Research & Development
Research & Development is responsible for the delivery of service in the following four areas:
1. Research, Development & Technology Transfer (RDT)
2. Specialized Testing
3. Forensic Investigations
4. Technical Training
To help fulfill this responsibility, the research program reaches, in coordination with the Joint Transportation Research Program (JTRP), into Indiana's universities and associations, and Indiana industry and national affiliations for expertise and technical assistance in solving INDOT's transportation challenges.
Research, Development & Technology Transfer (RDT)
Research and Development conducts research and oversees the INDOT/JTRP initiative. All research projects are aligned with strategic goals of safety, mobility, economic development, resource management, training and customer service. Research & Development tracks implementation of viable research findings and reports on INDOT’s return on investment through its research program. Research & Development also tracks 12 performance measure metrics to evaluate program effectiveness. Research, Development, & Technology Transfer subject areas include:
- Policy
- Pavements
- Transportation Safety
- Structures
- Traffic Engineering
- System Performance
- Engineering Materials
- Management Systems
- Construction Methods
- Training Programs
Other activities: - Conducts research, provides analysis, and evaluates warranty for the department pavement preservation program
- Organizes the Federal Highway Administration, Long Term Pavement Performance Program for Indiana pavement sections
- Conducts research in the National Experimental Features program
- Directs operation of the Accelerated Pavement Testing Facility
- Operates the pavement and soil research laboratories
- Provides technician and technical support to research projects
- Oversees technology deployment program
- Facilitates technology transfer within and beyond the department
Specialized Testing
Specialized Testing provides services in a variety of areas related to pavements and structures. These tests assist the department in warranty contract compliance testing, ground penetrating radar, etc.; assists the department in information transfer, technology identification, development and support; Testing programs include:
- Pavement deflection testing which is used to measure structural sufficiency and provide analysis
used for pavement under sealing, overlay design, pavement rubblization, and remaining life of
pavement for project scoping and scheduling - Pavement surface friction testing to support Skid Accident Reduction Program
- Ride quality testing to measure pavement smoothness
- Ground Penetrating Radar testing to examine subsurface conditions of pavement and bridges
such as corrosion surveys
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Forensic Investigation
Forensic Investigation staff provides services related to investigation of pavement and bridges. The major emphases are issues related to structure and materials of pavement and materials for bridges including premature deterioration, substandard materials, new materials for evaluations, investigation of pavement for overweight loading, proposed new techniques and methods, investigation to generate policies and specifications.
Technical Training & Support
Technical training and support is provided in the areas of applied statistics, asset management and pavement design engineering. Additionally, this section organizes training with various organizations including American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), American Concrete Pavement Association (ACPA), National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA), Transportation Research Board (TRB), and the National Highway Institute (NHI).
On January 1, 2009, INDOT formally adopted the new pavement design known as the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG). Research & Development provided input parameters and trained the INDOT staff on the design and use of the software. Additionally, Research & Development provides trouble shooting and supports for the pavement design software. Due to this initiative, an estimated $10 million was saved.
Contact Information
Barry K. Partridge, Ph.D, P.E.
Director-Research & Development
1205 Montgomery Street
P.O. Box 2279
West Lafayette, IN 47906-2279
765-463-1521 x251
bpartridge@indot.in.gov
