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NCHRP Project 12-102 169 C H A P T E R 7 Implementation Plan 7.1 Goals for Implementation The title of this research project is âRecommended AASHTO Guide Specification for ABC Design and Constructionâ, which implies the main goal of the work is to develop an AASHTO Guide Specification. NCHRP has provided the tools for success in this effort. Project panel members include members of the AASHTO Subcommittee on Bridges and Structures (SCOBS) as well as agency bridge engineers. The panel has worked with the project team to ensure that the knowledge gaps in ABC design and construction are addressed with this document. The main goals for implementation include: ⢠Develop an AASHTO Format Document ⢠Adoption of the Document by AASHTO SCOBS ⢠Provide Training Opportunities for Practicing Engineers to improve use of the Document 7.2 Proposed Implementation Plan The recommended goals for implementation of this research are as follows: 2. Develop an AASHTO Format Document: This goal was built into the development of the specification. The project team paid strict attention to developing a guide specification that was according to AASHTO standards including format and content. In the opinion of the project team, this goal has been achieved. 3. Adoption of the Document by AASHTO SCOBS: This goal requires significant effort in distributing the document to all AASHTO SCOBS members, and disseminating comments from the voting members. In late 2016, the guide specifications had been written and comments from the project panel had been addressed. NCHRP and the project team decided that the document was ready for balloting for adoption. The project team worked with the AASHTO T-4 Technical Committee for Construction (the committee that has been assigned the management of ABC at AASHTO) to ballot the document for adoption. Numerous comments were received and addressed by the project team. Just prior to the annual SCOBS meeting, several states in high seismic regions submitted comments regarding seismic provisions. A decision was made to move forward with the ballot and address the seismic comments in a future revision. The thought was that there was too much good information in the guide specification to wait a year for adoption. The ballot item passed, therefore the Guide Specifications for ABC have been adopted. The project team has already started work in addressing the seismic issues through coordination with the T-4 Committee and the T-3 Seismic Committee. 4. Provide Training Opportunities for Practicing Engineers to Improve use of the Document: The best mechanism for training at this time is the Florida International University ABC University Transportation Center (FIU ABC-UTC). The mission of this center is as follows: The ABC-UTC has assembled an experienced, knowledgeable, and engaged group of bridge academics and engineers who collectively will provide the transportation industry with the tools
NCHRP Project 12-102 170 needed to effectively and economically utilize the principles of ABC to enhance mobility, and safety and produce safe, environmentally friendly, long-lasting bridges. The project team has already engaged the ABC-UTC for training in the use of the AASHTO Guide Specifications. The center holds a biennial ABC Conference that include half-day workshops. The project team will be providing a workshop on the use of the ABC Guide Specifications for the 2017 Biennial Conference in December. FHWA maintains training programs under the National Highway Institute. The development of a training module for ABC would be beneficial. Other opportunities might include web based modules for training, which could be developed through the State Transportation Innovation Councils (STIC). Through this program, a state can work with FHWA to develop deployment of this innovation.
