Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons^™

Pavement Roughness Studies, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

During 1961, the equivalent of about 800 lane-miles of pavement were tested and analyzed. The largest portion of this mileage was on completed Interstate projects. In November, three pavements selected by the Bureau of Public Roads for serviceability-index ratings (6) were tested; and these are discussed briefly in this report.

Periodic surveillance of the roughness of all of the roads presently listed in Tables 1 and 2 is contemplated. New primary and Interstate construction will be included in the future. Thus, each respective project may be eventually characterized by a history of roughness measurements.

An Evaluation Of Four Retarding Admixtures In Structural Concrete, Milton Evans Jr., Ralph R. Waddle

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Early in 1960, the Construction Division was becoming quite concerned with the growing problem of obtaining satisfactorily smooth reinforced concrete bridge decks. Increasing areas of new decks were not measuring up to requirements when checked with a straight-edge, and rough-riding surfaces were resulting even after corrective grinding. It appeared that, on large pours, perhaps more time for placing and finishing was needed; this was so particularly on hot, windy days when ambient conditions would cause the concrete to set more rapidly. A proposed method of providing more working time was to use retarding admixtures to slow the setting time of …

Base Stabilization Bryantsville-Beuna Vista Road, Garrard County, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Construction plans for the summer of 1961 called for the placement of a bituminous surface (Class C-1) on Ky. 753 in Garrard County (see Fig. 1). The project extends from US 27 in Bryantsville to Ky. 152 at Beuna Vista, a distance of approximately 2.8 mites. To prepare the roadbed for this bituminous surfacing, personnel of the Maintenance Division placed additional stone on the roadway and stabilized it with calcium chloride. The Research Division was requested to make recommendations as to application rates of the available stone and calcium chloride and to follow the general performance of the project.

Pavement Slipperiness Studies (A Progress Report), James H. Havens, Rolands L. Rizenbergs

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Traction or frictional resistance of tires on clean, dry pavements tends to be fairly high (coefficient of friction of 0.6 to 0.8) and to be independent of the texture of the pavement surface. In contrast, the loss of traction on a wet pavement is due entirely to lubrication effects; and, while wet friction seems to be fairly independent of the identity of the aggregate, it is extremely dependent upon the texture and porosity of the surface. Likewise, the mineralogical and lithological characteristics of the aggregates largely determine the natural texture, i.e., type of wear (coarse or fine) which the aggregate …

Cutback Asphalt Emulsion Primer, Type L, Nelson County, Project Rs Group 38 (1961), J. D. Shackelford

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Personnel of the Research Division visited the Nelson County project to observe the application and behavior of the cutback asphalt emulsion primer, Type L, on Ky. 733, northeast of Boston. The following remarks concerning this project are submitted for your information.

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

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A criteria for the design and installation of reinforced concrete pipe culverts was developed by the Bureau of Public Roads in cooperation with the American Concrete Pipe Association and distributed to the various highway agencies in April, 1957, under Circular Memorandum 22-40. This criteria was developed in order to bring together and simplify methods for computing necessary pipe strengths for use under various heights of fill and provide for more effective utilization of reinforced concrete pipe for use as culverts. The memorandum also described various methods for bedding reinforced concrete pipe and outlined procedures for installation of the pipe under …

Evaluation Of Calcium-Chloride Maintained, Traffic-Bound Roads, George R. Laughlin

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Calcium chloride has been used on unpaved road surfaces for over fifty years. Originally, it was used as a dust palliative and later as a stabilizing agent. Observations have shown that traffic-bound roads containing well-graded aggregate and sufficient binder tend to have smooth, stable surfaces. While the binder remains in a damp, cohesive state, the road surface remains in a smooth, compact condition. If the surface becomes dry, dusting and attrition becomes pronounced. Therefore, for a properly constructed traffic-bound base to remain in smooth, stable condition, it is essential that the surface remain damp. Calcium chloride, being a hygroscopic and …

Class I, Type B, Plant-Mix Initial Treatment, Pac-9, Robert L. Florence

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Initial surface treatments of so-called traffic-bound macadam rural secondary roads presents a challenging but frustrating problem in the over-all highway program. In many cases, these roads do not merit the expenditures that would be needed to construct the type of pavement desired, yet there is a need for a dust-free, all-weather type of surface for these roads. It may be argued, for instance, that initial surfacing should be deferred until such time that the construction of a proper base and surface would be justified. On the other hand, one might argue that even a light surfacing would be preferred despite …

Dynamics Of Sprung Loads On Pavements, James H. Havens, D. F. Hutcheson

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The attached report, "Dynamics of Sprung Loads on Pavements," resulted from a need for reliable impact factors for use in the structural design of pavements. For some years, it has been customary to use 1.2 times the static wheel load for designing portland cement concrete pavements. We, along with other investigators, have questioned this value, and have actually used higher values for some specific conditions. Impact factors for specific situations are listed on page 33 of the report. The three roads classed as smooth averaged 1.25, while the rough road gave a value of 1.35. Depressions at culverts and bridge …

A Modified Class I Surface Mixture, Robert L. Florence

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Since the summer of 1954, it has been the practice of the Department to require only natural. sand or slag as the fine aggregate in high-type (Class I, Type B) bituminous surface mixtures. This, of course, was done in order to build skid resistance into the mixture, i.e. by use of polish-resistant fine aggregate. At first, this was specified by means of plan notes; and, during 1957, an Amendment was made to the Standard Specifications. While this has apparently reduced the slickness problem it has created problems relating to the durability and, at times, the stability of the surface course.

Seal Coat Application To Clark Memorial Bridge, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The maintenance of the surface of the approach ramps and bridge deck of the Clark Memorial Bridge in Louisville has presented certain problems over the past few years. The ramps at each end of the bridge are rather steep, and on the Louisville side the ramp intersects Main Street where traffic movements are controlled by traffic signals. Thus, the northbound traffic accelerating upgrade from a stop and the southbound traffic braking to a stop on the downgrade present two very severe conditions that the surface must withstand. The increased use of salt for snow and ice removal has also contributed …

Experimental Paving Projects Using Curtiss-Wright’S Coal-Modified, Coal-Tar Binder [1962], William B. Drake

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report covers the observation and evaluation of 13 sections of experimental pavement constructed in Kentucky using coal-modified coal-tar binder. These are compared with the performance of control sections in which normal specification asphalt cements were used. The results of laboratory and field tests are also reported to support and supplement the visual surveys.

A Discussion On The Durability Of Expanded Shale Aggregate For Exposed Concrete Structures (Bridges), James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

During the period between 1924 and 1934, in particular, numerous reinforced concrete bridges were built in Kentucky and elsewhere. Although many of them are still in service, they are some 30 years old and are showing the effects of time and weather. While it is true, of course, that they were constructed without the benefit of air-entrainment and without many present-day control practices, the influences of aggregate quality and freeze-thaw are usually apparent. The advent of the de-icing salt era, about 1940 and following World War II, introduced an additional deteriorating influence gnawing at old and new structures alike. The …

Criteria For Design Of Pavement Thicknesses, Kentucky Interstate Highways, William B. Drake, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Kentucky Department of Highways, in 1946, sought a more systematic criteria and basis for designing the thickness of bituminous concrete pavements. The Research Division was authorized to pursue this work and to develop the criterion. These efforts were embodied in a report (1) to the Department, which offered a system of design based upon CBR's and EWL's. EWL's were computed originally for a 10-yr. period but this practice was revised in 1954, to encompass 20-yr. traffic (more realistic with respect to average road life). Then, in 1957, the Department requested a re-evaluation of the criteria from the standpoint of …

Experimental Paving Projects Using Curtiss-Wright’S Coal-Modified, Coal-Tar Binder [1960], James F. Hardyman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

On April 7, 1959, the Curtiss-Wright Corporation announced the development of a new coal-based road paving binder, utilizing bituminous coal. This development was the result of their research program conducted in an effort to find new uses for coal and coal products. The basic principle used in preparing this bituminous binder was the digestion of powdered coal in coal tar and tar oils at temperatures of 500-600°F. By adjusting the proportions of tar, tar oils, and coal, binders could be prepared having penetration ranges comparable to asphalt cements. It was the intent of the developers that the modified binders be …

Proposed Specification For Bridge Paints, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

On July 30, 1958, two proposed bridge paint system specifications were submitted by this Division for Department consideration. Since that time, there have been several discussion sessions between various paint industry, representatives, members of the Department Specifications Committee, and J. H. Havens, Assistant Director of Research. Mr. Havens has been requested by the Specifications Committee to re-write one of the specifications, BASIC LEAD SILICO-CHROMATE, OIL-ALKYD PAINT SYSTEMS FOR IRON AND STEEL STRUCTURES (BRIDGES), and to prepare an additional specification covering, PHENOLIC RESIN PENETRATING LIQUID PAINT SYSTEM FOR IRON AND STEEL STRUCTURES (BRIDGES).

Rockcastle (Pottsville) Conglomerate Sand Evaluation In Portland Cement Concrete, Milton Evans Jr.

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In order to analyze the concrete making properties of a processed Pottsville Conglomerate Sand from Rockcastle County, Kentucky, several batches of portland cement concrete were made. Standard mixing control, strength, and durability tests as well as a short cut test to detect excessive expansion during curing were performed on the concrete. Control specimens were made utilizing an Ohio River Sand, typical for this area, as the fine aggregate. This sand which was acceptable by Kentucky Highway Department Specifications was produced by the Nugent Sand Company of Louisville, Kentucky. The sand was submitted for evaluation in this manner by the State …

Cold-Weather Concreting, Milton Evans Jr.

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In order to successfully place concrete in cold weather, certain established requirements must be met. The concrete must not be allowed to freeze, it must not be overheated by artificial means in an attempt to protect it from the cold, and proper curing conditions must be maintained during the period of protection to insure sufficient moisture for the cement to hydrate. Generally, temperatures of not less than 50°F and not more than 90°F are satisfactory. These temperatures must be maintained long enough for the concrete to develop sufficient strength to withstand freezing temperatures and to support the loads. Generally, concretes …

Camber Design Study For Concrete Pipe Culverts, Aubrey D. May

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 or sags below the original line as illustrated in Fig. 1. The amount of settlement depends, of course, upon the fill height or load, the depth of foundation soil, and the susceptibility of the foundation soil to consolidation. In addition, and toward the toes of the embankment, the structure may tend to lengthen. It may lengthen slightly, however, simply because the distance …

Interim Status Of Tire Service Life Study, William B. Drake

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The service life of selected, most commonly used tire sizes installed on Highway Department trucks and sedans will be evaluated. Major manufacturers and other manufacturers (later defined) products will be studied to determine average service life. One half or four highway districts (1, 2, 7 and 8) will be involved in the project and the trucks used will be selected or assigned at random in these districts (The sedans used in the study will be Central Office pool vehicles). A progress record for each tire and use record for each vehicle with regular report or measurement times to be specified …

Limestone Fine Aggregate In Portland Cement Concrete, George R. Laughlin

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Limestone is classified as a carbonaceous sedimentary rock. In general, the term is applied only to those rocks in which the carbonate fraction exceeds the non-carbonate fraction. The carbonate may be calcite and/or dolomite. In addition to the primary constituents, there are contaminating minerals such as quartz, clay minerals, chalcedony (chert and flint), pyrite, feldspars and organic matter. The clay minerals are probably the most deleterious contaminates in carbonate rock.

Investigation Of Concrete Pavement, Us 60 Between Versailles And Frankfort, William B. Drake

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A preliminary examination was made of the subject pavement on November 2, 1959, by James H. Havens and the writer, of the Research Division, and J. S. Riley, Construction Division. The discover of deleterious matter in the pavement was the major reason for the inspection. Foreign objects could be found imbedded in the concrete pavement throughout the project. However, there were a great many more in two sections, each about one quarter of a mile long, than on the rest of the project. The objects observed were wood, cloth, metal and soil. However, there was decided prevalence of soil. The …

Morton’S Gap Culvert-Pipe Installation, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The attached report, "Interim Performance Report on Morton's Gap Culvert Pipe Installation", by James H. Havens, is primarily a listing of the status of the condition of pipe still in the test and the date of failure or removal of the other sections.

Mr. Havens has prepared as background information, a brief record of the Department's practices involving pipe use for the past 10 years. He has begun with the Research Division's first study into pipe damaged by the corrosive action of acid water. This information is presented primarily because of its significance in the development of the culvert pipe …

Bituminous Concrete Pavement Surface Damage From Soil Action, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

During the last week of August, Mr. J. S. Riley, Supervisory Construction Engineer, Area D, called our attention to a unique problem which arose during the final dressing of the most recent extension of the New Circle Road in Fayette County. Because of the uniqueness of the situation, the memo is intended to be a record of the phenomenon observed and a report of our investigation and analysis of the circumstances related thereto.

Bridge Resurfacing With Silica Sand-Asphalt Mixture, Loren H. Strunk

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The bituminous section has been engaged in testing silica sand-asphalt mixtures composed of various penetration grades of asphalt and sands from sand and sandstone deposits from several different areas of the state since early this year. The purpose of this study was to develop a surfacing mixture which would provide a skid-resistant surface and which could be machine laid in thin courses.

Skid Prevention Studies In Kentucky, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Laboratory apparatus, consisting essentially of a torque generator and a torque meter, in which a rubber annulus is driven against a plane surface of a rock core or pavement specimen, as in an ordinary friction clutch, was used to study variations in the coefficients of friction with respect to texture and material characteristics. Dry friction coefficients were found to be rather high in magnitude. and fairly constant throughout wide variations in surface textures. In contrast, wet friction coefficients were very high for rough textures but very low for polished surfaces. Wet friction values correlated in an approximately hyperbolic manner with …

Differential Thermal Analysis Of The Freeze-Thaw Mechanisms In Concrete, James H. Havens, Knox R. Burchett

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The freezing of water in concrete may create highly disruptive internal forces, depending upon the degree of saturation of the voids and the extent of the resulting dilations. Heretofore, it has not been possible to measure the internal pressures accompanying freezing; and it is this aspect of the automatic freeze-thaw testing of concrete with which the present study was concerned. By the use of thermocouples, imbedded in concrete and referenced to an ice-water bath, it was possible to plot, on an automatic multivolt potentiometer recorder, an isothermal phase change for the absorbed water, and to demonstrate a depression of the …

Recommendations For Special Specifications, Covering Basic Lead Silico-Chromate, Oil-Alkyd, Vinyl-Alkyd Paints For Bridges, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This specification covers the material requirements for a Basic Lead Silico-Chromate, Oil-Alkyd Paint System intended for use on exterior iron and steel structures (bridges), for either new or re-paint work, except where exposed to severely corrosive conditions such as within the splash-zone from bridge decks or on other members likely to be affected by de-icing salts or persistent moisture conditions. This system shall consist of a primer-, intermediate-, and finish-coat paint as hereafter specified. Uses of the component paints other than as an integral part of this system are specifically excluded.

An Evaluation And Summary Of The 16-Year Performance Of A Concrete Test Pavement, Milton Evans Jr.

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Presented herein are a summary and evaluation of the performance of a reinforced concrete section of U.S. 27 in north central Kentucky which has been in existence since the summer of 1941. The pavement, totaling 7.89 miles, was constructed in 10 experimental test sections, as shown on the layout map in Figure 1. Five blends of cement, containing normal portland, natural, and two additives, were used with two types of coarse aggregate, limestone and gravel. Since the construction of the pavement in the summer of 1941, several reports and memoranda have been released dealing with various aspects of the over-all …

A Study Of The Use Of A Local Fly Ash In Concrete Mixes, Frank D. Whitney

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The widespread use of powdered coal in industrial furnaces has, since its introduction in the 1930's, produced considerable increases in efficiency for many industrial processes. In its wake, however, it has brought its own unique problems, and chief among these has been the problem of collecting and disposing of the residue which results from the combustion of the powdered or ground coal. This residue, known commonly as fly ash, is a nuisance if it is allowed to be dispersed into the atmosphere; and if collected it presents a difficult disposal problem. In present industrial practice it is almost always collected, …