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