Location & Contact Information | top
The offices of the Pavement Research Institute are located in the Civil
Engineering Building, on the University of Minnesota's Minneapolis
East Bank Campus. Maps
and parking information (U of MN).
The Pavement Research Institute
Institute of Technology, University of Minnesota
122 Civil Engineering Building (CivE)
500 Pillsbury Drive S.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55455
History | top
Minnesota has long been among the leaders in the area of pavement
research and pavement technology. Four entities currently
have significant roles in pavement research in Minnesota:
The concept of the Pavement Research Institute (PRI) was developed in
the late 1990s. Mn/DOT pavement researchers and the faculty at the University
of Minnesota involved in pavement research recognized that pavement research
in Minnesota could be strengthened by combining resources, and collaborating
on existing research and the pursuit of new research. Concurrently there
was an increase in the amount of discussion of collaborative research
on a regional and national level. Limited funding and the identification
of more demands on research to improve pavement performance, reduce life
cycle costs, and reduce user costs due to construction and maintenance
activities all support the development of PRI to create the infrastructure
to respond to these research demands.
The PRI was created in 2003. Funding for PRI was from the Minnesota
Department of Transportation and the Local Road Research Board.
The PRI resides in the Civil Engineering Department of the University
of Minnesota and is also part of the Center for Transportation Studies
(CTS). The principal goal for PRI, as identified in the agreement
between CTS and Mn/DOT, is to "expand Minnesota's role in pavement
related research, education, outreach, and partnerships."
Mission | top
The Pavement Research Institute (PRI) provides a mechanism
for the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Transportation,
the Local Road Research Board, and the pavement construction industry
to become a collective resource for future research covering not
only state and local needs, but also regional, national, and international
needs.
The Pavement Research Institute will work with the University of
Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Transportation including MnROAD,
and
the Local Road Research Board to develop, promote, and conduct pavement
research plus conduct outreach activities related to pavement research.
The Pavement Research Institute will also work with other agencies,
associations, companies, or individuals that have a common interest
in pavement research.
Specific elements of the Mission include:
- Provide coordination
and linkages among the University of Minnesota, Mn/DOT, MnROAD,
and the Local Road Research Board to enhance pavement research
in Minnesota.
- Present PRI to the pavement community as a major research
resource and grow Minnesota's image as a leader in pavement research.
-
Collaborate with other agencies, universities, and industry to
identify research needs and opportunities.
Goals | top
- Develop research needs and research problem statements.
- Work with faculty from a variety of disciplines, Mn/DOT, CTS, the
LRRB, and industry to develop new ideas that would improve pavement
engineering and be an advocate for research and education programs
to pursue those ideas.
- Identify potential sponsors of pavement research and
pursue funding for pavement research.
- Pursue funding for pavement research from federal agencies (for
example, Federal Highway Administration and National Cooperative
Highway Research Program), state agencies (state DOTs), and private
industry. Focus on regional and national research that utilizes and
supports operation of the MnROAD facility. Lead and assist faculty
in the development of research proposals. Work with CTS to develop
training and outreach opportunities.
- Establish the Pavement Research Institute as an internationally
recognized entity.
- Promote the value of pavement research and education. Strengthen
the national role of the MnROAD pavement research facility. Attend
national meetings on materials and pavement-related topics, provide
leadership and participation in meetings with funding organizations,
industry, and professional organizations and associations, make presentations
to elected officials and media representatives, and participate in
efforts to educate the public and students at all levels.
- Coordinate research activities
- Foster a sustainable, joint University/Mn/DOT pavement research
program. Coordinate pavement research activities between the University,
Mn/DOT, the LRRB and private industry. Work closely with CTS, Mn/DOT
, and local associations in idea development and technology transfer.
Work closely with CTS and Mn/DOT in program management.
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Last
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Friday, 11 January 2008