Design, Materials, and Construction Processes for Highway, Harbor, and Rail Infrastructure

Chair: Dr. Michael Oliva, oliva@engr.wisc.edu, (608) 260-7241

Mission

Maintaining, improving or expanding the physical infrastructure of freight transportation systems forms the basis of all activities in freight management. Recent interviews with trucking, rail, and shipping industry identified many deficiencies in infrastructure throughout our national highway network. Specific identified infrastructure improvements or conditions included: pavement conditions, deteriorating highway bridges, rail and rail bridges that cannot carry industry standard weights at reasonable speeds, and waterways that are losing market share due to inefficient lock and dam systems. The objective for development work in this area is not only to sustain existing freight movement, but to improve facilities for future freight demands. The activities in this signature area will focus on highways, railways, bridges, harbor facilities, and intermodal combinations. Topics in this area include: sustainable construction methods, durability, rapid construction or repair, security, construction productivity and contracting methods, and impact of increasing freight loads on facilities.

Recent News for this STAR

• Final Report: Applying Lean Techniques in Delivery of Transportation Infrastructure Projects

  Researchers recently completed the Applying Lean Techniques in Delivery of Transportation Infrastructure Projects (CFIRE 03-11) project and issued a final report. This study looks at the benefits of Lean techniques in the delivery of transportation ...

• Costs and Benefits of LCVs

  In 1991, the federal government put a freeze on the use of long combination vehicles (LCVs). This meant that states that already allowed the use of LCVs could continue to do so, but also that states not already allowing them could not implement the use...

• CFIRE Grant Year 5 Projects

  The project pages for each of the projects for CFIRE's fifth grant year are now available. CFIRE 05-01 Longer Combination Vehicles: Do They Improve Freight Flows and Operational Efficiency and Reduce Highway Congestion? CFIRE 05-02 North/...

• Final Report: Reconstruction of Railroads and Highways with In-Situ Reclamation Materials

  Researchers have recently completed the Reconstruction of Railroads and Highways with In-Situ Reclamation Materials (CFIRE 02-04) project and issued a final report. This project focuses on the sustainable construction of highways and railways for in...

• Spring 2011 Quarterly Reports

  We've recently published the March 2011 quarterly reports for the following CFIRE research projects: CFIRE 01-08: Effective Depth of Soil Compaction in Relation to Applied Contactive Energy CFIRE 02-02: Rapid Replacement/Construction of Bridges CF...