Transportation Engineering Commons^™

Recommended Special Specification For Surfacing Materials For Signs And Markers, L. E. Gregg

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This special specification supersedes all previous specifications establishing requirements for surfacing materials for vertical signs and markers as defined below. This includes all previous special and temnorary specifications and part 7.23.SB of the Department's 1945 Standard Specifications for State and Federal Road and Bridge Construction.

A Laboratory Investigation Of Mineralogical, Chemical And Physical Properties Of Limestone Aggregates, James L. Young Jr., James H. Havens, L. E. Gregg

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The project described in this report represents one phase of comprehensive research with all types of aggregates for highway paving mixtures in Kentucky. It was designed to show the fundamental properties of limestones which determine their suitability for this type of use -- particularly their so-called durability. For this reason, emphasis was placed on analysis of the intrinsic properties of the aggregates themselves rather than analysis of procedures or test methods, such as freezing and thawing.

Separation, Fractionation And Mineralogy Of Clays In Soils, James H. Havens, James L. Young Jr., Robert F. Baker

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This paper describes a working method for separation, fractionation and identification of colloid and colloidal clay minerals in soils. Technical information pertains to super-centrifugation, electron-microscopy and X-ray diffraction. On the basis of these techniques, twenty-two samples have been investigated in conjunction with a soil stud of pumping pavements.

Soils were first dispersed and separated by gravity sedimentation. Fractionation was accomplished by controlled super-centrifugation. The separated fractions were purified and then analyzed by X-ray diffraction. Computed size fractions were checked by shadow castings and lineal dimensions on electron micrographs.

Results include identification of the mineral or minerals present and the properties …

Cold-Applied Mastic-Type Crack And Joint Filler Compound, L. E. Gregg

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

For the past year the Research Laboratory has been investigating joint filling compounds for concrete pavements with the object of determining whether extenders of one type or another placed in the hot-poured rubber-asphalt filler could reduce the cost without reducing the efficiency of these materials. Also included in the investigation was a search for new or different materials that might serve the same purpose but have properties that would make them more desirable or less expensive than the rubber-asphalt fillers. Because of the inconvenience and danger involved in the heating process to 450°F, and also the difficulty of controlling the …

Excerpts From: A Study Of The Relationship Between Subgrade California Bearing Ratios And Pumping Of Rigid Pavements, Robert F. Baker

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

No abstract provided.

Reflectorizing Surfaces For Signs And Markers, L. E. Gregg

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The attached copy of a proposed special specification for reflectorizing surfaces for signs and markers is submitted with the recommendation that this be considered by the specification committee, and furthermore that it be considered tentative. The specification was drawn up at the request of the Division of Maintenance in order that they would have some basis for differentiating materials offered by different vendors when invitations for bids are taken. I am sure that Mr. Palmer and Mr. Ringo consider the matter urgent.

A Study Of The Relationship Between Sub-Grade California Bearing Ratios And Pumping Of Rigid Pavements, Robert F. Baker

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the relationship between the pumping of rigid pavements and the modified California Bearing Ratio of the subgrade soil, beneath the pavement. The ultimate objective is a design criteria for eliminating or minimizing in the most economical way, pumping of rigid pavements in Kentucky.

A Study Of The Properties Of Coarse Aggregates, James L. Young Jr., James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Research Project C-22 is an investigation of the geologic aspects of limestone aggregate that might cause failure if used in highway construction, as reported earlier. As the study was to be approached from a new standpoint, it was allowed to mature along significant lines. At present a working plan has been adopted and is shown here in some detail.

Experiments With Air Entrainment In Cement Concrete, Kentucky Highway Materials Research Laboratory

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In September, 1946, the Research Laboratory prepared and distributed a comprehensive report entitled. "A Summary of Experiments With Air Entrainment in Cement Concrete", which covered field and laboratory experimentation conducted over a period of six years. In February, 1947, specific recommendations based on this report and another dealing with the pressure method of determining air contents resulted in adoption of air entrainment for all concrete pavements and the pressure method as the only accepted method of control.

Among the several projects included in the six years of research were four experimental roads which, of course, are still in service. Although …

A Study Of The Effect Of Blended Coarse Aggregate On Air Entrained Concrete, S. T. Collier, L. E. Gregg

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This research with combined coarse aggregates in cement concrete was initiated at the request of the Director of Design as a direct result of the condition study made by the Division of Design in 1945. In the report on this study it was shown that on the basis of averages pertaining to 80 projects with crashed limestone totalling about 395 miles in length, and 70 projects with Ohio River Gravel totalling approximately 410 miles in length, the service record for pavements with the river gravel was far inferior to that of pavements containing limestone coarse aggregate.

Specifically, the summary of …

An Experiment With Expanded-Metal Integrating Mats In Bituminous Concrete Pavement, Kentucky Highway Materials Research Laboratory

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This is an initial report of an experiment dealing with the use of expanded metal mats placed between the binder and surface courses of a Class I bituminous pavement at a location where a bituminous pavement of different design had shoved under heavy traffic. The purpose of the mats, of course, was to integrate the pavement in both longitudinal and transverse directions; the theory being that a small portion of the pavement, when subjected to a force that would ordinarily cause shoving, could actuelly shove only if an entire section of the embedded mat could be moved by that force. …

Interim Report On Experiments With Western Kentucky Bank Gravel In Bituminous Concrete, Kentucky Highway Materials Research Laboratory

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Experiments with Western Kentucky Bank Gravel as an aggregate in bituminous concrete were started in 1944 with a reconstruction project on the Paducah-Smithland Road (R.P. 32-1 SA & R.P. 32-l-SB), U.S. 60 & U.S. 68, in NcCracken County. Eight sections containing four different bituminous materials two different thicknesses of binder course, and variations in the surface course only with regard to a single grade of bitumen applied to Sections 5 to 8 inclusive, were provided in the plans.

The pavement was inspected and photographs were taken in May, 1946, but no formal report was made on the experiment at that …

Study Of The Effect Of Blended Coarse Aggregate On Air Entrained Concrete Second Progress Report, Kentucky Highway Materials Research Laboratory

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

When the first progress report on this study of blended aggregate was prepared in January, 1947, only three of the nine groups of samples in Series I had completed the durability tests, and specimens in four of the seven groups composing Series II had not even been prepared. In contrast, at the present all samples in Series I have completed the durability tests thus concluding the results pertaining to Ohio River gravel from Louisville, and specimens in three groups of Series II (applicable to glacial gravel) have finished the durability tests. Further than that, several additional groups of samples which …

Outline Of Proposed Research For "Study Of The Relationship Between Subgrade California Bearing Ratios And Pumping Of Rigid Pavements", Kentucky Highway Materials Research Laboratory

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The purpose of this investigation is to determine the relationship between the pumping of rigid pavements and the modified California Bearing Ratio of the subgrade soil beneath the pavement. Ultimately, the objective is to combine data from this research with those from other related studies and provide a design criteria for eliminating or minimizing, in the most economical way, pumping of rigid pavements, particularly when soils of uncertain quality are encountered.

Memo On Aberdeen And Brownsville Bridge, Kentucky Highway Materials Research Laboratory

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

No abstract provided.

Research With Mulches For Roadside Grasses, Kentucky Highway Materials Research Laboratory

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

At the January 27, meeting of our Research Board,experiments with mulches for roadside grasses as proposed by a committee of the Highway Research Board, National Research Council, was discussed. The matter – as noted in item 7 of the minutes of that meeting – was directed to Professor Shaver and me with a request by Mr. Cutler that we confer with men in the Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Kentucky, and at our next meeting report on the practicability of these experiments.

On the afternoon of March 7, Prof. N.R. Elliott, Acting Head of the Department of Horticulture at the …

Bond Characteristics Of Commercial And Prepared Reinforcing Bars, S. T. Collier

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Early in 1945 a request was made by the Bridge Division of the Kentucky Department of Highways that bond characteristics of certain reinforcing bars be analyzed by the Department's Materials Research Laboratory. Nothing extensive was contemplated, it being the intent of the Bridge Division to determine whether reinforcing steel commonly used on bridge projects at the time should develop bond stresses reasonably close to those that could be developed by the specially prepared bars; and if not, whether the special bars produced benefits commensurate with increased costs.

Five types of bars were selected, and pull-out tests in preference to beam …

Study Of The Properties Of Coarse Aggregates, James L. Young Jr.

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Research Project C-22 is an investigation of the geologic aspects of limestone aggregate that might cause failure if used in highway construction. This represents work being carried on at the Highway Materials Research Laboratory in Lexington. The end point of this work is to determine the cause or causes of failure and provide a test that will delete faulty materials from construction work.

In order to evaluate the engineering aspect of the author's work, a study ef the physical tests of these same aggregates is to be made. A correlation between Laboratory Analysis and performance Surveys of these same aggregates …

Outline Of Research For Adhesion Of Bituminous Materials To Mineral Aggregates, Kentucky Highway Materials Research Laboratory

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The primary object of this proposed research is to investigate existing procedures or develop new means for evaluating the adhesive capacity of bituminous materials when applied to mineral aggregates. This includes bituminous materials in combination with additives or so-called anti-stripping agents; hence, the scope of the project includes:

1. A study of aggregates for hydrophyllic or hydrophobic properties as related to different types of bitumen, and the selection of a standard aggregate by which the adhesion of bituminous materials themselves may be judged.
2. Comparison of grades and sources of bituminous materials with respect to power of adhesion to (or tendencies to …

Experiments With Pressure Methods Of Air Content Determinations For Cement Concrete, L. E. Gregg

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In our report entitled "A Summary of Experiments With Air Entrainment in Cement Concrete" released last September, we recommended among other things that "The gravimetric method (A.S.T.M. Designation: C138-44) be used only as a temperary expedient for determining air contents until the pressure method or some method not dependent upon physical properties of aggregates and not influenced by other variables can be firmly established" (see item 3, page 66 of that report). At that time we were thinking of the pressure apparatus demonstrated by representatives of the Portland Cement Association during construction of the Lexington-Nicholasville Road (Project F 524 (1)-1; …

Study Of The Effect Of Blended Coarse Aggregate On Air Entrained Concrete, S. T. Collier, L. E. Gregg

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This research with combined coarse aggregates in cement concrete was initiated at the request of the Director of Design as a direct result of the condition study made by the Division of Design in 1945. In the report on this study it was shown that on the basis of averages pertaining to 80 projects with crushed limestone totalling about 395 miles in length, and 70 projects with Ohio River Gravel totalling approximately 410 miles in length, the service record for pavements with the river gravel was far inferior to that of pavements containing limestone coarse aggregate.

Specifically, the summary of …

A Traffic Survey Report And Limited Access Highway Plan Of The Tampa Metropolitan Area, Division Of Research And Records Of The State Road Department Of Florida In Cooperation With The Public Roads Administration, Federal Works Agency

City and Regional Planning -- Florida

A traffic survey report and suggested recommendations for a limited access street plan 1946-1947

A Summary Of Experiments With Air Entrainment In Cement Concrete, Kentucky Highway Materials Research Laboratory

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Field and laboratory experiments designed to show the merits of air-entrainment in cement concrete have been conducted by the Department of Highways since 1940. During that time six laboratory projects with many variables have been completed, and most of these were directly related to the four experimental roads which have been in service from four to six years. Collectively these experiments form a moderately comprehensive analysis of the features of air-entrainment, still there are many points which have not been fully covered either because of limitations in time and personnel or because of new developments which render some of the …

Porous Backfill, Robert F. Baker

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Until the late 1930's, the accepted practice for the construction of drainage installation included the use of a large, approximately No. 2 size, aggregate as porous backfill. However, a lage number of drains ceased to function as result of clogging or "silting"*, and many highway departments practically eliminated sub-surface and intercepting drainage.

The following report summarizes some of the more important studies that have dealt with "filter" (backfill material) to be used in drainage construction. The scope of it is limited, dealing primarily with the questions of proper gradation.

At present Kentucky Specifications (1) require that the gradations of the …

Durability Of Concrete As Affected By Absorbed Moisture In Tennessee River Gravel Aggregate, S. T. Collier

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This project is more or less a preliminary investigation of Tennessee River gravel relative to the effect of the moisture condition of the aggregates upon the durability of concrete. Certain observations made in the field indicated that absorbed moisture in the aggregate could have a marked effect on concrete, so this study was made in an attempt to give quantitative significance to the observation.

A Study Of The Effect Of Blended Cements On The Durability Of Concrete Incorporating An Inferior Coarse Aggregate, S. T. Collier

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Research Project C-13 was set up for the purpose of studying the effect of blended cement, with air-entraining properties, on the durability of concrete incorporating an inferior grade of limestone as the coarse aggregate. This investigation is not correlated with any Department of Highways field project, being entirely a laboratory study. The tests were begun April 12, 1945, and were completed February 6, 1946.

Proposed Field And Laboratory Study Of Flexible Pavements, Kentucky Highway Materials Research Laboratory

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Research into the problem of the design and control of flexible pavement construction has resulted in the use of empirical and arbitrary solutions consisting of general theories for determining pavement thickness, gradation of aggregate, percent of bitumen, base requirements, etc. A desirable method would be one that is applicable to all aggregate, bitumen, and subgrade conditions. Until such a procedure is available, a determination of existing procedures are the immediate problems of highway engineers.

A Proposed Study Of Soils As Related To The Pumping Of Rigid Pavements, Kentucky Highway Materials Research Laboratory

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Pumping has been described as, "The process of ejecting the water-suspended subgrade soil from joints, cracks, and the edges of pavement caused by the deflection of the pavement slab under the action of traffic"(4)*. Obviously, the action is limited to rigid or semi-rigid pavements. Hence, the problem is largely concerned with soil and is almost entirely dependent upon properties of the subgrade. During the past five or six years pumping has become the most discussed if not the most important element of highway soils engineering largely because of the increase in heavily loaded vehicles resulting from wartime traffic requirements.

A Survey And Pedological Classification Of Kentucky Soils, Kentucky Highway Materials Research Laboratory

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

At the meeting of the Highway Research Board in Oklahoma City this year the Department of Soils Investigations devoted the major part of one session to a discussion of the pedological method of classifying soils. This was marked departure from past policies for heretofore pedology in soil classification was largely a matter for research, and incidentally, a controversial matter.

Study Of Proposed Specifications For Bituminous Coated Corrugated Metal Pipe, Robert F. Baker

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

On February 27 and 28, the author visited the Research Laboratories of the American Rolling Mills Company at Middletown, Ohio. The purpose of the visit was to investigate the technique and background of the new specifications for bituminous coated corrugated metal pipe as proposed by Armco with a view to changing the Kentucky Specifications (throughout this report "proposed specifications" will refer to the specifications recommended by the American Rolling Mills Company).

It is a rather evident fact, but the author wishes to point out that the short visit could furnish only an indication rather than a positive solution to the …