TxDOT Glossary: T

Table Accounting Code System: TACS; The Table Accounting Code System is tables that are used during the update transaction validation phase in the FIMS front-end processing. During this phase, FIMS database records(s) that match the update transaction segment detail are accessed to do more extensive validation. Information contained in a TACS table serves to limit the kinds of data that can be accepted by FIMS for certain fields.; Finance Division

tack coat: A tack coat is the initial application of asphaltic material to an existing surface to ensure bonding between the superimposed construction and the old surface.

tag-a-long trailer: A tag-a-long trailer is a utility or equipment trailer with a pintle or captive-ball hitch.; Equipment Manual

tagout: Tagout is the placement of a tagout device on an energy-isolating device, in accordance with an established procedure, to indicate that the energy isolating device and the equipment being controlled may not be operated until the tagout device is removed.; Occupational Safety Manual

tagout device: A tagout device is a prominent warning device, such as a tag and a means of attachment, which can be securely fastened to an energy isolating device in accordance with an established procedure, to indicate that the energy-isolating device and the equipment being controlled may not be operated until the tagout device is removed. Occupational Safety Manual

tailwater: Tailwater is the depth of flow in the stream directly downstream of a drainage facility.

take area: A take area in eminent domain proceedings is the physical linear or metric area of the property of which the condemnor will permanently or temporarily deprive the owners use.; Right of Way Manual

taking: Taking is the process of obtaining right of way by negotiation or eminent domain proceedings. Also that portion of real property taken for transportation purposes.; Right of Way Manual

tandem axle load: Tandem axle load is the total load transmitted to the road by two consecutive axles extending across the full width of the vehicle. (Note: The spacing of the tandem axles used at the AASHTO road test was 48 inches.); Pavement Design Manual

tangent length: The tangent length is the measurement from point of curvature to point of intersection and from point of intersection to point of tangent of a curve.; Survey Manual

tangents: T; Tangents are the straight section of a road.; Survey Manual

tare: Tare is a balance adjustment that excludes weights of containers or other apparatus present on scale in conjunct with material being weighed.; Manual of Testing Procedures

team: The team consists of the provider and all proposed subproviders who will be working on a particular contract.; Engineering Architectural and Surveying Services Manual

Technical Advisory Committee: TAC; A Technical Advisory Committee is part of a Municipal Planning Organization.

technical assistance panel: TAP; A technical assistance panel is affiliated with each Research Management Committee to provide input to the long range research plan and technical expertise to assist in program development. The TAP members will be from within TxDOT, FHWA, and universities and may include representatives from other entities.; Research and Implementation Manual

technical expert: Technical expert is one who is qualified as an expert in the valuation of a certain product other than real estate, such as machinery, minerals, cost of special improvements, etc.; Right of Way Collection

technical manager: A technical manager is an assigned custodian of information resources who provides technical facilities and support services to owners and users of information. A technical manager assists program management in the selection of cost effective controls to be used to protect information resources. The technical manager is charged with executing the monitoring techniques and procedures for detecting, reporting, and investigating breaches in information asset security.; Information Security Manual

Technology Services Division: TSD; The Technology Services Division (formerly ISD) provides information technology hardware, software, services and staffing to support and enhance the business operations of the department, including the oversight and management of the statewide data center services contract, develops and implements new systems and technologies, provides photogrammetry services and supports statewide land surveying and develops, maintains, manages and enforces TxDOT and State of Texas IT policies, standards and procedures. The Director of TSD serves as the department's Chief Information Officer, Information Resource Manager, and Information Security Officer.; Technology Services Division

technical precertification: Technical precertification is a review process conducted by the department to determine if a prime provider or subprovider meets the technical requirements to perform work identified in a work category.; Engineering Architectural and Surveying Services Manual

technology transfer: Technology transfer means those activities that lead to the adoption of a new technique or product by users, and involves dissemination, demonstration, training and other activities that lead to eventual innovation.; Research and Implementation Manual

temporarily assigned vehicle: A temporarily assigned vehicle is a vehicle temporarily assigned to a division or office for its exclusive use and may be used for local or out-of-town travel for periods greater than five days and up to 90 days, with exceptions to be approved on a case-by-case basis.; Equipment Manual

temporary access: Temporary access is the time-limited provision of direct access to a roadway. Such access must be closed when permit conditions for access removal are satisfied. Typically, such conditions relate to such time when adjacent properties develop in accordance with a joint access agreement or frontage road plan.; Access Management Manual

temporary assistance for needy families: TANF; Temporary assistance for needy families is state-operated, federally funded programs to provide assistance and work opportunities to needy families.; Public Transportation Collection

temporary construction easement: A temporary right acquired by one party (from the owner of real property) to use or control real property belonging to another party for the purpose of construction. See also conveyance document and right of entry.

temporary easement: The right to use and possession of a given tract of land for the purpose and period of time stated in the instrument of conveyance.; Right of Way Collection

temporary modified duty: Temporary modified duty is a short-term modification or adjustment to a job or the work environment to allow an employee to return to work who is temporarily disabled, has lost their driver license, or has violated substance abuse policy.; Human Resources Manual

Temporary Fuel Location: TFL; A temporary fuel location (TFL) is established by the Texas Military Forces to provide diesel to buses carrying special needs passengers during an evacuation. These locations also include portable rest room facilities and oxygen bottles for these special needs passengers and are not open to the general evacuation population.; Maintenance Division

temporary sediment control fence fabric: Temporary sediment control fence fabric is a woven geotextile fabric conforming to the requirements of TxDOT Material Specification “6230, Temporary Sediment Control Fence Fabric.” The primary use is for control of sediment in surface runoff water.; Material Specifications

temporary sign: A temporary sign is any sign not permanently affixed or attached to the ground or a structure, which can be removed without special handling.; Maintenance Collection

tenant: A tenant a person who has the temporary use and occupancy of real property owned by another.; Right of Way Manual

tensioning cylinders: Tensioning cylinders are cylinders used to determine when the concrete strength is adequate to apply the final prestressing force by the post-tensioning.; 700-I, Structural Test Procedures Manual

terminal anchorage

termination: Termination is the cancellation of the contract before the completion date.; Contract Management Manual

termination date: Termination date is the date or event when a contract expires.; Contract Management Manual

Terrain Evaluation and Retrieval for Road Alignment: TERRA; Terrain Evaluation and Retrieval for Road Alignment uses data prepared by Contour Analysis by Random Triangulation Algorithm and calculates cross-section and profile data along a roadway alignment.

testing: Testing is the process by which the hazards that may confront entrants of a permit space are identified and evaluated. Testing includes specifying the tests that are to be performed in the permit space.; Occupational Safety Manual

testing machine: A testing machine is a device designed to hold specimens and to apply a force to the specimens. Testing machines incorporate equipment to control the force and instruments to measure it.; Manual of Testing Procedures

Texas Administrative Code: TAC; The Texas Administrative Code (TAC) is a compilation of all state agency rules in Texas. Each title represents a category, and relating agencies are assigned to the appropriate title.; Office of the Secretary of State

Texas Agricultural Extension Service: TAEXA; The Texas Agricultural Extension Service is a sub-division of the Texas A&M University System.; Traffic Safety

Texas Air Control Board: TACB; Texas Air Control Board became a part of Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission in 1990.

Texas Association of Campground Owners: TACO; Texas Association of Campground Owners is an organization of owners of campground and recreational-vehicle parks and related businesses.

Texas Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus: TACVB; Texas Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus is a state association comprised of Texas cities that promote conventions and tourism to their areas.

Texas Building and Procurement Commission: TBPC; The Texas Building and Procurement Commission is a state agency that provides support services to the other agencies and institutions of Texas state government. Formerly the General Services Commission. The agency name changed effective September 1, 2001, as mandated by Senate Bill 311, 77th Legislature.; Purchasing Manual

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: TCEQ; The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is the state agency charged with protecting water and air resources of the state. TCEQ also regulates hazardous material sites and is responsible for the development of the State Implementation Plan. TCEQ is the lead agency in hazardous material spill response. Emergencies involving spillage, release, and/or abandonment of known or suspected toxic/hazardous materials are the prime responsibility of TCEQ. Formerly known as Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission.

Texas Department of Health: TDH; Texas Department of Health’s Epidemiology Division of the Bureau of Disease Control and Epidemiology provides oversight of child passenger safety and older driver programs. Statewide emergency medical services control and supervision comes under the Emergency Management Division of TDH.; Traffic Safety

Texas Department of Insurance list: TDI-list; The Texas Department of Insurance list lists all companies authorized to conduct fidelity and surety business in Texas.; Letting Manual

Texas Department of Transportation: TxDOT; A State agency responsible for planning, designing, constructing, maintaining, and operating state transportation facilities including roads, bridges, waterways, and airports.

Texas Eligible Bridge Selection System: TEBSS; The Texas Eligible Bridge Selection System is the system used as the basis for selection of Priority 1 bridge projects on the federal‑aid Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program. A TEBSS score between 0 and 100 is calculated for each existing eligible bridge with 100 indicating the highest priority and 0 representing the lowest.; Historic Bridge Manual

Texas Highway Designation File: THDF; A Texas Highway Designation File is a file containing highway designation history back to September 1939, when the Transportation Commission of that time approved the “General Redesignation of the State Highway System.”; Texas Reference Marker (TRM) System User's Manual

Texas Hotel/Motel Association: THMA; Texas Hotel/Motel Association is an organization of businesses involved in providing overnight accommodations. THMA works with TxDOT's Travel Division to publish the Texas Accommodations Guide.

Texas HYdraulic SYStem: THYSYS

Texas Identification Number: TIN; The Texas Identification Number is a 14-digit number issued from the Comptroller of Public Accounts to vendors and contractors for the purpose of receiving payment from the State of Texas. Each number consists of 11 digits plus a 3 digit mail code, making a complete number of 14 digits.; Contract Management Manual

Texas Industries for the Blind and Handicapped: TIBH; TIBH serves as the Central Nonprofit Agency for coordinating and managing the State Use Program.; Contract Management Manual

Texas Mobile Load Simulator: TxMLS; A Texas mobile simulator is a mobile testing device capable of accelerated simulation of real traffic loading on any selected pavement section.; Pavement Management Information System Users Manual

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: TPWD; The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is the state agency with primary responsibility for protecting the state’s parks, fish, and wildlife resources.

Texas reference marker: TRM; See Texas Reference Marker System.

Texas Reference Marker System: TRM; The Texas Reference Marker (TRM) System is an automated system that documents the past, present and future state-maintained highway network within a database. The database contains:; Texas Reference Marker (TRM) System User's Manual

Texas Review and Comment System: TRACS; The Texas Review and Comment System is the state's intergovernmental review system established to provide an opportunity for state agencies, councils of governments and local governments to find out about and comment, if they wish, on grant applications, state and federal projects, and environmental assessments and impact statements before they are funded or approved. TRACS serves as an information exchange system, as a mechanism for improving grant applications, as a method for determining consistency with regional plans and to avoid duplication of efforts.; Public Transportation Collection

Texas Transportation Code: The Texas Transportation Commission is a record of laws passed by the Texas legislature specific to transportation.; Contract Management Manual

Texas Transportation Commission: TTC; The Texas Transportation Commission is the five-member board that governs the Texas Department of Transportation, which is headed by an executive director selected by the commission. The governor, with the advice and consent of the Texas Senate, appoints commission members, who serve overlapping six-year terms.

Texas Transportation Plan: TTP; The Texas Transportation Plan is a policy document adopted by the Texas Transportation Commission as the official statewide, intermodal transportation plan. Also known as the Statewide Transportation Plan.

Texas Travel Industry Association: TTIA; Texas Travel Industry Association is a nonprofit organization representing attractions, airlines, hotels, restaurants, convention and visitor bureaus, chambers of commerce, and other groups interested in the development of travel and tourism as a major economic force in Texas.

Texas Unified Certification Program: TUCP; The Texas Unified Certification Program is the “one stop” certification process for the federal disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) programs in Texas. The TUCP consolidates all DBE firms certified by six different agencies for U.S. DOT funded contracts into one centralized DBE directory.; Public Transportation Collection

THD cone penetrometer test: A THD cone penetrometer test is a standard test to determine the relative density or consistency and load carrying capacity of the foundation materials encountered in bridge foundation exploration work.

thermistor: A thermistor is a sensor used to measure temperature. The electrical resistance of the thermistor varies with its temperature. The thermistor is usually a composite material containing metallic oxides. The resistance change is not generally as stable with time as the resistance temperature detector (RTD) sensors.; Manual of Testing Procedures

thermocouple: A thermocouple is a sensor used to measure temperature. Thermocouples are made by twisting or welding two wires of different metals together. When used correctly, a voltage is generated that varies with the temperature at the junction of the two wires. The voltage change is not quite linear with temperature but is predictable and stable. Many different types of thermocouples are in common use.; Manual of Testing Procedures

thermometer: A thermometer is a device for measuring temperature.; Manual of Testing Procedures

thermoplastic: Thermoplastic is a substance whose viscosity is changed as a result of changing the temperature of the substance. Asphalt is a thermoplastic because it becomes less viscous when heated and its viscosity increases as the asphalt cools.

thickness design: A thickness design is a design procedure which will produce pavements of such thickness as to adequately support the design loads in an economical means.

thin hot-mix overlay: Thin hot-mix overlay is similar to conventional overlays except the thickness is 1.5 inch or less.; Maintenance Collection

third party accidents: For worker's compensation purposes, a third party accident is one that involves one or more TxDOT employee and someone who is not a department employee, and may or may not damage department property.; Occupational Safety Manual

threading: Threading is the process of installing a slightly smaller pipe or arch within a failing drainage structure.

threat analysis: Threat analysis is the examination of all actions and events that might adversely affect a system or operation..Source: Information Security Manual

threatened species: A threatened species is any species which is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.; Environmental Manual

three-tiered architecture: Three-tiered architecture is a technological hardware and software configuration in which the presentation, application and database components of the architecture are resident on separate and distinct systems within the configuration.

tie bar: Tie b is a deformed steel bar or connector embedded across a joint in a rigid slab to prevent separation of abutting slabs.; Pavement Design Manual

Tier Level: Tier Level is an assignment for each TxDOT district to either Tier 1 or Tier 2 status on the basis of their percentage of the total Statewide construction volume. Tier 1 is comprised of those Districts whose three year projected construction spending is equal to or greater than 5% of the Statewide total. A reduction in a District’s portion of the statewide construction program below the 5% level will not necessarily result in a decrease in the District approval ceiling. Conversely, an increase in a District’s portion above 5% could result in an increase in the approval ceiling. The monetary approval ceiling for Tier 1 Districts is $100,000 and for Tier 2 Districts is $35,000. These approval levels allow for approximately 50% of all adjustments in each tier to be candidates for District approval.

time charges: Time charges are the number of days elapsed from the effective date of the contract and charged against the completion of contract work.; Contract Management Manual

time of concentration: The time of concentration is the time required for water to flow from the most distant point of drainage area to the point under consideration.

time worked: Time worked is any period equal to or greater than 15 minutes duration in which work has been performed by an employee with or without the employer's instruction, knowledge, or consent, and which is intended to benefit the employer. Time worked generally includes any time spent on behalf of the employer that precludes the employee from acting in the employee’s own behalf. It may include, but is not limited to, such activities as: attendance at lectures, meetings, and training programs; traveling to and from a designated headquarters to a training or work location; representing the employer at any function; performing any work for the benefit of the employer regardless of when or where this work is performed including, but not limited to working late or working during lunch.; Human Resources Manual

“Timentry” subsystem: The “timentry” system is TxDOT’s method of recording hours to be paid an employee for a particular pay period.

tire piece: Tire piece is a particle of a scrap tire or scrap tire piece that has split, quartered, or shredded to a usable size such as two-inch minus, or other size required by an industry user or recycler.; Equipment Manual

T-List: See federal Treaury list.

toe drain: A toe drain is a sub-drain installed near the downstream toe of a dam or levee to intercept seepage.

toe of slope: The toe of slope is the lowest part of an embankment slope. It is the point at which the front of a slope intersects with natural ground line.; Survey Manual

token ring: A token ring is a combination of the ring topology and the token passing protocol. A token ring moves data packets in a specific, predefined order on a LAN.; Source: Information Security Manual

toll lane: A toll lane is a lane for use of which a toll, or fare, is collected from users. The toll may be collected 24 hours each day or during peak traffic periods only. A toll lane may also be used in conjunction with an HOV lane to allow motorists not meeting the HOV passenger requirements to pay a toll to use the dedicated lane. This is typically referred to as a HOT lane.

toll road: A toll road is a highway open to traffic only upon payment of a direct fee.

top of back slope: The top of back slope is the point where back slope interests with natural ground line.

top of cap: The top of cap is the top of the abutment/bent on which the longitudinal span beams are placed.

topography: Topo; Topography is the details of a surface, including natural and man-made structures, on a map or chart.; Survey Manual

tort claims: Tort claims (as referred to within the department) are claims from actual or alleged property damages and injuries or death to persons outside the department resulting from use of state real property or actions of department employees which do not directly involve motorized equipment.; Occupational Safety Manual

total immersion thermometer: A total immersion thermometer is a liquid-in-glass thermometer that indicates correctly when the bulb and all but 6 to 12 mm (0.24 to 0.48 in.) of the liquid column in the stem is immersed in the material being tested.; Manual of Testing Procedures

total quality management: TQM; TxDOT’s total quality management initiative is known as Continuous Improvement Program, CIP.

total users: Total users are the group of users within a business processing environment that are expected to request processing services from the environment, but not all at the same point in time. The size of this group is generally greater than that of the concurrent users group but theoretically can be equal to this group.

Tour Texas 2000: TOURTEX 2000; Tour Texas 2000 is the Travel Division’s electronic travel information system. TOURTEX 2000 is a cooperative effort between the department and the travel industry. It contains travel information from convention and visitor bureaus, chambers of commerce, statewide associations and other members of the travel industry, TOURTEX 2000 can be accessed via computer and modem internationally.

tracings: Tracings is the term given the original set of plans developed by the designer for a given project. All reproductions are made from the original tracings.

trademark: A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol, or design that identifies and distinguishes the source of goods of one party from another. An example is the TxDOT logo.; Legal Manual

traffic-actuated signal: A traffic-actuated signal is a type of signal control in which the intervals vary according to the demands of traffic as registered by detectors or push buttons.

traffic assignment: Traffic assignment is the procedure by which the volume of travel on each individual component of the transportation system is estimated.; Traffic Data and Analysis Manual

traffic control device: A traffic control device is any sign, signal, marking, or installation placed or erected under public authority, for the purpose of regulating, warning, or guiding traffic.

traffic control plan: TCP; The traffic control plan is all documents pertinent to the proposed efficient, effective, and safe travel of the public through work zones. Such documents include plan sheets, general notes, specifications, special specifications, special provisions, and quantities.

traffic death rate: The traffic death rate is the number of motor vehicle deaths per hundred million vehicle miles traveled (VMT).; Traffic Safety

traffic equivalence factor: Traffic equivalence factor (e) is a numerical factor that expresses the relationship of a given axle load to another axle load in terms of its effect on the serviceability of a pavement structure.; Pavement Design Manual

traffic island: A traffic island is the area between traffic lanes for control of vehicle movements. A median or an outer separation within an intersection is considered an island.

traffic lane: Traffic lane is the strip of roadway intended to accommodate the forward movement of a single line of vehicles.; Pavement Design Manual

traffic marking: A traffic marking is the traffic control device consisting of lines, words, symbols, patterns, or colors on pavement, curbs, or other objects within or adjacent to the roadway.

Traffic Operations Division: TRF; The Traffic Operations Division oversees programs in traffic engineering, traffic safety, railroad crossing and signals, and traffic management.; Inside TxDOT

traffic serial zones: TSZ; Traffic serial zones are small geographic units of area that are developed as the basis for estimation of travel. Zones may vary in size and are determined by the roadway network and homogeneity of development.; Traffic Data and Analysis Manual

traffic signal: A traffic signal is a power-operated traffic control device by which traffic is regulated, warned or alternately directed to take specific actions.

traffic signal controller: A traffic signal controller is a controller unit only.; Manual of Testing Procedures

traffic signal controller assembly: A traffic signal controller assembly is made up of a controller cabinet, controller, conflict monitor, and all auxiliary equipment which constitutes a complete operating assembly.; Manual of Testing Procedures

Training, Quality and Development Division (former): TQD; The Training, Quality and Development Division includes the Training and Development Section from the Human Resources Division, the Professional Development Office and the Continuous Improvement Office. In March of 1998, TQD became a section of the Human Resources Division.

training resources: A generic term that includes instructor-led classes, and training aids such as videos, instructional materials, technical publications and audio/visual equipment.; Public Transportation Collection

transaction: A transaction is an accounting action that reflects the occurrence of an economic event.; Finance Division

transaction volume: Transaction volume is a measure of the number of processing requests that a computer system will receive and respond to within a specified period of time.

transferred RAP: Transferred recycled asphalt pavement is department-owned recycled asphalt pavement transferred to another governmental entity.; Materials And Supplies Management System Manual

transformer: A transformer is an electrical device that changes one AC voltage to another. Utility companies generate and distribute power at voltages usually greater than 12,500 VAC. Transformers reduce the voltage to a safe and easily applied level, 120 VAC for typical receptacles.; Highway Illumination Manual

transformer base: A transformer base is a hollow cast aluminum base, the bottom of which is bolted to a concrete foundation and to the top of which the bottom flange of the pole is bolted.; Highway Illumination Manual

TransGuide: TransGuide is San Antonio’s intelligent transportation system.

transit agency: A transit agency is a recipient/subrecipient of Federal Transit Administration or TxDOT funding to provide general public transportation services or services to the elderly or persons with disabilities. The term includes metropolitan transit authorities.; Grants Management Manual

transit authority: See metropolitan transit authority.; Public Transportation Collection

transit cooperative research program: TCRP; The transit cooperative research program is a national program of transit-related research administered by the Transportation Research Board.; Research and Implementation Manual

Transit Development Plan: TDP; A Transit Development Plan is a three-year plan to ensure continuous transit service within a district. It includes an inventory of current resources, a process for identifying gaps or duplicative service, and a plan of action for the Section 5310 and JARC project selection processes. The TDP lists specific projects to implement the plan.; Grants Management Manual

TransLink: TransLink is Texas Transportation Institute’s multimodal public\private research library.

transmission control protocol/Internet protocol: TCP/IP; Transmission control protocol/Internet protocol are the protocols developed by the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to enable communications between different types of computers and computer networks. The Internet protocol is a connectionless protocol which provides packet routing. Transmission control protocol is connection-oriented and provides reliable communication.; Information Security Manual

transportation brokerage: A transportation brokerage is a form of transportation coordination in which the overall management of the system is consolidated, but not necessarily the vehicle fleets.; Public Transportation Collection

transportation control measure: TCM; Transportation Planning and Programming Collection

transportation coordinator: A transportation coordinator’s primary concern is to meet customer trip needs and manage the logistics of travel, rather than operating a particular service or set of services. The term includes both the people and automated equipment to accomplish this task. The term is synonymous with mobility manager.; Public Transportation Collection

transportation demand management: TDM; Actions or programs which encourage people to travel at alternative times, or with fewer vehicles to reduce congestion. TDM reduces traffic volumes through methods including: ridesharing, park-and-ride operations, staggered work hours, and transit improvements.

transportation enhancement: TE; A transportation enhancement is a program provided for under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) to address projects that contribute to the livelihood of communities, the quality of our environment and the aesthetics of our roadways. These projects are funded through the Surface Transportation Program (STP), administered by TxDOT for the FHWA. Projects undertaken with enhancement funds are eligible for reimbursement of up to 80% of allowable costs, which may include P.S.&E., environmental mitigation, acquisition of property, construction and interpretation, or other activities to enhance the appreciation of natural or cultural resources.; Historic Bridge Manual

Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century: TEA-21; The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century is the transportation act passed by congress in 1998 that provides another six-year authorization (1998-2003) and policy for highways, safety, transit, and other surface transportation programs. TEA-21 builds on the initiatives established in ISTEA.; Transportation Planning and Programming Collection

Transportation Electronic Award Management: TEAM; The Transportation Electronic Award Management is the Federal Transit Administration’s electronic project and financial management system.; Public Transportation Collection

Transportation Improvement Plan: TIP; Transportation Planning and Programming Collection

transportation management area: TMA; Public Transportation Collection; Transportation Planning and Programming Collection

Transportation Planning and Development (former SMT): TPD; Grants Management Manual

Transportation Planning and Programming Division: TPP; The Transportation Planning and Programming Division administers planning funds, collects data on the highway system and programs projects. In March of 1998, International Relations became of a section of TPP.; Inside TxDOT

transportation supply management: TSM; TSM consists of all the actions that may improve transportation performance or LOS by changing the physical or operating characteristics of the traveled route and associated facilities in order to handle transportation demand. These actions include traffic control (e.g., signalization, ramp metering, channelization), providing/improving intermodal transfer facilities (e.g., terminals), automated toll collections, and joint use of right of way.

Transportation System Management: TSM; Transportation System Management is a program to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow through traffic signal synchronization, freeway operations improvements (e.g., changeable message signs and ramp metering), incident management (clearing accidents and breakdowns quickly), and other methods.

transporter: Transporter is a person who transports used oil filters to a location for storage, processing, recycling, or disposal.; Equipment Manual

TransStar: TransStar is Houston’s intelligent transportation system.

transverse cracking: Transverse cracking is an asphaltic concrete pavement (ACP) distress type in which cracks or breaks run approximately perpendicular to the pavement centerline. Transverse cracking ranges from 0 to 99 per station.; Pavement Management Information System (PMIS) Rater's Manual

transverse joint: A transverse joint is a joint formed at right angles to the direction of traffic.

traprock: Traprock consists of various fine-grained, dense, dark colored igneous rocks, typically basalt or diabase; also called “trap.” NOTE: This definition has been approved by the Specification Committee.; Manual of Testing Procedures

Traser: Traser is a computer program used by local engineering and law enforcement agencies to isolate problem areas in a jurisdiction. Traser is used as the name of a software program developed by the Texas Transportation Institute for microcomputer traffic crash and citation data.

Travel and Tourism Research Association: TTRA; The Travel and Tourism Research Association is an international organization of travel research and marketing professionals devoted to improving the quality and scope of travel and tourism research and marketing information.

travel coordinator: A travel coordinator is an employee assigned the responsibility of assisting travelers with all aspects of travel. The travel coordinator acts as liaison to the Travel Aid and Payment Unit of Budget and Finance Division.; Travel Manual

Travel Division: TRV; The Travel Division (formerly the Travel and Information Division) supports tourism by running travel information centers and publishing travel literature.; Inside TxDOT

traveled way: Traveled way is the portion of the roadway for the movement of vehicles, exclusive of shoulders and auxiliary lanes.; Right of Way Collection

travel expense: Travel expense means a transportation, meal, lodging, or incidental expense.; Travel Manual

travel expense account: Travel expense account is the �form or the completed form that TxDOT employees use to submit travel expenses for reimbursement.; Travel Manual

Travel Industry Association of America: TIA; The Travel Industry Association of America is a national nonprofit organization uniting all components of the diverse U.S. travel industry.

Travel Information Center: TIC; TxDOT’s Travel Division operates and maintains 12 Travel Information Centers staffed by uniformed, professional travel counselors who provide information and materials to visitors.

Travel Information Data Exchange: TIDE; Travel Information Data Exchange is part of Travel Division’s travel literature fulfillment program. TIDE is an electronic bulletin board for the automated transfer of names and addresses of persons requesting travel/tourism information from a magazine reader service card.

Travel Requester’s Address Exchange: TRAX; Travel Requester’s Address Exchange is an electronic bulletin board providing access to names and addresses of persons who have requested Texas travel/tourism information. TRAX data is available to the Texas travel industry as a free public service of TxDOT.

travel voucher: Travel voucher is the accounting document used to seek reimbursement for travel expenses. This document is used for coordinating with the comptroller.; Travel Manual

traversable median: See median, traversible.

traverse sheet: Traverse sheet is a form generally used in calculating unknown sides, determining areas and verifying accuracy of a survey.; Right of Way Collection

treated RAP: Treated recycled asphalt pavement is cold-mixed with asphalt, oil, emulsion, rejuvenator, etc., stockpiled and ready for use.; Materials And Supplies Management System Manual

trial de novo: A trial de novo is a trial in a higher court in which all the issues of fact or law tried in a lower court are reconsidered as if no previous trial had taken place.; Right of Way Manual

triangulation station: A triangulation station is a permanent horizontal control monument. It is a point on the Earth where the position is determined by triangulation.; GPS User’s Manual

triaxial classification system: A triaxial classification system is a soil strength classification system based upon shear strength of soils triaxially loaded.

triaxial compression test: The triaxial compression test is a test in which a cylindrical specimen of soil or rock encased in an impervious membrane is subjected to a confining pressure and then loaded axially to failure in compression.; Manual of Testing Procedures

triaxial test: Manual of Testing Procedures

tridem axle load: See triple axle load.; Pavement Design Manual

triennial review: A triennial review is an examination every three years of a Section 5307 transit agency’s records, policies, and procedures by the Federal Transit Administration.; Public Transportation Collection

trip balancing: Trip balancing is the procedure used to balance the number of trip productions in an area to the number of trip attractions or vice versa. Each trip that is produced within an area must have an attraction.; Traffic Data and Analysis Manual

trip distribution: Trip distribution is the process by which the trip interchange volumes between zones are estimated.; Traffic Data and Analysis Manual

trip generation: Trip generation is the procedure by which estimates of the number of trips produced and attracted by the zone within an urban area are developed.; Traffic Data and Analysis Manual

triple (tridem) axle load: triple (tridem) axle load is the total load transmitted to the road by three consecutive axles extending across the full width of the vehicle. (Note: There were no tridem axles at the AASHTO Road Test; however, the spacing that may be inferred for consecutive triple axles based on the tandem axle spacings is 48 inches.); Pavement Design Manual

trip length: Trip length is the length of a trip measured in distance or in time.; Traffic Data and Analysis Manual

Trip length frequency distribution: Trip length frequency distribution is XXXX; Traffic Data and Analysis Manual

trip purpose: Trip Purpose is the purpose of a trip. Generally, four trip purposes are used; home based work (HBW), home based non-work (HBNW), non-home based (NHB), and truck/taxi. Home based work trips are trips that begin at home and end at work or begin at work and end at home. Home based non-work trips are those trips that begin or end at home and the purpose of the trip is to go to a place other than work such as school, shopping center, or doctor’s office. Non-home based trips are those trips that do not begin or end at home. Truck and taxi trips are those made by either a commercial vehicle or a commercial passenger carrier other than general public transportation providers.; Traffic Data and Analysis Manual

Trivial File Transport Protocol: TFTP; A trivial file transport protocol is one that is used to transfer files.; Information Technology and Services Manual

Trojan horse: A Trojan horse is a destructive program. These programs are usually viruses or worms that are hidden in an attractive or innocent-looking piece of software, such as a game or graphics program. Victims may receive a Trojan horse program by e-mail or on a diskette, often from another unknowing victim, or may be urged to download a file from a Web site or bulletin board.; Information Security Manual

tunneling: Tunneling is a method for circumventing a firewall by hiding a message that would be rejected by the firewall inside a second, acceptable message.; Source: Information Security Manual

turnaround: A turnaround is roadway that connects from one frontage road to another under a grade separation structure.

turning lane: A turning lane is a lane reserved for turning vehicles.

turning movement: Turning movement is the traffic making a designated turn at an intersection.

turning roadway: A turning roadway is connecting roadway for traffic turning between two intersection legs.

two-step negotiation process: Two-step negotiation process is a procurement method in which selection of a contractor is made on a basis other than cost (step one), and after selection is made, the cost is determined (step two).; Contract Management Manual

two-tiered architecture: Two-tiered architecture is a technological hardware and software configuration in which the presentation and application components of the architecture are resident on one system in a two-system configuration and the database component is resident on the other system in the configuration.

Tyler District: TYL; The Tyler District is a TxDOT district office including the following counties: Anderson, Cherokee, Gregg, Henderson, Rusk, Smith, Van Zandt, Wood. Area offices are located in Athens, Jacksonville, Longview, Mineola, Palestine and Tyler. Maintenance offices are in Athens, Canton, Jacksonville, Rusk, Henderson, Longview, Mineola, Quitman, and North and South Tyler.; Inside TxDOT

typical homesite determination: Typical homesite determination is that amount of land which is considered "normally typical" for residential use in a specific area.

typical section(s): Typical section(s) show usual roadway (or bridge) cross sectional features including lane and shoulder widths; limits of surfacing; pavement structure data including subgrade treatment type and depth, base course(s) thickness(es) and type of surfacing material; travel lane and shoulder cross slopes; side slope rates for cut and fill sections; ditch or storm sewer location and depth; typical right-of-way limits; profile grade line location; typical traffic barrier location median width and slopes; and curb location and geometry.