Research Publications

Investigators demonstrated successful implementation of a surfacing method using locally available aggregate and developed construction specifications to guide its use on Iowa roads.

New mapping methods will support Iowa DOT in providing more accurate and actionable flood warnings.

A new research project developed tools that transportation agencies can use to help local engineers determine when weight
restrictions can safely be lifted.

This research will identify problems and survey the industry to identify the best methods and equipment for successful joint sawing of different mix types.

The results of this research give road engineers important information to support road base material choices.

In a novel exploration of tailgating in work zones, researchers identified messaging strategies that encourage drivers to allow sufficient space between vehicles

Researchers compared the performance and cost of existing scour countermeasures, including partially grouted revetment.

The Iowa Highway Research Board explored the potential of several organic additives that can make the deicers less corrosive.

The Iowa Highway Research Board (IHRB) has executed a multiphase study of different
techniques for including reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in road construction.

A smartphone app could effectively collect pavement roughness data while providing significant cost savings to the local agencies using the tool.

A method for calculating bridge strain developed in this study will ensure Iowa DOT’s permitting and estimation processes are reasonable.

This project phase will engage software vendors and other industry stakeholders to continue developing technical specifications and resources that facilitate data exchanges.

To help engineers determine the size and type of snow fence to use for a particular location, researchers developed new methods for measuring and tracking snow in Iowa.

Researchers sought to understand which abutment design details would achieve the expected structural integrity and performance under service loads.

Increasing the the pile section size allows for section loss from corrosion while still providing the required design strength.

Improving lives through innovative transportation research.

A research project led to guidelines for improving project selection, construction, and maintenance for future CIR projects.

The short-span standards for single-span prefabricated bridges were successfully updated to provide an alternative design.

The Iowa Highway Research Board (IHRB) made an existing engineering tool more accurate and user-friendly.

New guidance details the use of helical piles as a cost-effective solution for bridge foundations that is quick and easy to install, even in hard-to-reach locations.