Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons^™

Comparative Laboratory Evaluation And Field Observations Of A Modified Class I Base, Loren H. Strunk

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A number of materials and methods have been used in the continuing search for a satisfactory initial bituminous treatment. Towards this end, three traffic bound roads were given initial treatment, in the summer of 1956, with three inches of Kentucky a Standard Class I Base mixture. The large size coarse aggregate -- either No. 36 or No. 48 stone -- in this mixture made the material difficult to work, however, and caused severe segregation during handling. Although a well integrated mixture of the type could have been compacted to about eight percent voids, the excessive segregation left many areas of …

A Study Of The Polishing Characteristics Of Limestone And Sandstone Aggregates In Regard To Pavement Slipperiness, William J. Stutzenberger, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The coefficient of friction on dry highway surfaces regardless of stone composition and texture has in most cases been at least 0.6 or above. However, some of these same surfaces when lubricated by a small amount of water have given test results dangerously lower. Some interesting theoretical aspects of this situation are presented here along with results from a laboratory study of the fundamental factors affecting tractive friction.

A machine is described for measuring the coefficient of friction between the plane surfaces of four-inch diameter stone specimens and a rubber annulus of slightly smaller diameter. Measurements were made both wet …

Hydraulic Model Studies Of Culvert Operation, Eugene M. West

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Since 1951 the Division of Research has been engaged in a comprehensive study of highway drainage problems. This study has included special investigations of rainfall and runoff, drainage structures in use and the practices used in their design, culvert hydraulics, and other relevant investigations. To date, reports have been published concerning runoff and rainfall variables (1 and 2)* and the effects of barrel roughness upon culvert operation (3), together with the preparation of a drainage manual for the use of Highway Department engineers and consultants.

The most recent special project, part of the over-all study, has dealt with the effects …

A Field And Laboratory Examination Of Weathering Effects On Petroleum And Blended Petroleum-Natural Asphalts In Paving Mixtures, Ellis G. Williams

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The relative merits of various asphalts and asphaltic materials have been the subject of considerable controversy almost from the beginning of flexible pavement construction in this country. In this early period petroleum asphalt had not yet entered the picture and controversy centered about naturally occurring products such as Trinidad natural asphalt and impregnated stones. In 1876 Congress directed that comparative service tests be made on a rock asphalt* and a sheet asphalt containing Trinidad natural asphalt. The sheet asphalt was considered the more successful of these and thus Trinidad natural asphalt became firmly established as a paving material in this …

Analysis Of Pavement Riding Quality: A Triaxial Evaluation Of Pavement Roughness, William S. Foy

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

For the last twenty-five years considerable research has been directed toward developing reliable equipment for evaluating pavement roughness. Since roughness inhibits passenger riding comfort and safety, as well as inducing vehicle deterioration, the determination of the features that cause roughness would indicate possible improvements in pavement design, materials, construction practices and equipment. For example, certain types of base design might be found to produce smoother surfaces than others; and a construction practice such as a blade-spread leveling course might result in more uniform pavements. Then too, evaluation of pavement roughness would permit relative comparison of pavements as one of several …

The Application Of Kentucky Flexible Pavement Design Method To Washo Test Road Conditions, William B. Drake

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In the summer of 1952 the Flexible Pavement Design Committee of the Highway Research Board began the sponsoring of a comparative design project. Several state highway departments and other organizations were invited to submit flexible pavement designs, based upon their own current practices, for the subgrade, materials, and traffic conditions of the Western Association of State Highway Officials (WASHO) test road. This road was being constructed in Malad, Idaho, through the participation of 13 western states and the Bureau of Public Roads. The Kentucky Department of Highways was one of the organizations invited to participate in the comparative design project.

A Hydraulic Analysis Of The Channel Relocation Of Stephens Creek, Eugene M. West

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Recently Mr. J.O. Cornell requested the assistance of the Drainage Section of the Research Laboratory in investigating the channel that the U.S. Corps of Engineers has designed in conjunction with the raising of Dam No. 39 and the changing of the locking system. The principal reason for this investigation was to determine the effect, if any, that this project will have upon the five-span highway bridge on U.S. 42, located approximately two thousand feet upstream from the confluence of Stephens Creek and the Ohio River and at the upstream end of the new channel.

Model Study Of Flow Through Culverts, Eugene M. West

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Within the past four years, the Highway Materials Research Laboratory has expended considerable effort upon investigating and developing new approaches to the problem of estimating the quantity of runoff from small drainage areas. Particular interest has been given to areas of sizes that require culverts or small bridges with less than twenty feet of span. The results of these studies have been included in the Drainage Manual recently adapted for use by the Department of Highways.

Kentucky Soils: Their Origin, Distribution And Engineering Properties, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Soil is the product of the action of climate and living organisms upon parent materials, as conditioned by local relief. The length of time over which these forces are operative is of great importance in determining the properties of the final soil product. Altogether, there are five principal factors in soil formation: 1.) climate, 2.) biological activity, 3.) nature of the parent material, 4.) topography, and 5.) time.

The major differences in the soils of Kentucky result chiefly from differences in 1.) the rocks from which the parent materials were derived and 2.) the topographic position of the materials.

A Study Of The Properties And Performance Of Kentucky (Natural Sandstone) Rock Asphalt, James H. Havens, Ellis G. Williams

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Kentucky (natural sandstone) rock asphalt derives its esteem as a highway surfacing material from its uniform appearance on the road, its riding characteristics, and the fact that it affords the highest protection against skidding (slipperiness) of any of the paving materials now generally available (see Appendix IV). The usual methods of handling, steaming, laying and spreading offer some of the conveniences and advantages of a ready-to-use material. Although its service history during the past 50 years has been generally favorable, there has also been a certain amount of risk involved in its use, particularly in recent years on roads sustaining …

A Concrete Pavement Without Transverse Joints [Jan. 1956], Dave H. Sawyer

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

For a period of more than six years the Research Division has had under observation the concrete pavement built without transverse joints on U.S. 31-W between Franklin and the Tennessee Line. The primary reason for observing performance year after year is to record the incidence of cracks and other more serious defects; but also the grooving of cracks in 1949 and the application of different joint sealing materials became an important part of the observations.

Observations On The Constitution And Characterization Of Paving Asphalts, James H. Havens, W. F. Daniels

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This paper contains results of analyses with asphalts of various composition and derivation. The objective of the study is to define and correlate constitution and fundamental character of asphalts in a manner significant to their use in highway pavements.

Further confirmation of the existence of three discrete solubility fractions in asphalts was obtained by extraction methods and by paper partition chromatography. Paraffin bodies were revealed by microscopic examination of thin films. Asphaltene fractions showed the presence of particulate material by electron microscopy and also revealed indications of peptized asphaltene bodies. Oils dialyzed from asphalt exhibited u.v. fluorescence similar to components …

Triaxial Acceleration Analysis Applied To The Evaluation Of Pavement Riding Qualities, L. E. Gregg, William S. Foy

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Traditionally the riding qualities of a pavement are expressed as some function of localized irregularities in the contour of the pavement surface. This is predicated on the fact that the portion of passenger comfort or discomfort imparted by all features of the pavement surface can not be isolated and determined separately from other influences such as vehicle characteristics or psychological and physiological aspects of the passenger himself.

Measurements of riding qualities have dealt almost exclusively with vehicle displacements in the vertical direction only, these having been and still being the most prominent and most amenable to measurement. By this procedure …

An Investigation Of The Binding Properties Of Limestone Dust, William E. Howard, Ellis G. Williams

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A proper quantity of dust particles of various sizes has long been recognized as important in the construction of stone bases and pavements. Screenings for water bound macadam bases are required to contain not less than a specified amount of dust sizes, and dense-graded limestone bases have controlling limits for the dust fraction. It is generally assumed that these particles serve a dual purpose: (1) in filling void spaces created by larger particles, thus enhancing the gross structure of the aggregate, and (2) in acting as a binder material in the presence of water. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that …

Studies Of The Suitability Of Expanded Shale Aggregate For Use In Cement Concrete, Claude M. Brown Jr., Loren H. Strunk, Dave H. Sawyer

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Expanded shale is one of several artificial lightweight aggregates currently used in the production of lightweight concrete. Its use has become rather widespread through recent improvements in production techniques, mix designs, placement methods, and air entrainment. However, various types of lightweight concrete as such is not of recent origin, having been used in this country for more than a half century.

Expanded shale aggregates are produced by heating a suitable shale to the point of fusion. Gases within the shale expand and thus form thousands of tiny air cells within the mass which are retained upon cooling and solidification. The …

Application Of Wire Mesh Reinforcement To Asphaltic Concrete Pavement Overlays, Ellis G. Williams

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In response to suggestions from the Wire Reinforcement Institute, the Department established during the past construction season some test sections to investigate wire mesh reinforcement in bituminous concrete. As in the case of most similar projects in other states, the intent was to determine the effectiveness of wire mesh for controlling "reflection cracking" in bituminous overlays placed on existing portland cement concrete pavement.

Inspection Of Full Depth Modified Dense-Graded Aggregate Base, Plant Mixed (Tennessee Project), William B. Drake

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

No abstract provided.

Roughness As A Factor In Culvert Hydraulics, Eugene M. West

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In conjunction with the oral discussion of Roughness as a Factor in Culvert Hydraulics, which has been scheduled for the coming meeting of the Research Committee, I have assembled a few notes and diagrams with which you may wish to become familiar. It is intended that this material serve as a guide in a simplified approach to some of the basic considerations in the analysis of culverts, and not to be all inclusive.

An Investigation Of Bituminous Coatings And Pavements On Corrugated Metal Culverts, Eugene M. West

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The object of this inspection was to determine the efficacy of bituminous coatings and paved inverts on corrugated metal pipe and culverts installed on Rural Secondary Projects during the past few years. The study originated after earlier investigations had led to recommendations concerning the resistance of various types of pipe and culvert materials in the presence of acid-bearing waters.

Blown Mulch For Roadside Erosion Control, Jason C. Taylor

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In May 1954, the Division of Construction brought to the attention of the Research Division the fact that an effort was being made (for the first time in Kentucky) to revise the conventional manner of applying straw mulch to a seeded right-of-way. This innovation was to be achieved with the use of a recently-invented machine known as the "Finn Mulch Spreader", which is capable of mixing a straw mulch with some adhesive substance and then blowing the mixture onto the seeded area. The intent was to achieve a reasonably homogeneous mat-like structure composed of pieces of straw attached to each …

Proposed Revision For Specification For Reflex-Reflective Materials For Highway Signs, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

There are several pertinent factors and considerations that have a direct bearing on the requirements contained in the attached Recommended Special Specification No. 50-R, and it seems appropriate to record them here as reference material either in support of the specification or as information.

Pavement Investigation: Middletown-Eastwood Portion Of Us 60, Louisville-Shelbyville Road, William B. Drake

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The attached report dealing with a "Pavement Investigation, Middletown-Eastwood Portion of US 60, Louisville-Shelbyville Road", is submitted in response to your directive of December 16, 1953. All of the field and laboratory work on the investigation was completed under Mr. Drake's supervision prior to his temporary transfer to the Division of Design on June 1, and during the past month he has been able to spend portions of his time toward completion of the report.

A Bank Gravel Base Containing Calcium Chloride [Report No. 2], William B. Drake

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Attached you will find our second progress report on "A Bank Gravel Base Containing Calcium Chloride," by W.B. Drake. This project pertains to that portion of the Paducah-Eddyville Road (U.S. 62) extending from Kentucky Dam to Kuttawa. You are quite familiar with the road having visited it in company with Mr. Bray on August 13, this year and I believe most of the members of the Research Committee are familiar with it. Discussions following presentation of Report No. 1 on the project at our meeting last April would have accomplished that, but the road is better known for the number …

A Compendium On Class I, Type C Mixes, Ellis G. Williams

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Recently the Class I, Type C Surface Mix has been the subject of numerous discussions resulting from present paving operations on Muldraugh Hill (U.S. 31W and U.S. 60) south of Louisville, and from performance of pavements placed heretofore on some Louisville Streets. Apparently, past difficulties have created some doubt about the suitability of Type C surfaces in heavy traffic areas for which it was intended. Type C does not represent the ultimate in stable mixtures, but it should be entirely adequate for the purpose intended.

A Concrete Pavement Without Transverse Joints [Dec. 1952], William B. Drake

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This project was last reported in January, 1951, or approximately two years ago. Three previous reports have been made. Report No. 2 was dated December, 1949, and Report No. 1 was made July, 1949. A memorandum report (for file only) covering the two 1951 inspections was made in February of 1952.

This road is a section of U.S. 31W in Simpson County designated as FI 239(4). It runs from Sta. 9-11 at the Tennessee State Line to Sta. 311-40 at the south city limit of Franklin (see layout plot). It consists of a 22-foot concrete pavement underlain by 1-1/2 inches …

The Performance Of Cold Mastic Joint-Sealing Compounds And Sawed Joints In Concrete Pavements, Dave H. Sawyer

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Included in this report are observations and data on the performance of various types of crack and joint sealing materials applied to three separate concrete pavements. The factors which are considered pertinent in evaluating the respective conditions of the materials are: length of service, tightness of joint, adherence to the concrete pavement, and ductility. The three materials used on these projects were cold mastic, hot-poured asphalt rubber, and OA-2 cut back with MC-3.

A Survey Of Acidity In Drainage Waters And The Condition Of Highway Drainage Installations, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

During the summer of 1949, approximately one year after installation, serious corrosion failures were discovered in a series of galvanized metal entrance culverts on U.S. 60 south of Ashland near Princess. Because of a unique disparity in their performance at this location, the problem was referred to the Research Division for possible explanation. An impromptu investigation ensued, and the cause of the failure was attributed directly to acid drainage water flowing from extensive strip-mining operations within the immediate area. A report (1)* describing the attendant conditions was made to the Research Committee in December of that year.

As an outgrowth …

An Investigation Of Lean Concrete Mixes As Base Courses For Bituminous Surfaces [Dec. 1952], Dave H. Sawyer

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

During the summer of 1950, the Kentucky Department of Highways placed a lean concrete mix for base construction and widening in Montgomery County. This project was a 4.415 mile section of U.S. 60 on the Winchester-Mt. Sterling Road, and was designed as SF 87-117. Four major revisions – three alignment and one grade – were completed on the project thus requiring full-width base replacement of sections of the old pavement with the lean concrete mix.

Evaluation Of Traffic Paint In 1952, A. C. Peed Jr.

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Following the program of in-service transverse stripe evaluation coupled with laboratory study of traffic paint samples submitted by various manufacturers who propose to bid on the Departments paint requirements, field stripes were placed August 19, 1952. For this test stripes were placed in the same general location as that used the two previous years (U.S. 27 south of Lexington at the junction of the concrete and bituminous pavements). Gradings contained herein were made December 27, 1952, and thus represent a somewhat premature five-month evaluation. However, the set of stripes placed in 1951 were scrutinized since they had sixteen months of …

A Limestone-Calcium Chloride Stabilized Base, William B. Drake

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report is mainly concerned with the calcium-chloride stabilized portion of a combination base. A 4-inch course of waterbound macadam was placed over a 1-inch insulation course overlying an existing traffic-bound stone surface. The next 4 inches of base above, the water bound material consisted of two 2-inch layers of calcium-chloride stabilized limestone of a design not used heretofore by the Department.

Bituminous concrete binder and surface courses laid over the base brought the total mat thickness to more than 11 inches. The surface width was 30 feet, and the length of the project was 1.1 miles.

Although the road …