Publication Number: FHWA-HRT-12-006

Communication Product Updates

Compiled by Michael Thoryn of FHWA's Office of Corporate Research, Technology, and Innovation Management

Below are brief descriptions of communications products recently developed by the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Office of Research, Development, and Technology. All of the reports are or will soon be available from the National Technical Information Service (NTIS). In some cases, limited copies of the communications products are available from FHWA’s Research and Technology (R&T) Product Distribution Center (PDC).

When ordering from NTIS, include the NTIS publication number (PB number) and the publication title. You also may visit the NTIS Web site at www.ntis.gov to order publications online. Call NTIS for current prices. For customers outside the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the cost is usually double the listed price. Address requests to:

National Technical Information Service
5301 Shawnee Road
Alexandria, VA 22312
Telephone: 703–605–6000
Toll-free number: 800–553–NTIS (6847)
Web site: www.ntis.gov
Email: customerservice@ntis.gov

Requests for items available from the R&T Product Distribution Center should be addressed to:

R&T Product Distribution Center
Szanca Solutions/FHWA PDC
13710 Dunnings Highway
Claysburg, PA 16625
Telephone: 814–239–1160
Fax: 814–239–2156
Email: report.center@dot.gov

For more information on R&T communications products available from FHWA, visit FHWA's Web site at www.fhwa.dot.gov/research/library (or email fhwalibrary@dot.gov), or the National Transportation Library at ntl.bts.gov (or email library@dot.gov).

A New Path to the Future Transportation System (Fact Sheet)

Publication Number: FHWA-HRT-12-021

An FHWA project called Feasibility for a New Concept of Integrated Active Transportation Systems focuses on developing the concept of an integrated transportation system for the future. Sponsored by FHWA's Exploratory Advanced Research (EAR) Program, the project launched in 2009, and researchers at the University of California at Berkeley are conducting the study. An integrated, active transportation system would enable a seamless connection of vehicles, modes of transport, and infrastructure systems to enhance mobility, safety, and energy efficiency.

The project seeks to understand the necessary technical capabilities for such a comprehensive system and the social, political, economic, and legal factors that will govern its realization. Research is aimed at identifying technologies and developing a broad strategic framework for the evolution of a more integrated transportation system. This fact sheet discusses the research needs, goals and risks of the study, and next steps.

The document is available at www.fhwa.dot.gov/advancedresearch/pubs/12021/index.cfm. Printed copies are available from the PDC.

Hydraulic Design of Highway Culverts, Third Edition (Report)

Publication Number: FHWA-HIF-12-026

This report provides information on the planning and hydraulic design of culverts. It includes a summary of design considerations, including hydrology, site data, and site assessments. The report offers information about the hydraulic design of the barrel (size, shape, and material), the inlet configuration (pipe end section, headwalls, wingwalls, bevels, and tapers), and an overview of design concepts for the passage of aquatic organisms. It summarizes a wide range of design topics including bends, junctions, erosion, sedimentation, site modifications, structural considerations, broken-back culverts, storage routing, and failure modes. The report also covers culvert repair and rehabilitation.

The design methodology in this publication offers a simple, consistent approach to culvert design. The report is intended for experienced designers. For those unfamiliar with the variety of flow conditions possible in hydraulic structures, Design Guideline 1 in the appendix provides a step-by-step procedure to design a culvert. Inexperienced designers are strongly encouraged to take the National Highway Institute companion course 135056 Culvert Design, which has been updated to be consistent with the third edition of this publication.

The report is available at www.fhwa.dot.gov/engineering/hydraulics/library_arc.cfm?pub_number=7&id=13. Printed copies are available from the PDC.

Nano Material Modeling and Simulation: Developing a New Approach to Understanding Material Behaviors by Multiple Length/Time Scale Theories (Fact Sheet)

Publication Number: FHWA-HRT-12-029

Materials, structures, and sensors are the building blocks of transportation infrastructure. With so many potential applications, a fundamental understanding of their diverse physical properties is essential for effective, ongoing monitoring and maintenance. A multiyear EAR Program study, Nano Material and Simulation by New Multiple Length/Time Scale Theories and Algorithms, conducted in partnership with The George Washington University, aims to develop a new approach to understanding the physical behavior of materials covering multiple length and time scales.

Building on existing advances in multiscale modeling theories, the research focuses on delivering new theories and computational codes to simulate material responses. Researchers anticipate FHWA using new techniques and tools from this project to investigate material failures in roadside safety equipment and critical structural elements. Helping transportation engineers and managers better understand material behavior is likely to enable improved design and a more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable transportation infrastructure. This fact sheet includes information about delivering infrastructure solutions and improved analysis tools, while highlighting challenges, potential research risks and benefits, and plans for the research.

The document is available at www.fhwa.dot.gov/advancedresearch/pubs/12029. Printed copies are available from the PDC.

Construction of Field-Cast Ultra-High Performance Concrete Connections (TechNote)

Publication Number: FHWA-HRT-12-038

Ultra-high performance concrete enables simplification of the design of component connections while enhancing durability and streamlining construction practices. This TechNote includes information about design, prefabricated component preparation, form work, mixing and placing, initial and final curing, surface profiling, and material testing. It is intended to provide insight into the use of field-cast ultra-high performance concrete for connections between prefabricated bridge elements.

Ultra-high performance concrete is composed of an optimized gradation of granular constituents, a water-to-cementitious materials ratio less than 0.25, and a high percentage of discontinuous internal fiber reinforcement. This concrete can facilitate rapid and robust construction. As with any new technology, the first round of implementation requires extra oversight, as frontline workers adjust common practices to align with new requirements.

The document is available at www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/infrastructure/structures/bridge/12038/index.cfm. Printed copies are available from the PDC.

Construction Quality Assurance for Design-Build Highway Projects (TechBrief)

Publication Number: FHWA-HRT-12-039

This TechBrief helps to clarify the roles, responsibilities, and activities related to construction quality assurance on design-build projects. On certain projects, the design-build delivery system offers several documented benefits over the traditional design-bid-build method. Although design-build offers the designer-builder more control over design, materials, and construction methods than design-bid-build, the highway agency still has an important role in assuring quality.

As agencies develop design-build procurement documents, it is important to define roles and responsibilities for designer-builder quality control and agency acceptance. Planners of large, fast-paced projects often use the design-build method, which can create challenges for conducting quality assurance activities. Coordination and communication between the designer-builder and the agency is essential for effective quality management. This TechBrief discusses quality control, quality assurance, acceptance, independent assurance, dispute resolution, personnel and laboratory qualification, nonconforming materials and workmanship, and warranties.

The document is available at www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/infrastructure/12039/index.cfm. Printed copies are available from the PDC.