Construction & Maintenance Research

The NHDOT research program provides an opportunity to evaluate and implement improved methods of constructing and maintaining our highways.

Research Evaluates NHDOT Construction and Maintenance Issues

 

ACTIVE: Comparing Plow Blade Wear and Tolerances on NHDOT Trucks and Roads (42372O)

Crushed Gravel for Shoulder Leveling 304.32 (42372E)

Concrete Slab Jacking (42372J)

LED Snowplow Lights (26962X)

Design and Maintenance of Subsurface Gravel Wetlands (15680W)

Performance of W-Beam Guardrail after Height Adjustment (MPS 2010-2)

Ground Vibrations Emanating from Construction Equipment (12323W)

Research-Synthesis of Wood Treatment Alternatives for Timber Railroad Structures (15680I)

  • Researcher: New Hampshire Department of Transportation and ATC Associates
  • Date: 2011
  • Final Report

Investigation of the Performance of Backing Cameras on NHDOT Maintenance Vehicles (15680A)

Spring Thaw Predictor & Development of Real Time Spring Load Restrictions (14282K)

  • Researcher: New Hampshire Department of Transportation, U.S. Forest Service, Applied Research Associates
  • Date: 2011
  • Final Report

Evaluation of Alternative Deicing Chemicals vs. Straight Sodium Chloride (13733Q)

Alternate Paint Systems for Overcoating (12323D)

  • Researcher: Corrosion Control Consultants & Labs, Inc.
  • Date: 2000
  • Final Report (Appendices available upon request)
  • Poster

New Hampshire Road Weather Information System (RWIS) (12323I)

  • Researcher: New Hampshire Department of Transportation
  • Date: 1997-1999

Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS) are intended to help highway agencies respond more timely and efficiently to inclement weather conditions. By improving its ability to predict the timing and intensity of storms and by improved monitoring of the condition of the road surface, the Department can more efficiently schedule its maintenance crews and allow for improved deployment of anti-icing and de-icing strategies. Initial research at NHDOT was designed to review available RWIS equipment and systems and to demonstrate the effectiveness of selected systems on New Hampshire highways. During the winters of 1997-98 and 1998-99, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation evaluated the state-of-the-art of RWIS equipment and forecasting services under actual field conditions at a test site on the Little Bay Bridge in Newington. The winter maintenance strategy of the responsible maintenance crew was positively influenced by the RWIS during the second year of operation and certain critical improvements were identified to make the RWIS more effective. A demonstration project at the same site built on the earlier results and contributed to statewide deployment of 11 new stations during the 2005-06 winter.

Infrared Joint Heating to Reduce Cracking of Longitudinal Joints in Asphalt Pavements (13733A)

  • Researcher: New Hampshire Department of Transportation
  • Date: N/A
  • Poster