Technology Partnerships First Awards
The Federal Highway Administration awarded five grants under the Highways for LIFE Technology Partnerships Program to accelerate the adoption of innovations that have the potential to reduce congestion and improve highway quality and safety. The grants will encourage the use of innovative equipment, materials, practices or processes in the design, construction or financing of highways.
This represents the first time the FHWA has awarded grants directly to industry. Selected from an applicant pool of 55 proposals, the grants will help the five companies refine and test technologies currently at the prototype stage in a real-world highway setting in partnership with state departments of transportation and local transportation agencies.
- All-Weather Pavement Marking System (3M Company). Wet road conditions make it difficult for drivers to see conventional pavement markings, a situation that is especially hazardous in work zones where lane shifts are common. The All-weather Pavement Marking System incorporates specially designed wet reflective optical materials into pavement marking paint to make it easier for drivers to see markings on wet roads and respond appropriately. 3M will use the grant to adapt its product for cost-effective temporary use in work zones. Award amount: $499,277.
Contact: Fuat Aktan, 651.733.5041, faktan@mmm.com, http://www.3mlines.com
- Intelligent Asphalt Compaction Analyzer (Haskell Lemon Construction Company). Improper compaction during construction is a leading cause of asphalt pavement degradation. The prototype Intelligent Asphalt Compaction analyzer is a device mounted to compaction equipment to provide real-time data so compaction inconsistencies can be remedied while asphalt is still pliable. Replacing the time-consuming manual process currently used will reduce construction time and make pavements last longer. Award amount: $200,000.
Contact: Sesh Commuri, 405.325.4302, scommuri@ou.edu, http://www.haskelllemon.com
- Aggregate Imaging System (Pine Instrument Company). The composition of aggregates used in pavement surfaces affects durability and skid resistance. The Aggregate Imaging System combines hardware that captures real-time digital images of paving material samples, and software that analyzes shape, texture and ratio characteristics of aggregates such as Hot Mix asphalt and hydraulic cement concrete, to improve the speed and accuracy of testing. Award amount: $200,000.
Contact: Dave Savage, 724-458-6391, dsavage@pineinst.com, www.pineinst.com
- Automated Pavement Marker Placement System (Stay Alert Safety Services Inc). Applying raised pavement markers manually is time-consuming and dangerous for workers. The prototype device, which can be mounted on standard equipment, will automate the process of reflective marker installation on roads. Initial tests showed the system reduced labor hours, construction time and risk of worker injury. Award amount: $451,660.
Contact: Jim Babcock, 336.993.2828, jbabcock@stayalertsafety.com, http://www.stayalertsafety.com
- Asphalt Binder Cracking Device (EZ Asphalt Technology LLC). The way asphalt responds to low temperatures is critical to its performance. The Asphalt Binder Cracking Device provides a simple and reliable method to test the cracking potential at different temperatures of the binders used in asphalt. The device will assist the industry in predicting and preventing asphalt failure due to cracking at low temperatures, extending the life of pavements and reducing the need for patching or repaving. Award amount: $239,386.
Contact: Sangsoo Kim, 740.593.1463, kim@ohio.edu
FHWA is planning a second grant solicitation sometime next year open to non-profit and for-profit organizations. State and local agencies and academic institutions may not apply as primary awardees but are encouraged to participate as partners.
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