The purpose of this Manual is to describe the processes involved in developing, managing and conducting the research, development and technology transfer (RD&T2) program of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). This Manual will serve as a reference for those participating in these activities, and as a source of guidance and instruction for others in the transportation community who wish to know more about the program.

A general listing of laws, rules, and regulations applicable to the content of this Manual and where they may be found is included in Appendix A.

Section 5501.11 of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) states, in part: "The functions of the department of transportation with respect to highways shall be: ...(C) To conduct research and to cooperate with organizations conducting research in matters pertaining to highway design, construction, maintenance, material, safety, and traffic".

(A) The department of transportation shall:

(8) In its research and development program, consider technologies for improving roadways, including construction techniques and materials to prolong project life, being used or developed by other states that have geographic, geologic, or climatic features similar to this state's, and collaborate with those states in that development.

The authority for a State research organization to use Federal funds is found in Title 23 United States Code Section 505 and 23 CFR 420.

The authority for a State to administer the State Planning and Research (SP&R) funds in the program is found in 23 Code of Federal Regulations 420.

For the purposes of this document, "research" means contract projects or internal projects that improve the efficiency, safety and effectiveness of Ohio's transportation system by resolving problems or advancing technology. Research may include, but is not limited to: engineering and economic surveys and investigations; development and implementation of management systems; studies in connection with the planning, design, construction, management, and maintenance of highways, public transportation, and intermodal transportation systems; studies on engineering standards and construction materials for transportation systems including the evaluation and accreditation of inspection and testing and regulation and taxation of their use. For more information, please refer to Title 23 of the United States Code, Section 505.

Those who most regularly benefit from results of the ODOT research program include the following:

ODOT Central Office: Aerial Engineering, Environmental Services, Highway Management, Materials Management, Pavement Engineering, Planning, Roadway Engineering, Structural Engineering, Systems Analysis Planning, Technical Services, Traffic Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Highway Operations, and various Modal Offices.

ODOT Districts: Transportation Planning & Programs, Production, and Highway Management.

 

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

 

Local Governments: Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO's), Counties, Cities, and Townships.

 

Highway Industry.

 

Other States and countries.

Most research has historically been devoted to bridges, pavements, traffic control and materials. Recently, more activity has been occurring in the planning and environmental areas.

The ODOT research program consists almost exclusively of contracted projects. ODOT contracts with both public and private agencies for the conduct of research. The administration of the program and projects is in accordance with the regulations for the procurement of services for the State of Ohio. Funds associated with research projects are not grants; they are payments for performance of a specified service to be completed during a specific period of time. For detailed information on the administration of the program, refer to Chapter 3. For detailed information on the administration of individual projects, refer to Chapter 4.

ODOT conducts research through in-State, out-of-State, and private universities. The university environment is very conducive to research. Universities have extensive facilities and faculty in many areas of study. Research conducted for ODOT allows students to gain valuable experience by working on real-world problems. The faculty also benefit by being introduced to practical problems and being able to gain national exposure in specific areas of study.

ODOT contracts for research studies with private consulting firms, both within and outside of Ohio. Consulting firms receive the same consideration as universities when they submit a response to requests for proposals.

Projects of limited scope that do not warrant much time or money are occasionally initiated by the Department with a university as a special student study. For additional information on the development of these studies, refer to Chapter 3.

Occasionally, ODOT personnel will conduct research. These projects are developed and prioritized in the same manner as the contracted projects; however, labor and overhead costs are not charged. In-house projects typically have a narrow focus and short duration.

The Department cooperates with other States and Federal agencies in the conduct of research on topics of common interest. These agencies include, but are not limited to:

According to title 23 of the United States Code, section 505, a minimum of 25% of the State's Federal-aid highway apportionment of SP&R funds must be spent on research, development, and technology transfer activities. This portion is commonly referred to as SP&R Part 2 funds. The other 75% (referred to as Part 1 funds) is typically used for planning studies, although these funds have been made available from time to time to provide additional support to high priority research projects.

Scenarios for the funding of research include: