Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons^™

Preconstruction Support Cost Hours Estimating On Caltrans Pavement Rehabilitation Projects, Nigel Blampied, Tariq Shehab, Elhami Nasr, Laxmi Sindhu Samudrala

Mineta Transportation Institute

Because the construction phase accounts for the majority of project costs for pavement rehabilitation projects, most research on infrastructure project cost estimating focuses on that phase, rather than on the preconstruction phases. Nevertheless, costs incurred prior to construction, referred to in this report as "preconstruction costs" are significant and worthy of consideration (See Section 2.1 of the report for a more detailed and precise definition of preconstruction). In the 20202021 fiscal year, for instance, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) spent more than $169 million on preconstruction work for pavement rehabilitation projects. This report presents the results of a study …

Effect Of Varying Amounts Of Sandstone On The Performance Of Asphalt Mixtures In Arkansas, David Murphy

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

There are many different species and subspecies of aggregate used across the state of Arkansas, and the rest the country. However, it cannot be presumed that the amount and type of these aggregates will be compatible with the commonly used asphalt binder of an area; this can lead to performance issues and premature pavement damage. It has been suspected in Arkansas that an excessive amount of sandstone in asphalt mixtures may be a culprit of some of these premature pavement damage issues, especially regarding the moisture susceptibility of a pavement. This study aimed to analyze the performance effects of using …

Evaluation Of Sustainable And Environmentally Friendly Stabilization Of Cohesionless Sandy Soil For Transportation Infrastructure, Miladin Radovic, Anand Puppala, Surya Sarat Chandra Congress, Jungyeon Jang, Oscar Huang

Publications

Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) is generally used to stabilize cohesionless sandy soils that are often found in coastal areas. Due to its high carbon footprint, many studies are being conducted to identify a suitable green alternative for stabilizing cohesionless soils. Previous studies have shown that partially replacing OPC with waste materials such as nano-silica and coal waste reduces the overall carbon footprint without significantly impacting the performance. Geopolymer (GP) received a lot of attention in the past few decades owing to its similar properties to that of OPC yet with a lower carbon footprint. This study investigated the feasibility of …

Developing Guidelines For Assessing The Effectiveness Of Intelligent Compaction Technology, Mehran Mazari, Siavash F. Aval, Siddharth M. Satani, David Corona, Joshua Garrido

Mineta Transportation Institute

Many factors affect pavement compaction quality, which can vary. Such variability may result in an additional number of passes required, extended working hours, higher energy consumption, and negative environmental impacts. The use of Intelligent Compaction (IC) technology during construction can improve the quality and longevity of pavement structures while reducing risk for contractors and project owners alike. This study develops guidelines for the implementation of IC in the compaction of pavement layers as well as performing a preliminary life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) of IC technology compared to the conventional compaction approach. The environmental impacts of the improved construction process were …

Evaluation Of Bagasse Ash As Cement And Sand Replacement For The Production Of Engineered Cementitious Composites (Ecc), Gabriel Arce, Marwa Hassan, Sujata Subedi, Ana Rivas, Samantha Hidalgo, Hugo Eguez

Publications

The objective of this study was to develop novel Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) materials implementing sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA). To this end, the effects on the mechanical and physical properties of ECC materials of: (1) Louisiana raw SCBA (RBA) as a partial and complete replacement of sand (i.e., class S mixtures); (2) Louisiana post-processed SCBA (PBA) as a partial replacement of cement (i.e., class C mixtures); and (3) Ecuador raw SCBA (EBA) as a partial and complete replacement of sand (i.e., class S-E mixtures) were studied. Sand replacement levels with RBA and EBA evaluated were 25, 50, 75, and 100% …

Eco-Friendly Stabilization Of Sulfate-Rich Expansive Soils Using Geopolymers For Transportation Infrastructure, Xinbao Yu, Anand Puppala, Miladin Radovic, Sayantan Chakraborty, Jungyeon Jang, Oscar Huang

Publications

Traditional calcium-based stabilizers, such as lime, to stabilize sulfate-rich expansive soils, are lasting-challenges in geotechnical engineering. The biggest problem with using calcium-based stabilizers is that when calcium and water are exposed to sulfate-rich expansive soils, they form ettringite as an expansive mineral, which causes sulfate-induced heaving. The study aimed to investigate the feasibility of stabilizing sulfate-rich expansive soils using geopolymers for transportation infrastructure. Literature review on sulfate-induced heaving and sulfate-rich soils stabilized with geopolymers suggests a direction for how to stabilize sulfate soils using geopolymers. The engineering tests were conducted to determine the swell, shrinkage, and strength behavior of natural, …

A New Materials And Design Approach For Roads, Bridges, Pavement, And Concrete, Alan Fuchs, Tathagata Acharya, Luis Cabrales, Jesse Bergkamp, Nyakundi Michieka

Mineta Transportation Institute

Increased understanding of demand for transport energy and how to improve road pavement materials would enable decision makers to make environmental, financial, and other positive changes in future planning and design of roads, bridges, and other important transportation structures. This research comprises three studies focused on pavement materials and a fourth study that examines energy demand within the road transportation sector. These studies are as follows:

1. A techno-economic study of ground tire rubber as an asphalt modifier;

2. A computational fluid dynamics analysis comparing the urban heat island effect of two different pavement materials – asphalt and Portland Cement …

Development Of Geopolymer-Based Cement And Soil Stabilizers For Transportation Infrastructure, Miladin Radovic, Anand Puppala

Publications

Geopolymer Cement (GPC) has drawn much attention in the recent years as an alternative to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) for soil stabilization, pavements, bridges and other transportation structures due to their good mechanical properties in comparison to OPC. In addition, GPC can be processed at room temperatures from aqueous solutions of waste materials (e.g. fly ash) or abundant natural sources (e.g. clay), thereby significantly reducing CO2 production associated with processing of OPC. As such, GPC proves to be a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative than OPC. This research explores methods to develop GPC with desired properties and evaluate their …

Nchrp Synthesis 499: Alternate Design/Alternate Bid Process For Pavement-Type Selection. A Synthesis Of Highway Practice, Douglas D. Gransberg, Ashley F. Buss, Ilker Karaca, Michael C. Loulakis

Ilker Karaca

Highway administrators, engineers, and researchers often face problems for which information already exists, either in documented form or as undocumented experience and practice. This information may be fragmented, scattered, and unevaluated. As a consequence, full knowledge of what has been learned about a problem may not be brought to bear on its solution. Costly research findings may go unused, valuable experience may be overlooked, and due consideration may not be given to recommended practices for solving or alleviating the problem. There is information on nearly every subject of concern to highway administrators and engineers. Much of it derives from research …

Exploring The Compactability And Workability Of Rap, Elizabeth Poblete

Civil Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Despite its economic and environmental benefits, the widespread use of Cold In-Place Recycling (CIR) is currently inhibited, to some degree, by a lack of laboratory testing and evaluation, specifically in the areas of compactability and workability of the reclaimed mixture stabilized with asphalt emulsion. The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of admixtures in CIR using modified Superpave Gyratory Compactor (SGC) compaction metrics. The primary stabilization technique considered in this research was asphalt emulsion, an application in which asphalt binder is suspended in water, allowing it to be stored and applied at ambient temperature, rather than the …

Class C Fly Ash In Pavements, Kromel E. Hanna, George Morcous, Maher K. Tadros

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Impact Of Snow Removal Operations On Thermoplastic Pavement Markings, Monica L. Monfette

Theses and Dissertations

This pilot study explored the effect snow removal operations have on thermoplastic pavement markings. Including snow removal as a separate independent variable is unique because much of the previous research performed on pavement marking degradation mentioned snow removal as a direct cause in a marking degrading more rapidly; however, it is mentioned as an afterthought and a suggestion to be considered in future research. This pilot study looked at 10 thermoplastic markings and all marking data were collected in the field, using a hand-held retroreflectometer. Data collected began 60 days after initial marking application and ended 12 months after initial …

Paint Pavement Marking Performance Prediction Model That Includes The Impacts Of Snow Removal Operations, Dale M. Mull

Theses and Dissertations

The results of this research effort were captured in two manuscripts drafted for publication in peer reviewed journals. The first manuscript validated a previously published model with an expanded data set, updated service life predictions for painted pavement markings using recently released pavement marking retroreflectivity minimums, and incorporated recent cost data to evaluate two alternative methods of compliance with the new retroreflectivity minimums for two-lane roads. The second manuscript developed a new performance prediction model for paint pavement markings that includes the impact of snow removal operations and then applied the model to four real-world roadways to determine if replacement …

Infrared Thermography-Driven Flaw Detection And Evaluation Of Hot Mix Asphalt Pavements, Yong K. Cho, Yong-Rak Kim, Thaddaeus Bode

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

This research was conducted to study more realistic explanations of how variables are created and dealt with during hot mix asphalt (HMA) paving construction. Several paving projects across the state of Nebraska have been visited where sensory devices were used to test how the selected variables contribute to temperature differentials including density, moisture content within the asphalt, material surface temperature, internal temperature, wind speed, haul time, and equipment type. Areas of high temperature differentials are identified using an infrared camera whose usefulness was initially confirmed with a penetrating thermometer. A non-nuclear density device was also used to record how the …

Infrared Thermography-Driven Flaw Detection And Evaluation Of Hot Mix Asphalt Pavements, Yong K. Cho, Thaddaeus Bode, Yong-Rak Kim

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Bearing Capacity Analysis And Design Of Highway Base Materials Reinforced With Geofabrics, Tommy C. Hopkins, Liecheng Sun, Mikhail E. Slepak

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The primary objective of this study was to develop and implement mathematical bearing capacity models originally proposed by Hopkins (1988, 1991) and Slepak and Hopkins (1993; 1995). These advanced models, which are based on limit equilibrium and are operated together, can be used to analyze the bearing capacity, or stability, of early construction of loads on a single layer of material, two-layered problems involving a layer of base aggregate and subgrade, and a foundation involving multiple layers of different materials, such as a flexible asphalt pavement. A Prandlt-type shear surface is used in the model analyses of layered foundations. In …

Impacts Of The Extended-Weight Coal Haul Road System, Jerry G. Pigman, Joseph D. Crabtree, Kenneth R. Agent, R. Clark Graves, John A. Deacon

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Extended-Weight Coal Haul Road System, created by the Kentucky Legislature in 1986, consists of all roads which carry over 50,000 tons of coal in a calendar year. Trucks hauling coal on this system are authorized to exceed normal weight limits through the payment of an annual decal fee. A research study was initiated in July of 1992 to analyze the impacts of the extended-weight system.

Analyses in this report are based on the following: historical data on coal production and transportation: data from coal decal applications; interviews of legislators. transportation officials. coal company representatives. and coal trucking representatives: newspaper …

Modification Of Highway Soil Subgrades, Tommy C. Hopkins, Tony L. Beckham, David Q. Hunsucker

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Major study objectives were to develop highway pavement subgrade stabilization guidelines, examine long-term benefits of chemical stabilizers, such as cement, hydrated lime, and two byproducts from industrial processes, and to establish a subgrade stabilization program in Kentucky. In developing a program, a number of design and construction issues had to be resolved. Factors affecting subgrade behavior are examined. Changes in moisture content and CBR strengths of untreated and chemically treated subgrades at three experimental highway routes were monitored over a 7- year period. CBR strengths of the untreated subgrades decreased dramatically while moisture contents increased. CBR strengths of subgrade sections …

Bearing Capacity Analysis Of Pavements, Tommy C. Hopkins

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A multilayered, mathematical model for analyzing the ultimate bearing capacity of soil subgrades and asphalt pavements is presented. Theoretical considerations and mathematical derivations of limit equilibrium equations, based on plasticity principles, for analyzing the ultimate bearing capacity of soil subgrades and partially completed asphalt pavements, and the extension of these equations to the analyses of asphalt pavements composed of multiple layers, are presented. The model is unique since shear strength parameters, Φ and c, (the angle of internal friction and cohesion, respectively) are used to describe each layer of material of the pavement structure and a factor of safety against …

Review And Analysis Of Pavement Management Practices In Kentucky, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Pavement Management is becoming increasingly more important in an era of limited budgets and aging pavement structures, State Highway Agencies (SHA) are attempting to manage the pavements under their jurisdiction more carefully and economically. All pavement management systems include all or some of the following items as inputs: (1) pavement distress, (2) serviceability or rideability, (3) inventory of the system, (4) structural adequacy, (5) traffic volumes and loadings, and (6) some form of performance history. This report documents Kentucky's present pavement management system. In addition, the duties and goals of the Pavement Management Branch are catalogged and described. Methods for …

Economic Analyses Of Millings, Herbert F. Southgate

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Economic analyses were made using 1984 and 1985 contract bid data. Data were identified as to who retained ownership. Recommendations as to who retains ownership are made based upon factors prevalent for a specific candidate pavement and other circumstances.

Long-Term Movements Of Highway Bridge Approach Embankments And Pavements, Tommy C. Hopkins

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Long-term movements of highway bridge approach embankments and pavements are described and factors that may lead to settlement of highway bridge approach pavements are discussed. Six case histories are presented. The bridge approach sites were observed at different times during the period 1966 to 1985. At four sites, lateral movements, measured from slope inclinometers, of the approach embankments were monitored over time periods ranging from 8 to 14 years. Settlements of the highway bridge approaches were monitored some three to four years after paving. Estimated and observed settlements of the foundations at the study sites were obtained for a length …

Relationship Between Kentucky Cbr And Slake Durability, Tommy C. Hopkins

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The design of pavements requires a knowledge of the relative strength and durability of subgrade materials. In Kentucky, the CBR (California Bearing Ratio) test is used to define the relative bearing strength of subgrade materials. Pavement thickness can be obtained if traffic loadings and CBR values are known. Durability of subgrade materials can be characterized using the slake-durability test. The purposes of this study were to correlate values of (soaked) KYCBR and slake-durability indices and examine the swell potential of compacted shales. Correlations were developed between soaked KYCBRs and slake-durability indices obtained from three different slake-durability I testing procedures. The …

Thickness Design Curves For Portland Cement Concrete Pavements, Herbert F. Southgate, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Past experience indicates that thickness designs using portland cement concrete best agree with criterion used in the Portland Cement Association's design method for 18-kip EAL of 2 to 3 million or less. For EALs greater than 2 to 3 million, past experience best agrees with criterion developed from the AASHO Road Test. Research herein indicates the two criterion become asymptotic to each other at approximately 2.5 million EAL. For a variation in thickness and elastic moduli in portland cement concrete, dense-graded aggregate, and sub grade elastic modulus, research indicates that a general conic equation (included herein) very closely duplicates the …

Frictional Performance Of Pavements And Estimates Of Accident Probability [Dec. 1980], James L. Burchett, Rolands L. Rizenbergs

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Objectives of this study were to evaluate standard and experimental surfaces throughout Kentucky in terms of skid resistance and effects of traffic, and to provide criteria for judging suitability of these surfaces to satisfy requirements for skid resistance and economics. The effects of traffic were quantified by regression analysis and scatter of data. Criteria included an estimate of accident risks, effects of speed on skid resistance, and seasonal variations in skid resistance.

Pavements on low volume roads (less than 1,000 vehicles per day) maintained adequate skid resistances. Open-graded friction courses, with the possible exception of sections using phosphate slag aggregate, …

Skid Resistance Of Pavements [Sept. 1972], Rolands L. Rizenbergs, James L. Burchett, Cass T. Napier

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Standard pavement types and experimental surfaces on roads throughout Kentucky were evaluated in terms of skid resistance and effects of traffic, wear, and polishing. Friction-vs-speed gradients and the relationships between locked-wheel and incipient friction were determined. Asphaltic concrete pavements on high-speed, four-lane roads were found to be significantly more skid resistant than on two-lane highways and somewhat more skid resistant than concrete surfaces (especially those containing calcareous gravel aggregates). Sand-asphalt surfaces containing significant proportions of limestone sands showed inadequate level of friction for the traffic sustained. Several experimental sand asphalts without limestone sands exhibited greater skid resistance; Kentucky rock asphalt …

Florida Skid Correlation Study Of 1967 – Skid Testing With Automobiles, Rolands L. Rizenbergs

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The inclusion of automobiles in the Florida skid correlation study was promoted by the recognition of the following needs: 1) to compare stopping-distance measurements obtained with different instrumentation, 2) to suggest a standard method of stopping-distance testing, 3) to relate skid-resistance measurements of trailer-type testers with stopping distances of automobiles, and 4) to explore other skid-resistance measurements techniques using an automobile.

The vehicles were all full-size automobiles. Each vehicle was instrumented to measure a distance from a predetermined pressure in the brake hydraulic system to where the vehicle came to rest. Stopping distance in most of the automobiles was read …

Proposed Working Plan For A Study Of The Properties Of Coarse Aggregates, Kentucky Highway Materials Research Laboratory

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Among the numerous materials used in the construction of highways probably none is more important or perplexing than coarse aggregate. Through past research and experience a group of procedures and specifications for selecting aggregates suitable for pavements has been developed. These acceptance tests deal almost entirely with physical properties such as gradation, soundness, absorption, abrasion, etc. However, recent data accumulated by field observations and surveys (1), (7), (8)* have indicated that some materials passing the specifications have undesirable properties which cause difficulties over a long period of time. Consequently, research directed toward a more thorough investigation of aggregates has become …