Research News
NRRA Pavement Conference Set for May 24
Formerly known as TERRA, the National Road Research Alliance (NRRA) will continue the tradition of presenting sessions about current practices that implement new pavement research and technology with its Pavement Conference at the University of Minnesota's Continuing Education and Conference Center on May 24. The one-day conference provides practical information to practitioners and others interested in pavement design, construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance. It examines national and local trends and innovations to expand understanding of pavement challenges and solutions. Sessions focus on current practices that implement new pavement research and technology. Specifically, presentations emphasize new materials and methods that can assist decision makers in providing the most cost-effective strategies for building, repairing, and maintaining pavement infrastructure. (Visit the Pavement Conference website) (Posted 4/24/2017)
I-35W 'Smart Bridge' Test Site Uses Vibration Data to Detect Bridge Defects
By analyzing vibration data from the I-35W St. Anthony Falls Bridge, MnDOT is working to develop monitoring systems that could detect structural defects early on and ultimately allow engineers to improve bridge designs. (Read the full blog post) (Posted 3/19/2017)
MnDOT Evaluating Ideas for Research Implementation Funding
MnDOT is currently evaluating more than 25 research implementation ideas for its FY2018 research cycle. Project champions are competing for $650,000 in funds for demonstration projects that their unit, district or office implements to solve problems, save money, or change business practices. Each year, MnDOT solicits proposals from MnDOT staff who want to put local or national research into practice in their day-to-day work. Research Services staff are helping develop proposals that will be presented to the Transportation Research Innovation Group (TRIG) on April 4.
(Research Implementation Solicitation page) (Posted 2/14/2017)
21 New Projects Selected for Funding in 2018
In December, the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Minnesota Local Road Research Board heard dozens of research project proposals and chose 21 projects for FY2018 funding.
(View selected projects) (Posted 1/5/2017)