penndot’s study of nchrp research results implementation trb state representatives & aashto...
TRANSCRIPT
PennDOT’s Study of NCHRP Research Results Implementation
TRB State Representatives & AASHTO National RAC Meetings
July 27, 2011
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Michael BoniniTransportation Planning ManagerBureau of Planning and ResearchResearch Division Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Implementation of NCHRP findings:• validates past research investments• justifies future research investments
An IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM provides:• a roadmap to get from
NCHRP research to DOT practice• a reliable vehicle to achieve the
value of NCHRP investments
Implementation by State DOTsNCHRP Research Process
The Process repeats yearly with new $$ & research projects
NCHRP Research Process
The Process repeats yearly with new $$ & research projects
Why We Looked at NCHRP Research Results
Knew that NCHRP results were being applied; didn’t have a handle on it
Implementation System processes could enhance benefits to PennDOT, turning research with potential value into practices with actual value
Have an answer when asked, “What are you spending all that money on?”
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What We Are Learning
Management’s predisposition to using national research products is very important
Proactive managers view national program research products as strategic investments for improvements
Greater implementation potential when PennDOT people are involved in the research
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2 Avenues of Approach within PennDOTNCHRP as a Strategic Resource
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Problem Focus
• Problem statement submission• Problem selection• Technical panels• Including staff in process
Senior management involvement in:
• Builds staff knowledge• Provides PennDOT’s influence on research• Prepares for implementation
Encourage staff in proactive involvement:
• Implement research results to solve problems and improve practices
• Leverage benefits of implementation to influence Department policy
Implementation:
• Faces a problem, needs a solution• Performs personal scan of published
documentation• Identifies potential solution
Technical staff works on assignment:
• Potential solution (NCHRP research result or other) is new to the Department
• Little or no Department familiarity or advance preparation
• Creates huge “barrier to entry” for implementation
• May yield ad hoc benefits, but doesn’t change standard practice
Resultant outcome:
NCHRP Report 500 – Guidance for Implementation of the AASHTO Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP)
NCHRP Report 500 provides guidance for PennDOT districts to make decisions based on proven effective strategies
PennDOT is implementing an estimated 90% of the recommendations in some significant capacity
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Selected PennDOT Results based on Report 500 Strategies
7PennDOT is producing benefits from Report 500 strategies
NCHRP Report 641 – Guidance for the Design and Application of Shoulder and Centerline Rumble Strips
Fatalities are down due to strategies from NCHRP Report 641 8
AASHTO Subcommittee Strategy
Chief Bridge Engineer active on NCHRP panels and in AASHTO Subcommittee on Bridges and Structures (SCOBS)
Uses NCHRP developed product list created for SCOBS as a guide for what can be done at PennDOT
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Shippensburg Bridge Rails to Trails
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Rails to trails pathway Future bridge site
Applies several national research and technology efforts:•FHWA Every Day Counts: Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil•NCHRP Report 556: Design and Construction Guidelines for Geosynthetic-reinforced Soil Bridge Abutments with a Flexible Facing•NCHRP Project 20-07(244): Modifications for AASHTO LFRD Bridge Design Specifications to Incorporate or Update the Guide Specifications for Design of Pedestrian Bridges
Benefits: easier construction, less cost and time, a model for future LTAP efforts
Success Factors Seen in NCHRP Implementation Efforts
Proactive
Strategic perspective
Management driven
Engagement and participation
AASHTO committee/peer venue exposure
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Next Steps
Document the Research Division’s role in NCHRP results implementation:
Increase access points and encourage participation Communicate the successful practices to all PennDOT managers Develop better understanding of AASHTO committees in affecting
implementation of NCHRP products at PennDOT
Map current implementation practices (strategic resource and problem focus approaches)
Document the process and full range of benefits to enable sustainability beyond individual managers
Create a flexible tool kit that facilitates implementation for strategic resource and problem focus approaches
Include how-to guide and communication elements12