DOTD and FHWA rollout innovative technology at showcase

NEW IBERIA, La. – Today, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), in conjunction with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP2), held the 2013 Intelligent Compaction Showcase, at the Ramada Conference Center in New Iberia, Louisiana.

As part of FHWA’s “Every Day Counts” initiative, today’s showcase highlighted innovative technology known as Roller Integrated Compaction Monitoring (RICM) or intelligent compaction (IC). Intelligent compaction measures the density of a road in real time with the use of a GPS system and a continuous roller.  By having the capability to measure a continuous stretch of road, IC can contribute to better performance and durability of roads.

“DOTD is constantly researching innovative technology,” said DOTD Secretary Sherri H. LeBas. “The use of intelligent compaction on construction projects will not only contribute to cost savings, but also to the safety of the traveling public by enhancing the quality of roads.”

Attended by representatives from state and federal agencies, and other members related to the infrastructure industry, today’s showcase included presentations from FHWA, DOTD, and the Louisiana Transportation Research Center (LTRC) to highlight the use of IC in other states, as well as the GPS system and software that are used with the innovative technology.

The showcase ended with a site visit and on-site demonstration at the on-going U.S. 90, Darnall Road to La. 85 frontage road project, which is currently using the IC technology throughout the construction process. Data collected from this project will be compared to previous data collected from the current method used to measure road density.

By combining a roller (compactor) with a GPS system and strategic software, data collected from the roller will be able to create a map of the areas that need more attention. This will result in more consistent roads by helping the contractor determine the exact location of the less dense areas, thereby allowing workers to save time and become more efficient in the overall construction process.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is committed to delivering transportation and public works systems that enhance the quality of life. In addition to more than 16,600 miles of roadway, including over 930 miles of interstate and 13,000 bridges, DOTD supports the development of the state’s aviation, marine and rail infrastructures. Through this work, we are able to facilitate economic development, create job opportunities, improve vital evacuation routes, and make critical freight corridors safer and more efficient.

For more information, please visit www.dotd.la.gov, email dotdcs@la.gov, or call DOTD’s Customer Service Center at (225) 379-1232 or 1-877-4LADOTD (1-877-452-3683). Business hours are 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.