Current Research projects

Home Research Administration Approval Process RDEC Topic Solicitation Meeting Projects Approved Current Completed RD&T Newsletter Issues Peer Exchange Report SPR Program Annual Report FY2008 Forms Problem Statement Problem Statement Outline NEW PRODUCTS Product Submission APEL Upcoming Events Links Contacts		Current Research Projects
	680	Investigation of Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) Technologies and Increased Percentage of Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) in Asphalt Mixtures
		Dr. Serji Amirkhanian, Clemson University, May 27, 2009 - May 27, 2012
		Objective: to investigate warm mix asphalt (WMA) technologies and increased percentage of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) in asphalt mixtures.

	678	Feasibility of Establishing a High-Speed Rail Corridor Connecting Florence, Myrtle Beach, and Charleston using Existing Rail Lines
		Mr. Roy Tolson, SCDOT, September 15, 2008 - September 14, 2010
		Objective: To research the feasibility of identifying a corridor for the purpose of constructing and providing rail service on existing rail lines and/or existing railroad right‑of‑way in the eastern part of South Carolina. The corridor is intended to eventually connect to and become a part of the nation's network of federally-designated high-speed rail corridors.

	677	Investigate Simplifying Bridge Expansion Joint Design and Maintenance
		Dr. Juan Caicedo, University of South Carolina, August 1, 2008 - July 31, 2010
		Objective: To research the possibility of using simple designs such as finger joints with bladders. Compare maintenance, repair, and replacement cost of modular vs. finger joint designs. Investigate installation cost of simple design vs. modular in new construction. Investigate a simple cost effective repair for failed joints.

	676	Evaluation of Communication Alternatives for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)
		Dr. Ronnie Chowdhury, Clemson University, May 1, 2008 –January 1, 2010
		Objective: This research involves three objectives for analyzing, modeling, and planning for present and future transportation system communication infrastructures. 1). A systematic survey of the existing communication infrastructure for ITS; identify its costs, technologies, and current usage, 2). analysis and evaluation of the cost-effectiveness, capacity and reliability of the existing communication system, and 3). identify alternative wireline and wireless communication technologies and its cost-effectiveness, capacity and reliability to meet the demands involved with efficient and safe traffic control and management.

	675	Validation of Contractor HMA Testing Data in the Materials Acceptance Process
		Dr. James Burati, Clemson University, February 7, 2008 –February 6, 2010
		Objective: To examine the current HMA QC/QA and Independent Assurance specifications, project data, survey and interview officials in other states, and perform a detailed comparison of the existing HMA QC/QA/IA specifications to recent FHWA technical recommendations on the use of contractor data for materials control and acceptance.

	674	Synthesis of Optimal Usage of Available Aggregates in Highway Construction and Maintenance
		Dr. Bradley Putman, Clemson University, May 15, 2008 – May 14, 2009
		Objective: This research will be a synthesis of the use of various size designations of aggregate material in other states, a literature search for previous research, a review of the current specification limitations, and an evaluation of what materials (concrete, asphalt, soils, etc.) might benefit in some way from the using of fine-graded aggregate and where the use of medium-sized coarse aggregate can be reduced.

	673	Field Evaluation of Temperature Differential in HMA Mixtures
		Caleb Gunter, SCDOT, November 15, 2007 – November 15, 2010
		Objective: To track specific locations of temperature segregation in Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) pavements using a FLIR ThemaCAM EX320 thermal camera in order to gain an understanding of how detrimental thermal segregation is to a HMA pavement.

	672	Behavior of Pile to Pile-Cap Connections Subjected to Seismic Induced Forces
		Dr. Paul Ziehl, USC, January 1, 2008 – June 30, 2011
		Objective: To provide the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) with analysis and design recommendations regarding the strength and ductility of pile to pile-cap connections.

	671	Mechanistic/Empirical Design Guide Implementation
		Dr. Ron Baus, USC, January 16, 2008 –September15, 2009
		Objective: To synthesize current research being done on the M-E model’s validity and sensitivity and to review input needs for both material and traffic data. The researchers will then identify and rank research needs necessary to implement the new model.

	670	Geotechnical Materials Database for Highway Design
		Dr. Charles Pierce, USC, January 1, 2008 – December 31, 2009
		Objective: Collect and establish design parameters and properties for borrow materials that are generally available in each county in order to enhance the design of transportation embankments.

	669	Guidelines for Pavement Marking Applications
		Dr. Wayne Sarasua, Clemson University, February 1, 2008 – July 31, 2010
		Objective: Develop standardized guidelines for pavement marking applications for South Carolina.

	667	Support for the Elimination of Roadside Hazards in an acceptable Clear Zone through the use of Collision Data
		Dr. Jennifer Ogle, Clemson University, March 1, 2007 - December 31, 2008
		Objective: to identify, inventory, and recommend roadside improvements for a select sample of roadways experiencing high numbers of fatal and injury crashes resulting from hitting fixed roadside objects such as trees, utility poles, drainage structures, etc.

	664	Techniques for Estimating Magnitude and Frequency of Floods in Rural Basins in SC
		Mr. Noel Hurley, Jr., USGS, May 1 2006 - September 30, 2009
		Objective: To update magnitude and frequencies of peak streamflows of regulated and unregulated streams in South Carolina, when adequate dada are available.

	662	Investigation of the Performance and Benefits of Class F Self Consolidating Concrete (SCC)
		Dr. Dimitris C. Rizos, USC, September 12, 2005- September 30, 2009
		Objective: To investigate the performance and benefits of Class F Self Consolidating Concrete (SCC).

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