TRB Pubsindex
Text Size:
x

« Prev Next »

Return to Results | New Search

Bookmark and Share

Title:

MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION/FINNISH NATIONAL ROAD ADMINISTRATION--MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY EXCHANGE PARTNERSHIP

Accession Number:

00742017

Record Type:

Component

Availability:

Find a library where document is available


Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00978515

Abstract:

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) and the Finnish National Road Administration (Finnra) conducted a maintenance worker exchange during the winter of 1995-96. The intent of this exchange was for both agencies to get detailed knowledge of each other's winter road maintenance operations, equipment and materials through hands-on involvement. The exchange program is of obvious benefit to both parties. Finnra has many equipment and operational innovations of interest to Mn/DOT. Some of the more interesting equipment innovations are automatic greasing systems for graders and other equipment, automated grader mold board control systems to obtain precise vertical and horizontal control, a floating system for grader attachments to obtain better control of the front plow, wings and blades, and various toothed blades and rubber slush cutting edges. From an operational perspective, Finnra's use of self-directed work teams, and the emphasis Finnra places on local managers and operators working toward reducing costs enables them to compete effectively with private industry. Similarly, Finnra's exchange worker will return to Finland with new equipment, operation and training ideas for possible implementation. These include zero-velocity salt/sand spreading technology, fiber optic lighting for snow plows, mechanical icebusters, and carbide cutting edge technology. Operational items include the greater use of snow blowers, side wing plows and siping of truck tires for greater traction. In summary, both agencies have found innovative and cost-effective ways to deliver their service to the road user. From this first worker exchange experience, Mn/DOT will examine similar opportunities with other agencies.

Supplemental Notes:

This paper was presented at the workshop by John Howard. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.

Monograph Accession #:

00742013

Language:

English

Corporate Authors:

Transportation Research Board

500 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001 United States

Authors:

Martikainen, P K
Scharffbillig, J H

Pagination:

p. 20-24

Publication Date:

1997-7

Serial:

Transportation Research Circular

Issue Number: 475
Publisher: Transportation Research Board
ISSN: 0097-8515

Conference:

11th Equipment Management Workshop

Location: Syracuse, New York
Date: 1996-6-23 to 1996-6-26
Sponsors: Committee on Equipment Maintenance, Transportation Research Board; New York State Department of Transportation; and Federal Highway Administration.

Media Type:

Digital/other

Features:

Figures (1) ; Photos (3) ; References (5)

Identifier Terms:

Tielaitos (Finland)

Uncontrolled Terms:

Equipment management

Geographic Terms:

Minnesota

Subject Areas:

Administration and Management; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Vehicles and Equipment; I62: Winter Maintenance

Files:

TRIS, TRB

Created Date:

Oct 30 1997 12:00AM

More Articles from this Serial Issue: