Arizona Transportation Research Center newsletter

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Newsletter — October 2002
ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Project Updates
Highlights from selected projects
STATE PLANNING AND RESEARCH (SPR) PROJECTS
SPR 396 – LTPP and Other Test Section Management and Evaluation
This project has consolidated efforts previously underway under SPR 388, 390, 391, 393, and 395. The
objective of this project is to ensure the maintenance and evaluation of the ongoing Long Term Pavement
Performance (LTPP) test sections.
SPR 473 – Intelligent Vehicle Initiative Research
This project is intended to conduct Intelligent Vehicle research related to snowplow research. The current
focus of this research is to consider two different technologies, infrared and radar, as possible research
directions.
SPR 474 – Develop Statewide GIS-Based Feature Inventory System
This project is intended to update the ADOT features inventory database, using and geographic information
system (GIS) capability. Meetings were held with Statewide Resident Engineers to review this project.
SPR 493 – Bridge Foundation Design Parameters, SGC Bearing Materials
This study is being performed by the Arizona State University Construction Department. It is investigating the
drill shaft design in bridge substructure. Indications are that ADOT may achieve a savings of $200,000 per
bridge by the revision of design parameters developed from this project.
SPR 519 – PM-10 Research for Dust Mitigation
The purpose of this research is to identify, evaluate, and develop educational tools and outreach programs for
dust mitigation to address federal, state, and local particulate emission requirements. The Technical Advisory
Committee for this project includes representatives from ADOT, Arizona State University, Maricopa County,
City of Mesa, Federal Highway Administration, and the construction industry.
SPR 545 – Roundabout Evaluation
The Arizona Department of Transportation has installed two traffic circles, or roundabouts, at the Interstate 17
traffic interchange at Happy Valley Road in Phoenix. This study is aimed at evaluating the design and
effectiveness of the roundabout feature from the driver’s perspective. The consultant has begun collecting data
on this project using mail surveys to targeted individuals.
SPR 534 – Developing an Electronic “Signature” Process for ADOT
This study is designed to prepare a comprehensive study of all the areas within ADOT that
digital signatures would help it do business electronically. It will then propose a technical
architecture along with plans for a pilot implementation. The study is now in the pilot
testing phase.
ATRC UPDATE
The Arizona Transportation Research Center completed
a peer exchange in June 2002. The Peer Exchange Team
included participants from the Texas Transportation
Institute, Virginia Department of Transportation,
Washington State Department of Transportation,
Northern Arizona University and ADOT. Results of the
peer exchange have been shared with the ADOT
Research Council and Steering Committee.
The October 2002 issue of the Transportation Research
Digest passed an impressive milestone – the 2,000th
summary was published. The Digest has been a highly
esteemed output of the Arizona Department of
Transportation since it began in 1984 as the Document
Review.
ATRC Staff
Frank Darmiento – Manager
Rosendo Gutierrez – Project Manager
Tom Kombe – Project Manager
Steve Owen – Project Manager
Larry Scofield – Project Manager
John Semmens – Project Manager
Dale Steele – Librarian
Gloria Smith – Administrative Assistant
Eileen Pike – Administrative Assistant
Jessica Kirk – Engineering Assistant
Michael Zachary – Field Technician
Contact:
Frank T. Darmiento, P.E.
Telephone: (602) 712-3134
Fax: (602) 712-3400
fdarmiento@dot.state.az.us
Arizona Transportation Research Center
2739 E. Washington St., Mail Drop 075R
Phoenix AZ 85034-1422