Optimal Procedures for Validating Contractor Test Data

The objective of this research is to develop an effective method for validating contractor test data to replace the current F- and t-test procedure. Proposed tasks include: (1) Conduct a literature search on the use of statistical tests to compare independent data sets. (2) Select one or more statistical tests as potential replacements for the currently recommended F- and t-test procedure. Evaluate the tests using actual or simulated data. Determine the effectiveness of each method for evaluating independent data sets. (3) Perform a risk analysis to determine the effects of sample size and significance level. Recommend minimum samples sizes and an appropriate significance level for use in the validation process. (4) Develop recommended specification language and business rules for data validation including what action to take if contractor data is not validated; how to address the issue of “practical differences” (i.e., the difference between data sets is statistically significant, but so small as to be of no practical significance); the role of dispute resolution in the validation process. (5) Develop guidance and tools for an optimum procedure to validate contractor test data for use in the acceptance process.

• Record URL:
  http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=4192
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Source of proposed project: AASHTO Highway Subcommittee on Materials. Contract to a Performing Organization has not yet been awarded.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Proposed
• Funding: $300000
• Contract Numbers:

  10-100

• Sponsor Organizations:

  National Cooperative Highway Research Program

  Transportation Research Board
  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)

  444 North Capitol Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Project Managers:

  Hanna, Amir

• Start Date: 20160511
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• Source Data: RiP Project 40826

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Contractors; Data files; Project delivery; Risk analysis; Specifications; State departments of transportation; Test procedures; Validation
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Construction; Data and Information Technology; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01598975
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Transportation Research Board
• Contract Numbers: 10-100
• Files: TRB, RiP
• Created Date: May 11 2016 1:00AM