Focus Group Results: Design and Construction
Facilitator: Tom Cackler, ISU/PCC Center
Date: June 14, 2004
- Developing a 4D Design Model
- Developing Accurate Local Weather Forecasting and Construction Decision Support
- Improving Construction Techniques through Weather Sensitivity Analysis
Team Members
Tom Cackler (ISU/PCC Center), Harold Smith (ISU/PCC Center), Wayne Sunday (Iowa DOT), Will Stein (Iowa DOT), John Adam (Iowa DOT), Jeff Banes (Manatts, Inc.), Mike Kennerly (Iowa DOT), Daryl Smith (UNI/NRVC), Gordon Smith (Iowa Concrete Paving Association), Michael Kvach (Iowa Asphalt Paving Association), Charlie Davis (AGC), Hosin Lee (University of Iowa)
Initiative #1: Developing a 4D Design Model (34 votes)
1. Background and Problem Statement
More emphasis needs to be placed on designing and constructing roads that minimize the adverse impact of weather related problems. Digitized terrain models and high speed computers make further design analysis of snow and blowing snow problems, road shading, high winds, and other factors now possible.
2. Research Objectives
The objective of this effort is to evaluate existing technology for snow and blowing snow problem mitigation (include snow accumulation on roadway and visibility problems, surface color and texture, and road orientation for their relation to the formation of frost and black ice), incorporate historical weather data into road design, and optimize design for seasonal weather impacts.
3. Resource Needs and Time Frame
The research team should include experts in meteorology, snow and blowing snow research experts, winter maintenance specialists, and field maintenance specialists. Research will take about one year to complete and $150,000.
4. Intended Users
State and local government agencies would be the principal users.
5. Implementation
All transportation agencies in the private and public sector could be potential implementers.
6. Other Outside Parties
Other parties have not been determined.
Initiative #2: Developing Accurate Local Weather Forecasting and Construction Decision Support (42 votes)
1. Background and Problem Statement
Weather has a major impact on construction operations. Pending storms can needlessly delay paving operations, while inaccurate forecasts can result in major damage to freshly laid paving. Most contractors obtain their weather information from radio, television, NWS, free web-based weather services, and in some cases, specialized forecasts produced by private sector companies. The information is too often not as timely or on as fine a scale as is needed for costly paving operations. Late fall paving is especially complicated due to pending weather changes, frost, a thin top layer or soil freezing even though the sub-grade is still a source of heat, and the urgency of meeting a construction deadline.
2. Research Objectives
Research is needed to fully account for weather in construction operations. This research could be divided into two phases. The first phase would be to determine the accuracy, spatial resolution and elements needed for a construction forecast. Second would be to design a decision support system to meet the needs of the road construction community. An example of one area of construction would be to integrate PCC paving operations and curing rules/guidelines with real-time and forecasted weather data to optimize paving operations and quality control. This research could build on the basic research and design that has taken place in the winter maintenance operations community using RWIS and the MDSS models.
3. Resource Needs and Time Frame
The research team should include experts in meteorologists, PCC and AC Center experts, PCC and AC paving contractors, DOT construction and specification specialists, and NCAR personnel familiar with the MDSS project for winter operations. The first phase of the project could be accomplished in about 18 months at a cost of $200,000. The second phase will take about three years to accomplish at a cost of $1.5 million and can run concurrent with phase one.
4. Intended Users
State and local government agencies and contractors would be intended users.
5. Implementation
All transportation agencies and contractors could be potential implementers.
6. Other Outside Parties
Other parties have yet to be determined.
Initiative #3: Improving Construction Techniques through Weather Sensitivity Analysis (18 votes)
1. Background and Problem Statement
Weather greatly impacts construction operations and product quality. It is sometimes necessary to let paving contracts in the summer with a late fall completion date. This often puts construction operations needing to be completed in marginal weather conditions. Rain, hail, and freezing temperatures significantly impact product quality.
2. Research Objectives
Research needs to be conducted on identifying the sensitivity of construction products to the various elements of weather. Results of the research need to be placed in guidelines to assist the designer in selecting materials which are less weather sensitive for use in early or late season construction.
3. Resource Needs and Time Frame
The research team should include experts in materials engineering, construction engineering and operations, and materials sciences. Funding for this project is estimated to be $150,000 and take approximately one year to complete.
4. Intended Users
State and local government agencies would be intended users.
5. Implementation
All transportation agencies and road contractors would be possible implementers.
6. Other Outside Parties
Other parties have not been determined.
