Research and Technical Support for Infrastructure Laboratories

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Infrastructure Research & Development (HRDI) conducts and oversees research and development programs and projects that address critical highway infrastructure needs and priorities of national importance. Studies focus on the design, materials, construction, operation, and preservation of highway pavements, bridges, culverts, tunnels, and other structures. In addition, HRDI provides expert technical assistance to other FHWA offices, other Federal agencies, State and local transportation organizations, industry and academia.
Through an integrated and interdisciplinary research approach, HRDI provides state-of-the-art knowledge and tools with the goal of improving the safety, performance, and cost effectiveness of the Nation's highway infrastructure, while minimizing the impacts that highway construction, operations, maintenance, and rehabilitation may have on the environment. Across the highway infrastructure spectrum, the contributions of stakeholders in the development and execution of multiple year R&D plans and roadmaps are key to the success of the office.
The work of HRDI is carried out by highly experienced researchers, including but not limited to, engineers, scientists, chemists, geologists, lab managers, interns, post-doctoral associates, visiting researchers, consultants, and technicians within twelve laboratories. Four of these laboratories (Structures Laboratory, Non-Destructive Evaluation Laboratory, Hydraulics Laboratory, and Geotechnical Laboratory) help support the research performed under the Structures, Non-Destructive Evaluation, Hydraulics, and Geotechnical programs. This vehicle focuses on those four laboratories.