Research Section

Mission

We deliver knowledge solutions and innovations so that MoDOT can make informed decisions. Research staff administer contract research to outside organizations to solve organizational challenges.

Research projects are focused on how MoDOT can change processes, products or materials in order to do our jobs in the most efficient and economical manner.

The Research Section falls under the Construction and Materials Division within MoDOT and is located in the Central Laboratory building.

What We Do

We develop an annual research program, focusing on strategic areas such as Safety, Bridges, Pavements, Materials, Geotechnical Issues, Erosion Control, Maintenance, Multimodal Transportation, Best Practices and Customer Satisfaction.

The Research Section is also responsible for other activities:

Developing a Hazard Detection and Alert System to Prevent Incidents

The proposed project creates an economically viable, user-friendly, versatile, precise, and dependable hazard detection and alert system designed for the seamless integration of heavy fleet vehicles and work zone personnel nearby. This endeavor encompasses a comprehensive examination of extant commercial alert systems. The envisioned system is comp...

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Consultant Support for Intelligent Compaction and Paver-Mounted Thermal Profiling Projects in 2022-2023

MoDOT's Intelligent Compaction (IC) and Paver-Mounted Thermal Profiling (PMTP) projects from 2017 to 2021 showed improvements in paving quality, leading to an extension of these projects into 2022 and 2023. The aim was to procure consulting services to maintain the success of IC-PMTP projects. The project spanned 26 months, from March 2022 to April...

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Transportation Infrastructure Asset Monitoring Through the Industrial Internet-of-Things

The Internet-of-Things (IoT) is a rapidly growing area of wireless communication technology that allows devices to communicate with computers and humans via the Internet. This technology goes far beyond simply connecting devices to the internet, it creates opportunities to combine data from these devices with automated systems for the purpose of an...

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Comprehensive Data Analysis for AMPT Tests on MO 740 and Hwy 54

In this study, the S&T research team conducted comprehensive data analysis from the Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT) samples collected in the Highway 54 and MO 740 projects. The MO 740 project in Boone County contained test sections with five mix designs, i.e., control mix, ground tire rubber (GTR)-modified mixture, and three mixtures ...

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Evaluation of Recycled Components in Stone Matrix Asphalt Mixes

Currently, Missouri DOT (MoDOT) does not allow use of recycled materials in SMAs although the HMAs are routinely incorporated with them. MoDOT commissioned this study to investigate the effect of incorporation of recycled materials such as RAP and GTR in SMAs. The following conclusions were drawn: 1) The current use of conglomerate (non-homogeneous...

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Vulnerable Road User (VRU) Safety Assessment

Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs) are nonmotorized road users, such as pedestrians and bicyclists, who do not have the protection of a vehicle shell. VRU injuries and fatalities have been increasing, leading to various efforts to assess and improve VRU safety. One such state-level effort is the development of a Missouri VRU safety assessment plan. This ...

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