The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) operates a transportation library. The mission of the ADOT Library is to provide ADOT employees with the published information they need to carry out their job responsibilities contributing to a safe, efficient, and cost-effective transportation system in Arizona. Historically, ADOT's librarians have used professional judgment to decide which materials to add to the collection. This research is the first formal investigation to determine the information needs of ADOT staff and the role of the Library in meeting those needs. This study has provided information regarding: (a) the information needs of the ADOT staff, including the means by which they currently obtain the information they need; (b) preferences regarding access to Library services and resources; and (c) awareness and use of the ADOT Library. Findings from the study also provided insights into the role of transportation libraries, the extent to which ADOT Library practices align with acknowledged effective practices in transportation libraries overall, and opportunities for ongoing improvement and enhancement of Library operations, communications and marketing efforts, customer service, and valuation. Recommendations were developed to facilitate delivery of ADOT Library services in fiscal periods characterized by severe budgetary constraints and limited resources as well as in less constricted fiscal periods permitting continued investment in ADOT Library resources (staff, collection materials, information technologies). The research findings can be used by ADOT to inform strategic and contingency planning efforts and will enable ADOT to make data-driven decisions regarding the Library collection and services.

There are many factors that affect the durability of Portland cement concrete (PCC), including the mix design and the materials used, the quality of construction, and the environment. Durability is not an intrinsic property of the concrete, but instead is related to how the material interacts with the environment. Durability-related deterioration is referred to as materials-related distress (MRD). Common MRDs include those caused by physical processes, such as freezing and thawing, or chemical processes, such as alkali-silica reactivity (ASR) and sulfate attack. This research project was undertaken to determine whether concrete used in the ADOT system is experiencing, or is potentially susceptible to, ASR or sulfate attack, and if so, to what degree.

This research study of pavement smoothness measurement was conducted in order to develop and implement an improved highway smoothness construction specification on asphalt concrete pavements. Achieving a higher level of smoothness on highways during construction results in savings to the taxpayer due to reduced wear and tear on vehicles, and longer highway life. Although the current ADOT specification used for highway smoothness addresses localized smoothness problems, it is difficult to administer due to the measurement system used, and provides little impetus to the contractor to improve his quality of work with respect to overall highway smoothness. This study provided data to assist ADOT in developing a new smoothness specification that would provide incentive to contractors to construct smoother pavements and which is easier for ADOT to administer. In order to provide incentive to contractors, a pavement smoothness construction quality control draft specification and associated measurement procedure was produced.