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NEW RESEARCH


The following new research studies reported by the Federal Highway Administration are sponsored in whole or in part with federal highway funds. For further details on a particular study, please contact Bob Bryant, editor of Public Roads.

Title: Safety Management System Evaluation Methods
Objective: Promote creativity and innovation in the development of alternative approaches for conducting management systems evaluations.
Contractor: The Analytic Sciences Corp.
Expected Completion Date: January 1997
Estimated Cost: $109,553
Title: Innovative Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program for Composite Research
Objective: Establish cooperative agreements with universities to develop roadside safety structures using composite materials. Specifically, under this contact, a composite-material roadside barrier will be developed.
Contractor: Catholic University of America
Expected Completion Date: January 1999
Estimated Cost: $150,000
Title: Crash Test the Connecticut Impact Attenuation System (CIAS)
Objectives: Conduct a series of tests on CIAS to provide a fully tested impact attenuation system for Connecticut and other states.
Contractor: Texas Transportation Institute
Expected Completion Date: August 1996
Estimated Cost: $73,000
Title: Night Driving and Highway Lighting Requirements for Older Drivers
Objectives: Determine the safety and mobility benefits for older drivers achievable by good roadway lighting design and practice. Use a visibility model, such as Small Target Visibility, and an analysis method of improved nighttime lighting systems to improve contrast while producing lower levels of glare. Conduct a controlled field study to validate the benefits to all drivers - but especially older drivers. Determine where and under what conditions lighting should be installed to provide maximum benefit to drivers.
Contractor: Last Resource
Expected Completion Date: January 1999
Estimated Cost: $596,136
Title: Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) - Data Analysis
Objectives: Provide assistance to FHWA to coordinate and integrate the overall LTPP data analysis program. Prepare detailed preliminary statements of work for specific projects. Conduct data analyses. Assist with technology transfer activities. It is estimated that 70 percent of the LTPP data analysis program will be completed under this contract.
Contractor: Eres Consultants
Expected Completion Date: March 2001
Estimated Cost: $7,500,000
Title: Nondestructive Bridge Evaluation Technology
Objectives: Develop a methodology to incorporate preventive treatment of concrete bridge components into PONTIS bridge management systems. Develop a methodology to predict concrete bridge component condition when PONTIS is first implemented and historical condition data are not available. Enhance PONTIS to predict concrete corrective treatment and corresponding funds at network level.
Contractor: Wilbur Smith Associates
Expected Completion Date: March 1998
Estimated Cost: $250,556
Title: Bridge Stay Cable Condition Assessment
Objectives: Develop and verify a cost-effective and practical way to measure tension forces in the cables of cable-stayed bridges using the vibration method.
Contractor: Construction Technology Labs
Expected Completion Date: June 1997
Estimated Cost: $443,385
Title: Transportation Research Board Cooperative Agreement
Objectives: Assess Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) product implementation and acceptance. Assess the conduct of LTPP studies and related research. Provide technical assistance to FHWA.
Contractor: National Academy of Sciences
Expected Completion Date: March 2001
Estimated Cost: $4,550,000
Title: Trucking Research Institute Cooperative Program
Objective: Perform research studies on motor carrier safety issues, including: driver fatigue and alertness; application of emerging technologies; regulatory compliance; and driver education, training, and licensing. Currently, 10 projects have been specified under this agreement; others may be initiated during the life of the agreement.
Contractor: Trucking Research Institute (American Trucking Associations)
Expected Completion Date: March 1999
Estimated Cost: $5,000,000


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