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Colorado State University

Photo courtesy of Colorado State University

Colorado State University’s work is focused on transforming transportation through cutting-edge research, education, and technology—all grounded in a commitment to infrastructure preservation, maintenance, and sustainability. We bring a multidimensional approach to transportation challenges, with three key areas of focus.

1) Cutting-Edge Sensing and Inspection Technologies for Transportation Infrastructure: Our research leverages state-of-the-art sensing tools—such as Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)-based inspections, cosmic ray neutron rover sensing, and crowdsourced pavement monitoring—to enhance the assessment of roadway and infrastructure conditions. For example, the cosmic ray neutron rover enables accurate, non-destructive measurement of moisture in unpaved roads, improving the timing and effectiveness of maintenance activities like grading and dust suppression. The UAS-based infrastructure inspection project incorporates a robotic arm to enable contact-based sensing, allowing for the detection of structural damage inside steel bridges. This innovation significantly improves inspection accuracy and supports long-term infrastructure preservation. These advanced technologies provide real-world data that empower agencies to make smarter, data-driven maintenance and investment decisions.

2) Enhancing Safety and Longevity: We investigate how road conditions and maintenance practices affect public safety and the durability of transportation infrastructure. For instance, our research on advanced concrete formulations aims to enhance structural performance under severe environmental conditions. This work is critical for reducing infrastructure risks and extending the service life of transportation networks.

3) Engineering Education and Workforce Development: We are creating innovative instructional resources—including specialized course modules and multimedia curriculum tools—to better prepare engineering and construction students for the challenges of modern transportation systems. Courses such as “Engineering with Drones” offer students hands-on experience with emerging technologies, including UAS operations, sensor integration, and data interpretation. These experiences prepare students for professional roles in infrastructure assessment, inspection, and technology implementation.