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The Illinois Center for Transportation at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
is known worldwide by its acronym ICT.
ICT produces groundbreaking research that improves the lives of the traveling public,
the transportation of goods, and optimizes transportation sustainability
while maximizing the investment of taxpayer dollars into transportation projects.
Since its inception in 2005, the ICT has grown and diversified
to include projects that focus on all aspects of transportation.
The ICT involves investigators from diverse backgrounds,
including more than 12 universities.
The ICT is headquartered at the state-of-the-art Advanced Transportation Research and Engineering Laboratory,
known by its acronym ATREL.
ATREL is located 15 minutes north of the Illinois campus on 47 acres.
It includes 67,000 square feet of laboratories and is home to the largest
moveable accelerated pavement test facility in the world.
Jeff Kern, research engineer: "ATREL is a state-of-the-art facility
where we can provide a wide variety of laboratory performance testing,
advanced modeling, and full scale pavement testing."
Much of ICT's work on pavements is conducted at ATREL.
For example, through laboratory and field testing, ICT is developing new materials and designs
for thinner durable smooth quiet pavements.
ICT constructs and instruments full-scale test sections at ATREL
to validate lab testing results and monitor pavement performance over time.
Testing can simulate up to 20 years of wear and tear on the pavement.
Results are then incorporated into specifications and provide guidance
for sustainable materials construction and rehabilitation techniques
in building long-lasting pavements.
ICT is leading the way to more environmentally friendly pavements
through its work with warm mix asphalt and recycled materials.
The ICT has an active role in assuring the safety of our nation's bridges,
from rapidly responding to assess a bridge's integrity,
to developing innovative ways to improve bridge design.
For bridges supported on wood piles, ICT develops enhanced repair techniques
to increase their safety and longevity.
ICT researchers are also calibrating and validating the bridge design criteria
for the Illinois Earthquake Resisting System strategy.
ICT and the US Geological Survey collaborate to develop Stream Stats,
a web program that can reduce the time, resources, and consequently, costs
required to size bridge and culvert waterway openings to protect water quality and supply.
Gina Diabate, IDOT engineer: "Now we can go to the web-based application
and pick a point on the map, and it will automatically calculate
these discharges for us."
ICT's research areas extend into roadside maintenance, traffic operations, and safety.
Researchers are developing a comprehensive highway incident management guide
to improve the communication and cooperation among all agencies that respond to incidents on our highways.
Ryan Fries, PhD, PE, assistant professor at SIUE: "Based on these best practices, we're developing
a one-day training event to educate all responders on how to improve their safety,
work together more effectively, and come home safe at the end of the day."
ICT also helped IDOT personnel to implement laser scanning technology on construction projects
to increase efficiency and simultaneously control costs.
ICT takes a proactive role in promoting sustainability by making
all aspects of transportation more environmentally friendly.
For rest areas, ICT is developing best management practices including assessing existing conditions
relating to energy use and exploring power through wind energy.
ICT helps IDOT practice erosion control and storm water management
through its new erosion control research and training center.
This new facility provides critical hands-on training of erosion and sediment control products.
ICT has also taken the lead on international research related to the wide base tire,
which has potential to provide numerous environmental benefits.
ICT maximizes the impact of its research through activities which include its website,
e-newsletter, webinars, and short courses.
ICT also presents its research at numerous conferences and events.
ICT's implementation of distanced learning has allowed IDOT more flexibility
and economic savings to reduce travel costs.
For example, one course demonstrates the proper techniques of hands-on testing.
In the past, engineers had to travel around the state for this class.
Now they can take it anytime and anywhere.
Bill Frey, IDOT deputy director of highways: "We've made an effort to reach out
to those not typically included in the research process and open discussion across the department."
David Lippert, IDOT bureau chief of materials and physical research: "The end result is we are using our research dollars
more wisely than ever and ensuring our research products are suitable
for conditions found here in Illinois."
Imad L. Al-Qadi, ICT director: "These examples are only a select few
of our numerous and diverse projects.
We invite you to get involved with ICT. There are several ways to do this.
All relevant information is on our website, and you can even sign up to receive notifications
of deadlines, newsletters, and other postings.
You can also view all final reports and up-to-date progress status
of our research projects on our website."
Through groundbreaking research by our talented investigators and students,
the Illinois Center for Transportation will maintain its status
as a leading international transportation center
and will continue to serve the state of Illinois, the nation, and the world.