Engineering Commons^™

Unit Weights Of Paving Materials, For Estimating Quantities, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Pursuant to our assignment, continuation issuing from the meeting of March 29, 1967, with Messers Brunnhoeffer, Mathis, et al, the Research Division staff performed specific-gravity tests on an ensemble of gravel samples furnished by Mr. Mays and made further evaluations of those and other data available -- that is, for the purpose of deriving the best or most judicious unit weights -- with a minimum of areal and mineralogical differentiation. Because of previously recognized variances in pavement densities, we elected to proceed on a theoretical basis. On the basis of assumed volume constants, it was possible to calculate theoretical unit …

Economic Impacts Of The Highway Beautification Act In Kentucky, Vincent W. Mcgurl

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Highway Beautification Act of 1965, Public Law 89-285, has as one of its main purposes "the control of outdoor advertising along interstate and all Federally aided primary highways "in order to protect "the public investment in such highways, to promote the safety and recreational value of public travel and "to preserve natural beauty." The Secretary of Commerce, in cooperation with the state highway departments, was authorized to make a comprehensive study of the economic impact of such legislation on affected individuals and commercial and industrial enterprises.

Research Relating To State Highway Laws, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Department's study began late in 1962 and was undertaken as a review and analysis of the main body of highway law; but, of course, any subsequential objectives--stated or implied-remained contingent upon and would become a natural consequence of the first-mentioned type of inquiry and the improbablity of discovery. Undoubtedly, the Department was influenced by and was under inducement of the Bureau of Public Roads in this undertaking, The review-and-analysis phase was accomplished, in part, by the School of Law, University of Louisville, acting under contract (CH119 36, dated November 15, 1962) which was subsequently dissolved (9-30-63); a draft report …

Highway Construction In Windblown Silts Of Western Kentucky, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

It has been shown that engineering experience and performance histories of earthwork structures and foundations in distinctive physiographic regions provide valuable insights applicable to the planning and construction of future projects. Geologic information further categorizes earth materials on the basis of parent material and geologic processes which modify the rock and soil masses. A knowledge of the resulting topographic expression or landforms and reference to geologic and soils information contained in surveys, reports, and maps is particularly useful in the early stages of planning and site selection. When sufficient information is available, regional units may be recognized for the purpose …

Skid Testing With An Automobile, Rolands L. Rizenbergs, Hugh A. Ward

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A study was conducted to evaluate the theoretical and practical aspects of using an automobile as a testing device for measurement of pavement slipperiness. Every parameter and significant event in the excursion history of a skidding automobile was measured and recorded. The resultant skid-resistance values, twenty-five in all, were compared and correlated. As a result of the study, the measurement of time in the velocity increment between 30 mph to 20 mph was selected as an interim standard test. A number of experiments were also conducted to aid in the interpretation of test results and to establish control tolerances for …

Method Of Test For Strength Parameters Of Soils By Triaxial Compression Tests, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This method of testing enables the determination of the strength parameters of soils. The methods described are the consolidated undrained triaxial compression test--with or without pore pressure measurements--and the unconfined compressive strength test. The parameters obtained are the angle of internal friction, ∅, the cohesion, c, and the unconfined compressive strength. The values so obtained may be employed in the design and analysis of earth structures--with consideration of the accepted criteria of stability and safety.

Interim Performance Report Experimental Use Of Thermoplastic Pavement-Striping Materials, John W. Scott

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The purposes and objectives of this study are: 1) to evaluate the application and performance characteristics of hot-melt plastic, pavement-striping materials which are presently prominent and known commercially as "Catatherm" and "Perma-Line"; 2) to compare the performance of these materials with the performance of painted stripes applied and renewed according to the current practices of the Kentucky Department of Highways; and 3) to evaluate the economics of these striping materials in terms of cost per mile per day of useful life. The project is described more fully in the "Proposal ... " (approved by Division Engineer, September 7, 1962) and …

Class I Bituminous Mixtures, Robert L. Florence

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The attached report reflects the degree of excellence sought in bituminous concrete pavements in Kentucky during the past several years. In the evolvement of the present state of the art, idealized concepts of mixture design have been dutifully tempered with practical considerations, experience factors, and performance features which may not be altogether apparent from this report alone. In substance, the study has been concerned with aggregate gradations, construction operations, and quality of the pavement surface. The achievement of gradation control in the dust of filler sizes has provided opportunities to further optimize mixture requirements. Permissive blending of sands has enabled …

Stability Analyses Of Earth Masses, Robert C. Deen, Gordon D. Scott, W. W. Mcgraw

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

During the past few months (January, 1966, to the present) the Division of Research has been called upon to make site investigations and analyses of foundation and slope stability at several locations in the State. These requests have emanated from various offices and divisions of the Department. Some of these investigations involved considerable effort and time to perform the subsurface exploration and to analyze the problem so that recommendations could be made. These investigations were of significant magnitude and are being summarized in this report.

Engineering Properties Of Kentucky Soils, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Soils maps, and particularly engineering soil maps, are proving to be desirable in the planning and design stages of many types of structures and land developments. Engineers and community planners, and even administrators, are becoming increasingly appreciative of such information during the very earliest stages of planning and site selection. Problems associated with foundations, drainage, and soil behavior may be recognized early through the use of adequate soil maps.

At present there is no single source of information which presents the engineering characteristics of the soils of Kentucky. When such information is desired, detailed onsite investigations are made. When such …

Experimental Concrete Pavement Containing Fly-Ash Admixtures [July 1966], Ronald D. Hughes

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The attached report summarily presents records of the construction and performance of a portland cement concrete pavement containing fly-ash as an admixture.

Basic Criterion For Determining Design Loads On Box And Pipe Culverts, James H. Havens, Robert C. Deen, Ronald D. Hughes

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

No abstract provided.

Proposed Remedial Design For Unstable Highway Embankment Foundation: I-64-6(6) 117, Bath County, Gordon D. Scott, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Early in 1966, during the construction of a large embankment between Stations 1738+00 and 1745+00 on I 64 in Bath County (I 64-6(6)117, SP 6-404-5G1), a serious slide occurred involving large quantities of the embankment material. After a visit to the site and a review of the subsurface information available, it was assessed that the slide occurred as a result of a bearing-capacity failure of the foundation material.

Kentucky Rock Asphalt Bases And Hot-Mix Surfaces; Experimental Construction, Robert L. Florence

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objectives of this study are disposed toward the development of Kentucky Rock Asphalt for use as a traffic-bound base and surface on rural roads near its source and toward re-development of the material for use as hot-mixed, hot-laid, skid-resistant surface course for higher echelon roads. The material is a natural asphaltic-sandstone which occurs in considerable abundance in Edmonson County and in other outcrops of Pottsville sandstones bordering the eastern rim of the Western Kentucky Coal Fields. From 1900 until the 1950's, rock-asphalt was used extensively in Kentucky and elsewhere for road surfacing and was regarded widely as a premium-grade …

A General Survey Of Highway Construction Materials: Jackson Purchase Region, Robert C. Deen, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Much information and insight concerning the engineering behavior and characteristics of soils and geologic materials can be obtained by a review of geologic and soil reports available in the literature. This knowledge concerning the engineering behavior of these materials can be quite useful to the design and construction engineers as they proceed with their endeavors with respect to civil engineering structures such as highways. Much of this general and preliminary information is available to the public in the form of county soil survey reports that have been published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and geologic quadrangle maps that have …

Consulting Engineering Contracting Policy And Procedures, Kentucky Highway Materials Research Laboratory

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Kentucky Department of Highways on March 2, 1965, as the result of a study made by Department personnel, set forth and adopted by issuance of official Order No. 73646, ''Consulting Engineering Contracting Procedures." Each of the forty-nine other state highway departments was requested to advise as to the policy and procedure for obtaining professional consulting engineering services and fees paid for the services.

An agreement was entered into with the Kentucky Research .Foundation for Dean R. E. Shaver, College of Engineering, University of Kentucky, and his associates, as he might delegate, to review the Kentucky Department. of Highways' "Consulting …

Impact Of I 75 On The Local Economy Between Walton And Georgetown, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In 1956 the National Interstate and Defense Highway System was approved by Congress. It was immediately apparent that the diversion of traffic to such a system could result in immediate and lasting significant changes in the traffic flow patterns on the older highways, and this probably would have an immediate effect upon the businesses located along these older highways. In the bill authorizing the Interstate Highway System provision was made for studies of the economic effects of the new system upon local economies. The study reported herein is a part of a long-range investigation of the various aspects of economic …

Composite Pavement Design, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

There is an aura of superiority attached to the work "composite"--that is to say, the composite of anything is expected to be superior to its distinct elements of parts. It will suffice here to define a composite pavement as being compounded of "rigid" and "flexible" parts or layers. In reality, we mean layers of portland cement concrete and bituminous concrete--each of which is admirably sufficient in itself or may be so down-graded to satisfy lesser desires. Even so, we seem always to be discontent with the status quo. We are all somewhat opinionated on matters of pavement design and …

Obtaining Highway Engineering Services From Professional Engineers In Private Practice, R. E. Shaver, John W. Hutchinson

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Current state highway department procedures for obtaining private professional engineering services are reviewed and summarized as part of a study of the consulting engineering contracting policy and procedures of the Kentucky Department of Highways. The current bases used by state highway departments for establishment of fees for the professional services of Engineering Consultants, Attorneys, Right-of-Way Appraisers, Right-of-Way Buyers, and Architects are summarized, by state, in Table 1. In general, the consulting engineering contracting practices followed in Kentucky were found to be a combination of the most desirable points of procedure represented in the replies received from other state highway departments …

A General Study Of Highway Construction Materials Jefferson County (A Pilot Study), James H. Havens, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The general geology of Jefferson County is very similar to that of other counties lying along the fringes of the Outer Bluegrass area -- that is to say, bedrocks are more-or-less horizontally stratified and consist principally of limestones and shales. The present topography is largely the result of erosion; the soil mantles are residual products of weathering of the uppermost stratum of bedrock or shale (as the case may be).

The unique features of the area are associated with the Ohio River and outwashes resulting from encroachments of two glaciations. The toe or southern boundary of ice did not cross …

Weighing Vehicles In Motion [1965], Civil Engineering Department, University Of Kentucky

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

An agreement between the Kentucky Department of Highways and the University of Kentucky Research Foundation dated October 1, 1964 defined the minimum objectives of the subject research project as follows:

1. A. Developing and furnishing plans for an in-stream transducer system for dynamic axle weighing with manufacturers' specifications for the components required.
2. B. Constructing and furnishing a scale having an optimum mechanical configuration and which would perform the dynamic axle-weighing function in an overall data-gathering system, as determined in A. above.

This report describes the way in which these objectives were attained by the project staff during the period October 1, …

Insulation Of Concrete Bridge Decks, W. A. Mossbarger Jr.

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The complete elimination of snow and ice from principal highways would dispel the last real impediment from winter-time driving. It is not possible, of course, to prevent rain and snow from falling onto the roadway nor to heat endless miles of roads in order to keep them snow-and ice-free. Applications of de-icing salts during the onset or following icy weather has become a standard practice since 1948, and the quantity of salt used for this purpose has increased steadily each successive year. At the present time, salting provides the most expediently satisfactory treatment for icing conditions. Bridges sometimes pose a …

Fifth Annual Performance Survey Of Reinforced Concrete Pipe Culverts, Ronald D. Hughes

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

For many years, engineers have sought a simplified method for determining the strength requirements for underground conduits under various conditions of bedding and backfilling. Methods of installation and the general lack of a uniform design criteria tended to restrict the usefulness of rigid pipe culverts. With the advent of the interstate construction program and the increased mileage of highways meeting high design standards, the number of pipe culverts installed under high fills was significantly increased. This, of course, accented even more so the need for a more straightforward criteria for design and installation of rigid pipe in order that maximum …

Laboratory Test Results On Concrete Mixtures Containing Water-Reducing, Set-Retarding Admixtures, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This Special Provision covers the requirements for materials and construction procedures for water-reducing, set-retarding admixtures to be used in the construction of concrete bridge superstructures.

Freeze-Thaw Characteristics Of Aggregates, George R. Laughlin

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Premature deterioration of concrete under freezing and thawing conditions is often attributable to the aggregate fraction. Past research has shown that the freeze-thaw characteristics of aggregate are related, in a general way, to such properties as: 1) porosity, 2) absorption, and 3) bulk specific gravity. Actually it is the pore system--that is, the size, shape, arrangement and continuity of the pores--that governs the freeze-thaw characteristics. Distress in aggregate particles arises from hydrostatic pressure induced when a portion of its absorbed pore-water is frozen. The degree of distress or damage manifested is dependent upon the amount of permeable porosity, the degree …

Accelerometer Method Of Riding-Quality Testing, Rolands L. Rizenbergs

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

At a meeting of Highway Research Board Committee D-B4 last January, R. L. Rizenbergs presented an oral description of our development of the accelerometer method of measuring road roughness; and representatives from several state highway departments expressed an interest in duplicating our instrumentation. It became incumbent upon us then to prepare a more formal description for distribution to the Committee and other interested parties. The report submitted herewith is intended to fulfill that purpose. No specific action is requested. Copies are furnished for information only.

Construction And Interim Performance Of Silica Sand-Asphalt Surfacing, Robert L. Florence

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The report submitted herewith emanates from continuing efforts to develop sand-asphalt surfacing to a high degree of perfection and as a possible alternative to Class I, Type A, bituminous concrete surfaces. This type of surface excels in skid-resistance and may evolve as a preferred method of surface renewal and de-slicking for worn pavements which are otherwise structurally substantial. This report is concerned principally with observations afforded by the aforenamed, State construction project; it is, in that sense, an interim report.

Experimental Concrete Pavement Containing Fly Ash Admixtures [1965], Ronald D. Hughes

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A 2.388-mi section of four-lane highway in Louisville, Ky., was selected for an experimental fly ash concrete pavement installation. The project was divided into three sections: a control section and two experimental sections containing 94 and 140 lb of fly ash per cubic yard, respectively. The solid-volume of fly ash in excess of that required to replace one sack of cement was considered as fine aggregate. The water was adjusted to provide a slump of approximately 2½ in., and an air-entraining admixture was proportioned at the mixer to provide an air content of approximately 4.5 percent.

Beams and cylinders were …

Experimental Feature, Construction Project F 160(10), U.S. 127, Mercer County, Experimental Guardrail Installations And Performance Studies, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The report submitted herewith pertains to an experimental installation of aluminum guardrails which was completed in February, 1963. Progress reports, as required by PPM's 60-2 and 50-1.1, have been pending since the project began; however, all of the eligible information has been combined into the current report. Of course, long-time performance histories cannot yet be documented; and, for that reason, the report is considered to be interim rather than final.

Camber Design Study For Concrete Pipe Culvert, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

When a pipe culvert is constructed on or near the natural ground surface and covered by a highway fill or embankment, the weight of the embankment compresses and consolidates the foundation soil, settlement occurs, and the culvert subsides and sags below the original grade line. Experience has shown that culverts which become clogged with silt and debris, become disjointed and faulted, leak, become undermined, and endanger the stability of the embankment. These and other damages attendant to settlement restrict the flow of water, prevent adequate inspection of the structure, and may eventually require extensive maintenance or complete replacement of the …