One of the stated goals of the Caltrans Pavement Program Steering Committee (PPSC) for 2006 was to establish a pavement preservation center. This center addresses critical pavement preservation issues, as well as asset and pavement management needs. There is an essential need to focus on pavement preservation to preserve the existing highway infrastructure and to proactively increase its longevity, serviceability and safety. The Center will addresses the goals of preservation, safety, service and innovation. It provides essential guidance to the Department and the Division of Maintenance to support the goals of Caltrans 5-Year Maintenance Plan as required by Senate Bill (SB) 1098. This is in line with the Program Level-Action Plan (PLAP) strategic goals.The needed assistance includes providing technical bases for the use of appropriate pavement preservation strategies that can result in extending pavement life (SHOPP avoidance), and in determining the optimum timing and efficiency of strategies, as well as provide effective cost control methods and sound asset management. The Center promotes partnerships and strengthens the Department's goals in pursing ways to enhance safety and stewardship.
Caltrans officially announced the opening of the California Pavement Preservation Center to be located at California State University, Chico at the Annual Meeting of AEMA-ISSA-ARRA in Palm Springs in February 2006. Caltrans stated that the Center will be able to provide unique help for those in need of related pavement preservation services by offering 1) expertise and exposure to national and international knowledge, 2) fast-track technology transfer, training and deployment of pavement preservation innovations, 3) timely solutions to pavement preservation issues, 4) solutions to overcome agency challenges and business practices, 5) solid working relationships and partnerships with Industry, academia and other public agencies, and 6) credible technical advice and consultations on pavement preservation issues.
The major benefits for a pavement preservation center are expected to be as follows:
Provides readily accessible expertise and knowledge to provide timely solutions
In-line with the Caltrans 5-Year Maintenance Plan
Acts as credible third party
Promotes the deployment of innovation and technology transfer - thinking "outside the box"
Streamlines the contracting and the business practices for pavement preservation guidance
Enhances safety by promoting proper and durable strategies that result in a decrease exposure to traffic by workers, and less hazards to the motorist public
Increases efficiency with the use of the proper timing of strategies and quantifying performance and cost of pavement preservation strategies for "SHOPP cost avoidance"
Acts as a persistent advocate for the goals of preservation, innovation, safety and serviceability
Provides measurable accomplishments
Acts as a good steward of resources - works with partners
College of Engineering, Computer
Science, & Construction Management
California State University, Chico
Chico, CA 95929-0003
530-898-5963 webmaster@ecst.csuchico.edu
