Publication Number: FHWA-SA-97-026
Date: August 1997

Articles in this Issue

Approved Supplier Certification Cuts Down on Delays in Construction

Testing asphalt binders for conformance to the Superpave specifications is time-consuming and can tie up a supplier's storage space and delay construction. Now, however, a new procedure for pre-qualifying suppliers of asphalt binders streamlines the quality control process, while assuring highway agencies and contractors that the binder they are getting meets their specifications.

Innovative Materials Lead States Team

Four out of five States are using at least one of the innovative materials and techniques evaluated under the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) to repair cracks, potholes, and other common problems that affect asphalt and portland cement concrete pavements, according to a survey by the Lead States team for innovative pavement maintenance materials.

In Brief

The SHRP work zone safety devices are being evaluated for use in Australia, according to Geoff Caldwell of Queensland Main Roads. The project began last year, after the highway agency saw a copy of FHWA's brochure, Innovative Devices for Safer Work Zones. "The aim of the project is to make our managers and field operators aware of the availability of the innovative safety devices and then to get them implemented in our work zones," says Caldwell.

LTPP Regional Engineers Bow Out, Leaving Legacy of Accomplishments

After taking the LTPP program from its infancy through its adolescence, the long-term pavement performance (LTPP) program's regional engineers have decided to relinquish the reins. Over the past 9 months, three of the four regional engineers-Cal Berge, Ivan Pecnik, and Morris Reinhardt-have retired, and the fourth-Dick Ingberg-says he plans to retire next month. The four men were instrumental to the successful startup and operation of the 20-year study.

Workshops Introduce Latest Ways To Keep Concrete Bridges Sound

Highway agencies can make the $1.1 billion they spend every year on bridge repair and rehabilitation go further by using the bridge evaluation, repair, and protection techniques evaluated or developed under the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP). To bring highway agency staff up to speed on these techniques, FHWA is holding a series of Methodology for Removal, Repair, Rehabilitation, and Protection of Concrete Structures and Physical Assessment of Reinforced Concrete Structures Showcase Workshops.

The Latest Scoop on the Snowplow Scoop

Maintenance departments planning for next winter's snowstorms might want to consider using snowplow scoops. This simple device, which attaches to plows that are mounted on the front of large trucks, can make plowing more efficient in those areas that receive lots of dry snow.

SHRP Implementation Calendar