MAKING THE MOST OF SHRP RESEARCH IN AUSTRALIA

The US Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) is a five year US$ 200M initiative. SHRP was conceived to primarily serve the needs of the US State Highway Agencies: to target specific research needs in the areas of asphalt, long term pavement performance, concrete and structures, and highway operations. The products of the research are specifications, test methods, testing devices, specialised highway plant and materials. SHRP has attracted great interest in North America, particularly as the research is coming to fruition and the products are being implemented. SHRP has also attracted great interest internationally. Australia has provided loaned staff to the Washington DC office of SHRP for one year assignments, and is participating in an International Long Term Pavement Performance Study. Some 30 other countries have also established formal co- operative ties with SHRP. The payoff for all is exchange of technology. A process has been established in Australia to monitor and review SHRP research. This paper provides an overview of SHRP, the monitoring and review process and highlights some products that are likely to be of benefit to Australia. Various methods of technology transfer such as publications, audio- visuals, workshops, conferences, demonstrations and pilot projects will be used. Examples of how these apply to the highlighted SHRP products are described. The user will play a key role in the first stage of technology transfer, evaluating potential products. (A) For the covering entry of this conference, see IRRD abstract no. 843369.