A Few Quick
Items from
AASHTO
Jim McDonnell, PE
Associate Program Director,
Engineering
June 2006
AASHTO Publication Titles
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Issue: Current system for naming publications is
confusing and inconsistent
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Each committee names its own publications
There are currently over 40 combinations of “basic” titles,
including specs, guide specs, standard specs, manuals,
guide manuals, guides, guidelines, etc.
Recent NCHRP project developed a system
for categorizing and naming AASHTO
publications more consistently
These ideas will be taken to the
subcommittee meetings this summer
A formal proposal will be presented
at the AASHTO Annual Meeting
AASHTO Publication Titles
DRAFT Proposed Classification System for AASHTO Publications
Hierarchy
Category
Definition
Intent
1
Specifications
Set of requirements or standards,
very technical.
To provide the required
technical standards that
must be met for a particular
task.
2
Manual
Comprehensive and definitive
technical text; broad overview but
also focuses on detailed aspects,
provides a consistent, uniform
basis for doing something.
To provide all information
that is likely to be necessary
in the performance of a task.
3
Guidelines
Comprehensive methods and
tactics for performing a task.
To provide detailed aid in
the performance of a task.
4
Guide
Presents recommendations to
assist someone in doing
something or using a specific
strategy or tool or instrument.
To provide high level aid in
the performance of a task.
5
Handbook
A concise overview of a topic;
enough information is provided to
carry out work properly.
To provide an easy and
quickly referenced
condensed version of a
guide or guidelines.
AASHTO Publication Titles
DRAFT Proposed Classification System for AASHTO Publications
Hierarchy
Category
Definition
Intent
6
Report
An analysis, update, or summary
of events.
To provide information on
and analysis of a particular
issue.
7
Survey
Collection of data, opinions, ideas.
To provide insight into the
data, opinions, or ideas of
others.
8
Reference
A pure source of information and
data.
To provide data for a specific
need.
9
Archive
A catalogue or collection of
information that is usually
historical in nature.
To aid in historical
background research on a
particular issue.
Other
Periodical
Recurring bulletin or publication.
To provide regular updates
on issues or events.
Other
Software
Type of product, computer
software.
To perform a particular task
on a computer.
Joint Task Force on the
Highway Safety Manual
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Work is underway through several NCHRP research projects to
develop a Highway Safety Manual
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SCOH established an ad-hoc task force to help guide and
provide input to this effort with members from:
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Tool to help practitioners make planning, design, and operations
decisions based upon safety considerations
Will be adopted as an official AASHTO guide document
Standing Committee on Highway Traffic Safety
Subcommittee on Design
Subcommittee on Traffic Engineering
The task force will review draft chapters as the NCHRP projects
progress over the next few years
The manual will hopefully be ready for publication in 2008/2009
Joint Task Force on the
Highway Safety Manual
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Subcommittee on Design Members:
Region 1:
 Region 2:
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Region 3:
 Region 4:
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Kirk McClelland, MD
Bart Thrasher, VA
Jim Mills, FL
Tim McDonald, OH
Mark Gaydos, ND
Joe Garcia, NM
NPRM on Temporary Traffic
Control Devices
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SAFETEA-LU Section 1110, Temporary Traffic
Control Devices
Addresses three main issues:
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When to use positive protection
The use of and payment for uniformed enforcement
Incorporation of maintenance of traffic control devices into
actual pay items
FHWA has been working with a number of groups
who have an interest in this issue as they develop a
draft rule
NPRM is expected this fall
Questions?
Jim McDonnell
202-624-5448
jimm@aashto.org
www.transportation.org