INFRASTRUCTURE RENEWAL
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Rafik Y. Itani, Ph.D., P.E.
Professor and Director
WSU Transportation Center
Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
Washington State University (WSU)
Transportation Research Center (TRAC)
January 1, 2005
Problem Statement:
The Federal Highway Administration has awarded the Washington State University
Transportation Center (TRAC) the sum of $1.5 million for FY 2004 to conduct research
on infrastructure renewal. After careful assessment of the various projects that will be
conducted under this earmark and after discussions among the faculty at WSU and the
FHWA and WSDOT personnel, the following projects have been agreed to for support
under the earmark.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Prestressed Girder Blast Test
Design of Fish Passage for Bridges & Culverts
Dynamic Modulus Test- Laboratory Evaluation & Future Implementation
BMP Cold Climate Runoff
Compaction of Marginal Soils
Dynamic Response of Bridges to Near-Fault, Forward Directivity Ground Motions
Technology Transfer
The results of this research, as indicated in item 6, will need to be disseminated
throughout the scientific and engineering communities. In addition management effort
will be needed to oversee the various projects. Hence, it is proposed here that funds be
allocated for technology transfer and project management.
Objectives:
This proposal is to manage the projects associated with the FHWA, FY 2004 earmark to
conduct research on the infrastructure renewal and to disseminate the resulting
information to the engineering and scientific communities through conferences,
workshops and technical journals.
Benefits:
Disseminating information is a key element of a successful research program. WSU is
currently a participating member in the International Workshop on Micropiles and the
information generated from its research is shared internationally with the members.
Furthermore, WSU sponsors the annual Road Builders Clinic where key speakers are
invited to deliver state of the art of their research. The results of research has been shared
with the engineers attending this clinic. In addition, WSU is co-sponsoring an
international conference, which will be held in May 2005 in Amman, Jordan.WSU
proposes to host two technical workshop on related issues addressed under this earmark.
Considering that there are six projects conducted under this research, coordination and
monitoring will be needed and part of the budget will be dedicated towards this function.
Products:
A series of seminars, workshops, and conferences with be held and attended to
disseminate or obtain technical information resulting from this research program..
Implementation:
The project will be implemented immediately upon approval and will extend over a
three-year period.
Work Plan:
A work plan consistent with the listed task will be developed and implemented. This will
be done in consultations with WSDOT, FHWA, technical team, and other interested
parties The topics will be selected by consultations among WSU faculty, FHWA and
WSDOT personnel.
Research Tasks:
Several Key workshops and conferences will be attended and sponsored under this
proposal. These include:
1. The annual Road builders Clinic which is held annually in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho
and which is co-sponsored by WSU-TRAC and the University of Idaho.
2. Attendance of the annual International Workshops on and presentation of research
results.
3. Invited keynote and seminar speakers to WSU on topics relevant to the various
projects conducted under the various projects.
4. Communicate and manage the various projects and have continuous dialogue with
the FHWA and WSDOT.
5. Support the publication of research results in relevant journals.
6. Hold two workshops on related research topics
Personnel and Organizations:
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at WSU will take the lead on
this project. Dr. Rafik Y. Itani, Director of the WSU-Transportation Center (TRAC) will
serve as the overall manager of this project and the principal investigator on this research.
Researchers on the various projects conducted under this earmark will also be involved in
the dissemination of information and sponsoring seminars.
The Federal Highway Administration and Washington State Department of
Transportation will be important elements in guiding and assisting with the direction of
this task. Communications both agencies are critical for the success of this project.
Work Time Schedule:
Budget:
Two workshops to be held in Pullman
Salary 1 month for Rafik Y. Itani, PI
Benefits
Goods & Services
Publication Charges
Travel
Subtotal
Indirect
Total Request
$30,400
$11,611
$ 3,948
$ 8,161
$ 8,000
$ 6,000
$68,120
$31,880
$100,000