Update of the National Highway Specifications

Web Site

Ken JacobyFederal Highway AdministrationOffice of Asset Management

August 4, 2009Chicago, IL

AASHTO Subcommittee on Construction

2

Background

AASHTO Construction Subcommittee Resolution• Objective: One-stop source for specification information

• Endorsed development of an electronic specifications library to be hosted by FHWA

National Highway Specifications Web Site (NHSW)• Launched 2003

• Provided Standard Specifications and Supplements

• Established a submission process

3

Feedback From Users

Survey developed and administered thought the AASHTO Subcommittee on Construction

37 States responded Topics included questions on format, search

capabilities, content

4

User Feedback – Functionality

Update submission process• 83% unfamiliar with process

• Time-consuming to meet NHSW submission standards

Search Function• Searches could be faster

• Search features are confusing

5

User Feedback – Content

What information would you find useful?• Innovative Specifications: 95%

• Contact info for spec engineers: 90%

• Links to related websites: 78%

• Manuals: 78%

6

New or Emerging Specifications

Emerging Technical Areas• Stakeless survey• Intelligent compaction• Ride quality and smoothness• Machine control grading

Alternative Contracting Methods• Design/Build• ID/IQ for construction• Contract Maintenance• Best value procurements• A+B bidding• Lump sum bidding

Performance Specifications• Performance Based

Maintenance Specifications• Performance Related

Specifications• Design Build Performance

Specifications• Warranty Specifications

7

Updates to the NHSW

NHSW was updated in 2008 - 2009 as a result of the survey findings and other information gathered.

Updates were meant to make maintenance of the site by State agencies as easy as possible.

8

Standard Specifications

Innovative Contracting

Specifications

Emerging Technical

Specifications

Construction Manuals

Links to Standard

Plans

• current inventory

• not an archive

SHAsFHWAAdministrative features

Security issues

Provide oversight

Encourage participation, promote website

Maintain the Library

Browse Library

Search Library

Download specs

View and print specs

Users

9

Updated Homepage

10

Specifications Library

11

Innovative and Emerging Specifications

12

Construction Manuals Library

13

Standard Drawings

14

Additional Resources

15

Administrative Features

Allows designated users to upload/revise/delete agency specifications, construction manuals, standard drawing links, and contact information.

Provides training on how to use the administrative features.

Administrators must have an FHWA login account

16

Future Changes to the NHSW

Increased Content• Standard Drawings, Design Manuals, Quality Assurance

Manuals, etc.

HTML applications Integration with data/document management systems e-enhancements

• Tutorials and online training• Graphics, photos, videos• hyperlinks

17

Help Tutorial

18

Pictures

19

Video

• Embedded video

• Embedded video

20

Questions?

Website address: www.specs.fhwa.dot.gov

For more information contact:

Ken Jacoby

Telephone: (202) 366-6503

Email: Ken.Jacoby@dot.gov