Texas weather runs the gamut — cold winters in some areas, occasionally heavy rains, times of drought and always baking summer heat. Concrete structures are built to last, but it’s the little things that get you sometimes. Little things like moisture and heat over time can trigger reactions in concrete structures that cause cracking and ultimately deterioration. Read More
The Right Time and the Right Place: Taking Care of Our Infrastructure
April 14, 2011 -
Texas’ transportation system has allowed the state to successfully compete in a global market. An efficient transportation network allows companies to move their goods efficiently and effectively, offering just-in-time service to their customers.
In the current economic climate, the agencies that oversee our transportation system must make every dollar count. This renewed focus means using the right maintenance technique on our roadways at the right time. And knowing just what that technique should be takes solid research. Read More
Streamlining the construction process: TTI researchers find ways to cut costs
March 7, 2009 -
State departments of transportation (DOTs) throughout the country are battling the same worsening problems: a lack of funds for road construction and soaring prices for materials like steel and concrete. When funds are available, these rising costs have DOTs scrambling for dollar-stretching ideas.
“Construction costs have almost doubled between 1998 and 2006,” says Ivan Damnjanovic of the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI), who headed up a one-year study for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to examine current practices and suggest improvements to the construction process. “DOTs have little control over external factors like the rising cost of fuel and asphalt, but they do have control over the bidding and design process.” Read more
