Digital Commons Network^™

Constructability Reviews For The Win: How To Model Success, Jonathan Paauwe, Andrew Pangallo, Nathan Goins

Purdue Road School

The success of a project hinges not only on innovative design but also on the practical feasibility of construction. This presentation delves into the critical role of constructability reviews in civil design projects. You’ll learn how to create/setup open format IFC models to be reviewed in many applications, and gain insights into best practices and strategies for integrating constructability reviews into your project workflow.

Effective Asset Management Of Mechanically Stabilized Earth (Mse) Walls: Best Practices, Challenges, And Innovations, Aamir Turk, Joshua Lee, Malek Smadi

Purdue Road School

MSE walls are widely used in civil engineering due to their cost-effectiveness and ability to retain earth efficiently. However, like any infrastructure, they require proper asset management to ensure long-term performance, safety, and durability. This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of asset management strategies specifically for MSE walls, with an emphasis on inspection, maintenance, lifecycle management, and emerging technologies.

Pavement Patching: Indot’S Comprehensive Patching Table Initiatives, Kumar Dave, Tony Jones, Ben Stenger

Purdue Road School

This presentation will highlight INDOT’s latest efforts to enhance pavement patching practices through the development of comprehensive patching tables as part of the pavement design process. We will cover the new structure of these patching tables and explore advanced technologies for identifying patch locations, including a case study on the use of LiDAR technology for precise mapping and implementation.

Structural Health Monitoring Of Bridges For Lifecycle Asset Management, Brittany Bullard, Brian Cherry

Purdue Road School

The US infrastructure is aging. Enhanced assessment is needed to extend the service life of existing assets. Both new construction and rehabilitation projects offer opportunities for the use of structural health monitoring (SHM). This presentation examines the use of three types of SHM systems applied to Indiana Toll Road bridges—live-load testing, long-term monitoring, and InSAR satellite data.

Bell Ford Bridge Reconstruction Project, Daniel Kurdziel, Jim Barker, Matt Lee

Purdue Road School

The Bell Ford Bridge was originally constructed in 1869 until it collapsed in the 20th century. The remains were salvaged and stored for 20 years until it was to be rebuilt in Hamilton County, IN. This is the only remaining Combination Post Truss in existence and was rebuilt using 95% of the original iron and 10% of the original timber.

Winning Your Team With Intentional Connection, Jessica Miller, Kenny Franklin

Purdue Road School

152. Winning Your Team With Intentional Connection As the leader of a team, how do you inspire others even when you don’t have all the answers? This session will introduce ways to be intentional in our relationships and make deeper connections with our team members. We hope you leave this session with the courage to be vulnerable and drive your vision.

Beyond Cultural Responsiveness: Elevating African American Stem Education Through African-Centered Models, Deanna Bailey, Charnee Bowens, Tamara Altman

Journal of Pre-College Engineering Education Research (J-PEER)

Researchers posit that the way science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are taught to African Americans contributes to their underrepresentation in the STEM fields. STEM educators are increasingly utilizing culturally relevant pedagogy, culturally responsive teaching strategies, and culturally sustaining pedagogy to engage the African American STEM learner. However, these techniques are limited in addressing the holistic development, healing, and needs of African people.^[1] This essay advocates for the use and study of a new educational model titled African-centered STEM education (ACSE). The authors contend that this model is effective for African American STEM learners and African people and benefits …

Completing The Crossing - Status Of I-69 Orx Section 2, Patty Dunaway, Danny Corbin, Amanda Spencer

Purdue Road School

The presentation as part of 2025 Purdue Road School is an overview of the status of I-69 ORX Section 2. The discussion includes the Ohio River Crossing project's history, overview, and the proposed next steps and procurement process. Challenges and solutions, risk and mitigation, request for information questions and summary, and target dates are discussed.

Going With The Flow: Successful Stream Reconstruction Lessons, Chris Leek, Summer Elmore, Jacob Burskey

Purdue Road School

The West Fork Blue River Stream Mitigation Reconstruction project required unique coordination efforts between INDOT EWPO, the designer, and the district. The field team will share the valuable lessons that emerged over the course of the reconstruction, including the value-added benefits of having on-site environmental observation, the need to adjust to site conditions and permitting hurdles, and vital communication strategies for collaborating with stakeholders.

Effective Utility Coordination: Impo Discussion, Natalie Parks

Purdue Road School

Utility-related construction delays continue to plague our industry despite processes in place to provide better communication throughout the project delivery process. The IMPO conducted a study to review effective utility coordination practices that minimized construction delays. This presentation will give an overview of the research and the key outcomes, provide practical steps forward, and outline possible implementation procedures that can be applied specifically to local agency projects.

Ai And Roadway Asset Management, Shawn Strange, Grant Barker

Purdue Road School

Asset management has become much easier and more affordable thanks to LiDAR, 360 degree digital photography, GPS, and AI. These new tools can cut the time of a field inventory to just a few days. In addition to rating pavements, they can also pick up sign inventories, clear zone obstructions and pavement drop-offs, and more. Join us for a discussion.

Advanced Air Mobility At Purdue: Opportunity Meets Capability, Bill Crossley

Purdue Road School

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is a phrase describing the emerging aerospace sector that brings together new and evolving technologies to revolutionize aviation. The conjunction of electric aircraft propulsion, autonomy and automation, and advanced materials and manufacturing holds the potential for the safe, lower-cost, higher-reliability transportation of passengers and cargo in urban and regional settings. This session will discuss how Purdue’s problem-solving abilities enable AAM.

Indiana Geology And The Sampling Process, Samuel Clawson, Nayyar Siddiki

Purdue Road School

Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the geologic layers of Indiana, why it is important to take them into consideration for roadway construction, and how the in-house sampling process functions.

Ohio Dot Automated Driving System Deployment Project Findings, Ben Ritchey

Purdue Road School

Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the findings from the OhioDOT Automated Driving Systems (ADS) Deployment project of tractor semi-trailers and Ford transit vans operating on Ohio public roads using Level 2/3 technology. The tractors used truck platooning technology and were operated by a motor carrier in revenue service. The passenger vans operated in three project designated routes using HD maps and were operated by project team members.

Right Of Way (Row) Autonomous Mowing Project, Michael A. Mardikes, Nathan C. Sprague, Timothy J. Wiegman, John T. Evans

Purdue Road School

Digital Twin Roadside Vegetation Management and Real-World Verification: Roadside mowing operations are high risk for all crew members working alongside moving traffic and challenging terrain. Autonomous mowers could remove the need for a human presence along the right-of-way. To study the feasibility of this technology, a digital-twin robotic simulator was developed for testing and evaluating real-world Indiana test segments. Real-world verification was then performed on unmanned mowing platforms to validate the simulated results. Join us to learn more.

Understanding The Fhwa Cost And Schedule Risk, Daniel Corbin, Toby Randolph

Purdue Road School

Major projects (over $500 million) are often more complex and riskier than other projects, and careful attention must be provided when preparing cost estimates. Traditional estimating methods may not be appropriate in all cases. Using the Revive I-70 and I-69 ORX projects as examples, project team members from INDOT and their consultant will describe how the CSRA process works and how to complete a CSRA level risk assessment.

Enhancing Road Performance With Void Reducing Asphalt Membrane, Tim Zahrn, Todd Thomas, Randy Miller

Purdue Road School

This presentation will discuss how using the technology of a Void Reducing Asphalt membrane can improve performance of our Asphalt Pavements by creating a more durable asphalt surface that resists cracking and reduces permeability. Void Reducing Asphalt Membrane (VRAM) Specifications: VRAM reduces voids in longitudinal joints, which improves the longevity of a quality road surface. INDOT has already required VRAM on certain road designs. We will review the current specifications for VRAM and outline specifications that may update with the technology. We will also discuss the Impact of Rumble Strips on Longitudinal Joint Performance. The session will also highlight how …

Indiana Bond Bank: Financing Road Infrastructure And Equipment, Marisa Weimer, Jacob Blasdel, Ron Mangus

Purdue Road School

Learn how the Indiana Bond Bank can support your community’s road projects through innovative financing solutions. This session will explore project and equipment financing options, fuel price protection strategies, and other resources designed to help municipalities fund road infrastructure improvements, maintenance, and expansions. Discover how to make the most of these financial tools to keep your community’s roads safe, reliable, and well-maintained.

Comparing Safety Data On A Constructed Hard Shoulder Running (Hsr) Project, Brian Toombs

Purdue Road School

HSR uses road shoulders to improve congestion, butreducing the lateral width to obstructions when the shoulder is a travel lane creates the perception of compromised safety. Few HSR projects have existed long enough to compare safety data to determine if this is a legitimate concern. This presentation will compare the crash trends before and after the implementation of Ohio’s first HSR project and discuss gaps in the current practice.

Help! We Need Accurate Utility Information, Dan Osborn, Andrew Schouten, Natalie Parks

Purdue Road School

The construction industry urges project owners to provide accurate utility information in contract documents. Accurate utility facility information is critical to minimizing risks during bidding and construction. Presenters will provide project examples, challenges, and solutions to convince attendees of the importance of accurate utility information.

Charging Indiana’S Crossroads, Kerri Garvin, George Mccue, Jack Sinton

Purdue Road School

Join us for an insightful update on INDOT’s Charging the Crossroads Program. Speakers will highlight the latest program activities, key milestones and challenges with Round 1 and Round 2 projects, and offer a glimpse into activities beyond the stations themselves. Learn how Indiana is paving the way for a sustainable, accessible, and equitable deployment of DC fast charging infrastructure.

Presentation Speakers/Participants

• George McCue, INDOT, [email protected]
• Jack Sinton, HNTB Corporation, [email protected]
• Kerri Garvin, HNTB Corporation, [email protected]

Data Visualization To Empower Great Transportation Decision Making, Dan Malsom, Meg Hunter

Purdue Road School

This session demonstrates tools and dashboards developed using Microsoft Power BI and ArcGIS Experience Builder and will outline how they are used by planners, engineers, and the public to make well-informed transportation decisions related to safety, traffic operations, transportation planning, and project programming. The session will also highlight best practices for practitioners who want to start using these tools and identify data sources worth analyzing more closely.

Major Bridge Inspection Program Changes, Jonathan Olson, Jacob Gould

Purdue Road School

The FHWA’s release of the new National Bridge Inspection Standards was the biggest program change since 2004. Find out how these major changes are being implemented in Indiana and how they will affect bridge inspectors and bridge owners.

National Wildlife Crossings Program: Enhancing Roadway Safety, Lisa Vale, Tony Miller, Kevin Connor

Purdue Road School

Wildlife crossings are an emerging creative infrastructure solution that enhance road safety by providing safe passage for wildlife across busy highways, which significantly lowers the risk of severe wildlife-vehicle collisions. Join us as Lochner’s Roadway Ecologists share their nationwide experience with wildlife crossing projects and the funding sources available to bring these solutions to Indiana. By learning from successful models across the country, we can protect ecosystems while improving roadway safety.

Nexus Between Nepa And Utilities, Natalie Parks, Kate Williams

Purdue Road School

Integrating utility coordination within the NEPA framework is crucial for ensuring environmental compliance while also meeting project timelines. This presentation will explore the intersection of these processes, identify key challenges, and outline best practices to streamline coordination. Case studies from recent projects will illustrate effective collaboration and procedural efficiency and offer insights into achieving regulatory compliance and project goals.

Public Speaking 101: Overcoming The Fear Factor, Richard Gilyeat, Alex Schwinghamer, Mindy Peterson

Purdue Road School

Strong communications matters and can help you in daily tasks and in growing your career, but does the thought of public speaking make you break out into a cold sweat? You’re not alone. This interactive session is all about finding your confidence and your comfort level. We’ll focus on practical tips, tricks, and guidelines to help you conquer your public speaking fears or grow the experience you already have.

Navigating Urban Forestry Requirements For Road Projects, Zachary Root, Amy Noel

Purdue Road School

Not sure how to navigate the complexities of managing urban forests for your road design projects? Beautify your road project by incorporating tree planting and management from the start. Learn how urban forestry management can be incorporated early in the design process, whether to meet specific permit requirements or to meet community-based urban forest guidance.

Csgp/Rule 5 Erosion Control Tips And Tricks, Gretchen Meyer

Purdue Road School

This presentation will walk through the revised erosion control rule, highlight commonly overlooked items, and provide tips for working through this permit.

Iykyk: Better Understanding The Indot Pcsm Program, Sandra Bowman, Jessica Eichhorst

Purdue Road School

INDOT began requiring the implementation of Post-Construction Stormwater (PCSM) BMPs on qualifying projects in THE fall of 2022. This presentation will provide an update on the PCSM program. Following an explanation of the design requirements and resources, construction specifications, submittal guidance, frequently asked questions, and lessons learned, attendees will walk away with a better understanding of the INDOT PCSM program.

Innovative Intersection Public Involvement: Strategies That Work, Nathaniel Shellhamer, David Reamer

Purdue Road School

This presentation will share best practices for effectively engaging the public and local stakeholders during the development of innovative treatments. We will cover why innovative treatments work; their selection process; case studies from finished projects; and tips and tricks for effective, positive engagement and collaboration. This presentation will benefit project managers, public involvement professionals, and engineers involved in developing innovative treatments.