PMSS Project Details

Project ID:	FHWA-PROJ-09-0046
Project Name:	Verification, Refinement, and Applicability of Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) Classification Scheme
Status:	Active
Contact:	Last Name: Walker First Name: Deborah M Telephone: 202-493-3068 E-mail: deborah.walker@dot.gov
Organization:	Federal Highway Administration - Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC)
Office:	Office of Infrastructure Research and Development
Team:	Long-Term Pavement Performance Team
Roadmap/Focus area(s):	Infrastructure Research and Technology Strategic Plan and Roadmap
Project Description:	The Transportation Research Board (TRB) Expert Task Group (ETG) on Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) Traffic Data Collection and Analysis (or Traffic Expert Task Group (Traffic ETG)) identified the inconsistencies in the classification data as problematic. Therefore, under the LTPP Specific Pavement Study (SPS) Traffic Data Collection Pooled-Fund Study, TPF-5(004), the Traffic ETG developed a prototype classification scheme to be used in an effort to bring uniformity to the SPS traffic data collection. It was developed based on the experience of three States. The appropriateness of the application of the LTPP Classification Scheme needs to be done while the SPS data collection is still underway. This is very important research because binned class data cannot be reprocessed into different results. Implementing this national class scheme forms a basis for better data sharing among States. A better understanding of the classification scheme variability will allow pavement designers to account for this in their use of the data. Improved vehicle classification will result in better roadway designs as many States are using classification data in lieu of weight data at many locations. The Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide depends upon accurate vehicle classification data. Studies that use traffic data will be impacted by these findings.
Laboratories:	Not Applicable
Start Date:	September 10, 2009
End Date:	December 31, 2012
Funding Amount:	$275,003.00
FHWA Program Name:	Long-Term Pavement Performance
Goals:	The primary objective of this project is to develop an improved Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) Classification Scheme that can be implemented nationwide, regardless of the type of weigh-in-motion system installed at a location to collect weight and classification data.
Project Type:	Offsite
Background Information:	Pavement analyses depend upon accurate and consistent load data derived from traffic data. To meet this need, the Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) program requested that all States submit data according to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) 13-category vehicle classification scheme. The practical reality; however, is that the FHWA 13-category vehicle classification scheme is a visual description and the algorithms used to satisfy these criteria vary considerably from State-to-State and vendor-to-vendor.
Test Methodology:	Work is needed to verify the applicability of the Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) Classification Scheme to the wide variety of traffic data collection locations and diversity of vehicles encountered across the Nation.
Other Information:	Data not yet available
Partners:	Federal Highway Administration: Office of Policy and Governmental Affairs - Office of Highway Policy Information; Role(s): Advisory, Technical
More Information URL(s):
Fieldtest:	Data not yet available
Expected Benefits:	The expected benefit is an improved Long-Term Pavement Performance Classification Scheme.
Deliverables:	Name: Improved Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) Classification Scheme Product Type(s): Research report, Software, Data, Techbrief Description: This project will use the data from the LTPP Specific Pavement Study (SPS) Traffic Data Collection Pooled-Fund Study to verify and improve the existing scheme that is currently being used at the pooled fund study locations. Audiences: Equipment vendors, Researchers, State highway agencies, Long-term pavement performance stakeholders, Traffic engineers Secondary Audiences:
Related URL(s):
Project Findings:	Data not yet available
FHWA Topics:	Roads and Bridges--Design Roads and Bridges--Pavement and Materials Roads and Bridges--Planning
TRT Terms:	Weigh in Motion Algorithms Infrastructure Pavements Pavement Performance Research Data Sharing
FHWA Disciplines:	Design Pavement and Materials Planning
Subject Areas:	Data and Information Technology Design Highways Pavements Planning and Forecasting Policy Research