Volume 16 | May 23, 2022 View as Webpage
Evaluating the Benefits of VTrans Research

What is the value of research? To answer this important question, the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) has been working to quantitatively and qualitatively assess the value of our research program and projects. Our research section is looking back on our projects from the past few years and trying to evaluate if we can quantitatively measure their impacts. We are also developing a qualitative framework for current and future projects. Though research benefits are closely linked to project implementation, we are not limiting our evaluation to implemented projects. Non-implemented projects may also be valuable in showing the benefit of a current process or material.

We welcome your ideas about what to consider when assessing the value of our projects. Please contact Emily Parkany with any comments.

Need PDHs?
If you are looking for Professional Development Hours (PDHs), we have a website of helpful webinar and conference links. Popular options include Transportation Research Board (TRB) webinars (state DOT members can attend or view recordings for free). You can also request archived TRB webinars from trbwebinars@nas.edu. Please share links to webinars and virtual offerings that you found valuable so that we can enhance this page. And please ask Emily Parkany or Tanya Miller for help accessing any TRB products or activities or alert us of additional professional development opportunities.

Featured Projects This Quarter
Each quarter we highlight research projects and innovations happening throughout Vermont and New England. More about all of our research projects can be found here and in past September Symposium pages.
A New Method of Determining Payment for In-Place Concrete with Double-Bounded Compressive Strength Pay Factors
(AOT Champion: Nick Van Den Berg, Materials)
Based on real-world data and five-year industry response simulations, the new method allows for more effective implementation of the double-bounded pay factors system.
RFID and Wireless IoT Technologies for Transportation Asset Management
(AOT Champion: Trevor Starr)
Exploring how these technologies give agencies a powerful tool for increasing asset management efficiencies and informing data-driven decisions
Advanced Sensing Technologies for Practical UAV-Based Condition Assessment of Underside of Bridge Decks
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with acoustic and microwave sensors present a cost-saving early detection technique not involving traffic shutdowns and road crews.
Virtual Public Involvement at VTrans
(AOT Champion: Katharine Otto)
With Virtual Public Involvement (VPI), VTrans accesses a wide array of techniques for expanding outreach efforts and improving communication with partners and the general public.
VTrans Pilots Electronic Ticketing Technology on Paving Projects
(AOT Champion: Ryan Darling)
VTrans is realizing a host of benefits, such as material tracking and document management enhancements, cost savings, and improved quality control, by institutionalizing eTicketing.
Cost-Effective Rapid-Setting Concrete for Improved Bridge Joint Performance
(AOT Champion: Jim Lacroix)
As a national leader in accelarated bridge construction (ABC), VTrans is exploring possibilities for improving the performance and durability of the rapid-setting concrete (RSC) used in ABC projects.
Dr. Emily Parkany, PE, Research Manager
Vermont Agency of Transportation | 802.272.6862 | emily.parkany@vermont.gov http://vtrans.vermont.gov/planning/research