In the months since the fall research cycle closed on March 1, Iowa DOT Research and a variety of practitioner and industry experts have been hard at work evaluating each submitted idea, whittling the list of submissions down from dozens to just those few that offer the most promising solutions and greatest impact for Iowans across the state.
Next, Iowa DOT determines which program and source of funding would best apply to each project: the Iowa Highway Research Board (IHRB) provides money for research that benefits Iowa’s cities and counties; State Planning & Research (SPR) funds are the core federal program to support research; and federal State Transportation Innovation Council (STIC) funding helps state transportation agencies advance their transportation-related innovation initiatives.
Each of these three programs then identifies their top choices to receive funding.
At its June 4 meeting, the 15-member IHRB selected four ideas to advance to the next stage in Iowa’s research development process. (SPR and STIC funds are considered by their own, separate committees.) IHRB chose these four research ideas:
Fly Ash Quality and Alternative Materials. Fly ash is a by-product of burning coal, which can be added to concrete to make it stronger and more durable. But as power plants transition from coal to more renewable energy sources, demand for fly ash exceeds supply. This project would investigate possible fly ash alternatives.
Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC) to Repair Steel Bridge Girder Ends. Instead of cutting and removing parts of a steel bridge that are deteriorating, federal research has shown these costly repairs can be avoided by encasing the damaged areas in this highly durable concrete. Whether or not this a viable option for bridges in Iowa has not yet been well studied.
Effect of Vibration on Concrete Mixtures. Vibration is an important part of mixing concrete, as it helps to release air bubbles that could otherwise weaken the final structure. The proposed research would conduct a variety of tests to give practitioners a better understanding of how vibration affects different mixtures and how much is too much.
Helical Pile Foundation Implementation for Bridge Structure. Helical piles are often used to stabilize foundations for commercial construction, but they have not been frequently applied to bridges. This research would examine the feasibility and develop specifications for use in bridge designs.
While these ideas have already come a long way since they were submitted, they still have a way to go before they become funded research projects. Each idea will need its own Project Champion and Project Development Group to provide guidance and help develop its scope. Then, a preliminary review of published research will show what advancements have already been made in these areas. For ideas that are still viable after all that, Requests for Proposals (RFPs) will be written and extended.