Research

Research is a systematic controlled inquiry, often involving analytical or experimental activities, which seeks to gain new knowledge and which may involve the development of new or revised products.
  • Basic Research
     is the study of phenomena to gain knowledge. A specific application may not have been identified.
  • Applied Research
     is a project directed at solving a specific current problem and which usually results in the development of products ready for implementation.
  • State-of-the-Art or Practice Surveys and Studies
     are studies used to gather existing information relative to an existing problem to assist in implementation or to better plan, direct, or focus research.
  • Development
     is the translation of new knowledge into a product and may include the following:
    • Research Field Testing
       is to develop or modify a product at a test facility, or in TxDOT’s operational environment.
    • Excluded is Software Program Development
       which solely automates the use of existing technology, formulae, knowledge, and methods.