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Distinguished Lecture Series: Fall 2005
University of Virginia Center for
Transportation Studies |
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October 25 3:30-4:45 pm
UVA Rotunda Building, Lower
West Oval Room |
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Challenges and New Directions in
Highway Transportation |
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| Kumares C. Sinha, PhD, P.E. |
Abstract
Highway engineers and planners face a difficult challenge to meet the every increasing travel demand with limited resources, while at the same time dealing with the growing concerns about safety, congestion, air quality and energy consumption. In recent years, truck travel has grown many fold causing premature deterioration of the highway infrastructure and requiring frequent preservation and maintenance. Innovations are needed in all aspects of highway transportation, from planning, financing, construction to operational management. Only through continued innovations will we be able to have the pavements and bridges accommodate growing numbers of vehicles, as well as provide safe and cost-effective operation of freight and passenger traffic in both urban areas and intercity corridors. In order to minimize user cost, innovation is also needed in the project delivery processes. In fact, the emphasis should be on system management so that highway and other modes can be integrated to best meet the societal needs for transportation. The presentation will address some of the major issues related to innovations in highway transportation.
Biography of Speaker
Dr. Kumares C. Sinha is the Edgar B. & Hedwig M. Olson Distinguished Professor of Civil Engineering and Director of the Joint Transportation Research Program of Purdue University and Indiana Department of Transportation. He has done extensive research in the area of transportation engineering and infrastructure management. He has published over 350 journal and other publications and mentored numerous students (41 Ph.D., 167 M.S., and 21 post-doctoral fellows) worldwide. He advises governments at all levels and consults for the World Bank on transportation and infrastructure issues. He is a registered Professional Engineer and Honorary Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). He has served as the President of the Transportation & Development Institute of the ASCE, President of the Research and Education Division of the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), and as a member of the Federal Advisory Council on Transportation Statistics. He is also the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Transportation Engineering. Dr. Sinha has received numerous honors, including the Award for Distinguished Contribution to University Transportation Education and Research given by the Council of University Transportation Centers (2005), Wilbur S. Smith Distinguished Transportation Educator Award given jointly by the ITE and several other professional organizations (2002), the ASCE Francis C. Turner Lecture Award (2001), the ARTBA Steinberg Award (2000), the ASCE Harland Bartholomew Award (1996), the Engineering Alumni Award of the University of Connecticut (1995), the ASCE Arthur Wellington Prize (1992), the ASCE Frank M. Masters Award (1986) and the Fred Burggraf Award of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) of the National Research Council (1974). He is also a National Associate of the U.S. National Academies.
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| Dr. Kumares C. Sinha was Fall 2005 Distinguished Lecturer |
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| Dr. Sinha pictured with CTS faculty members (L to R: Drs. Smith, Hoel, Sinha, Demetsky, Garber, and Park) |
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| Dr. Michael Demetsky presents Dr. Sinha with a gift in appreciation of his visit and lecture |
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| Dr. Sinha flanked by Dr. Demetsky and Dr. Hoel |
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