Previous research has shown the benefit of including structural condition along with pavement surface condition in pavement management decision-making processes. Since 2018, 26 agency partners (plus FHWA) have participated in Transportation Pooled Fund Study TPF 5(385) Pavement Structural Evaluation with Traffic Speed Deflection Devices (TSDDs) where structural condition data was collected on more than 50,000 miles of roadways across the United States. These data, along with new or enhanced analysis methodologies developed as part of this pooled fund research effort, have been used in a variety of ways that include: pavement performance forecasting that incorporates both surface and structural condition, network preservation and rehabilitation strategy planning, network-level screening, and project level investigation. A subset of the data collected as part of this pooled fund has also been incorporated within FHWA’s InfoMaterials web portal to make it readily available to the broader pavement community to support additional research and analysis efforts. This pooled fund study has also proved to be a convenient contracting mechanism assisting states with establishing pavement structural data collection programs. In addition, participation in the pooled fund study has provided agency partners with a means for collaboration with other agencies and leading researchers studying the best ways to analyze and implement pavement structural data into agency pavement management systems. TPF-5(385) comes to end in October 2023, and this proposed pooled fund study will continue with similar work. Most of the 26 agency partners of TPF-5(385) support starting this new pooled fund study.

The objectives of this follow-on pooled fund study include continuation of an existing research consortium that focuses on providing participating agencies guidance on how to specify and implement TSDD data within their respective pavement management systems and processes. Specific tasks within this multi-year program will be developed in cooperation with the partner agencies.

The work plan will be developed based on the priorities indicated by the pooled fund study partner agencies during the kick-off meeting. It is anticipated that the details and scope of the study will be further defined by the partner agencies throughout the life of the study. It is proposed that the project will initially include the following tasks: 1) Develop case studies that document how partner agencies have incorporated pavement structural data into their pavement management processes; 2) Develop analysis procedures to evaluate concrete-surfaced and composite pavements; 3) Develop or summarize ongoing efforts related to TSDD device calibration; 4) Investigate the effect of structural condition on the rate of pavement deterioration; 5) Provide targeted technical assistance to participating agencies for effective use of TSDD data within their specific pavement management system and processes; 6) Develop webinars and training materials for use by the partner agencies to assist with implementation of pavement structural data into their respective pavement management systems. 

The technical activities for this study will be led by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI). The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will serve as the lead agency through its research division, the Virginia Transportation Research Council (VTRC). This collaborative research program will provide an accessible and efficient way for highway agencies and other organizations to evaluate tools and products, conduct research, and coordinate testing, training, and deployment activities to enhance the life-cycle performance of their pavement assets. Consortium participants will have access to extensive sources of data, information, and knowledge and decide on the focus of the study and the specific research projects carried out by the consortium. The benefit-cost ratio will be very significant because the cost of the different projects will be shared by a group of participants.

This project is expected to have a minimum participation of at least five agency members (including FHWA). Each agency member can participate at one of the following options: 

• Option 1) Includes participation in the pooled fund study and travel costs for one representative of the participating agency, or their designee, to attend annual face-to-face Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meetings = $15,000 per year.
• Option 2) Includes Option 1 plus one day of TSDD testing on agency designated routes (approximately 100-200 miles depending on routes selected) = $55,000 per year.
• Option 3) Includes Option 2 plus additional days of TSDD testing on agency designated routes (approximately 100-200 miles per day depending on routes selected) = $47,000 per day per year.

The study period will be initially set for five years, with possible continuation depending on the needs of the participants. A matching funds waiver to allow for 100% SP&R funding for this study has been approved.