphalt pavements.”
– Mihai Marasteanu, Associate Professor, University of Minnesota Department of Civil Engineering
Materials Quality Testing
Statistical Methods for Materials Testing
Researchers developed a new protocol for testing the relative density in hot-mix asphalt pavement construction. The proposed procedure determines the required number of samples that should be tested based on user-specified reliability metrics. Developed for use in the lab and in the field, the new testing protocol results in more accurate payments based on contractor performance.
Technical Summary: 200941TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009-41 (PDF)
“This new approach to testing can help Mn/DOT apply more accurate incentive and disincentive payments and reward contractors that are doing more than just meeting the minimum specifications.”
– Tom Ravn, Director, MnDOT Office of Construction and Innovative Contracting
Crash Prevention
In-Vehicle Technologies and Infrastructure Modifications to Prevent Crashes Along Curves and Shoulders
Researchers investigated the most cost-effective roadway designs, treatments and in-vehicle technologies for improving the safety of rural two-lane highways. They found that while static warning signs have a high benefit-to-cost ratio, 80 percent of curves studied had such signs and still had high crash and fatality rates. Researchers recommend complementing signs with additional cost-effective countermeasures for sharp curves. For a given fixed safety budget, adding rumble strips or stripes to tangential sections is the most cost-effective treatment and produces the highest reduction in fatalities.
Technical Summary: 200939TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009-39 (PDF)
“Results suggested that agencies with limited budgets should improve road safety by adding rumble strips or stripes before they consider more expensive measures such as widening shoulders.”
– Craig Shankwitz, Program Director, University of Minnesota ITS Institute Intelligent Vehicles Program
Bridge Research
Increasing Pile Driving Efficiency for Bridge Foundations
Researchers conducted a systematic evaluation of MnDOT’s pile driving formula resistance factor and investigated field and laboratory tests for predicting the magnitude and rate of pile setup. Results showed that MnDOT’s pile driving formula tends to overpredict pile capacity; researchers suggest reducing its load resistance factor. Researchers also developed a new and more cost-effective dynamic formula. Setup results showed that while very few states are using field and laboratory tests to estimate setup, such methods are being investigated and show promise for application in the near future.
Technical Summary: 200937TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009-37 (PDF)
“Not only did researchers develop a new load resistance factor for the pile driving formula, but they went a step further in developing an entirely new formula that could lead to safer designs and potentially significant cost savings for MnDOT.”
– Gary Person, MnDOT Foundations Engineer
Evacuation Traffic Management
Responding to the Unexpected: Development of a Dynamic Data-Drvien Model for effective Evacuation
Researchers developed an evacuation software tool for small-scale, no-notice evacuations that determines evacuee departure rates, time schedules, shortest paths and critical intersections for police officer deployment. The tool provides substantially improved network clearance times when compared to other approaches to traffic assignment.
Technical Summary: 200936TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009-36 (PDF)
"Our testing demonstrated that HASTE evacuation routing solutions provide substantial improvement in network clearance times when compared to an all-or-nothing assignment. All routing computations were completed within two minutes, illustrating the efficiency of HASTE.”
– Henry Liu, University of Minnesota Department of Civil Engineering
Quality Control and Assurance
Managing Intelligent Compaction Data
Investigators developed software and processes for storing, manipulating and visualizing the large quantities of data produced by IC-equipped rollers so that it can be used for quality control and assurance. The software enables researchers to better understand the compaction process, to evaluate the uniformity of compaction across the entire pavement structure by identifying areas of weak and strong compaction, and to direct field personnel where to conduct quality assurance using in situ measurement devices.
Technical Summary: 200935TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009-35 (PDF)
“This software gives us an excellent tool to review intelligent compaction data so that we can visualize uniformity and identify undercompacted areas, thereby improving the quality of compaction.”
– Rebecca Embacher, MnDOT Assistant Grading and Base Engineer
VC and WIM
Development of Data Warehouse and Applications for Continuous Vehicle Class and Weigh-in-Motion Data
Researchers developed a data warehouse for data collected from MnDOT’s continuous vehicle classification and weigh-in-motion sites that uses a standard data format. Data retrieval, statistical analysis and reporting utilities were developed to support MnDOT’s data reporting needs.
Technical Summary: 200933TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009-33 (PDF)
“The new software solves the problem of multiple proprietary WIM systems and data formats, and allows MnDOT to manage large volumes of data more efficiently.”
– Benjamin Timerson, Weight Data & Engineering Coordination, MnDOT Office of Transportation Data and Analysis
Materials Testing
Strength and Drainage in Aggregates Mixed with Recycled Materials
Researchers compared the suitability of four recycled materials to that of virgin aggregates for use in the construction of road base and subbase layers by evaluating their hydraulic, mechanical and environmental properties. Results show that with the exception of foundry sand, recycled material mixtures were similar to virgin aggregates in drainage characteristics, stiffness, strength and environmental impact, and so are expected to be good substitutes for them as base and subbase materials in road construction.
Technical Summary: 200932TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009-32 (PDF)
“Using recycled materials in road construction will not only produce substantial cost savings, but will also allow us to save energy and employ sustainable construction processes.”
– Satish Gupta, Professor, University of Minnesota Department of Soil, Water, and Climate
Bridge Research
Bridge Health Monitoring and Inspection: A Survey of Methods
The evaluation of bridges for both safety and performance can be significantly enhanced by using remote monitoring systems to complement costly and time-consuming hands-on inspections. Researchers surveyed the many technologies and methods available for remotely monitoring bridges and developed a database tool to aid bridge engineers in deciding which commercially available products best fit a particular application.
Technical Summary: 200929TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009-29 (PDF)
“Monitoring systems that can automatically and reliably warn the owner when failure is imminent have yet to be developed and may become a very useful tool in the future.”
– Arturo Schultz, Professor, University of Minnesota Department of Civil Engineering
Invasive Species
Putting Research into Practice: Reducing the Costs of Noxious Weed Management
Researchers set out to verify the key findings of Phase I of this implementation, which compared the efficiencies of two weed surveying methods using different segment lengths. Results confirmed Phase I findings showing that while taking less effort to conduct, the use of 14-foot segments was less precise than the use of 225-foot surveys, and too imprecise to be used to quantify infestation density.
Technical Summary: 200928TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009-28 (PDF)
“These studies laid the groundwork for a systematic approach to weed management in Minnesota. To measure the effectiveness of its efforts and avoid wasting resources, MnDOT must have a method for accurately quantifying weed infestations.”
– Paul Walvatne, Supervisor, MnDOT Roadside Vegetation Management Unit
Recycled Materials
Using Fly Ash to Improve Recycled Pavement Foundations
Researchers evaluated the strength, stiffness and performance of fly ash-stabilized recycled pavement materials both in the laboratory and in the field, and found that their resilient modulus increased significantly with fly ash content and remained stable even over numerous freeze-thaw cycles. They used these results to create design procedures establishing a gravel equivalency to Class 5 base course. Researchers also evaluated the environmental impacts of these materials and found that groundwater concentrations of leachates would be expected to meet environmental standards.
Technical Summary: 200927TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009-27 (PDF)
“This project gave us a way to quantify the performance of recycled fly ash during design by providing simple conversions of required thicknesses from Class 5 aggregate to fly ash-stabilized recycled materials.”
– John Siekmeier, MnDOT Senior Research Engineer
Maintenance Techniques
Preventive Maintenance for Recreational Trails
Researchers evaluated the effectiveness of using pavement preventive maintenance techniques for recreational trails—including various surface sealing and crack treatments—by applying them to several trails in Minnesota and comparing their permeability and surface texture to untreated control sections. Results showed that all of the treatments reduced the permeability, and all fog seal treatments did so while consistently providing a high-quality surface for trail users.
Technical Summary: 200925TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009-25 (PDF)
“Because it gives personnel responsible for recreational trails additional tools for making cost/benefit maintenance decisions, this research has produced a lot of interest in Minnesota, and the potential audience for its results is worldwide.”
– Duane Schwartz, Public Works Director, City of Roseville
Performance Measures
Access to Destinations: Application of Accessibility Measures for Non-Auto Travel Modes
Using measures of time and distance and highly detailed land use data, researchers developed reliable accessibility measures for transit, walking and cycling in the Twin Cities metropolitan area for three time periods (1995, 2000 and 2005). A study area in south Minneapolis is used to demonstrate proof of concept for the project.
Technical Summary: 200924TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009-24 (PDF)
“This study is the development of a scientific methodology to measure access for non-auto modes. Instead of measuring the number of vehicles a corridor can carry, we can start measuring the people-carrying capacity of a corridor.”
– Lisa Austin, MnDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Planner
Traffic Computer Algorithm
Integrating Platoon-Priority Signal Control with Advance Warning Flashers
Investigators developed an integrated signal control system that uses platoon priority and advanced warning flashers to increase the efficiency of high-speed isolated intersections. Simulations on data collected at a high-speed intersection found that the new system reduced delays and stops on the major approach by more than 50 percent, with an overall reduction in intersection delays and stops of 20 percent.
Technical Summary: 200923TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009-23 (PDF)
“The next step is to field-test the platoon-priority strategy. Rural high-speed intersections are good candidates for testing if they have high volumes of through traffic on the major approach and limited traffic on the side street.”
– Susan Zarling, MnDOT Traffic Electrical Systems Engineer
Mathematical Computer Modeling
Mechanistic Modeling of Tests of Unbound Granular Materials
Researchers made progress toward developing a mathematical model that provides a physics-based, mechanistic correlation between the California bearing ratio, resilient modulus and dynamic cone penetrometer tests. To accomplish this objective, researchers investigated and modeled relationships between the basic material properties of unbound aggregates, including the interaction of individual particles.
Technical Summary: 200921TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009-21 (PDF)
“This study is a good beginning to developing a model that will give engineers better information on the ability of base layers to withstand loads so that we can properly design roads with longer life spans.”
– Lee Amundson, Lincoln County Engineer
Aquatic Life
Cost Analysis of Fish-Friendly Culvert Designs
Traditional culvert designs can interfere with the natural passage of fish and other aquatic life. In this study, researchers evaluated four alternative fish-friendly culvert designs and performed a cost analysis comparing their costs with traditional culvert project costs.
Technical Summary: 200920TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009-20 (PDF)
“There is still concern about the cost of the stream simulation designs. More study is needed to determine if these designs actually improve fish passage with the fish and environments we have in our state.”
– Alan Forsberg, Public Works Director, Blue Earth County
Hot Mix Asphalt
Preventive Maintenance Best Practices for HMA Pavements
Researchers evaluated the effectiveness of pavement management crack and surface treatments, and created a manual to provide agencies with guidance on the use of these treatments as part of a long-term strategy for preserving and improving the condition of road networks. One project recommendation was that Superpave pavements still require preventive maintenance.
Technical Summary: 200918TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009-18 (PDF)
“This project is a good beginning to quantifying the benefits of treatments for preventive maintenance; a follow-up project will focus on control sections and enhanced measurement techniques.”
– Tom Wood, MnDOT Research Project Supervisor
Best Practices
Subsurface Drainage Manual for Minnesota Pavements
Investigators compiled best practices for selecting, designing, constructing and maintaining subsurface drainage structures for pavement types and situations commonly found in Minnesota.
Technical Summary: 200917TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009-17 (PDF)
“This manual will be a good tool for engineers to reference when making decisions about subsurface drainage systems.”
– Dan Sauve, Clearwater County Engineer
Benefits of Road Improvements
Impacts of Upgrading Roads on Local Property Values
Researchers used case studies to quantify the benefits of road improvements reflected in local property values. The empirical analysis method used in this study yielded mixed results, suggesting the need for improved methods and more robust data sets to analyze the effects of transportation improvements on property values.
Technical Summary: 200916TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009-16 (PDF)
“This study provides a strong foundation for continued and expanded investigation into the economic impacts of roadway upgrades in similarly composed areas of the state.”
– Ronald Lambert, MnDOT Real Estate Specialist Supervisor
Recycled Asphalt Pavement
Best Practices for RAP Use Based on Field Performance
Researchers examined whether asphalt pavements containing recycled asphalt pavement in the wear course are prone to early failures. They conducted a survey of county engineers and tested samples from selected projects for dynamic modulus and other properties. Results showed that field performance of pavements depended more on the low-temperature performance grade of binders and the stiffness of underlying layers than on the percentage of RAP in the wear course mixture.
Technical Summary: 200915TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009-15 (PDF)
“Lab results showed that we can be less conservative about our use of RAP in the wear course, and that binder grade is more predictive of performance than the percentage of RAP.”
– Eddie Johnson, Research Project Engineer, MnDOT Materials and Road Research
IC Training
Putting Research into Practice: Intelligent Compaction Performance-Based Specifications in Minnesota
Investigators developed procedures for implementing intelligent compaction and light weight deflectometer equipment. The project also developed four IC specification options and involved a series of five training seminars for MnDOT staff and contractors.
Technical Summary: 200914TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009-14 (PDF)
“This project provided a vast amount of field data, and its analysis verifies the value of performance-based quality assurance. Implementation can be confidently accelerated with additional projects that will help MnDOT continue to refine its IC specifications.”
– John Siekmeier, MnDOT Senior Research Engineer
Bridge Research
Crack and Concrete Bridge Deck Sealant Performance
Researchers synthesized best practices and product recommendations for concrete bridge deck crack sealants from published research, the performance of various solutions and a survey of state DOTs regarding their current practices.
Technical Summary: 200913TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009-13 (PDF)
“Crack sealing is a targeted maintenance activity for our bridges, but we needed more detailed knowledge of the properties of different products and some clear recommendations for their use in specific cases.”
– Gary Peterson, MnDOT Assistant Bridge Design Engineer (retired) and former Technical Liaison
Dynamic Cone Penetrometer and Light Weight Deflectometer
Putting Research into Practice: Using the DCP and LWD for Construction Quality Assurance
Investigators developed model specifications and test procedures for using dynamic cone penetrometers and light weight deflectometers during road construction to ensure adequately stiff subgrade, granular fill, subbase and base materials.
Technical Summary: 200912TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009-12 (PDF)
“We’re happy to be implementing a construction inspection system based on material properties—strength and stiffness—critical to pavement construction and performance.”
– John Siekmeier, MnDOT Senior Research Engineer
Transportation Project Planning
Post-Construction Evaluation of Traffic Forecast Accuracy
Accurate traffic forecasting is essential for planning transportation projects that will fit future traffic demands. This study compared forecasts to actual post-construction traffic for projects in the Twin Cities metro area to determine forecast accuracy and to identify factors affecting accuracy.
Technical Summary: 200911TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009-11 (PDF)
“It was very worthwhile for us to evaluate the historical accuracy of post-construction roadway traffic forecasts. This is an area where there really haven’t been very many studies done.”
– Gene Hicks, MnDOT Principal Engineer
Invasive Species
Putting Research into Practice: Refining Noxious Weed Management
This project evaluated the relative efficiencies of two sampling plans for measuring weed infestations in highway rights-of-way. Results, while not conclusive, suggest that while 14-foot population distribution surveys require less time to conduct, they were less precise than 225-foot population density surveys at quantifying infestation.
Technical Summary: 200910TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009-10 (PDF)
“This project gets us closer to applying a systems approach to reducing weed numbers by establishing a solid performance measure for evaluating weed management methods on a district basis.”
– Paul Walvatne, Supervisor, MnDOT Roadside Vegetation Management Unit
Foamed Asphalt
Recycled Pavements Using Foamed Asphalt in Minnesota
Investigators gathered and recorded information about the best practices, construction techniques, mix design, specifications and performance of foamed asphalt recycled pavement, and used this information to develop preliminary design guidelines and specifications for the use of foamed asphalt in Minnesota. An evaluation of existing Minnesota projects showed that pavement layers recycled using foamed asphalt develop a uniform strength, and that the foamed asphalt formed a cohesive matrix when mixed with reclaimed material.
Technical Summary: 200909TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009-09 (PDF)
Brochures: Policy | Practitioner
“This project is helping to generate the awareness in Minnesota that foamed asphalt is a safe and proven technology, and it gives engineers the information they need to begin using this technology.”
– Roger Olson, MnDOT Research Operations Engineer
Subsurface Drainage
Evaluating Roadway Subsurface Drainage Practices
Researchers compared the performance of conventional edge drain systems to centerline drainage systems to determine if centerline drainage is a viable alternative to edge drains. The study does not recommend centerline drainage except at the occasional site in which water may rise from below the subgrade into the pavement structure.
Technical Summary: 200908TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009-08 (PDF)
This handheld electromagnetic gauge is a promising tool for non-destructive testing of moisture levels in and beneath pavement layers.
The specific electromagnetic gauge used in this study, the Geonics EM38, shows promise as an in situ, point-by-point, nondestructive device for measuring moisture in and underneath pavement structures. The EM38 could have applications in roadway evaluation and in assessments for retrofitting or other maintenance, and its use and calibration warrants further investigation.
“The quantity of water that the edge drains redirected surprised me. It was significantly higher than the volume drained from centerline systems.”
– Stephen Schnieder, Director, Nobles County Public Works
ROW
Best Practices for Advanced Acquisition of Right of Way
Acquiring right of way can be the most expensive part of many transportation projects. Advanced acquisition—purchasing ROW before project design approval—has been used in an effort to decrease costs and expedite project completion. Researchers examined current MnDOT ROW practices, identified the types of properties that offer the greatest financial benefit when employing advanced acquisition, and recommended the development of guidelines to increase awareness and standardize application of ROW preservation tools.
Technical Summary: 200907TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009-07 (PDF)
“The Minnesota Trunk Highway 36 case study indicates that tracking and purchasing properties with high potential appreciation, such as parcels that are about to subdivide or undergo land use changes, may help avoid higher ROW costs later.”
– Rabinder Bains, Economic Policy Analyst, MnDOT Office of Investment Management
Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide Manual
Putting Research into Practice: Calibrating the MEPDG for Minnesota
Investigators calibrated the 2002 Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide Manual of Practice for Minnesota conditions by developing input parameters, conducting a sensitivity analysis, and comparing MEPDG predictions to those of MnPAVE and the current design standard. Results helped debug the MEPDG software and reduce its bias and error in design predictions for both rigid and flexible pavements.
Technical Summary: 200906TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009-06 (PDF)
“We made significant progress in helping AASHTO debug its MEPDG software, which will increase the accuracy and usability of future versions.”
– Jerry Geib, MnDOT Pavement Design Engineer
Recycled Asphalt Pavement
The Effect of RAP on the Structural Capacity of Pavement Base Layers
Researchers evaluated the effects of freeze-thaw cycles and severe moisture conditions on the stiffness and strength of RAP pavement base layers by evaluating RAP and virgin aggregate samples for resilient modulus, shear strength and other properties from several road construction projects. Results showed that RAP had a higher resilient modulus and equivalent shear strength to virgin aggregate, was negligibly affected by freeze-thaw and is a viable alternative to virgin aggregates for use in road base layers.
Technical Summary: 200905TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009-05 (PDF)
“This is the first time Minnesota has performed freeze-thaw laboratory tests on recycled bases containing RAP. These tests indicate that there is no decrease in resilient modulus or degradation over time.”
– Tim Andersen, Grading and Base Engineer, MnDOT Office of Materials
Dust Control
Best Practices for Dust Control on Gravel Roads
Road dust from increased traffic on aggregate-surfaced roads results in complaints from roadside residents, impaired driver vision, and potential hazards for drivers on narrow roads and at intersections. In this study, researchers evaluated three dust control products and determined a maximally effective application schedule for dust control treatments.
Technical Summary: 200904TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009-04 (PDF)
This mobile dust collector, based on a device designed by Ado and Sanders called the Colorado State Dustometer, was built by the research staff.
A vehicle-mounted dust collector was selected to monitor dust levels because of its ease of operation, ruggedness and consistent field measurements. The collector was attached to the rear bumper of a Dodge 1500 pickup.
“Gravel maintenance at railroad crossings can be a safety hazard. Chloride applications at these crossings would reduce maintenance requirements for these problem areas.”
– Eddie Johnson, Research Project Engineer, MnDOT Materials and Road Research
Pedestrian Safety
Evaluating Active and Passive Crosswalk Warnings at Unsignalized Intersections and Mid-Block Sites
Researchers compared the safety effects of passive warnings (roadway markings accompanied by warning signs facing oncoming traffic) and active warnings (passive warnings accompanied by a flashing light that is either continuously flashing or activated by someone wishing to use the crosswalk) at crosswalks at unsignalized intersections or mid-block sites. The study found no significant differences between passive warnings and active warnings in encouraging more cautious behavior in motorists approaching the crosswalk and suggests the need for further research.
Technical Summary: 200903TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009-03 (PDF)
“This study found no significant difference in active and passive warning systems in promoting more cautious driving behavior at uncontrolled crosswalks.”
– Deb Bloom, City Engineer, City of Roseville
Recycled Tires
Assessing the Environmental Impact of Tire Shreds Used Below the Water Table in Road Base Fills
Researchers evaluated the environmental effects of chemicals leached from tire shreds placed below the groundwater table for use as a lightweight fill in wet road bases. They found an increase in surface and groundwater concentrations of various chemicals; metals; and four tire-relevant semivolatile organic compounds, which had a toxic effect on some aquatic organisms.
Technical Summary: 200902TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009-02 (PDF)
“This study was unique in its scale and longevity, and yielded important results not measured in previous studies, including the aniline levels, which are critical to drinking water regulations.”
– Robert Edstrom, Chief Toxicologist, MnDOT Office of Environmental Services
Intelligent Transportation Systems
Real-Time Arterial Performance Monitoring Using Traffic Data from Existing Signal Systems
Researchers developed the SMART-SIGNAL (Systematic Monitoring of Arterial Road Traffic Signals) system to collect and archive high-resolution traffic signal data and automatically generate real-time performance measures such as travel time, queue length and intersection delay. Engineers can use this data to set timing schedules for individual traffic signals.
Technical Summary: 200901TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009-01 (PDF)
“SMART-SIGNAL can provide near real-time information about queue lengths and travel times, allowing staff to make manual adjustments to preprogrammed timing plans that will have an immediate effect on reducing congestion.”
– Eric Drager, Traffic Operations Engineer, Hennepin County Public Works
Stormwater Management Systems
Stormwater Maintenance Best Management Practices Resource Guide
Investigators assembled a guide that provides definitions and descriptions of the five stormwater management systems most commonly used in Minnesota. The guide offers inspection and maintenance templates for adaptation by local engineers to specific facilities and procedures.
Technical Summary: 2009RIC12TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009RIC12 (PDF)
“Prior to the release of these best management practices and suggested templates for inspection reports, I think people owning and maintaining stormwater BMPs had little guidance.”
– Mark Maloney, Public Works Director, City of Shoreview
Resource Guide
Putting Research into Practice: Implementing Pavement Management in Minnesota
Investigators surveyed Minnesota’s cities and counties and pavement management system vendors to develop a resource guide for local agencies interested in implementing a pavement management system. The guide includes a matrix that compares the features and functionality of pavement management systems used in Minnesota as well as Minnesota case studies that offer implementation tips and benefits identified by users.
Technical Summary: 2009RIC11TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009RIC11 (PDF)
“The case studies in the resource guide are a good source of information for prospective users who want to know more about implementing a pavement management system and its potential benefits.”
– Richard Sanders, Polk County Engineer
Snowplow Guides
Putting Research into Practice: Snowplow Calibration Guides for Mn/DOT and Local Governments
Investigators used the expertise of vendors and winter operations professionals from across Minnesota to create calibration guides that address the most common types of snowplow sander controllers used by cities and counties in Minnesota and by Mn/DOT districts. The guides include step-by-step calibration instructions, one-page quick sheets for staff more experienced with calibration, instructions for weighing material for sander calibration and other calibration aids.
Technical Summary: 2009RIC08TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009RIC08 (PDF)
“Development of the calibration guides and related training classes was done in partnership with expert agency snowfighters. Their expertise was used to develop and fine-tune a detailed guide and ensure it was user-friendly.”
– Gary Peterson, P.E., EVS Engineering Inc.
Improving Contract Process
Putting Research into Practice: Innovative Contracting Resources for Local Governments
Investigators developed guidance for local governments to make effective use of traditional and innovative contracting methods on the transportation projects they manage. Innovative contracting practices presented in the report include best value, force account, bidder qualification and alternate bidding.
Technical Summary: 2009RIC02TS (PDF) | Full Report: 2009RIC02 (PDF)
“Resources and assistance provided by Mn/DOT’s Innovative Contracting Section give local agencies greater freedom to act using alternate bidding, force account and other innovative contracting practices.”
– Tom Behm, District State Aid Engineer/ADE, MnDOT District 8
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