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https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/27432/critical-issues-in-transportation-for-2024-and-beyond

Accelerated Performance Testing on the 2018 NCAT Pavement Test Track with MnROAD Research Partnership

The primary objectives of the pooled fund project described herein will be: (1) Constructing 200 ft test sections on the existing 1.7 mile National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) test oval that are representative of in-service roadways on the open transportation infrastructure. Each section will be built precisely in accordance with the directives of the research sponsor. Consequently, the final experiment design will likely not be determined until just before the summer of 2018; (2) Applying accelerated performance truck traffic in the 2 years following construction, and extending traffic at the discretion of research sponsors on sections built in previous research cycles both on the NCAT test oval and at Minnesota Road Research Project (MnROAD) for the duration of the 3-year research cycle. Design traffic for each unique research cycle on the NCAT test oval is 10 million equivalent single axle loadings (ESALs); (3) Assessing/comparing the functional and structural field performance of trafficked sections on a regular basis via surface and subsurface measures. Surface performance measures are comprehensive and Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) compliant. Subsurface high-speed response measurements will be used to document how each structural section responds to passing loads as a function of temperature, age, and damage accumulation; (4) Validating/calibrating new and existing mechanistic-empirical (M-E) approaches to pavement analysis and design using pavement surface condition, pavement load response, precise traffic and environmental logging, and cumulative damage. Calibration is essential to the successful implementation of AASHTOWare’s Pavement Mechanistic Empirical (ME) Design as well as other M-E design programs. Implementation without calibration often results in overly conservative designs; (5) Correlating field results with laboratory data for both mechanistic and preservation applications. Laboratory performance data that can predict long term preservation outcomes will provide DOTs with an additional mechanism for making rational selection decisions. State-of-the-art laboratory testing will be utilized, with a focus on balanced mix design; and (6) Answering practical questions posed by research sponsors through formal (i.e., reports and technical papers) and informal (e.g., one-on-one responses to sponsor inquiries) technology transfer. For example, can the same laboratory tests be used to screen both virgin and high binder replacement (i.e., higher reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and recycled asphalt shingles (RAS)) mixes for cracking susceptibility for both mix design approval and quality control test applications? Support for implementation through the development of guide specifications, training, and technical support are research products.

Language

  • English

Project

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01654427
  • Record Type: Research project
  • Source Agency: Federal Highway Administration
  • Contract Numbers: TPF-5(374)
  • Files: RIP, USDOT, STATEDOT
  • Created Date: Dec 22 2017 8:44AM