Research & Implementation

Texas A&M Transportation Institute
510 N. Valley Mills Drive
Suite 308
Waco, TX 76710
(210) 321-1227
[email protected]

Kris Harbin is an Assistant Research Scientist at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute and has contributed to various research projects, including those for NCHRP, BTSCRP, NHI, and several state DOTs. He has also worked on several engineering projects, ranging from utility relocation to SUE for highway and utility transmission design. Additionally, he actively supports the City of York, Alabama, in managing its RAISE grant.

He has led research projects, including a study on issues affecting noise walls and retaining walls during project construction, to assist project personnel in implementing design strategies that enhance construction. Dr. Harbin provided technical support and training for the Utility Conflict Management (UCM) implementation to DOT districts. This initiative has documented millions of dollars in savings and several years of avoided project delivery delays.

Dr. Harbin has been involved in numerous projects focused on developing guidebooks and tools. Most recently, he serves as Co-PI for BTS-27, Evaluation of Motorcycle Licensing and Training Requirements, with research aimed at creating recommendations to enhance motorcycle safety. He is also serving as a subject matter expert for NCHRP 22-60, Guidelines for Crash Testing Roadside Safety Hardware for Motorcycles.

Dr. Harbin has taught various classes for DOTs, providing training to their members. He developed a course, Construction Project Management, for TxDOT's training programs. Additionally, he worked on merging and updating AASHTO’s Policy on the Accommodation of Utilities within Freeway Right-of-Way and the Guide for Accommodating Utilities within Highway Right-of-Way. The research led to a guide with updates for accommodating utilities within the right-of-way.

Dr. Harbin’s previous work experience includes designing utilities for the installation of microcell towers in downtown Houston to support Super Bowl LI. He completed a 3D modeling project involving research and investigation of as-built plans and fieldwork, providing data to minimize conflicts with proposed designs and identify potential expansion areas. He spearheaded efforts to adopt the collection of utility location data during construction and implemented a low-impact method to ensure utility data collection in future construction activities.

Dr. Harbin also has experience as a construction and engineering aide in municipal water distribution. His construction responsibilities included the installation and maintenance of water mains, service connections, hydrants, and water meters, as well as constructing and repairing roadways, water lines, and service meters.

He is an active member of ASCE’s Utility Engineering and Surveying Institute (UESI) and serves on several active committees. Dr. Harbin was part of the committee that developed the Standard Guideline for Recording and Exchanging Utility Infrastructure Data, ASCE 75-22, and the committee that updated the Standard Guideline for the Collection and Depiction of Existing Subsurface Utility Data, ASCE 38-22. He is also on the rewrite committees for both standards, ASCE 38 and ASCE 75.