Research Digest FORWARD ALL REQUESTS TO: The University of Texas at Austin Center for Transportation Research LIBRARY 1616 Guadalupe St. | Suite 4.202 | Austin, Texas 78701 Phones: (512) 232-3126 and (512) 232-3138 Email: ctrlib@austin.utexas.edu In this Issue:
Transportation Research Board (TRB) Publications
Table of Contents Item 1.
Practice Under the Environmental Provisions of SAFETEA-LU (NCHRP LRD 54).................................... 1
Item 2.
NCHRP 2010 Summary of Progress (NCHRP Progress 2010)........................................................................
1
Item 3.
A Guide to Emergency Response Planning at State Transportation Agencies : Surface Transportation Security. Volume 16 (NCHRP Report 525 vol.16)................................................................
2
Item 4.
Design of Roadside Barrier Systems Placed on MSE Retaining Walls (NCHRP Report 663)................
3
Item 5.
Measuring Transportation Network Performance (NCHRP Report 664)........................................................
3
Item 6.
Identification of Vehicular Impact Conditions Associated with Serious Ran-off-Road Crashes (NCHRP Report 665)................................................................................................................................................
4
Item 7.
Target-Setting Methods and Data Management to Support Performance-Based Resource Allocation by Transportation Agencies. Volume I-II (NCHRP Report 666 vol.1-2)....................................
4
Item 8.
Model Curriculum for Highway Safety Core Competencies (NCHRP Report 667 / CRP-CD-84)............
5
Item 9.
Framework for a National Database System for Maintenance Actions on Highway Bridges (NCHRP Report 668)............................................................................................................................................
5
Item 10.
Models for Predicting Cracking of Hot-Mix Asphalt Overlays (NCHRP Report 669)................................
6
Item 11.
Recommended Procedures for Testing and Evaluating Detectable Warning Systems (NCHRP Report 670)............................................................................................................................................................
7
Item 12.
Review of Canadian Experience with the Regulation of Large Commercial Motor Vehicles (NCHRP Report 671)............................................................................................................................................
7
Item 13.
Roundabouts : An Informational Guide (NCHRP Report 672)........................................................................
7
Item 14.
Intelligent Soil Compaction Systems (NCHRP Report 676)............................................................................
8
Item 15.
Development of Levels of Service for the Interstate Highway System (NCHRP Report 677 / CRPCD-85)....................................................................................................................................................................
Item 16. Item 17.
8
Continuing Project to Synthesize Information on Highway Problems (NCHRP RRD 343)............................ 8 Optical Sizing and Roundness Determination of Glass Beads Used in Traffic Markings (NCHRP RRD 346)................................................................................................................................................
9
Item 18.
Pavement Marking Warranty Specifications (NCHRP Synthesis 408)............................................................
9
Item 19.
Traffic Signal Retiming Practices in the United States (NCHRP Synthesis 409)........................................
9
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Research and Technology Implementation Office
April 2011
Research Digest Item 1 Practice Under the Environmental Provisions of SAFETEA-LU TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH BOARD (TRB)
NCHRP LRD 54 • 2010 This Legal Research Digest explores the statutory provisions; regulations, including the amendments effective in April 2009; the U.S. Federal Highway Administration’s Final Guidance on the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU); and the few judicial decisions to date interpreting the environmental provisions of the Act. Full-text PDF of this report (455KB PDF) is available for free download from: http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_lrd_54.pdf
Item 2 NCHRP 2010 Summary of Progress TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH BOARD (TRB)
NCHRP Progress 2010 • 2010 During 2010 NCHRP published findings from more than 100 completed research projects, launched 54 new and continuation projects, and approved 58 projects for 2011. This Summary of Progress provides concise lists in Tables 1 through 7 of projects completed in 2010 along with listings of the nearly 1,500 other projects undertaken since 1962. The Summary of Progress also presents detailed information about the operation of NCHRP through the Standing Committee on Research of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). CONTENTS: Summary of Progress; lntroduction; The States’ Highway Research Program: The critical role of state DOTs; NCHRP Research Areas: Topics across the spectrum of highway concerns; Selecting the Best lnvestigators: A rigorous, competitive process; Managing the Program: The central role of NCHRP professionals; Research Products: Disseminating research and documenting success; Publications of the National Cooperative Highway Research Program; Reports; Syntheses of Highway Practice; Research Results Digests; Legal Research Digests; Web-Only Documents; CRP CD-ROMs; Status of Projects for FY 1963 Through 2011; How to Obtain Publications and Other Materials. Full-text PDF of this report (2.5MB) is available for free download from: http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrpannual2010.pdf
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Research and Technology Implementation Office
April 2011
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Research Digest Item 3 A Guide to Emergency Response Planning at State Transportation Agencies : Surface Transportation Security. Volume 16 TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH BOARD (TRB)
NCHRP Report 525 vol.16 • 2010 The 2010 Guide is designed for use by executive management and emergency response planners at state transportation agencies as they and their local/regional counterparts assess their respective emergency response plans and identify areas needing improvement. The 2010 Guide reflects accepted practices in emergency response planning and incorporates advances made over the last decade in Traffic Incident Management (TIM), Emergency Transportation Operations (ETO), and supporting programs. In addition to the introduction, background, and institutional context for emergency response planning, the 2010 Guide has two major sections: Sections 3–5: Design an Emergency Preparedness Program -- this contains a programlevel review of the all-hazards approach to emergency management, which will help transportation agencies assess their plans and identify areas needing improvement [AND] Section 6: Resource Guide -- this contains guidance on organizational, staffing, and position decisions; decision-making sequences; a full emergency response matrix; and a purpose and supporting resources for action reference matrix. The 2010 Guide provides links in its appendices to model emergency operations plans, policy and procedural memoranda, and training and exercise plans. NCHRP Report 525, Vol. 16 is supported by the following online appendixes: Appendix K: Annotated Bibliography; Appendix L: White Paper on Emergency Response Functions and Spreadsheet Tool for Emergency Response Functions; Appendix M: 2010 Guide Presentation Full-text PDF of this report (6.2 MB) is available for free download from: http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_rpt_525v16.pdf
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Research and Technology Implementation Office
April 2011
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Research Digest Item 4 Design of Roadside Barrier Systems Placed on MSE Retaining Walls TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH BOARD (TRB)
NCHRP Report 663 • 2010 Under NCHRP Project 22-20, “Design of Roadside Barrier Systems Placed on MSE Retaining Walls,” Texas A&M Research Foundation reviewed the current design practice for roadside barriers, conducted a survey of state transportation agencies, performed finite element simulations, conducted static and dynamic tests using a bogie vehicle and a full-scale Test Level 3 crash test following the AASHTO Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH). Based on these evaluations, recommended design procedures were developed following AASHTO LRFD design practices. This report presents a design procedure for roadside barrier systems mounted on the edge of a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall. The procedures were developed following AASHTO Load Resistant Factor Design (LRFD) practices. The report will be of particular interest to personnel responsible for the structural design of MSE walls. Appendices A through H are available online only [www.trb.org]. Titles of Appendices A through H are as follows: Appendix A: Design of MSE Wall; Appendix B: State-of-Practice Survey; Appendix C: Detailed Drawing of MSE Wall for Bogie Test; Appendix D: Bogie Test MSE Wall Construction Procedure; Appendix E: Detailed Drawing of MSE Wall for TL-3 Test; Appendix F: TL-3 MSE Wall Construction Procedure; Appendix G: Crash Test Vehicle Properties and Information; Appendix H: Crash Test Sequential Photographs Full-text PDF of this report (19.4 MB) is available for free download from: http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_rpt_663.pdf
Item 5 Measuring Transportation Network Performance TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH BOARD (TRB)
NCHRP Report 664 • 2010 "This guidebook provides methods for integrating performance measures from individual transportation modes and multiple jurisdictions and for developing new measures, if needed, to monitor transportation network performance. These network performance measures can be used to improve system management, planning, and investment decisions and can be applied to various scenarios. The guidebook should be of immediate use to practitioners in state, regional, or local governments; specially designated authorities; or those in the private sector who are responsible for measuring, operating, and investing in the performance of multimodal and/or multijurisdictional transportation networks." --foreword Full-text PDF of this report is available for free download from: http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_rpt_664.pdf
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Research and Technology Implementation Office
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Research Digest Item 6 Identification of Vehicular Impact Conditions Associated with Serious Ran-off-Road Crashes TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH BOARD (TRB)
NCHRP Report 665 • 2010 This report quantifies the characteristics of ran-off-road crashes and identifies appropriate impact conditions for use in full-scale crash testing. Many of the decisions related to design guidelines and policies can benefit from better information on the impact conditions of ran-off-road crashes. The report will be of particular interest to personnel responsible for the design of roadside safety features. Appendices A through F of NCHRP Report 665, which are as follows, are available online only: Appendix A: Annotated Bibliography; Appendix B: 1997–2001 NASS CDS Cases; Appendix C: Supplemental Data Collection Protocol; Appendix D: Database Content; Appendix E: Additional Tables, Plots, and Analysis Results; Appendix F: Proposed Data Collection Forms Continuous Sampling Subsystem Full-text PDF of this report (4 MB Report; 1 MB Appendix) is available for free download from: http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_rpt_665.pdf http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_rpt_665Appendices.pdf
Item 7 Target-Setting Methods and Data Management to Support Performance-Based Resource Allocation by Transportation Agencies. Volume I-II TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH BOARD (TRB)
NCHRP Report 666 vol.1-2 • 2010 NCHRP Report 666 describes methods that managers of state departments of transportation (DOTs) and other agencies can use for setting performance targets to achieve multiple objectives and interact with multiple decisionmakers and stakeholder groups, and how data management systems within a DOT can support performance-based decision-making. Transportation agencies at all levels of government are embracing performance measurement to improve agency efficiency and accountability. Setting performance targets, a crucial step in the management process, generally entails balancing among competing objectives and dealing with political implications. Unless the bases for setting those targets are sound and defensible and key decision makers and stakeholders concur, the effectiveness of performance-based management is likely to be compromised. This report presents a framework and specific guidance for target-setting and for ensuring that appropriate data are available to support performance management. The report draws on a range of private- and public-sector examples to explore issues of data management and stewardship as well as organizational factors likely to influence an agency’s performance measurement and management experience. The information will be useful to senior agency managers seeking to develop and improve their performancemanagement practices. Volume I: Research Report, Volume II: "Guide for Target-Setting and Data Management" Full-text PDF of this report (3 MB) is available for free download from: http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_rpt_666.pdf
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Research and Technology Implementation Office
April 2011
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Research Digest Item 8 Model Curriculum for Highway Safety Core Competencies TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH BOARD (TRB)
NCHRP Report 667 / CRP-CD-84 • 2010 This report and enclosed CD-ROM presents course materials, including the instructor’s guide and student workbook, for a fundamental highway safety training course. The course presents the core competencies all highway safety practitioners should have or acquire. The CD also includes a brochure and short Microsoft Power Point presentation for marketing the training course. The report will be of particular interest to personnel responsible for professional staff development and managing safety programs. Full-text PDF of this report (803 KB) is available for free download from: http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_rpt_667.pdf
Item 9 Framework for a National Database System for Maintenance Actions on Highway Bridges TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH BOARD OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES
NCHRP Report 668 • 2010 This report presents a potential framework for a National Bridge Maintenance Database (NBMD). This framework provides a uniform format for collecting, reporting, and storing information on bridge maintenance actions. Use of this framework will promote compatibility of maintenance data reported by different agencies and will provide an effective means for using these data in evaluating cost and performance of alternative maintenance applications or as a basis for cost-benefit analysis and evaluation of cost and deterioration models. The material contained in the report should be of immediate interest to state bridge and maintenance engineers and others concerned with the maintenance and management of bridges. Appendixes A through E to NCHRP Report 668 provide detailed information on the different aspects of the research and are available online: Appendix A: Information on Bridge Maintenance Programs Appendix B: National Bridge Maintenance Database Tables Appendix C: List of Element Level Costs of Maintenance Actions Appendix D: Examples of National Bridge Maintenance Database Uses Appendix E: Other National Bridge Maintenance Database Tables Full-text PDF of this report (website has links to multiple PDFs) is available for free download from: http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/164203.aspx
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Research and Technology Implementation Office
April 2011
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Research Digest Item 10 Models for Predicting Cracking of Hot-Mix Asphalt Overlays TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH BOARD (TRB)
NCHRP Report 669 • 2010 This report presents mechanistic-based models for predicting the extent and severity of reflection cracking in hot-mix asphalt (HMA) overlays. These models were developed for use in the design and analysis of HMA overlays; they can be incorporated into the AASHTO Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) software. The report and accompanying software will guide pavement and construction engineers in identifying and specifying HMA overlays for asphalt and concrete pavements that will provide desired service life and performance. The information contained in the report will be of immediate interest to state pavement engineers and others concerned with the design and rehabilitation of asphalt and concrete pavements. Appendices A-T are published solely online. They are: Appendix A: Program Flow Charts Appendix B: Pavement Temperature Prediction Appendix C: Categorization of Traffic Loads Appendix D: Cumulative Axle Load Distribution as a Function of Tire Footprint Length Appendix E: Determination of Hourly Traffic Numbers Appendix F: Artificial Neural Network Models of Stress Intensity Factors Appendix G: Binder and Mixture Properties Appendix H: Fracture Properties of Asphalt Mixtures Appendix I: Viscoelastic Thermal Stress Computation Appendix J: Collection of Test Sections and Field Performance Data Appendix K: Reflection Cracking Amount and Severity Model Appendix L: Calibration of the Reflection Cracking Amount and Severity Model Appendix M: Calibrated Parameters of the Reflection Cracking Amount and Severity Model Appendix N: Calibration of the Computational Model to Field Data Appendix O: User’s Guide to the Reflection Cracking Model Appendix P: User’s Guide to the Computational Model to Field Data Calibration Program Appendix Q: Finite Element Program to Calculate Stress Intensity Factor Appendix R: Evaluation of Available Reflection Cracking Models Appendix S: Sensitivity Analysis of Designing Program Appendix T: The Comparison of Field Data and Predicting Results Full-text PDF of this report (website with links to PDFs) is available for free download from: http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/Models_for_Predicting_Reflection_Cracking_of_HotMi_163988.aspx
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Research and Technology Implementation Office
April 2011
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Research Digest Item 11 Recommended Procedures for Testing and Evaluating Detectable Warning Systems TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH BOARD (TRB)
NCHRP Report 670 • 2010 This report presents a set of recommended test methods for evaluating durability of detectable warning systems. These methods address exposure regimes, test procedures, and evaluation criteria to help select detectable warning systems that provide long-term performance and durability while meeting the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). The test methods are presented in AASHTO format to facilitate consideration and incorporation into the AASHTO Standard Specifications for Transportation Materials and Methods of Sampling and Testing. The material contained in the report should be of immediate interest to state materials engineers and those concerned with the different aspects of the ADAAG. Full-text PDF of this report (11.9 MB) is available for free download from: http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_rpt_670.pdf
Item 12 Review of Canadian Experience with the Regulation of Large Commercial Motor Vehicles TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH BOARD OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES
NCHRP Report 671 • 2010 This report documents the process used in Canada to harmonize heavy truck size and weight regulations across the country and provides insights on how lessons learned from the Canadian experience might be applied in a U.S. context. It will provide a valuable contribution to the ongoing discussion of truck size and weight regulation in the United States. The authors include a summary of the regulatory framework for truck size and weight regulation in the United States and the efforts that have been made over time to achieve greater uniformity. This report will be of interest to truck size and weight regulators in the United States, who face similar jurisdictional challenges to develop and implement regulations that permit common configurations of heavy trucks that can operate legally across the country without compromising safety concerns or creating excessive impacts on road pavement. Full-text PDF of this report (6.9 MB) is available for free download from: http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_rpt_671.pdf
Item 13 Roundabouts : An Informational Guide -- Second edition TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH BOARD (TRB)
NCHRP Report 672 • 2010 This report updates the FHWA’s Roundabouts: An Informational Guide based on experience gained in the United States since that guide was published in 2000. The report addresses the planning, design, construction, maintenance, and operation of roundabouts. It also includes information that will be useful in explaining to the public the trade-offs associated with roundabouts. This edition will be useful to anyone interested in evaluating or building a roundabout. The experience of the research team, coupled with the extensive review, has led to an authoritative, but not prescriptive, guide on roundabouts. Full-text PDF of this report (24.3 MB PDF) is available for free download from: http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_rpt_672.pdf _______________________________________________________________________________________________
Research and Technology Implementation Office
April 2011
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Research Digest Item 14 Intelligent Soil Compaction Systems TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH BOARD OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES
NCHRP Report 676 • 2010 This report describes intelligent compaction, a new method of achieving and documenting compaction requirements through continuous compaction-roller vibration monitoring to assess mechanistic soil properties (e.g., stiffness, modulus), continuous modification/ adaptation of roller vibration amplitude and frequency to ensure optimum compaction, and full-time monitoring by an integrated global positioning system (GPS) to provide a complete GPSbased record of the compacted area. This report will interest state and local highway agency construction managers and geotechnical engineers and contractors, particularly excavation superintendents. Implementation of this system has the potential to improve infrastructure performance, reduce costs, reduce construction duration, and improve safety. Full-text PDF of this report (12.3 MB) is available for free download from: http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_rpt_676.pdf
Item 15 Development of Levels of Service for the Interstate Highway System TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH BOARD (TRB)
NCHRP Report 677 / CRP-CD-85 • 2010 "NCHRP Report 677 presents a level-of-service-based approach to describing performance of Interstate Highway System (IHS) assets. It also provides a template and process that state departments of transportation (DOTs) can use to implement this approach for managing their IHS assets. Well-described levels of service are an effective means for communicating with public officials, highway users, and other stakeholders about asset performance and resources needed to ensure adequate performance. The IHS, the result of a major national investment, is vital to the nation’s economy and an increasingly critical contributor to global production and distribution systems, but the system’s assets are owned and managed by the states. While the specific measures that define excellent or poor levels of service may vary from one state to another, a consistent framework and measures for IHS levels of service would support benchmarks that DOTs and other responsible agencies can use to assess their Interstate maintenance and preservation needs and manage their IHS assets." --Foreword Full-text PDF of this report (1.4 MB) is available for free download from: http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_rpt_677.pdf
Item 16 Continuing Project to Synthesize Information on Highway Problems TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH BOARD OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES
NCHRP RRD 343 • 2010 This Research Results Digest is a staff digest of the progress and status of NCHRP Project 20-5, “Synthesis of Information Related to Highway Problems,” for which the Transportation Research Board is the agency conducting the research. Individual studies for the project are managed by Jon Williams, Program Director, Synthesis Studies, Donna L. Vlasak, Senior Program Officer, Gail Staba, Senior Program Officer, and Jo Allen Gause, Senior Program Officer, serving under the Studies and Special Programs Division of the Board, Stephen R. Godwin, Director. Full-text PDF of this report (132 KB) is available for free download from: http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_rrd_343.pdf _______________________________________________________________________________________________
Research and Technology Implementation Office
April 2011
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Research Digest Item 17 Optical Sizing and Roundness Determination of Glass Beads Used in Traffic Markings TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH BOARD (TRB)
NCHRP RRD 346 • 2010 This Research Results Digest summarizes the results of a project that examined the precision and bias of both optical and traditional mechanical methods for different glass bead types. The project also compared the precision and bias of various measurement methods, and explored development of a practice for the use of computerized optical methods and equipment to measure the size and roundness of glass beads used in traffic markings. Full-text PDF of this report (709 KB) is available for free download from: http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_rrd_346.pdf
Item 18 Pavement Marking Warranty Specifications TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH BOARD (TRB)
NCHRP Synthesis 408 • 2010 "This study updates information on the use of pavement marking warranties by U.S. and Canadian transportation agencies, including agency specifications. European experience is also presented, for comparison. Interest in applying warranties to pavement markings is driven by the importance of markings for traffic mobility and safety, and a desire to have better marking performance and greater cost-effectiveness. "Information was gathered through a literature review, surveys of state and Canadian provincial/territorial transportation agencies, and interviews with pavement marking contractors and materials suppliers. Michael J. Markow, Teaticket, Massachusetts, collected and synthesized the information and wrote the report... This synthesis is an immediately useful document that records the practices that were acceptable within the limitations of the knowledge available at the time of its preparation. As progress in research and practice continues, new knowledge will be added to that now at hand." --Preface. Full-text PDF of this report (9.7 MB) is available for free download from: http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_syn_408.pdf
Item 19 Traffic Signal Retiming Practices in the United States TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH BOARD (TRB)
NCHRP Synthesis 409 • 2010 This synthesis reports on the practices that operating agencies currently use to revise traffic signal timing. It includes the planning needed to develop signal timing plans and the processes used to develop, install, verify, fine-tune, and evaluate the plans. The author collected information for this synthesis through a literature review, a review of two large-scale and two narrowly focused surveys of transit agencies, and a series of project case studies. For the case studies, the author prepared an in-depth questionnaire to solicit detailed information not addressed in the prior survey. Of the 17 agencies solicited for the case studies, the author followed up with the 7 agencies that responded and were able to acquire additional statistical and anecdotal information. Full-text PDF of this report (10.6 MB) is available for free download from: http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_syn_409.pdf _______________________________________________________________________________________________
Research and Technology Implementation Office
April 2011
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