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Research and Development

Division Focus

Submitted by Barry Partridge, Director

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Research & Development Division conducts research and oversees the INDOT/Joint Transportation Research Program (JTRP); performs specialized testing (e.g. Skid Accident Reduction Program – friction testing, Pavement Structural Evaluation Program – deflection testing, Accelerated Pavement Testing, warranty contract compliance testing, ground penetrating radar, etc.); assists the department in information transfer, technology identification, development and support; technical training and worker safety support; transportation security research, training and support and providing technical assistance to INDOT Divisions, Offices and Districts. All research projects are aligned with INDOT Strategic Goals of Safety, Mobility, Economic Development, Resource Management, Training and Customer Service.

To help fulfill this responsibility, the Research Program reaches, on behalf of the department, and in coordination with JTRP into Indiana's universities and associations, and Indiana industry and national affiliations for expertise and technical assistance in solving INDOT's transportation problems.

The division tracks implementation of viable research findings and reports on INDOT’s return on investment through its research program (current benefit/cost ratio is 59:1).  The INDOT Research Program also tracks twelve (12) performance measures/metrics to evaluate program effectiveness.

The Division’s Sections include Transportation Systems Research; Pavement, Materials and Accelerated Testing; Structures & Construction Research, Electrical Engineering, and Technical Support.

Transportation Systems Research Section

  • Conducts and oversees research on pavement, safety, bridge and congestion management of the INDOT transportation system;
  • Conducts and oversees research on policy, traffic engineering, highway safety, pavement performance, and transportation management systems;
  • Provides training and guidance on statistics for department personnel;
  • Provides data processing support and analysis;
  • Oversees pavement friction, texture, ride quality and ground penetrating radar testing; and
  • Oversees technology deployment program.

Pavement, Materials and Accelerated Testing Section

  • Conducts and oversees research into the performance of pavements and materials used in construction, rehabilitation and maintenance;
  • Provides pavement deflection testing and analysis for pavement undersealing, overlay design, pavement rubblization, and remaining life of pavement for budgeting;
  • Conducts research, provides analysis, and evaluates warranty for the Department pavement preservation program;
  • Organizes the Federal Highway Administration, Long Term Pavement Performance program for Indiana pavement sections;
  • Conducts research in the National Experimental Features program ;
  • Directs operation of the Accelerated Pavement Testing Facility;
  • Operates the pavement and soil research laboratories;
  • Conducts field investigations of pavements and construction materials; and
  • Facilitates technology transfer within and beyond the Department.

Structures and Construction Research, Electrical Engineering, and Technical Support Section:

  • Conducts and oversees research and testing associated with structures, construction and contracting;
  • Provides administrative support for the INDOT/JTRP Research Program;
  • Provides technician and technical support to research projects;
  • Performs specialized testing such as smoothness testing and bridge deck corrosion surveys;
  • Provides support to the facilities Unit;
  • Provides electronic and electrical engineering support to research projects; and
  • Designs, develops and upgrades computer-controlled test systems, which collect data that supports contracts, resurfacing priorities, safety programs and various state and federal programs.