Louisiana Transportation Research Center

05/26/2026

📢 New Research: “Evaluation of RAP Fractionation and Its Impact on Mixture Performance"

New research is underway on the use of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) to improve sustainability and reduce construction costs in asphalt mixtures. This work will evaluate how RAP fractionation and percentages influence material consistency, durability, and overall pavement performance.

The study will help DOTD identify when higher RAP usage is feasible and inform potential updates to specifications, along with practical guidance on fractionation strategies and cost-effective implementation.

🔗: https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/6anz1AUNuRK2c

05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, we reflect on and honor the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. May their service and courage never be forgotten.

05/21/2026

🎙Catch up on episodes of The Driving Force! Learn more about LTRC's External Programs and Special Studies Research Group from big-picture planning to advanced transportation tech.

🚧 Hear from experts on:
• Leadership & partnerships with Vijaya (V.J.) Gopu, Ph.D., P.E.
EP 28🎙️: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L23Eem89iM0&list=PLszdlMgAXn4CavAHj8yrNUBg1KAMEiNov&index=9

• An inside look into Special Studies with Julius Codjoe, Ph.D., P.E.
EP 29🎙️: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1INX14QQ3A&list=PLszdlMgAXn4CavAHj8yrNUBg1KAMEiNov&index=8

• Safety research with Elisabeta Mitran, Ph.D.
EP 30🎙️: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joJQ8xBqOhM&list=PLszdlMgAXn4CavAHj8yrNUBg1KAMEiNov&index=7

• ITS & traffic innovation with Milhan Moomen, Ph.D.
EP 31🎙️: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rB3ekoNzQYM&list=PLszdlMgAXn4CavAHj8yrNUBg1KAMEiNov&index=6

• System-wide planning & efficiency with Ashifur Rahman, Ph.D.
EP 32🎙️: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pKUu3-ueTA&list=PLszdlMgAXn4CavAHj8yrNUBg1KAMEiNov&index=5

• Bridge and structural projects with Walid Alaywan, Ph.D., P.E.
EP 33🎙️:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWTeTgD7keA&list=PLszdlMgAXn4CavAHj8yrNUBg1KAMEiNov&index=4

05/18/2026

📢 New Research: “Pavement Markings Retroreflectivity: Enhancing Traffic Safety"

New research is underway on the critical role pavement markings play in roadway safety, especially at night and in low-visibility conditions. This work focuses on maintaining retroreflectivity, improving understanding of pavement striping practices and material performance factors, and evaluating safety impacts such as nighttime roadway and lane departure crashes.

The findings will support DOTD’s approach to implement methods and guide decisions on materials, maintenance planning, monitoring, and prioritizing locations where improved visibility can deliver the greatest safety benefits.

🔗: https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/HUkwET4VRZuGK

05/08/2026

🎉Celebrating our team members reaching milestone years of state service! 🎉

This kind of longevity doesn’t happen by chance. The work they do and the people around them are what make LTRC a great place to work.

We’re grateful for everything you bring and for your commitment to the work we do.

Here’s to many more years! 👏

Pictured left to right: Kirk Wales | Will Ritter | Melissa Neyland | Julius Codjoe, Ph.D., P.E. | Paul Hendricks | Chris Mertz | Melissa Lee | Sandy Brady

04/22/2026

👷🚧 We’re going orange today for . Not just for the color but for the people behind it. Join us in supporting work zone safety, and do your part by slowing down and staying alert.

04/07/2026

📅 Save the Date

We are pleased to announce the 2027 LTC is scheduled for March 7-10, 2027, at the Raising Cane's River Center in downtown Baton Rouge.

More details coming soon:
• Website launches in May
• Attendee registration opens in August

💡 Have a presentation idea? Submit a topic or contact Garrett Wheat ([email protected])

🤝 Sponsorships & tradeshow registrations open in June.. Questions? Contact Jenny Gilbert ([email protected])

Stay tuned!

03/23/2026

🎙 Catch up on episodes of The Driving Force!

In two special episodes, Todd and Garrett sit down with DOTD's Pavement Design group as well as the Geotechnical Unit.

Featuring: Chris Nickel, Mark Ordogne, Xingwei Chen, Jesse Rauser, and Miranda Perkins

EP 26🎙️: Hear from Pavement Design about their day-to-day operations across Louisiana, highlighting how their efforts serve the state's traveling public.

🔗: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO-g7AVXDe0&list=PLszdlMgAXn4CavAHj8yrNUBg1KAMEiNov&index=8

EP 27 🎙️: Learn how the Geotechnical Unit designs and monitors deep foundations, retaining walls, embankments, and other critical infrastructure.

🔗: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSShLAqXn7E&list=PLszdlMgAXn4CavAHj8yrNUBg1KAMEiNov&index=7

03/16/2026

🔍 New Study Published: "Develop a Methodology for Pavement Drainage System Rating" by Qiming Chen, Ph.D., P.E., and Jun Liu, Ph.D., P.E.

The study developed a practical framework for evaluating pavement drainage conditions at the network level using existing data from DOTD. District offices were first surveyed to identify common drainage issues and the relative importance of different elements.

The methodology focused on three components: pavement surface drainage using PMS data (cross-slope, longitudinal grade, rutting), roadside/shoulder drainage using edge drop-off data and imagery, and ditch drainage assessed through imagery to identify sediment, erosion, and obstructions.

🔗:

See the story

03/10/2026

📢 New Research: “Evaluating the Magnitude and Time Rate of Consolidation Settlement of Embankments Using Piezocone Pe*******on Tests (PCPT)”

Designing infrastructure over Louisiana’s soft, saturated soils comes with major settlement challenges that can impact safety, serviceability, and long-term performance. Current research led by LTRC's Murad Y. Abu-Farsakh, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE is exploring the application of advanced in-situ testing approaches like piezocone pe*******on tests (PCPTs) and dissipation tests (PDTs) on evaluating settlement as compared to traditional lab testing methods.

These newer methods provide continuous, real-time subsurface data under actual field conditions, improving the accuracy of key consolidation parameters. Read more below!

🔗:

See the story