Research Publications

This research will evaluate how drawdown structures perform under prolonged flooding conditions to better quantify the long-term performance of these systems.

Laboratory testing identified several promising additives that improved low-temperature deicing performance and reduced corrosion.

A new starch hydrogel that has fewer negative impacts than conventional dust suppressants may be an effective alternative for gravel roads.

This project developed a web-based set of tools to help optimize the functioning of secondary road department maintenance assets.

Iowa DOT hosted a Local Roads Research Forum in March 2026.

The goal of this project is to implement the Iowa Pavement Analysis Techniques tool in pavement asset management.

This research project will investigate a hybrid of metallic and non-metallic fibers for fiber-reinforced cementitious

Iowa DOT evaluated biodiesel as an alternative fuel for snowplows to reduce emissions while maintaining high performance in winter conditions.

This project explored how automating variable speed limits based on real-time roadway and weather conditions can maximize safety benefits in adverse weather.

This research developed an AI-powered platform that integrates road, weather, and traffic data into an easy-to-use interface to provide real-time travel information.

New county bridge design standards for single-span concrete slab bridges offer local agencies a cost-effective and consistent solution for replacing aging bridges throughout Iowa.

Driver education curriculum and supporting materials were updated and developed to address the most concerning topic areas for teenage drivers.

This project identified best practices for overseeing the planning and installation of utilities within the public Right of Way.

Local agency road workers use this traffic control guidance to provide uniform and efficient operation for traffic through work zones.

Eight states have joined forces to test new materials for roads, bridges, and other structures.

This is a summary of IHRB research activity in 2025.

New open data standards are helping state DOTs bring the benefits of digital delivery to bridge design and construction.

Discussing common winter maintenance issues and strategies and identifying potential ways to work together, helps streamline individual and collaborative efforts.

Researchers plan to develop a risk assessment tool that identifies the roadway segments at greatest risk after a given storm.

This project aims to quantify the impacts of different lane-width and shy-distance combinations.