Publication Number: FHWA-SA-97-022
Date: April 1997

Articles in this Issue

Ground-Penetrating Radar Hits the Streets-and the Bridge Decks

It's slower than a speeding bullet, and it's not able to leap tall buildings, but ground-penetrating radar (GPR) does share one of Superman's powers-the ability to see through bridge decks, pavements, and other solid objects. New software, developed under the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) and fine-tuned by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), now makes this powerful technology an easy-to-use tool for bridge and pavement management.

Innovative Technologies Draw South Korean Engineers to FHWA

Since February, two highway engineers from the Korea Highway Corporation (KHC) have been serving as loaned staff members at the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in Washington, D.C. Their goal: to learn about promising new highway technologies.

New Guidelines Help Highway Agencies Make the Most of Maintenance

Over the past 3 years, local governments, which are responsible for maintaining nearly three-quarters of the roads in the United States, have been introduced to the products of the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP), thanks to a recently concluded project sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP).

New Software Makes LTPP Data More Accessible

What makes some asphalt and portland cement concrete pavements more durable than others? To find out, the long-term pavement performance (LTPP) program is collecting data from more than 2,000 test sections on pavements nationwide. A new software program-the LTPP Data Sampler and Data Request Program Version 7.0-now makes it easier than ever for pavement engineers, researchers, and others to put that data to use.

Romania Goes for the Superpave System

The Romania National Roads Administration (NRA) has decided to adopt the Superpave binder specification and mix design procedures for its asphalt pavements. Romania has 153,000 km (95,000 mi) of public roads, about half of which are paved. The NRA is adopting the Superpave system for the same reason as U.S. highway agencies-namely, it wants to build more durable asphalt pavements.

Shopping for a Superpave Gyratory Compactor? Start with the AASHTO Specifications

The Superpave gyratory compactor is fast becoming standard equipment for highway agencies and contractors alike, which is attracting new vendors to the market. About a half-dozen manufacturers now sell the devices, and this competition should lead to better prices, new features, and other benefits for buyers. But just like with any new and complex piece of equipment, agencies and contractors should shop carefully to ensure that they're buying gyratory compactors compatible with the Superpave system.

SHRP Implementation Calendar