Update of the National Highway Specifications Web Site Ken Jacoby Federal Highway Administration Office of Asset Management August 4, 2009 Chicago, IL AASHTO Subcommittee on Construction

2 Background  AASHTO Construction Subcommittee Resolution Objective: One-stop source for specification information Endorsed development of an electronic specifications library to be hosted by FHWA  National Highway Specifications Web Site (NHSW) Launched 2003 Provided Standard Specifications and Supplements Established a submission process

3 Feedback From Users  Survey developed and administered thought the AASHTO Subcommittee on Construction  37 States responded  Topics included questions on format, search capabilities, content

4 User Feedback – Functionality  Update submission process 83% unfamiliar with process Time-consuming to meet NHSW submission standards  Search Function Searches could be faster Search features are confusing

5 User Feedback – Content  What information would you find useful? Innovative Specifications: 95% Contact info for spec engineers: 90% Links to related websites: 78% Manuals: 78%

6 New or Emerging Specifications  Emerging Technical Areas Stakeless survey Intelligent compaction Ride quality and smoothness Machine control grading  Alternative Contracting Methods Design/Build ID/IQ for construction Contract Maintenance Best value procurements A+B bidding Lump sum bidding  Performance Specifications Performance Based Maintenance Specifications Performance Related Specifications Design Build Performance Specifications Warranty Specifications

7 Updates to the NHSW  NHSW was updated in as a result of the survey findings and other information gathered.  Updates were meant to make maintenance of the site by State agencies as easy as possible.

8 Standard Specifications Innovative Contracting Specifications Emerging Technical Specifications Construction Manuals Links to Standard Plans current inventory not an archive SHAsFHWA Administrative features Security issues Provide oversight Encourage participation, promote website Maintain the Library Browse Library Search Library Download specs View and print specs Users

9 Updated Homepage

10 Specifications Library

11 Innovative and Emerging Specifications

12 Construction Manuals Library

13 Standard Drawings

14 Additional Resources

15 Administrative Features  Allows designated users to upload/revise/delete agency specifications, construction manuals, standard drawing links, and contact information.  Provides training on how to use the administrative features.  Administrators must have an FHWA login account

16 Future Changes to the NHSW  Increased Content Standard Drawings, Design Manuals, Quality Assurance Manuals, etc.  HTML applications  Integration with data/document management systems  e-enhancements Tutorials and online training Graphics, photos, videos hyperlinks

17 Help Tutorial

18 Pictures

19 Video Embedded video

20 Questions?  Website address:  For more information contact: Ken Jacoby Telephone: (202)