Initial project work (Phase I) has resulted in the identification of an assortment of new technologies which have the potential of greatly improving the effectiveness and efficiency of various highway maintenance activities where the collection, retention, or use of data is required. Recommendations have been made on the application of these technologies to six generalized scenarios: (a) Crew data collection, (b) Inventory Management and Control, (c) Roadway Feature Inventory Updating, (d) Inputs to Short Run Scheduling, (e) Bridge Inspection and Maintenance, and (f) Heavy Snow Removal Equipment Monitoring. Given the opportunity for additional work under this project, the NCHRP has decided that pursuing further developments under scenarios a, c, and d would allow the testing and demonstration of the greatest number of new technologies to further achieve the project objective of improving the acquisition, recording, field verification, transmission, and receipt of field-related data for maintenance manageme nt systems. The focus of the additional work (Phase II) will be aimed specifically at those activities performed by first-level maintenance supervisors (crew chief). To accomplish this second phase of work, the following tasks will be required as a minimum:

Task 1 Preliminary Demonstration Design. Develop and describe the requirements of the demonstrations to include as many technologies as appropriate.

Task 2 Arrangements with Cooperating States. Identify at least 2 state departments of transportation willing to help sponsor the demonstrations. Efforts shall be made to gain assistance in providing realistic conditions including direct 2-way linkage, where possible, with the states' maintenance management systems.

Task 3 Preparatory Studies. Evaluate site conditions to include the working environment and personnel. Focus groups and hands-on, staged demonstrations are recommended.

Task 4 Hardware and Software Acquisition. Develop or obtain all necessary hardware and software necessary for a successful demonstration.

Task 5 Final Demonstration Design. Develop the precise procedures for conducting the demonstrations at the host states. The design shall include the measures by which the demonstrations will be judged, for example, cost effectiveness, worker acceptance, quality of data collected, and increased productivity. Submit for approval to the host states and the NCHRP.

Task 6 Demonstrations. Upon approval, conduct demonstrations at the host states. Video taping selected operations should be considered.

Task 7 Final Report. Document the development and results of the demonstrations, the conclusions, and recommendations. The recommendations shall provide instructions to states on the application and implementation of the technologies.

Phase I is complete and the final report published as NCHRP Report 334, "Improvements in Data Acquisition Technology for Maintenance Management Systems." The Phase I final report contains generic descriptions of available technologies and describes potential applications of each. Preliminary system designs are also presented for six maintenance activity scenarios.

All work has been completed, and the final report has been published as NCHRP Report 361, "Field Demonstrations of Advanced Data Acquisition Technology for Maintenance Management."