TECHNICAL PAPERS
Mar 1, 1995

Research as a Means for Improving Infrastructure

Publication: Journal of Infrastructure Systems
Volume 1, Issue 1

Abstract

Research is a conscious and directed effort to increase understanding and discover new and better ways to achieve goals. Leading economists attribute a major share of the nation's economic growth since World War II to the results of scientific and engineering research and development (R & D) activities. Available evidence indicates that U.S. R & D spending for infrastructure is low, compared to the benefits that might be gained from improved infrastructure technology, as well as to spending rates in other sectors of the economy and in other industrialized nations. Several recent studies have proposed high-priority topics where greater R & D effort could yield substantial dividends. Some federal agencies and private-sector initiatives indicate that infrastructure R & D spending on these topics could increase. However, transfer of research results into practice is essential to justify such spending.

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Go to Journal of Infrastructure Systems
Journal of Infrastructure Systems
Volume 1Issue 1March 1995
Pages: 6 - 15

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Published online: Mar 1, 1995
Published in print: Mar 1995

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Authors

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Andrew C. Lemer
Pres., MATRIX group, inc., 4701 Keswick Rd., Baltimore, MD 21210.
Ken P. Chong, Fellow, ASCE
P.E., Dir., Struct. Systems and Constr. Processes, Nat. Sci. Found., 4210 Wilson Blvd., Room 545, Arlington, VA 22230.
Mehmet T. Tumay
P.E., Dir. of Res., Louisiana Transp. Res. Ctr., 4101 Gourier, Baton Rouge, LA 70808.

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