PennDOT’s Study of NCHRP Research Results Implementation

1. PennDOT’s Study of NCHRP Research Results Implementation TRB State Representatives & AASHTO National RAC Meetings July 27, 2011 Michael Bonini Transportation Planning Manager Bureau of Planning and Research Research Division Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

2. NCHRP Research Process NCHRP Research Process NCHRP Disseminates Research Reports NCHRP~$40M/yrResearch Funding NCHRP~$40M/yrResearch Funding Vendor Selection by Technical Panels Vendor Selection by Technical Panels The Process repeats yearly with new $$ & research projects NCHRP Disseminates Research Reports Implementation by State DOTs • Implementation of NCHRP findings: • validates past research investments • justifies future research investments • An IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMprovides: • a roadmap to get from NCHRP research to DOT practice • a reliable vehicle to achieve the value of NCHRP investments The Process repeats yearly with new $$ & research projects NCHRP Program Development NCHRP Problem Selection Vendor Research: Reports & Findings Vendor Research: Reports & Findings

3. 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?”

4. 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

5. 2 Avenues of Approach within PennDOT vs. Problem Focus NCHRP as a Strategic Resource Senior management involvement in: Technical staff works on assignment: Resultant outcome: • Problem statement submission • Problem selection • Technical panels • Including staff in process • Faces a problem, needs a solution • Performs personal scan of published documentation • Identifies potential solution • 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 Encourage staff in proactive involvement: • Builds staff knowledge • Provides PennDOT’s influence on research • Prepares for implementation Implementation: • Implement research results to solve problems and improve practices • Leverage benefits of implementation to influence Department policy

6. 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

7. Selected PennDOT Results based on Report 500 Strategies PennDOT is producing benefits from Report 500 strategies

8. 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

9. 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

10. Shippensburg Bridge Rails to Trails Future bridge site Rails to trails pathway • 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 AASHTOLFRD 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

11. Success Factors Seen in NCHRP Implementation Efforts • Proactive • Strategic perspective • Management driven • Engagement and participation • AASHTO committee/peer venue exposure

12. 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 elements