1 Research Implementation & Best Practice AASHTO Research Advisory Committee Meeting July 27, 2010 Rick Collins, P.E. (512)

2 Agenda  Purpose  Challenges  Next Steps

3 Purpose  To continually improve TxDOT in all facets by accelerating research implementation and enhancing best practices. “The value of an idea lies in the using of it.” Thomas Alva Edison

4 Purpose Sunset Advisory Commission, Feb  “TxDOT should establish an internal program to capture, disseminate and archive useful examples of Division and District staff best practice.”

5 Duties  Assists with implementation of research results.  Measures application and effectiveness of applying research results.  Coordinates the use of equipment that has been developed through the research program.  Serves as implementation director on appropriate research projects.

6 Duties  Solicits research ideas.  Communicates with universities on issues TxDOT is dealing with, that might lend themselves to research.  Works with Divisions in pushing innovation.

7 Duties  Serves as a conduit Between the Districts and Region to summarize best practices and new ideas; relays this information to Divisions and other Regions in a consistent manner. For the consistent application of new policies, specifications and standards, and provides feedback between the Districts and Divisions.

8 Challenges  Clarity of Information  Process  Documentation  Information Sharing  Time

9 Challenges  Clarity of Information Which research projects should we implement? Which district is this best suited for? What are the expected benefits?  Process How should this be coordinated? What’s the process if I need money?

10 Challenges  Documentation Hasn’t this been tried before? What were the results?  Information Sharing Who else has done this? Who should I contact?

11 Challenges  Time I don’t have the people to do this. I don’t have enough time to figure it out.

12 Next Steps  Determine the Status of Reports Can it be implemented? How?  Implementation Plan

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14 Next Steps  s “To-the-point”  Status  Benefits  Points-of-contact  Links to detailed info

15 Next Steps  Liaison Assistance Follow up  Website Follow up Information Best Practices Projects status

16 Next Steps  District Visits / Project Visits  Meetings TAP RMC RLT Regional Office Meetings  Communicate with Universities

17 Next Steps  Market the Program Internally Externally

18 Program Needs  Champion volunteers  Effective Communication

19 Conclusion “Do, or do not! There is no try.” -- Yoda

20 Conclusion Thank You Questions?