For nearly 40 years, the staff of LTRC has strived to merge resources of state government and universities to help identify, develop, and implement new technology to improve the state's transportation system. The value that the center has brought to the state exceeds savings in the millions through projects such as those focusing on high-strength concrete, instrumental monitoring of structures, and recycled asphalt pavements, just to name a few.
In addition to the extensive research program, LTRC houses more essential programs and facilities than ever before, such as the Technology Transfer and Training Program; the Transportation Training and Education Center (TTEC); the Louisiana Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP); the Louisiana Pavement Research Facility, which contains the Accelerated Loading Facility and ATLaS 30; and other state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.
Below, you will find a compilation of highlights from LTRC's history of research and technology transfer contributions to the state and greater transportation community.
650+
Research projects published as final reports
70,000+
Participants in TTEC classes, workshops, and other conferences
4,300+
Classes/workshops offered through TTEC
21
Conferences hosted, including 1 fully virtual event post-pandemic
- A research study conducted in cooperation with Florida, Georgia, and FHWA developed the first comprehensive bridge inspectors training program. This program brought much needed attention to bridge maintenance and inspection.
- Research efforts in the asphalt materials arena moved specifications from method-based to statistically-based. This change was the first step in making hot mix asphalt (HMA) the highly engineered material it is today.
- Pavement research directed DOTD towards including and specifying smoothness criteria for control and acceptance of roadway construction projects.
- Impacts of highway noise on adjacent properties were investigated, leading to increased ability to access and estimate fair market value of expropriated property through better written environmental impact statements.
- Asphalt research looked at antistripping additives in lieu of mineral filler, greatly increasing the durability of asphalt pavements in Louisiana.
- The first formal “before and after study” evaluating safety improvements was completed. Results showed that the benefits derived from the projects outweighed the costs on the order of 525%, leading to the recommendation that future decisions be made utilizing the results of the study to properly allocate scarce safety funds.
- High-strength concrete and fly ash use in concrete was investigated leading to current class P concrete specifications for precast operations and standard specifications for fly ash concrete. Implementation of these results has led to increased life expectancy of structural concrete while significantly reducing the initial construction cost.
- Friction data was inventoried across the state, and a new methodology utilizing the Pavement Management System (PMS) was developed at this time and is still in use by the Department.
The use of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) was investigated and the results were implemented, saving on the cost of virgin materials for the last 37 years. Conservatively considering that DOTD paves 2 million tons of asphalt concrete per year and that asphalt concrete is approximately 5% asphalt cement and 95% aggregate, DOTD saved over $300 million with the implementation of these results.
- During these years, the Department was committed to training its employees in the areas of construction and maintenance as well as offering classes and seminars for engineers and other professionals. Due to the need for training for more department disciplines and improvements in technology, more training programs were implemented. Also during this time, computer training became available, we began to venture into video instead of 16-mm film, and the concept of mandatory training requirements was created.
- The External Training Program was established and has continued to thrive and expand over the years. The program is dedicated to the delivery of transportation training, professional development opportunities, continuing education, and technology transfer to engineers, technicians, and other professionals from Louisiana’s public and private sectors.
- Weigh-in-motion scales (WIMs) were investigated and implemented, with 12 currently in use today. WIMs provide better data than static scales and an increased sample size with reduced manpower.
- The use of silica fume for concrete mixtures was investigated and implemented, leading to high-strength, durable, dense concrete mixtures for structural applications.
- The Office of Technology Transfer and Training moved from DOTD human resources to LTRC to fulfill a core goal of the center.
- LTRC released its first logo, establishing its marketing presence and brand identity for publications and other collateral.
The Louisiana Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) was established in 1987 to provide transportation-related information and training to local road authorities. The Louisiana LTAP, originally known as the Louisiana Technology Transfer or T2 Center, has been located at LTRC since its inception. Since 1987, LTAP has offered or sponsored over 3,200 classes, workshops or events, interacting with over 90,000 people. Nearly 260,000 contact hours have been logged. LTAP has continued to evolve and adapt to meet the new benefits and challenges offered by technology and changing workforce needs.
- The DOTD CADD Structured Training Program contracts date back to 1987 and has impacted how the Department developed its current process for obtaining surveying information using Microstation, Inroads, and Inroads Survey. The Department continues to identify trends and how newer software reacts to the current data collection process.
- The Engineering Resource Development Program (ERDP) was implemented after a successful research study aimed at addressing the rapid turnover of young engineers. Since its inception, over 95% of all engineer interns in the program have become full-time employees with DOTD. Approximately 90% have progressed in their careers and received certification as licensed PEs, with a large majority of those still with the Department in various engineering positions statewide.
- Research results showed that the existing 3 ½-in. diameter, single post, multi-directional slip base sign support met the AASHTO criteria. Therefore, DOTD was not required to remove and replace thousands of existing signs, thus saving the Department millions of dollars. This design is still used today by DOTD.
The Pavement Research Facility (PRF) was formed and an Accelerated Loading Facility (ALF) was purchased. The interlayer base section was investigated, compared to eight other base sections, and found to be the most efficient. Results also showed that the pavement life for the interlayer system was about five times longer than current design methodologies of the day. The interlayer base section, also called an inverted pavement structure, is still in use and favored heavily in current design methodology, allowing crack relief from underlying soil cement.
- Asphalt materials research resulted in the development of quality acceptance procedures currently used today including a payment system called percent within limits.
- Geotechnical research results, implemented and in use today, showed that cement stabilization of subgrades reduced sensitivity of native soils to moisture changes and provided a stable subbase which speeds construction.
- In anticipation of the 1992 Standard Specifications book, a certification and training program for laboratory personnel in the districts, the Materials Lab, and LTRC began along with various course revisions. A series of “Safe Operating Checklists” for maintenance mobile equipment, supplemented by operator proficiency verification forms to evaluate operator skill, was implemented. Research began to develop a proposal to upgrade workplace literacy skills in anticipation of the establishment of a statewide literacy program for DOTD.
- In support of higher education with Louisiana universities, the DOTD CO-OP Program began in the early 1990s and is intended to enhance the education process by providing opportunities for participants to explore their interest in transportation engineering through practical experience. Since its inception, over 250 students have participated in the program.
- Under LTAP (or T2 at the time), the Roads Scholar Program was implemented with a series of classes addressing all major areas of local road management including: the basics of a good road; pavement management; drainage, work zone and traffic safety; and bridge inspection and maintenance; among other core and elective classes.
- LTAP and the Louisiana Parish Engineers & Supervisors Association (LPESA) formalized a partnership, with LTAP becoming the consistent Secretary of the association while the other officers rotate. The LTAP assists the association with maintaining their membership, 5 board meetings, 2 conferences, and 4 virtual showcases every year.
- A speed limit study evaluated which roads could accommodate a higher speed limit, leading to the current 70 mph speed limit on urban and controlled-access interstate systems across Louisiana.
- Narrow transverse contraction joints were investigated and are now implemented in the current design standards, leading to construction efficiency and a slight noise reduction
- A geotechnical study showed that geotextile fabrics, when designed and used properly, can mitigate slope failures in heavy clays. Videos were developed to aid maintenance forces in maintaining these problematic slopes today.
- SuperPave asphalt mixture design was investigated and implemented specifically intending to reduce rutting and cracking failures in flexible pavement sections.
- High performance concrete (HPC) was investigated, and the results were used in several follow-up studies. Portions of these results are currently incorporated in the latest version of the standard specifications.
LTRC hosted its first official Louisiana Transportation Engineering Conference. The most recent conference, now known as the Louisiana Transportation Conference (LTC), was held in March 2023, attracted nearly 1,800 attendees/vendors, and featured 86 technical sessions. Over 80 exhibitors participate in the trade show.
- In 1995, new federal guidelines were introduced that required all states have a certification/qualification program for technicians that met certain guidelines by 2000. DOTD had a program in place but began making necessary changes to comply with the new rules. Once changes were made, a manual was created to outline our program and requirements. Since LTRC had expertise with certification training, other states without programs in place requested help, and we began partnering with several other DOTs to guide their efforts.
- The DOTD Nuclear Gauge and Radiation Program began in 1999 and has become a vital program that assists departmental employees who are authorized to use a nuclear gauge for density testing on Louisiana’s highway construction projects. It is one of the most important quality assurance tools an inspector has to ensure that the foundation of the road will perform as designed. The use of any device containing nuclear material requires compliance with the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulations and safety precautions, which is enforced by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and DOTD.
- The first comprehensive study of traffic safety was completed showing that small reductions in roadway crashes can translate to enormous costs savings to the state. Results showed that a 4.5% reduction in crashes would translate to saving approximately 40 lives per year.
- Pavement research updated the PMS by developing better, updated models that assist DOTD network and project-level PMS decision making efforts in planning and recommending appropriate maintenance and rehabilitation activities.
- Implementation of geotechnical research increased the use of treated subgrade layers and introduced target strengths. This work is reflected in today’s current specifications.
Asphalt research investigated the causes of failure for the early open graded friction courses (OGFCs) and the results were used to lift the moratorium on OGFCs allowing the use of OGFCs for specific safety purposes including surface drainage, minimization of hydroplaning, reduction of splash/spray, and improving wet weather visibility.
- Investigation and implementation of ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS) provided contractor and suppliers another material option, which led to more competition and longer lasting pavements and structures.
- DOTD/LTRC hosted the 59th Annual Southeastern Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (SASHTO) Conference in New Orleans. Over 1,000 delegates attended, including the chief administrative officers and top assistants from the DOTs.
- The LTRC website was updated to give the center the online presence it needed. In addition, 2004 marked the beginning of online event registration.
- PPM No. 59, Work Force Development, was created, which affected over 1,150 DOTD employees. After an extensive review, 49 structured training programs were revised and PPM No. 59 consolidated all existing policies governing structured training programs under one directive.
- In 2004, LTRC began hosting its seminar series, providing technical leadership through a forum that demonstrates new technologies, publicizes LTRC research, discusses problems, and imports the best practices of others and transportation partners.
- In 2005, after hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit Louisiana, the LTAP Center began conducting after-action reviews with local agencies and developing new programs to enhance preparedness of local agency personnel. Classes were taught statewide in cooperation with state and parish emergency response agencies using materials adapted from FEMA and other sources. The all-time most “popular” course offering, “Chain Saw Safety and Precision Felling After Storms,” was delivered statewide to hundreds of state and local road agency public works employees and other first responders.
- Concrete research showed that ternary mixtures with a supplementary cementing material (SCM) replacement level of 70% is reasonable for DOTD applications. The results have been implemented in the 2016 version of the standard specifications.
- Evaluation of submerged roads after Hurricane Katrina showed that the strength loss compared to non-submerged roads was equivalent to about 2 in. of asphalt structure. Cost estimates were developed showing that the repair costs neared $50 million. The submerged roads program was developed using this data.
Knowledge and information gained from a project modeling hurricane evacuation traffic, specifically contraflow operations, led to enhanced effectiveness of evacuation plans currently in use today.
- A study showed the effectiveness of differential speed limits for the I-10 over the Atchafalaya Basin reduced crashes despite an increase in traffic volume in the previous 7 years.
- The Geotechnical Information Database, in use today, was expanded to include more geotechnical information, such as shallow subgrade soil information and pile load test data.
- TTEC opened to the public and received Tier 2 Center designation. The additional LTRC facility is dedicated to the delivery of transportation training, professional development opportunities, continuing education, and technology transfer. The TTEC Center hosts approximately 10,000 individuals (state, local, federal, and industry) each year. In addition, approximately 1,000 individuals outside of the TTEC facility take part in these DOTD-specific programs annually.
- In 2006, LTRC became a Southeast Regional National Highway Institute (NHI) Center, serving as an important educational resource that offers NHI courses and other programs sponsored/offered by NHI. The program has had over 6,500 people participate in the various program activities.
- The LTRC Library at TTEC was established with the goal of supporting researchers at LTRC, DOTD, LSU, and other DOTs across the nation in their transportation-related research. The library coordinates access to ASTM Standards and AASHTO Standards and Manuals for all of DOTD staff, collects and maintains collection of core materials, and assists with research needs of LTRC and all of DOTD staff.
- In 2006, LTAP became a member of the state Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) Team and began the Local Road Safety Program. This level of involvement of an LTAP in state and local road safety was relatively unique nationally at the time and was the start of a strong partnership between DOTD and LTAP. LTAP efforts have included crash and road characteristic data analysis, technical assistance, training and project development for local road safety projects, as well as outreach and coordination with the locals. The partnership between DOTD and Louisiana LTAP has been cited as a model of collaboration and included in a number of national best practice studies and peer exchanges.
- The LTRC Publications and Electronic Media Department redesigned publications and transitioned to electronic publication/distribution of its publications, saving the center thousands of dollars in printing costs. An updated logo was launched, better reflecting the center’s drive for research and Louisiana roots. LTRC also joined social media to share projects, events, and center updates.
- During this time, LTRC’s certification program underwent two important changes: recertification, which had previously been every two years, was changed to five years and required that the applicant pass a comprehensive exam; certification fees for industry personnel were raised from $400 to $800.
- The first structured training program for engineer interns was implemented in March of 2004 and required all engineer interns from that time forward to take “Introduction to Standard Specification, Highway Plan Reading, and Work Zone Safety and Awareness.”
- In 2010, PPM No. 47 established the Transportation Curriculum Council. This council was formed to advise and assist LTRC in the areas of technology, transfer, and training. The council is composed of members from various technical disciplines throughout the department as well as members from LSU and industry.
- Revisions for three quality assurance manuals and six certification tests were finalized to coincide with the implementation of the 2006 Standard Specifications.
- “Introduction to Transportation Permits” was developed and training for the Automated Profiler was conducted.
- In order to make testing for course materials more efficient, iq-Box was chosen as an online testing platform.
- Passing under Act 782 in 2010, the DOTD ArcGIS Program began, guided by Map 21 and is federal-regulations based. These regulations and Map 21 moved state transportation agencies into a GIS-based environment for asset management, performance management, inventory, and operations. The department embarked on a three-year, multimillion-dollar project to implement new GIS technology to be able to fulfill the impending federal mandates. This program impacted the training that DOTD staff received on how to use GIS to do their jobs.
- The Louisiana Safety Evaluation Tool (LaSET) was developed to assist with tracking the use and effectiveness of low-cost safety measures and is in use by the safety section today.
- An Immersive Virtual Learning Environment (IVLE) course of flagging was developed. The course has been implemented by other states and is being adopted by Nebraska LTAP.
A summary report of HPC studies looking at strengths, beam sections, and implementation of HPC by the Department showed that implementation efforts have saved DOTD a conservative $14,690,000.
- Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) implementation efforts are aiding DOTD design engineers in current design efforts, while other pavement research is looking into the impact of shale oil recovery operations in Louisiana by quantifying the damage using a variety of tools.
- Surface resistivity measures will save DOTD long-term maintenance costs by quantifying and specifying longer-service life concrete structures. Analysis of one project showed a cost savings to the Department of $40,000 in 3 months. Life-cycle cost savings are estimated tens or hundreds of millions of dollars. This work was implemented in the 2016 Standards and Specification making DOTD the first contracting entity in the world to include surface resistivity testing as a pay item.
- DOTD/LTRC welcomed over 1,270 southeast transportation officials and professionals to the Sheraton in New Orleans, during the 2014 SASHTO Conference. Section 33 staff designed the event logo and created all print and promotional items.
- In 2013, LTRC began hosting TRAC and RIDES workshops for area teachers. Now under the umbrella of AASHTO STEM Outreach Solutions, LTRC has provided training and materials for 340 teachers representing 190 Louisiana schools. The curriculum for both programs are aligned with the National Standards for Math and Science (STEM), 21st Century Skills, and Core Curriculum Standards for Math. Teachers receive reference guides, software and supplies, and two days of training conducted by National Board Certified Teachers provided by AASHTO.
- In 2012, the DOTD Leadership Development Institute began, which strives to develop leaders of the next generation in line with a positive culture and strategic agenda. Since 2014, a total of 434 classes have been held and 5,564 people have participated in the classes.
- LTAP received the 2013 Transportation Excellence Award from DOTD for Special Achievement in Customer Satisfaction for Improving the DOTD/LPA Partnership. LTAP worked with FHWA and DOTD Local Public Agency (LPA) program managers to develop a series of classes to introduce the many requirements of applying for and utilizing federal aid dollars on the local level. Over 1,500 local and state representatives have participated in the LPA Core training program for nearly 16,000 contact hours since 2012. Changes in inspection and reporting procedures as well as new performance metrics prompted the DOTD Bridge Sections and LTAP to partner together along with the Louisiana Parish Engineers and Supervisors Association (LPESA) to design and deliver new and updated training and outreach programs. LTAP has also expanded its relationships with customer groups such American Public Works Association, Institute of Transportation Engineers and the DOTD supported Regional Safety Coalitions.
- LTRC created a training partnership with the Baton Rouge Community College to develop a curriculum geared toward engineering technicians.
- The move from the learning management system, ETRN, to an LSO, the new statewide learning management system was completed.
- In conjunction with that effort, the Transportation Curriculum Council tasked the structured training unit with the revision of approximately 150 structured training programs. The Management Development structured training program was revised to include Civil Service Supervisory requirements. By 2015, the 150 structured training programs were reduced to 94 newly revised programs.
- LTRC’s on-line testing platform was changed to test.com, a less expensive, more user-friendly platform.
- LTRC’s YouTube page began actively producing high-quality videos, focusing on subjects and problems important to the Department and center alike. LTRC also began creating “Transportation Talk,” a monthly short-video series from the Secretary’s office, addressing current issues or new trends in regard to Louisiana highways and infrastructure.
- A project investigating safety impacts of various roadway treatments such as centerline rumble strips (CLRS), roundabouts, and restricted crossing U-turns (RCUT) showed significant improvements for all treatments. CLRS showed that reductions in total, fatal, and injury related crashes (up to 31% reduction). Head-on and opposite direction sideswipe crashes were reduced by 37%. RCUT treatments reduced right angle and left turn crashes by 58% and 37% respectively. Roundabouts were shown to reduce both congestion and crash severity with crash severity reduced by 57%.
- An investigation into the economic benefit of J-turns showed no evidence that sales declined after installation, but rather sales increased at significant levels. Evidence from this study is now presented by DOTD to area businesses during planning stages of project development.
- Internally cured concrete (ICC) was investigated and shown in separate field trials to significantly reduce the cracking potential of structural concrete installations. Service life analysis indicates that incorporation of ICC will add a conservative 40 years to the service life of reinforced concrete structures. Based upon the results, Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG) has institutionalized the use of ICC for all bridge construction projects in the parish and expects to save millions of dollars on future maintenance costs.
- A new open graded friction course (OGFC) specification was developed decreasing splash and spray, improving surface friction, and significantly improving wet weather accident rates for all installed locations.
Investigating the use, and subsequent adoption of e-construction inspection has been proven to increase productivity by a conservative 100,000 hours. Adoption of e-construction inspection has reduced substantiated claims by more than 50%.
- Publications updated the design of web and publications to meet accessibility guidelines and best practices. All training needs requests were streamlined via an online form. Video production continued to expand its reach.
- In 2018, LTRC launched its Registration Management System, a custom-design online registration and payment system for all LTRC and LTAP sponsored classes and events. This streamlined student profiles, transcripts, and other record-keeping items associated with managing class enrollment.
- LTRC continues to use leading-edge technology to facilitate training within the TTEC facility. Our classroom and meeting spaces are controlled by industry leading Crestron control systems and utilize an all-digital interface. Instructors are able to use and display multiple sources on the main screens with dual confidence monitors for the presenter. All of our spaces support video conference capabilities as well as web-based meeting and webinars. We are always looking to remain current in using the best technologies that facilitate a productive learning environment.
- LTAP increased its focus on innovation in coordination with FHWA’s efforts, including participation in EDC Summits, promoting innovation through training and outreach programs, participation in the STIC, and adopting those innovations that are relevant to local agencies such as Local Road Safety Plans, bridge innovations, and pavement preservation.
- Today, Roads Scholar classes are still offered at convenient locations across Louisiana to make the program easily accessible to most local agencies through a series of 15 core courses and electives. Each offering is updated when it is offered. Over 530 locals have graduated from the Roads Scholar program.
- LTAP partnerships continued to evolve, including a shift in format of the LPESA Spring and Fall Conferences, expanding the program from a 1-day to 2-day conference. Local Road Safety Program crash data profiles were updated for the parishes, and LTAP maintained a presence on the Baton Rouge Branch and Louisiana State Chapter of APWA. LTAP also sits on NLTAPA Working Groups, which allows access to training resources, professional development, communications, and roadway safety. Louisiana hosted the 2018 NLTAPA National Annual Conference in New Orleans.
- The Managing Across Generations course was added to the Leadership Development Program. This training identifies the characteristics of the various generations currently in the workforce and those who will join the workforce in the near future and identifies those impacts on work relationships, workflows, and leadership styles needed.
- A study completed evaluating the performance of the 8/18 asphalt specifications showed that the balanced mix deign (BMD) approach results in improved service life to the tune of 9.2%. This increase in service life saves the Department millions of dollars in maintenance and operating costs of asphalt pavements.
- 45% of pedestrian crashes occur at nighttime when the pedestrian volume is the lowest. 74% of the fatal crashes occurred between 6 pm and 6 am and in rural areas most of the pedestrian fatalities (63%) occurred at intersections with no lighting. A benefit to cost ratio estimated as 4.98 for intersections strongly justifies roadway lighting installation for pedestrian safety.
- In 2023, LTRC finalized an international research collaboration with the Center for Policy, Research and Development Studies (CPRDS) at the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) based in Cebu City, Philippines. This collaboration will promote research, technology transfer, and technology in addition to advancing higher education. It also expands the ability of LTRC’s research staff to engage in international collaborative research efforts that offer opportunities to address challenging global transportation issues.
- In numerous training assessments conducted after the pandemic, a majority of supervisors indicated a preference for increased, effective web-based training (WBT) opportunities to reduce “lost work time” for employees. With the transition to the statewide Success Factors learning management system, LTRC increased effective WBT opportunities for training and increased self-study manuals to help prepare employees for examinations or performance evaluations. LTRC currently offers 117 WBT courses and 47 self-study manuals to effectively decrease training time and increase training opportunities for employees across the department.
- During Fiscal Year 2022-23, the Office of Technology Services (OTS) selected a new Learning Management system (LMS), Success Factors, for use by all state agencies to facilitate training and to report training compliance. Success Factors enables LTRC to synchronize, implement and track training and work force development for agency personnel assigned to administrative, operational, technical, professional and supervisory positions, utilizing an effective support network to ensure compliance with agency training and reporting requirements. Success Factors provides dramatic improvements over the previous LMS in many areas, and the implementation of this new system required a complete restructure of the agency’s long established approach to training. LTRC revised PPM #59 (Workforce Development) and submitted it to the DOTD Standing Committee on Human Resources in December 2023.
- To adapting to changes during/post pandemic, LTAP converted training classes to virtual format to maintain contact with the local agencies, including Bridge Inspection, Safety for Public Works First Responders, Drainage, and LPA Qualification courses. They created LPESA Virtual Showcases since LPESA did not have regular meetings at that time.
- Through the new statewide competency model, LTRC is working with individual DOTD sections on a rotating basis to research needed technical competencies. Ultimately, the goal is to provide training that allows a safe and efficient workforce for the department. By understanding what employees need to know and match those needs with current training opportunities, LTRC can identify knowledge gaps that may exist. Then, training can be evaluated for necessary changes or creation.
- LTAP has expanded class offerings to include roadway departures, vulnerable road users, and intersection safety, among others. A new contract format allows LTAP to hire subject matter expert instructors on a multi-year contract. In addition to course instruction, they can also offer technical assistance to our local agencies by request on pavement preservation and roadway safety topics.
- Due to uncertainties during the COVID-19 pandemic and impacts on large group events, the Louisiana Transportation Conference adapted in 2022 to offer PDHs through a two-day fully virtual event. Sessions were pre-recorded, and speakers were available for live Q&A periods during the two-day event. The LTC reconvened in person in 2023, and the conference planning committee launched the first-ever mobile event app for attendees.