AASHTO Domestic Scan Proposal Form

AASHTO is soliciting topic proposals for a FY 2013 US Domestic Scan Program (NCHRP Panel 20-68A). Each selected scan topic will be investigated through site visits to three to six locations over a one or two week period, conducted by a group of eight to 12 transportation professionals with expertise in the selected topic area. Proposed topics should meet the following criteria:

·  Address an important and timely need for information by transportation agencies;

·  Are of interest to a broad national spectrum of people and agencies;

·  Are complex and also “hands-on,” meaning they lend themselves particularly well to exploration through on-site visits; and

·  Are sufficiently focused that the tour participants are able to investigate and understand key issues in the limited time available on the tour.

Proposals should be returned no later than November 4th, 2011.

Proposal Contact Information
Name: Matthew M. Farrar
Title: Chair
Agency/AASHTO Committee: Chair Technical Committee T18
Address: Idaho Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 7129, Boise, ID 83707
E-mail:
Telephone number:208-334-8256
Date of submission: October 24, 2011
Title of Proposed Scan
Superload Permit Processes and Practices Used by State DOT Owners
Problem Statement (What topic is to be examined? What drives the need for the scan? Why now?)
The volume of Superload (usually weights > 200 K) moves has increased significantly in the U.S. in the past few years. Superload permitting is determined by a highly complex system that involves many agencies and the governing policies and regulations for authorizing these moves vary extensively and significantly in terms of permit type, permit fee, processing operation and bridge ratings. The practice of bridge evaluation for Superload permit review also varies, sometimes significantly, among the agencies issuing these permits. Though the past AASHTO Manuals were generally silent on load rating requirements for permits (usually left to the owners to set criteria), the recently adopted AASHTO LRFR rating provisions for permits provide a major advance in applying uniform guidelines for overload permits. As the size and weights of these Superloads are ever increasing, there is a definite need to better understand the current State-of-Practice within the U.S. and achieve enhanced uniformity and safety in this area.
Scan Scope (What specific subject areas are to be examined? Which cities and states might be visited? Which agencies/organizations (including specific departments or types of staff if applicable)?
NCHRP Report 359(2206) titled “Bridge Rating Practices and Policies for Overweight Vehicles” provided a synthesis of permit rating policies. This proposed scan will build upon the findings of NCHRP Report 359, but will focus specifically on the topic of Superload permitting.
State DOTs that might be visited include: CA, WA, TX, ID, NY, LA, MI, IL, PA, FL. The permit office and the bridge office should be contacted in these states. Much of the Superload moves are associated with specific industries and ports. It would be beneficial to also contact such industries (i.e: petrochemical, aviation, energy, construction, etc), which often have the need to transport non-divisible loads and the major ports. Superload movers such as Specialized Carriers and Rigging Association and SPMT suppliers including Mammoet, Barnhart & Sarens should also be contacted.
Scan Objectives (What key information is to be gained? What information is to be shared after the scan? Who would the audience be for this information?)
Detail the current policies and procedures that govern the authorization of Superload moves within the U.S. Current practices with regard to bridge ratings for Superload moves would be of particular interest to T18. Provide recommendations on how to achieve improved bridge safety and greater uniformity in Superload permitting.
Benefits Expected (Including potential impacts on current technology or procedures)
The findings of this scan could provide a better understanding of the current State-of-Practice for Superload permitting. Additionally this scan will also identify the need for further research that may be needed to enhance bridge safety and provide improved guidance on the load rating methodology for Superloads that could be included in the AASHTO Manual for Bridge Evaluation.