Publication Number: FHWA-HRT-12-009
Date: December 2011
Printable Version (.pdf, 1 mb)

Articles in this Issue

New FHWA Manual Presents State of the Practice for Accelerated Bridge Construction

From a bridge replaced in less than 3 days in Utah to 14 bridges replaced in 10 weekends in Massachusetts, more State transportation agencies are turning to accelerated bridge construction (ABC) using prefabricated bridge elements and systems (PBES) to shave valuable time off project schedules and greatly reduce the impact and inconvenience experienced by drivers.

Redesigning the Bridge: Video Demonstrates a Geosynthetic Approach to Bridge Construction

It's as easy as 1-2-3. A new video released by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) demonstrates how to build the Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil Integrated Bridge System (GRS-IBS). Initially developed under FHWA's Bridge of the Future initiative in 2002, GRS-IBS can be used to build single span bridges on all types of roads. The technology offers the advantages of being faster, more economical, and easier to build than standard bridge construction. It is also extremely durable and can be built with readily available materials, using common construction equipment, and without the need for highly skilled labor.

Online Training Offers Introduction to Warm Mix Asphalt

As more transportation agencies explore the use of warm mix asphalt (WMA) for pavement projects, a new Web-based training course available from the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) National Highway Institute (NHI) offers an introduction to "Special Mixture Design Considerations and Methods for Warm Mix Asphalt" (Course No. FHWA-NHI-131137).

FHWA Releases New Guidance on Patented and Proprietary Products

New guidance released by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) clarifies existing regulations on the use of patented and proprietary products for Federal-aid highway projects. The regulations are contained in 23 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 635.411. The revised guidance ensures that implementation of the regulations does not conflict with FHWA's goal of promoting innovation in highway projects.

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